The necessity of self-awareness for spiritual growth
Did St. Teresa’s pre-requisites for growth in the spiritual life require self-awareness?
Through her writing, Teresa lists elements she considered for holiness, all underpinned by increased self- knowledge.
We should be living according to God’s will, calling for knowledge of self, to recognise and respond to the forming action of the Father in and through life, to avoid just following our own ideas.
Growth in virtue must take place right now in serving God and receiving His favours.
We need to know ourselves, being honest if we put off our efforts for a more convenient time and being aware of our motivations. Are we really giving God our all? Self-giving is necessary for growth. How easy it is to deceive ourselves.
God's purifying action in us is also needed to grow in union with God’s own purity.
We need self-awareness to honestly face our defects, which will become clearer the closer we come to God. Being aware of our nature, failings and sins, we will learn to see ourselves in truth.
Penance is also needed. Self-knowledge, of our own capacities and will, are needed if penances are to bear fruit.
God will only allow us to grow closer to Himself, in holiness, when we are ready, respecting our free will. Readiness cannot be contrived, we need to open ourselves to God. Openness, says Teresa, comes with courage and generosity.
The journey through 'the mansions of the Castle' is not linear; it is possible to regress as well as progress. As we become more aware of difficulties, sin, temptations and struggles leading us off the road, we will gradually find it easier to keep our eyes fixed ahead. Nevertheless, we will need to have learned about ourselves first, and know our own weaknesses.
Growth in virtue deepens prayer. There is no pretending virtue, we need to put the work in and ask for grace to grow in the virtues we need. Only when aware of our shortfall in virtue will we succeed in identifying the right areas to work on to really grow in virtue.
Teresa prescribes determination as the best way to growth because the journey is hard work. We need to set out fully resolved, ready for trials, troubles, assaults and failings on the way. These will come from within as well as the difficulties life brings. If we are aware of our weaknesses and shadows we will be equipped to bring determination along.
Self-knowledge runs as a theme through Teresa’s prerequisites for growth in the spiritual life, and is necessary at every stage. If we have a clear picture of ourselves we will see ourselves as God sees us and better understand His vision for us. This brings healing in our relating to Him, seeing Him walk with us through life, once we see Who is the true source and that every experience is His initiative.
When we understand ourselves, possessing all the qualities Teresa required, we will understand how we relate to God and others in our lives, seeing ourselves in the truth of who we are.
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