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Our Life Depends On Cycles
Most of us take everything for granted, and have little awareness as to how our very existence depends on numerous cycles. Cycles are a fundamental part of all life, and in this article we will consider a few which are vital for our daily life. A cycle is a set of events that repeat regularly and in the same order. It is helpful to understand just how reliant we are upon them.
First of all it is necessary to understand our very life is a cycle of birth, earthly existence followed by death. We have all incarnated to evolve spiritually, and the cycle of our soul means our soul has to keep reincarnating until we balance our karma and unite with the divine. Christianity does not accept the cycle of rebirth/reincarnation, but it is widely accepted in Hinduism and Buddhism. Buddhists believe the cycle continues until enlightenment, and Hindus believe the cycle ends when unity with the Divine/Brahman is achieved.
Evolution of cycles
Theosophy teaches humans have evolved from group souls which are part of the Divine/Universal Consciousness. Minerals, plants and animals belong to group souls. Minerals progress to plants and then to animals. Finally, group souls are shed, and the soul becomes individualized progressing to human. This cycle ends after many incarnations to achieve unity with the Divine.
Alice Bailey’s writings describe this cycle as the continuation of consciousness, and it is in the human kingdom that self consciousness exists. Pythagoras describes this concisely in the following quote. ‘Consciousness sleeps in the stone, dreams in the plant, awakens in the animal and steadily becomes aware of itself and all kingdoms are expressions of the Soul of the World.’ It is only in the human kingdom that self consciousness exists.
The above concept appears in Greek philosophy which suggests there is a single consciousness that controls all things and all life is interconnected.
The 7 Year Cycles of Life
Rudolph Steiner believed consciousness evolves in 7-yearly cycles from birth until age 70 that relate to our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual development. Theosophy also holds this belief, and considers these cycles relate to transformation, new values and spiritual growth contributing to the evolution of the soul.
There are many examples on the internet, and I encourage readers to consider how they have personally evolved throughout life. In Hinduism cycles are linked to the seven major energy centres or chakras.
Spiritual Growth Cycles
Our spiritual growth can often be experienced in cycles. It is widely considered that our spiritual growth is not one long path, but generally occurs in cyclical phases. The beginning of our awakening to our spirituality can occur in many ways. Often it is the realisation that there is more to us than our physical body, and for some it is due to a connection to a particular religion.
Our spiritual development, just like nature, often has periods of growth followed by rest when old patterns are let go of to make room for new growth. These cycles allow us time to understand our true self which is crucial to our spiritual evolution. There is an ancient Greek Maxim which says, ‘Man know thyself’. Socrates added the following words. ‘then thou shall know the universe and God’. This involves taking time for introspection and meditation to understand our true self.
Ernest Holmes in his Science of Mind teachings described the cycle of life as a continuous process of evolution in order for humans to realise one’s spiritual nature. He taught that we experience cycles of growth, progress and evolution, and that life constantly moves in cycles. He believed, ‘Nature will not let us stay in one place for long. She will just let us stay long enough to gather the experience necessary for the unenfoldment and advancement of the soul’.
Cyclical Nature of Thoughts and Emotions
Thoughts and emotions are vibrating energy. The cyclical nature of thoughts refers to patterns of thinking that repeat, and negative ones can lead to anxiety, depression negative self talk and also to depression. This can result from dwelling on disappointments or past mistakes. Maintaining a spiritual journal, yoga, meditation and using positive affirmations can assist in breaking the cycle thus promoting better health and wellbeing.
When we are calm and peaceful we vibrate at a higher frequency creating harmony within our self and within our relationships. Negative thoughts and emotions such as fear and anger lead to pessimism, fatigue, and an inability to think clearly. It is vital to seek guidance to break these negative cycles, and thus enjoy better health, peace and wellbeing.
Cycles Within Cycles
The earth, sun and moon are examples of cycles within cycles, and are interconnected. The sun is the centre of our solar system which consists of eight planets which orbit the sun, and all are cyclical in nature. The sun’s cycle is an eleven year period, and can influence long term changes in climate. However, our seasons are mainly caused by the earth’s axis as it orbits the sun, and not due to the sun itself.
The earth rotates giving us day and night, and orbits the sun annually taking 325.25 days. As the earth cycles round the sun the moon orbits the earth in 27.3 days. The lunar phase is 29.5 days due to the moon aligning with the earth sun moon positions. The moon cycle is important for our tides due to its gravitational pull.
It is widely accepted that the lunar cycle can have an impact on our emotional states especially at the full moon. The word lunacy stems from this although it is not scientifically proven. The cycle of our daily routine is a cycle within the cycle giving us day and night. In former times humans lived in harmony with these cycles, but this occurs less in the current technological age. There is entertainment day and night which encourages staying up late with less sleep contributing to sleep and health problems. Too much screen time at night due to blue light emissions from televisions, mobile phones, computers and LED lighting can suppress the production of melatonin required for sleep. Instead the brain produces serotonin which promotes wakefulness.
The Cardiac Cycle
This cycle refers to a sequence of events that occur and repeat with every heart beat. Generally we are unaware of this process, but when disrupted it can lead to serious complications and heart failure.
Circadian Cycle
This cycle is located in the brain, and is sometimes termed the brain’s master clock. It influences our sleep/wake cycle, our metabolism, hormones, body temperature and reacts to stress. Disruptions to this cycle are many including jet lag and shift work.
Esoteric Astrology
Esoteric astrology deserves a mention. This aspect of astrology is concerned with sacred and non sacred planets, and the focus is on soul development, not on mundane events. The sun is considered to be a vehicle through which the soul expresses itself, and the moon represents the past signifying what the soul has to learn. Alice Bailey, a theosophical writer, wrote many books on esoteric astrology, and although they are not an easy read they emphasise our soul’s purpose for our current incarnation, and what karmic lessons need to be addressed.
Religion
Sun and moon phases are important in religions such as Christianity, Judaism and Islam. In Christianity the phase of the moon determines the date of Easter. In Hinduism there is a solar lunar calendar relating to rituals and festivals. In Islam the sun and moon are considered divine order, and govern worship and festivals. In Buddhism the sun and moon are considered celestial bodies of light representing wisdom and compassion, and full moon days are particularly important.
The 7 Hermetic Principles
Hermes Tresmegistus is a mystical figure combining the elements of the Greek God Hermes and the Egyptian God Thoth. He is considered to be the author of the Hermetic texts which are the basis of Hermeticism. These teachings are explained in a book entitled ‘The Kybalion’, and a free download is available on the internet.
Hermeticism states that everything in the universe moves in cycles, and all forms of life are interconnected. The philosophy teaches there is one infinite Divine Mind which is the source of all life. Thus all life is interconnected and God/Divine Mind exists in all creation, and this universal consciousness within us allows each of us to gain self mastery and evolve spiritually.
We will briefly consider the 7 principles which are the key to making positive changes. However, commitment and dedication are essential. Rather than fighting difficulties we can experience balance and harmony by going with the flow instead of blaming others for our difficulties. Our spiritual growth is our personal responsibility. The Principle of Rhythm and The Principle of Cause and Effect are cyclical. However, all seven are interconnected, and create a cyclical experience.
1. The Principle of Mentalism ‘The All is Mind; The Universe is Mental’
This principle teaches us that all life originates from the Universal Mind/Universal Consciousness, and everything in the universe is created by thought. This teaches us that it is the power of our thoughts that create our experiences and our reality. We therefore need to monitor our thoughts, beliefs and emotions and be prepared to change negative ones to positive ones.
Take time out for relaxation and meditation to assist in gaining guidance from your soul/higher self. Maintaining a spiritual journal assists in identifying blocks which hold us back, This helps us to align with the Divine Mind, and make positive changes. This is taking responsibility for our life to create beneficial experiences. What we think we create, and this is what the universe will reflect back to us.
2. The Principle of Correspondence ‘As above, so below, so below as above’
This Principle informs us there is a connection between the macrocosm (universe) and the microcosm which relates to individuals. What occurs on one level of existence occurs on all planes. This means our outer world of experiences mimics how we think and feel internally. Once again keeping a daily journal in which we record our thoughts, actions and behaviour will assist us in understanding patterns of behaviour that exist in both our inner and outer worlds. This helps us to identify blocks and make positive changes so that we can align with the Divine Mind.
3. The Principle of Vibration ‘Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates’.
This Principle applies to both physical and mental levels. Matter vibrates slowly, and spirit vibrates fast. We can rise from lower vibrations to higher ones by changing our thoughts from negative ones to loving positive ones. As we raise our frequency we attract positive changes. It is essential to monitor our thoughts so that we can identify negative blocks and attract positive changes such as love, joy and harmony.
Starting the day with gentle exercise such as yoga, and using positive affirmations raises our vibrations. It is beneficial to keep company with those who have high vibrations. As we take responsibility for our wellbeing the universe will respond by bringing changes that don’t just benefit us, but will benefit others as well.
4. The Principle of Polarity ‘Everything is dual, everything has poles, everything has pairs of opposites’.
There are numerous examples of this principle such as hot and cold, love and hate, success and failure, good and bad.
Every challenge we experience is an opportunity for growth, but we need to learn to find balance. Opposites are just differences of degree. We can shift between extremes to find balance. We need to ask ourselves what lesson is being presented, and what we can learn. Reality is a mental concept, and as we change our thoughts and beliefs positive outcomes can be achieved.
5. The Principle of Rhythm ‘Everything flows, out and in, everything has its tides; all things rise and fall; the pendulum swing manifests in everything; the measure of the thing to the right is the measure of the thing to the left, rhythm compensates’.
This principle is cyclical, and has much to teach us about the ups and downs in our life. Nothing stays the same. Consider the rhythm in nature and observe how nature goes with the flow. We all experience good times and bad times, highs and lows. It is helpful to understand nothing is permanent, and take measures to develop self mastery whilst looking for lessons to be learned. This enables us to rise above challenges thus enabling us to go with the flow, to navigate the ups and downs, and identify our strengths and weaknesses. Raise your consciousness then ask you higher self/soul for guidance. You can then express gratitude for the lessons learned.
6. The Principle of Cause and Effect ‘Every Cause has its Effect, every Effect has its Cause; everything happens according to Law’.
This principle reminds us every cause will have an effect, and the cycle can continue as the consequences can lead to new causes and effects. Nothing happens by chance, and we have the power within ourselves to make positive changes. We need to monitor our thoughts and be prepared to change negative ones to positive ones to avoid undesirable consequences. We also need to consider our beliefs as they have an impact on our thoughts and actions. Keeping a spiritual journal and taking time for meditation gives time for reflection, and can give insights as to what led to a difficult situation. Remember we cannot change other people, but we can change ourselves.
7. The Principle of Gender ‘Gender is in everything; everything has its male and female principles; gender manifests on all planes’.
Male and female energies are vital for all creation. Each of us no matter which gender we identify with contains male and female energies. By balancing these energies we understand our true self. There is the cyclical process of conception, birth and death.
Male energies are associated with action, logic and direction, and female energies emphasise intuition, nurturing and creativity. When these energies are balanced there is inner peace, harmony, better relationships and fulfilment.
The 7 Principles assist us in understanding ourselves and the universe leading to a purposeful life. We have incarnated to evolve spiritually, and by putting the 7 Principles into practice we are progressing towards spiritual enlightenment.
Nature
Nature has much to teach us about living in harmony. Everything occurs at the right time, and nature knows to go with the flow. This teaches us to do likewise, and embrace the seasonal changes. Humans complain about the elements eg. It’s either too hot or too cold, but nature adapts to the circumstances.
Everything happens for a reason so we need to be patient knowing we are part of the One Life, and that the universal consciousness is omnipresent to ensure positive results. We need to trust this power will assist us in coping with challenges presented to us. It is those issues that test our willingness to trust in a higher power that will give us the wisdom to adapt to changes when required.
Spending time in nature during each of the four seasons teaches us to observe the cycles in nature, and reminds us we are part of all that is. Nothing stays the same, and we need to remind ourselves that life is a cycle bringing growth and rest.
Eckhart Tolle, in his book entitled, ‘The Power of Now’ encourages us to let go of the past, and live in the ‘Now’. As we do this we learn to accept the present, and adapt to circumstances. This is much preferable than trying to resist them and leads to spiritual enlightenment.
We can learn much from nature regarding adaptability by embracing change, and understanding our dependence on the environment. Humans and nature cannot achieve harmony until we acknowledge the unity of all life. Problems such as deforestation, the use of pesticides, waste disposal and habitat destruction are just some of the factors humans have to address to benefit both humans and nature. We live in a ‘throw away’ society, and it is astonishing how much food is wasted considering most people have a fridge/freezer. We need to be grateful for what nature supplies for us.
The Harmony Project teaches sustainable living, reminding us that ‘Nature wastes nothing’, and that we have much to learn from the cyclical patterns in nature. The project gives one example of ‘no waste’. We are reminded that the fallen leaves in autumn decay, and this provides food for new life in the spring. This shows us the universe supplies our needs, Howeve, we have to be grateful for these self sustaining cycles, and work in harmony with nature. The following quote from the Harmony Project tells us how vital cycles are for sustaining life. ‘If we want something to be sustainable it has to be cyclical because cycle systems never stop’.
Biogeochemical Cycles
Biogeochemical cycles refer to how elements such as water, phosphorus, sulphur, nitrogen, carbon and oxygen move between living and non living parts of the biosphere ensuring these vital nutrients are available to sustain life. We will briefly consider the cycle of each, their source and why our life depends on these nutrients the cycles of which are all interconnected.
Water Cycle
This cycle begins with evaporation from rivers, puddles etc. turning to water vapour due to the energy of the sun. The vapour condenses to form clouds leading to rain or snow. The water then soaks into the ground nourishing plants and crops whilst some returns to rivers and the ocean. Thus the cycle begins again. Once more nothing is wasted.
We require water for drinking, cooking, washing etc. and most people can survive only three days without water. Our body is approximately 60% water. Water is the primary transport mechanism for the other biogeochemical cycles allowing nutrients and minerals to move throughout the planet.
Decomposition
Decomposition is critical and forms the foundation of biogeochemical cycles. It is a process in which bacteria and fungi break down dead plants and animal carcasses. This process is a natural recycling process that sustains ecosystem productivity, and helps regulate biogeochemical cycles. The water cycle is essential for decomposition as it transports nutrients back into the soil. It also increases decomposition rates.
Phosphorus Cycle
The cycle involves the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere and the biosphere.
It is released from rocks due to weathering
It is essential for our DNA, cell membranes and forms 85% of bones. It is required by plants for photosynthesis.
Sulphur Cycle
The cycle describes the movement of sulphur between living systems, the ocean, land and the atmosphere.
It is sourced from the weathering of rocks, and volcanic eruptions, mineral deposits and as a by product of fossil fuel refining.
It is required by plants for photosynthesis, and is essential for all life.
We require sulphur for our DNA, joint health and amino acids. It is necessary for regulating our metabolism. It plays a part in detoxifying our body.
It is found in foods such as eggs, beef, dairy produce and legumes.
Nitrogen Cycle
Nitrogen circulates among the atmosphere, terrestrial marine systems and back to the atmosphere.
The largest source is in the atmosphere, but it is also found in mineral deposits and the earth’s crust.
It is necessary for our DNA, and is a fundamental component of amino acids. We get nitrogen from animal products such as meat, fish and dairy products. It is widely used in chemical industries, and also for food packaging and freezing of food. It is also used in pharmaceutical products. In medicine it is used in MRI machines, dermatology and analgesia.
Carbon Cycle
Carbon atoms continually circulate from the atmosphere to the earth and back to the atmosphere.
It is found in the earth’s crust, volcanic activity, and in the burning of fossil fuels for energy.
It is necessary for photosynthesis, and it is the basis of all life on earth. We cannot live without it, and is referred to as the backbone of life. It is the fundamental building block of life, is necessary for our DNA and is required for growth and repair. Carbohydrates are derived from carbon, and sustain our body energy. We thus require foods such as beef and dairy products.
Oxygen Cycle
The cycle describes the movement of oxygen through the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere.
Sources include the earth’s crust, atmosphere, water and it is a by product of photosynthesis. At least half our oxygen comes from the ocean, and is produced by plankton which are microscopic organisms. Oxygen is required by all life. All animals and humans breathe in oxygen, and breathe out carbon dioxide. We can only survive 3 to 6 minutes without oxygen.
Oxygen is required for our DNA and is widely used in hospital to treat respiratory illnesses, and also during surgery.
This article has explored some of the cycles we experience during our life. These cycles are numerous, some within our body, some external, but nevertheless they have a huge impact on our life. It is by understanding these cycles, and doing our best to work with them that we can experience a healthier, more satisfying life. It is when we try to fight these cycles thinking that we know best that our quality of life is impaired.
These cycles bring challenges and situations that require us to step back, go within and ask for guidance as to what lessons are being presented. It is necessary to embrace obstacles, and be grateful for what spiritual growth we can gain. They are our means to evolving spiritually. We are never left without assistance, and as we devote time for prayer and meditation we are prepared for further challenges that are presented. The divine power within us will guide us, but we have to connect with it. We succeed when we let go of wanting to be in control, and trust in our soul for guidance.
Bear in mind challenges can be karmic lessons we need to assist our spiritual growth by balancing errors and past negative actions. Forgiveness is an important factor in balancing our karma. Gratitude is a quality we need to express for all we have been given, and opens us up to receiving more blessings.
We take so much for granted, and need to be grateful for the biogeochemical cycles that keep us alive. Let us not forget the micro organisms whose work is so vital for decomposition. Remember nature accepts all situations without fear of going without so let us follow this example.
I leave this article with three simple words which are the title of my spiritual book for young children. It is simply ‘Nature Knows Best’.
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