Embracing The Law of Incremental Progress

In the journey of life, we often find ourselves seeking profound transformations and monumental shifts. We dream of sudden leaps and instant manifestations that will catapult us into our desired reality. Yet, as we delve into the teachings of the wise, we encounter the timeless wisdom of the Law of Incremental Progress.

Swami Makundananda and other revered teachers have illuminated this profound truth, reminding us that the magic of lasting change lies not in grand gestures but in the beauty of small, consistent steps. Today, let us dive into the depths of this transformative law and uncover the power it holds in our pursuit of personal growth and inner evolution.

The Seed of Progress:

Just as a seed buried deep within the earth grows into a majestic tree through gradual stages, so does the seed of our aspirations flourish. The Law of Incremental Progress teaches us that even the tiniest steps, taken with sincerity and perseverance, pave the way for profound changes in our lives. A 1% improvement, taken each day, will lead to profound changes over time.

Consider this example by James Clear in his book Atomic Habits:

In his book, Clear illustrates a powerful example of how a slight change in direction can lead to significant outcomes. Imagine flying from Los Angeles to New York City; by making a mere 3.5-degree turn south, the plane would end up in Washington, DC, instead of New York. Though the change is barely noticeable at takeoff, it eventually leads to hundreds of miles from the intended destination. Trust that even the slightest change in your own trajectory will yield great results.

Embracing the Process:

In our modern world of instant gratification, we can often feel impatient, yearning for immediate results. However, the Law of Incremental Progress encourages us to let go of impatience and fully embrace the process. Each small step contributes to the greater whole, laying the foundation for sustainable growth. See my article on Adopting a Yogic Lifestyle for a framework you can use to build a foundation for your daily life.

Cultivating Patience:

As we embrace the path of incremental progress, patience becomes our steadfast companion. We learn to release the pressure of quick fixes and immerse ourselves in the beauty of unfolding at our own pace. We witness the miracles that arise from nurturing every little effort with patience.

The Ripple Effect:

In the pursuit of incremental progress, we come to understand the profound ripple effect that each small action generates. Like pebbles tossed into a still pond, our daily efforts send ripples of change throughout our lives, gradually transforming our reality.

Breaking Barriers:

Often, we are held back by the magnitude of our goals, fearing that we need more strength to reach them. The Law of Incremental Progress empowers us to shatter these barriers one step at a time. We discover that each step inches us closer to our aspirations, making the once insurmountable mountain seem conquerable.

Celebrating Small Wins:

Acknowledging and celebrating each small victory in our journey encourages us to continue. Every milestone achieved, no matter how minor, reminds us of our immense potential and keeps our flame of determination alive.

Try this practice from my personal toolbox:

Set a weekly reminder on your phone to “count your wins.” Take 5-10 minutes, once a week, to reflect and write down all the successes of your week (ideally with a pen and paper). Be generous with yourself–no success is too small! Here are just a few examples: “I ate healthy meals most of the week. I practiced meditation every morning. I went for a walk with my loved one. I called my friend and helped them through a challenge. I spent time in nature and was fully present with the gifts of this sacred earth.”

Embodying Grace and Balance:

The Law of Incremental Progress encourages us to embrace grace and balance in our quest for growth. When we release the pressure of immediate transformation, we open ourselves to a more profound and sustainable metamorphosis. Remind yourself frequently about the unseen forces in this universe supporting your life’s journey.

Conclusion:

The Law of Incremental Progress is a gentle but mighty reminder that greatness lies within the small steps we take each day. As we surrender to this sacred law, we find liberation from the tyranny of impatience and step into the flow of our true potential.

Let us honor the beauty of steady progress and celebrate the profound transformation that arises from our persistent efforts. Embrace the law with an open heart, and let it be your guiding light on self-discovery and conscious evolution.

I’ll leave you with this beautiful blessing, dear friend:

“May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you by night, may the rain wash away your worries, may the breeze blow new strength into your being, may you walk gently through the world and know it’s beauty all the days of your life.”

Apache Blessing