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The process of growth is, it seems, the art of falling down. Growth is measured by the gentleness and awareness with which we once again pick ourselves up, the lightness with which we dust ourselves off, the openness with which we continue and take the next unknown step, beyond our edge, beyond our holding, into the remarkable mystery of being.
Stephen Levine
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Growth involves setbacks and challenges, and how we respond to them defines our progress.

This quote by Stephen Levine emphasizes that growth is not merely a straight path to success, but rather a journey filled with failures and challenges. The true measure of growth lies in our ability to recover from these setbacks with grace, awareness, and an eagerness to move forward into the unknown, embracing the complexities and mysteries of life.

Themes

GrowthResilienceRecoveryMysteryLifeAwareness

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech on resilience, one could use this quote to illustrate the importance of bouncing back after failure.

More from Stephen Levine

Go to the truth beyond the mind. Love is the bridge.
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In Chinese, the word for heart and mind is the same -- Hsin. For when the heart is open and the mind is clear they are of one substance, of one essence.
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I have seen many die, surrounded by loved ones, and their last words were ‘I love you.’ There were some who could no longer speak yet with their eyes and soft smile left behind that same healing message. I have been in rooms where those who were dying made it feel like sacred ground. (26)
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Our suffering is caused by holding on to how things might have been, should have been, could have been.
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If there is a single definition of healing it is to enter with mercy and awareness those pains, mental and physical, from which we have withdrawn in judgment and dismay. (48)
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I have seem even those who have long since abjured God die in grace. . . . Atheists don't use their drying to bargain for a better seat at the table; indeed they may not even believe supper is being served. They are not storing up 'merit.'; They just smile because their heart is ripe. They are kind for no particular reason; they just love.
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