Evolutionary cycles are similar to spirals; ever-expanding coils of progression. Each level of our cyclical path does not return us to the same point where we began, but loops us into the next phase of development. I like this image, and it mimics the spiral pattern found in living matter.

The ever-expanding spiral of evolution has some interesting qualities. Many people like to use the phrase, “History repeats itself,” which is not literally true of course, but we do recognize similarities between historical events. Unfortunately the human condition allows for a good amount spiritual, behavioral and political amnesia. Lessons have been learned in a very hard way, repeatedly, for centuries, but we do seem to be wising up to the cyclical aspect of our evolution. Most of us can sense the urgency in the air right now. As with any evolution, it comes down to a version of survival of the fittest; change or become extinct.

When it comes to personal evolution, you can sometimes sense the end of one phase and the beginning of a new one. The spiral image works well when applied to the path of our lives. If we’re paying attention, and not bogged down by the confusion and frustration of a new phase (change does not come easily at times), we can see the spiral pattern at work. Often when we are beginning that next new ring of the spiral, we are reminded of the moments and events which launched us into the last phase. It’s as if the beginning and end of the loop recognize each other. As the new loop brushes by the memory of the past, it receives information from the previous starting point. The new phase is reminded of the lessons learned, and encourages it to build on the information gathered in the last loop.

Recognizing the beginning of a new phase eases the fear and doubt that accompany change. We’re creatures of habit, and new ideas or adventures can make us feel uncomfortable. But as the loop sweeps by the last starting point, we can see our choices resurfacing for another go-around. Is this where we want to be, what we want to do again? What do we have to choose in order to progress a little further, to expand that spiral a little larger this time? Do we want to repeat a similar loop, or take a leap of faith and create something different? Can we let our lives adapt to meet the demands of a higher, better path?

These choices are deeply personal, and it is best to give them careful consideration. When you see signs of something new beginning, or coincidences start popping up that remind you of the last phase, take notice. You have control over your evolution. Reevaluate your choices and see which served you and which did not. Did your actions allow for some progress in the last loop? By honoring our past choices, good and bad, we can acknowledge our progress and make clearer decisions about our future.

What is comfortable is not always best for growth. Be true to who you are and your ambitions. When you dream of your best life, is it in the present, or at least the near future? If not, why the distance? What can you do to get there in this phase? If you are living your best life to the fullest already, what can you do to enrich the lives of others? What can you build to help our world?

The opportunity of a new phase is exciting and challenging. Anything could happen! With a little contemplation, we can better our best life’s chances at survival.