Spiritual development is a gradual process. The surest signs are the positive changes that take place within us: an increasing sense of well-being and security, calmness, joy, deeper understanding, release from bad habits, and a growing love and desire for God. Paramahansa Yogananda said that perseverance is the whole magic of spiritual success. Sometimes those who are making the greatest progress have few or no spiritual experiences as “evidence.” In fact, it is often when we are steadfastly making spiritual effort and courageously facing life’s daily challenges that we are making the greatest progress — even if we are not aware of a tangible response from God. True advancement is reflected more in our day-to-day conduct, thoughts, and actions than in visions or other experiences.
Yogananda
