One of the tests that we often don’t recognize as we follow a spiritual path is the test of superceding. Each of us strives and struggles to establish a work and field of service, often at great personal cost and even sometimes sacrifice. As the inner impulse or direction is expressed and anchored, a degree of effectiveness and even success may result. Here is when an often unrecognized point of danger begins.  We tend to repeat the established pattern, and close off our consciousness to new incoming impulses, direction and guidance. Once this process begins, it leads us inevitably to repeating habits, rigidity, crystallization and uselessness in doing truly innovative work.

We can avoid such a mistake if we have a conscious awareness of the ever present need to constantly supercede ourselves, our service and previous work. This requires a rigorous striving towards our spiritual Source, to receive clear guidance from those who guide humanity on an inner level.  Their plans and projects are ever changing and adapting to current conditions within human consciousness. Even plans carefully made by them are superceded by unexpected changes and events.

It is important for us as spiritual practitioners to be aware of the need to supercede what we have already achieved. There is a constant need for available, trained and experienced spiritual people who are willing to serve humanity. The greatest limitation is openness. We get too stuck in old patterns.

Here are some questions we can ask ourselves regularly as a spiritual practice:

	What in me has become a crystallized habit?
	What is the new that should be superceding it?
	How are the habitual patterns of my life and service closing me off to the new which seeks to emerge within me?
	How can I open myself more fully to the new, which Spirit seeks to manifest on earth?

It is only by constantly superceding all that we have been-- not leaving it behind, but including it in something greater--that we advance on the path of being a true spiritually inspired leader who makes all things new.

(The Center for Visionary Leadership;  For more info: www.visionarylead.org)