Streams of Development
- John Scoble
- Nov 2, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 26
John Scoble
This is a brief message to introduce you to the subject matter for the next few episodes of the butterfly series. These will be called “streams of spiritual development”.
There have been significant advances over the past 50 years in science, psychology and mindfulness.
Researchers, academics and theologians have explored new ways of seeing the world and the human condition. One group, led by Ken Wilber, has developed integral theory, which suggests in part that humans develop morally and spiritually in four different but related streams; waking up, growing up, cleaning up and showing up.
Waking Up
Refers to any spiritual experience which overcomes our experience of the self as separate from God. Sometimes called mindfulness, it involves developing an awareness of our interrelationship with all of creation. View our Waking Up Article Here
Growing up
Refers to the process of psychological and emotional maturity that persons commonly undergo, both personally and culturally. View our Growing Up Article Here
Cleaning Up
Refers to practices that examine personal addictions and other unhelpful habits that prevent one from drawing closer to God. It is often referred to as “shadow work”. View our Cleaning Up Article Here
Showing Up
Means bringing our heart and mind into the actual suffering and problems of the world. It means engagement, social presence, and a sincere concern for justice and peace for others beyond ourselves. View our Showing Up Article Here
In the butterfly series episode 4, we will provide an introduction to this four stream model. Then in episodes 5-8, we will deal with each of these streams in more detail.
We hope that this framework will be useful for you in exploring your own spiritual development and encourage you to ask questions and seek answers through research and prayer.
FAQs for “Streams of Development”
What are the streams of development in spirituality?
Streams of development are the different channels through which a person matures - emotional, relational, cognitive, moral, and spiritual. Instead of a single ladder of growth, the article explains that we are shaped by multiple currents flowing at once. You might advance far in prayer but remain underdeveloped in relationships, or grow ethically while neglecting inner silence. Seeing development as streams reminds us to nurture balance rather than relying on one strong current to carry everything.
Source: Integral Life – Four Roles of Human Growth
Why are multiple streams important for spiritual growth?
Focusing on only one area creates imbalance. Someone who excels in theology but ignores emotional maturity may become brittle or defensive. A person deeply contemplative but ethically stagnant may retreat into private comfort rather than public witness. The article emphasizes that growth is multidimensional, and maturity means letting all the streams - heart, mind, conscience, and spirit - flow together toward integration.
Source: Center for Action and Contemplation – Richard Rohr on Holistic Transformation
How do Waking Up, Cleaning Up, Growing Up, and Showing Up align with the streams of development?
The article explains that the four stages of spiritual growth are carried forward by five key streams - emotional, relational, cognitive, ethical, and spiritual.
Waking Up is nurtured by the cognitive stream (how we expand our worldview) and the spiritual stream (prayer, silence, awareness). These together awaken us from autopilot into God’s presence.
Cleaning Up flows through the emotional stream (naming wounds and feelings) and the ethical stream (aligning choices with integrity). This stage clears the clutter of shadow and unhealthy patterns.
Growing Up is shaped by the cognitive stream (maturing worldview), the relational stream (building trust and compassion), and the ethical stream (living values beyond ego or tribe). This stage broadens how we see and act in the world.
Showing Up depends on all five streams working in harmony. Emotional depth fuels empathy, relational maturity builds community, cognitive clarity guides wisdom, ethical integrity grounds action, and spiritual practice sustains presence. This is where inner growth bears fruit in the world.
Together, the streams keep the stages flowing in balance - maturity is less about speed and more about keeping these currents alive in harmony.
What blocks or distorts the streams of development?
Fear, shame, and denial often clog the flow. Spiritual bypass is another obstacle — using prayer or waking up experiences to avoid the harder work of cleaning up wounds or growing up emotionally. The article cautions that fragmentation happens when one stream races ahead while others stagnate. Showing up with integrity requires clearing these blockages so the streams can flow together.
Source: Psychology Today – “Why Personal Growth Gets Stuck”
How can someone nurture multiple streams in daily life?
Start small. Choose one stream that feels weak and give it attention. Journaling helps the emotional stream, vulnerability strengthens the relational stream, study and dialogue widen the cognitive stream, small acts of integrity grow the ethical stream, and silence or prayer deepen the spiritual stream. The article suggests that these practices prepare us to move naturally into waking up, cleaning up, growing up, and showing up with wholeness.
Source: Abide – “How to Start Practicing Christian Meditation”
At St Lucia Spirituality we believe the journey is richer when it’s shared. If you’re seeking a place to explore questions, practice mindfulness, or simply belong to an inclusive spiritual community, we invite you to join us. From online discussion groups and meditation gatherings to our growing library of resources, there’s space here for every seeker. Step into the conversation, connect with others, and discover how community can nurture your spiritual growth.
About the Author - John Scoble
John's journey began in the heart of a traditional Roman Catholic family in Sydney, where he was raised with steadfast faith and reverence. Now residing in the serene surroundings of St Lucia, Brisbane, alongside his beloved wife, John finds solace and inspiration in the tranquil rhythms of life. With four adult children and a cherished grandchild also calling Brisbane home, John's family is his anchor, providing love, support, and a sense of belonging.
While spirituality has always been a cornerstone of his life, it was three transformative events in 2012, including a sacred pilgrimage to the Holy Lands, that ignited a profound shift in John's spiritual trajectory. Embracing retirement as an opportunity for deeper exploration, John immersed himself in extensive reading and soulful reflection.
Over the course of a decade, this journey of self-discovery has led John to reevaluate and transcend many of his traditional beliefs, embracing instead the timeless wisdom and cosmic perspective inherent in Christianity. Influenced by luminaries such as St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Avila, and Richard Rohr, John's spiritual evolution has been marked by a deepening resonance with the essential truths of his faith and a profound connection to the divine unfolding within and around him.
November 2021
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