Spikes in consciousness.

Awakening is a matter of conscious will. If we apply more conscious efforts and remain consistent with our discipline, overcoming the various obstacles in our path, then gradually our capacities of awakening will increase.

If we initiate conscious efforts (first force: affirmation), we must voluntarily suffer the resistance of the animal mind. The latter is the second force: negation. What is needed is comprehension (the third force: reconciliation) so as to transcend one's present level of being. Renunciation is always mandatory in order to ascend to a higher level of being. Many practitioners remain where they are because they do not develop comprehension and do not know how to renounce bad habits. A lack of ethical discipline causes many disciples to stagnate.

But again, even if we are fulfilling the factors for spiritual growth, it is a long and patient process. At times we may receive the benefits of our practice, and at other times they are withheld for our own good. Light emerges from the darkness little by little, not all at once. So if we are sincerely performing the work, meditating and transmuting every day, we must have faith and be patient, since not everything will be unveiled immediately, but through trial and fire.