What is personal development?

And, knowing this, you live it once and learn from it's greatness and continue your journey. Personal development is a journey that isn't open to anyone, although anyone can do it, few choose to take this road. This journey isn't all fun and games, and sometimes the traveler will feel that he can't go on. He feels tired and weak and he seems to have forgotten why he started the journey in the first place. "Why did I start this at all?" he asks himself.

And when he is right on the edge, almost certain that he will give up this foolish attempt to go further in to the unknown, a Hand appears from nowhere and grabs the traveler from the edge of the cliff and puts him back on it's road.

The traveler is amazed by what has just happened, but he knows now that he must continue the journey. He doesn't ask anything. He is just thankful that he is not alone. He now knows that he was never alone. The Hand was there all along, guiding him through the wilderness and darkness. He now remembers why he started this. It was because he feels that his life is worth more than a lousy wage, 8 hours of work, enough sleep and tv. He knows that he must do something in the short time that he is here, on this earth.

He and only he can accomplish what needs to be done. He doesn't know exactly what he has to do, but something tells him that he must take the journey to find out what it is. He knows that before he discovers what he has to do, he will have to discover himself. The traveler knows that before he can change the world he has to change his own ways.

Although he is afraid, he encourages himself and goes ahead. This is the difference between a traveler on a personal development quest and a traveler that doesn't like risks and prefers to live in his present life, as boring and unfulfilling as this may be. He just wants to be left alone. He chooses to stay away from the unknown path that is right by his right, and takes the straight road till the end of his life.

This traveler will always try to make everything as safe as can be, will try to work only if it is absolutely necessary. "Why should I do more than what I'm obliged to?" he says. "Why should I help someone else? No one helped me." And he keeps everything for himself, day by day retreating himself in his hideout, away from "someone else" that hasn't ever helped him. He thinks that the others are all against him, evil people that only care for them selves. He doesn't know that life is not more or less than just what he thinks it is. He will never know this, and even if someone tells him... Maybe he will understand someday. I hope he does, because he is missing so much. People aren't good or bad, life isn't great or miserable. All is as we think it is.

But you know what? Personal development isn't just for a select few. It doesn't matter how much money one has. Anyone can choose to take to path to himself. The good traveler knows this very well. Before he embarked on his personal development quest he was living that boring life as well. But something happen one day that maid him ask some questions. "Why am I here?" he asked, "Is this all my life can be?". But the answers didn't come. He waited and waited but nothing. He then realized that no one is going to answer. The answer was already there, staring him in the face. He knew the answer from the day he was born and the answer was: "Yes. There is so much more to life than this."

He suddenly remembered all those dreams and plans that he had made for his life in the past. It's been so long since that time, but he still remembers. He laughs a little at his childhood decision to become the president of the United States. But he suddenly stops laughing. It's so clear now. Why wasn't this clear before? It's the first thing on his list. He reads it out loud: "By the age of 40 I will be free!" He starts to cry and looks at the calendar.

In one month from now, he will be 41. Was he wrong? Would he ever be free? He wipes away his tears and realizes that in a normal day he would just forget about that stupid list. He would throw it right in the garbage can. He would laugh at his stupid dreams and go on with his life. But not today. Today he remembered how it was to have dreams and he feels something that makes him feel lighter. It's like if he wanted he could just flout away. He feels calm and relaxed.

He feels that he has just answered the greatest question of his entire existence. And the answer is personal development. He must start his own quest towards his forgotten dreams. He knows now that his dreams weren't dead. They were just berried under 5 feet of fear. But all of a sudden fear has no effect on him. It's like he could confront his fear, look it in the eye and give it a good kick in its derriere. He laughs at this thought. Then he thinks at all those people that are still living in fear. He feels that he has begun his road to freedom, but what about the others? He puts his list of dreams in his pocket.

He wishes he could do something for the others, but he remembers that he has to be free himself so that he can help others get free as well. So, by freeing himself, he is actually making a giant step in changing other lives. This makes him feel good and confident. He knows now that he is fighting the good battle, and that others are counting on him to win, although they don't know it yet. So he steps on the uncharted path, confidently, keeping his hand on his pocket, where his most important thing lies: his dreams.

Have you guess who the traveler is? The traveler is you. It doesn't matter if you are on your personal development quest already or if you don't even know you want this. The fact that you are reading this means that you are starting to be free! You are pushing your fear aside and stepping into the darkness. You must know that you are not the only one that is afraid. We all are afraid. But courage doesn't mean the absence of fear, it means fighting it.

If you know that you are afraid but you want to stop feeling this way, then you already know the definition of personal development and all that you must do is start your journey. This journey, if you choose to take it, is not going to be easy. It will have its ups and downs along the way, just as life is. But, no matter what happens, you will be following one of your dreams (the most important dream for some) and that is to be free!

What does free mean? I will tell you but first you have to make sure that no one interrupts you. This is very important so please lock yourself in a private room if necessary. Ready? Ok. Free is feeling peace in your heart. Its happiness, joy and a feeling of easiness.

Do you remember the times when you felt as if you could fly? I'm sure you felt this at least once in you life. It could have happened when you were a child and your parents hold you up and you felt you could touch the beautiful sky. It could be when you got an A at school and you were so proud that you told everyone. It could be when you had your first kiss or when you first fell in love with that great first love.

It could be when you've finished an important project at work and you were congratulated by your boss and everyone around, or it could be when you received an award from work or an association for you efforts. Remember all of those people applauding you? Find such a moment from your life and hold one to that feeling a little bit.

Just close your eyes and remember the most important moment in your life. Are you there yet? Feel the joy of the moment, get that wonderful tickling and those great chills down your back. Smile and relax. Don't say or do anything else. Just relive the moment. Try to stay in this state for a couple of minutes. Yes, just stay like that. Please don't just read what I'm saying here, try with all your heart to do this. It will help you a lot. Will talk in about 5 minutes, after you've fully lived this moment again.

All done? I hope that you've relieved a magical moment and that you feel great now. How about if you could feel like this all the time or at least most of the time? I know what you're thinking. You're saying "Are you crazy? I can't feel like this all the time. I have a lot of things to do. I can't just sit around and try to get this lost feeling all the time." Well, how about if you could improve this feeling so that in the future you don't even have to remember that moment to feel happy?

How about if you could feel joyful most of the time? Wouldn't this be great? I mean, most of the time we have to deal with different problems and we just forget how happiness really feels. But how about we make the other way around? How about we forget how unhappiness feels for a change? This would be truly great. And I think we should try it. I'm sure you deserve to be more happy because you are a special person. I don't know you, but I feel you are a good person just because you are looking for a way to solve your problems and change your life to the better.

Congratulations on trying this! It really takes gouts to do it and I'm really glad you are here. I truly hope I can help you become more happy, positive and relaxed. But I can only solve a part of the puzzle. The bigger part it's yours to do. I'm going to help you as much as possible but I'm trying to teach you (actually we are learning one from another) how to fish so that in the future, you can catch your own fishes.

But for this to happen you must help yourself. You must be willing to make a change, be willing to learn and must important: you have to try out what you learn. You'll never get results if you don't try out what you learn. It's like watching a big match at Tv (if you are a man). You feel great, but you will never know how it feels to be on that field in front of ten thousand people or more.

You can't feel that unless you try it. Or if you are a woman, think of when you are watching a fashion presentation. You see all those pretty women, dressed with those great clothes and you wish you could be one of them, but you will never know how that feels until you try it. So try it! Do it! Learn how to and then try to see if it "fits "you, if it works for you.

Don't just listen to me or someone else. You could just look at someone walking through the sand and say "I guess that's great!" But, how about you walk on the sand as well and really feel the sand under your feet? Leave your own mark on things! Try to see if something that has worked for someone, or didn't work for some, will work for you. You can't just listen to someone who tried to do something for a while. If he/she tells you that it's a waste of time, he might be right or not. You are a different person and you could sometimes do better than others. So try it! Don't just take advice from anyone that tells you this and that, do this and don't do that. Do it yourself and see if it's ok or not.

This is kind of what I wanted to say to you. I hope you understood what personal development means, but if you didn't, don't worry, you will have plenty of time. Now it's time to go further, if you still want to find yourself and discover exactly what this life is all about for you. And remember: you are not alone. You have never been and you will never be alone. So, take my hand and let's start the quest.

I embrace you, Razvan

Continue the quest Why personal development? - 7 Reasons

If you liked this article, please consider making a donation to help this site. Any amount is greatly appreciated! Thank you for helping!

Go to top

Follow this link:
What is personal development - RazvanDobre.com

Personal Development is a booming and transformational industry that has changed the lives, businesses and relationships, of millions of people around the world. In doing so, Personal Development has been the catalyst for the success stories you always hear about: The single Mother that creates a fortune in a home based business, the father who is able to fire his boss and work from home, the Dad who is finally able to connect with his children, the child who drastically improves in her communication skills and school work because of the principles her parents applied from what they had learned through doing their own Personal Development. Whether ones goals lie in health, wealth or relationships, Personal Development encompasses it all.

So what is Personal Development? Most might first think of motivational products and conferences while others who have been involved with the Self Improvement industry know that it is so much more than that. Personal Development ranges anywhere from physical fitness and appearance to increasing your income to changing your mindset. It is a very broad industry that can have an effect in many areas of life. You might have heard of some of these authors, books and movies: Napoleon Hill, Andy Andrews, Erik Wahl, Yossie Ghinsberg, Bill Phillips, Michael Losier, The Secret, Bob Proctor, T. Harv Ecker and the list could go on and on and on! You will find books, movies, conference centers and websites packed with information regarding products, transformation and higher education about obtaining ones true potential through this exploding industry. Personal Development has been around since the beginning of time and is an industry that will only increase in size and value.

The Personal Development industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. It seems to double in size every few years and is a popular industry not only here in North America but worldwide. It can begin with something as simple as a quote or a DVD and move into a much larger, change oriented environment such as a live event, or conference. And in speaking of conferences, very few people even know this industry exists. Well, out of the billions of people in the world, knowledge of Personal Development events taking place around the globe is not in the majority.which is good! That means we have the means and the market to offer people value, a way to take their life to the next level, in a sense, a way to self-mastery.

Personal Development is all about results.personally and financially. Its about knowing what you want, how to get there and taking the action to get the result.

When I am faced with the choice of doing nothing or doing something, I will always choose to act. ~Andy Andrews

To learn more about how you can create the life of your dreams and realize your true potential as an entrepreneur in this industry or Personal Development and Positive Media, fill out the form below! But remember, I am only looking to work with those who are absolutely committed to their success and serious about achieving life changing results. This is a business, and does require work, creativity, time and effort. If that sounds good to you, I look forward to speaking with you.

Read the original here:
Personal Development | Self Improvement | Self Help

Yesterday I wrote an article What is a Personal Development Plan (PDP)? Personal development means being able to understand that you are 100% responsible for your life, your finances, your relationships, your habits, your emotions, your career basically everything in your life.

It is not a quick fix, it will not happen overnight. If done on a consistent basis, you will find your life changing and becoming what you only dreamed of.

A Personal Development Plan will help you live life more consciously and give you the courage to pursue anything you desire.

Personal Development Planning (PDP) is a process that enables individuals to identify, manage and develop their skills, experience and learning. It is a dynamic process that helps individuals clarify and achieve personal, education and career aims. The Personal Development Plan, or PDP, is your roadmap allowing you to think critically about your own development and take appropriate action to achieve goals.

There is an example of a Personal Development Plan for you to download to help put together your PDP at the end of this article.

If you want to change your life and make your dreams a reality, you need a good personal development plan.

If you dont know the destination, you cant plan a travel route. You always have the opportunity to choose the destination, so you know where you go, and every detail of each single aspect of your life. You have the choice on how you want to live. Dont let your life pass by uncontrolled. Plan it! To be successful you need a definite life plan or a plan of your life change.

Planning your life is crucial for living a successful life. Make a list of what you want in life. What are your goals? What do you want to achieve. The short term plan has goals you want to achieve in the coming 6 to 12 months. In the medium term plan you set goals you want to achieve in the coming 1 to 5 years. The long term plan has goals you want to achieve in 5 to 10 years or longer.

If you want to profoundly change your life, start with a personal development plan. This is the moment where you may say: I want to change quite everything about myself and my life. Then get into details and determine what and how exactly you want to change about yourself and your life and plan your life change.

Lets take a look at the steps you need to take to create your personal development plan.

STEP 1: WHERE AM I NOW?

First determine what you like and what you dislike about your life. What you like is the basis on which you will build up your future. What you dislike will become part of the life change plan. Determine the present state of your life.

STEP 2: BROAD OBJECTIVE: WHERE AM I GOING NEXT?

Determine what you want and what you await from your life and what you want to change in your life.

This is the most important step because you can only reach your dreams when you know what your dreams are!

Write as much or as little as you need to, to build a compelling, ideal picture of how you would like each area of your life to be. I use these 8 areas: 1.Career/Business 2.Friends and Family 3.Fun, Recreation and Entertainment 4.Health and Fitness 5.Leadership Skills 6.Physical Environment 7.Savings and Investing 8.Significant Other

STEP 3: SELF APPRAISAL

Taking stock of where you are right now in your life is not an easy undertaking, but it is important to get a realistic picture of your starting point in the personal development exercise. It involves taking a closer look at who you are by asking some searching questions about how you have arrived at this point in your personal life, work and education. To meet set objectives, undertake appraisal of yourself and overcome any potential barriers to meeting your goals, you have to be able to make a realistic assessment of your skills, qualities and the contexts in which you live, learn and work Undertake an appraisal of their existing skills, knowledge, qualities and contexts.

STEP 4: SETTING PERSONAL OBJECTIVES

Think about your personal objectives and take each of these personal objectives and turn these into more specific actions. These actions should be SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timebound).

STEP 5: ACTION PLANNING

Targets should provide clear guidelines for action and be built into an action plan. It's all too easy to have good intentions, but we often find it more difficult to actually put our ideas and plans into practice and make real progress. Action planning is a way of making objectives clear and identifying steps we need to take in order to reach our goals.

STEP 6: IMPLEMENTING AN ACTION PLAN

Now its time to put your life change plan into action. Start to make the changes you have planned step by step.

STEP 7: REVIEW AND EVALUATION

You want to keep in control of the progress of your life change. Look to see which of the points of the plan you have realized, what you have changed. How did you go about this? Did thinking about SMART objectives help you to create a practical plan? How could you use similar planning processes in the future? Did it go to plan or did you have to amend it as you went along? What things have you found most useful going through the PDP process/cycle? What things would you do differently if you started the cycle again? What are the main skills, qualities, approaches and objectives you wish to develop further?

That's enough rambling from me today. If you're a regular reader you will know my passion and life's mission is to help other people lead a healthy and happy life. If this article has helped you in some way give us a like by clicking on the like button below.

If you loved this article and know someone who could benefit from this information then I would also appreciate a share through your preferred social media network. Simply click on the share button for your social media platform of choice from the available networks below. Thanks for helping me make the world a healthier, happier place.

Continue reading here:
An Example Of A Personal Development Plan

Discover your personal Success Formula

Life coaching is about closing the gap between where you are today and where you want to be. It is about self-awareness, guided exploration, and commitment to change and personal growth. Online life coaching is for people that are looking to get more out of life and make more out of themselves.

Success Wizard is all about helping people achieve greater levels of Success and Satisfaction in their personal and professional lives.

Success is the ability to realize your dreams and achieve your goals in each of the important areas of your life. Success is about living a happy, meaningful and fulfilling life.

Success Wizard is a revolutionary personal development and online life coaching programs that help you identify and create the life that you want.

It integrates the most effective self-development and coaching techniques into an easy-to-use web-based system that is designed to bring clarity and focus into your life and guide you through a step-by-step process of identifying and actualizing your goals and aspirations.

Whether you're going through midlife transition, looking for personal growth and development, a new fulfilling career, or you're simply trying to find your passion or purpose in life, Success Wizard is here to help you get there.

If you are ready for it - Yes! So ask yourself: Are you ready for a significant change or shift in your life? Are you open to thinking and operating differently so you can get different and better results?

If you are looking for a "quick fix" this is not it. But, if you are committed to digging deeper, reconnecting with your true self, and making fundamental and long-lasting changes in one or more areas of your life, Success Wizard is here for you.

If you want more out of life, whether that's better health, happier and balanced lifestyle, or greater success and satisfaction, this is definitely the program for you.

These personal development courses and life coaching programs are based on established psychological and human behavior theories and methodologies, and incorporates the best tools and techniques that have been proven over the years to transform the lives of millions of people.

If you feel stuck or confused and are looking for more clarity, direction and harmony, or if you want to focus on improving a specific area of your life (i.e. relationship, career, health, finances), Success Wizard will lead you toward a more fulfilling life that's packed with joy and passion.

Success Wizard provides a guided step-by-step web-based program, which brings clarity and focus into your life as you develop and implement your personal improvement plan. The easy to use online life coaching software are packed with great information, effective tools, community support and extensive practical guidance.

With Success Wizard you'll have the freedom to work at your own pace - you can use it when and where you want. It's also a great system for getting all the knowledge, guidance and transformational coaching you'll need to put things into action and achieve meaningful and lasting results.

Success Wizard provides you with a structured step-by-step process and a powerful set of tools that will educate, support, and guide you through a personal life-changing journey of self-discovery and self-realization. The core program consists of three modules that were specifically designed to take you through the three key elements in the process of discovering and creating your best life: Clarity, Goals and Action.

Self-Discovery is at the heart of change and our Clarity Wizard guides you through a process of learning, reflection and self-awareness. Sets of questionnaires and exercises support you in discovering who you are, what you really want (and why), and who you would like to be.

Goals give form and direction to our lives, and Goals Wizard is about translating your life into a concrete set of goals, and then developing a detailed roadmap and action plan to achieve your dreams and desires.

Dreams and goals are only that without action. The Action Wizard is designed to guide you through each day to ensure that your focus, attention and actions are effectively getting closer to achieving your goals in every part of your life.

Most people never really consider what they want in their lives and only a few are actually doing something about it.

If you believe there is more to life than what you are currently experiencing, if you are motivated to explore and experience all that life has to offer, then Success Wizard has been created for you.

Go over the list and check the statements that are true for you:

This is your opportunity to grow, develop yourself and utilize all your potential. Are you ready to commit yourself to creating the best life you can for yourself? Are you willing to commit to focusing on the things that matter the most to you? This is a long-term commitment. You can expect to see results almost immediately, but in order to fully transform your life you will need to engage with these practices on a regular basis.

So now the decision is yours. You can wait and do nothing (like most people) or you can start moving, take charge over your own destiny and start living life to the fullest!

Make today the day you start creating the life you really want:

See original here:
Personal Development Plan | Online Life Coaching Programs

A personal development plan may be described as a process in which a person will prepare a document where he/she will write everything that can improve his/her habits, day-to-day routines, characteristics, self grievance, attitude or life style. To all appearance personal development plan is an action which develops by people to practice something exceptional in life as well as attempt to improve the ethic of lifestyle, job & business. Notwithstanding a personal development plan is an often used plan which obtained by individual who rarely want to order some terms & willing to explain oneself.

Benefits of personal development plan; people can use such plan to investing their selves, thus individual can manage himself effectively with the assistance of personal development plan. No two ways about a personal development plan will allows the people to be proactive regardless of what life might bring your way. Other than that aforesaid plan will bring self-awareness along with a proper sense of direction. Yes! An individual can clearly focus on multiple tasks for the sake of getting effective results. In like manner rather than wait for good things to be happen a person can develop a great sense of motivation for greater resilience with more fulfilling relationships.

Your growth is one that hidden underneath perfect planning. Once you are clear about your planning, you are moving toward triumph. Personal Development Plan Template is a guideline template that helps you to understand yourself. It also helps you to determine what steps are necessary to achieve your desire level. Personal Development Plan Template can be used as goal setter parameter to monitor your performance. You can set small goals as per the guidelines of Personal Development Plan Template and can define tools or strategies to attain them.

How you can utilize this template? It is the question that you probably looking for. Since your require template is in front of you therefore, you only think about your actual requirements. It is equally important to understand your requirements than finding a right template. If you get a right template but still your requirements are not meeting then it is obvious that you are far away from your original requirements. So, if you are not yet clear about your requirements, then leave this page and make a clear understanding of your requirements. You can further categorize your priorities according to need. This will help you in identifying the exact template that can meet your expectations. Here, I would like to add one more sentence, you cannot find perfect template for your requirements. A very few changes in its title or image or text or in all can make your section ideal.

Before you download this template, please review our Term of Use.

Here is the original post:
Personal Development Plan Template | Free Microsoft Word ...

Personal development. Type the term into Google and you get 115 million results, give or take a blog or two. Thats not surprising. The personal development industry is worth billions of dollars. And that number will keep growing now that the global economic downturn has left millions out of work, reconsidering what they want to do with their lives and looking for new ways to get ahead.

But theres a problem. With hundreds of programs, thousands of books, and what sometimes seems like millions of blogs, its easy to feel overwhelmed. And, much like Barry Schwartz discussed in the paradox of choice:

with so many options to choose from, people find it very difficult to choose at all.

And it gets worse. Even if we manage to overcome the paralysis and make a choice, Schwartz continues, we end up less satisfied with the result of the choice than we would be if we had fewer options to choose from. In other words, we end up blaming ourselves because we feel we could have done better.

Fortunately, theres a way for us to solve these problems:

Schwartz concluded his TED Talk by saying that the key to happiness is lower expectations. What do you think? Should we expect less from personal development? Or should we simply make better choices when it comes to our inner growth? Please share your thoughts in the comments!

(Photo credit: Stressed Businessman via Shutterstock)

Love this article?

See the original post here:
The Problem with Personal Development - Lifehack

Personal Development and Self Growth Coaching Courses Do you want to develop Professionally?

Dates 28-29 OCT and 25-26 SEPT 2015. Venue: Big Bay Bloubergstrand. Time: 9:00h 16:00h

BOOK NOW!

Fast track your professional development by doing a Professional Development and Personal Growth Course. Find out how to identify areas in your life that will give your career a boost. Learn the skills that are required for a successful life and career. Inquire now!

Do a Professional Development Plan!

Human Asset Development offers life coaching courses and training and development for individuals and businesses that will give you the tools to make your own self development and personal growth plan. Become successful at work and further your career. Discover your leadership potential. Build your self esteem and self confidence by starting a personal development coaching course and find out how to find love in your life, happiness at work and success in life. Inquire about our training and coaching workshops for Personal Development and Personal Growth for individuals and our Corporate training courses for Businesses.

Improve Self Esteem & Confidence

A NEW YOU before you know it!

Personal Development & Personal Growth? Leadership development?

Self Growth and Leadership development

Book for a PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT & PERSONAL GROWTH WORKSHOP near you now and be a success at work. Take our personality quiz to see if you are suited for the career that you are in. The personality quiz and life coaching courses will help professional business people build their inter-personal and leadership skills. Every professional should do the self improvement course to find leadership skills that will help in leadership development.

Working from home or are you a stay-at-home parent?

Start an ON LINE LIFE COACHING COURSE. Start your course today in the comfort of your own home. Begin your journey of self development. This course will guide you on your self growth and personal development plan. You will learn how to boost your self esteem whilst working through the Personal Development Plan Course. Work through the fortnightly on line course workbook and map your self development & career plan in your very own Personal Development Plan Journal.

Do you want to improve your Self Esteem and Self Confidence?

Youve come to the right place! This course will enable Self Growth and Self Development as you find the answers you are looking for! You will learn how to boost your self esteem and develop confidence. Inthislife coaching course the secrets to finding happiness,love and success will be uncovered along the way.

Personal Development leads to Success

Find out how other people have overcome the obstacles that are facing youBut right now join those who have successfully completed their personal growth and become a Winning Warrior!

Fulfill your Dreams

Dont waste another moment wondering how to become successful or improve your life or how to find happiness start the on-line coaching course now!

Or alternatively book your seat at one of our local workshops and life coaching courses where you will start your journey of discovery!

Join our Winning Warrior group and start your journey of Self Development and Self Growth.

Sales Marketing and Employee Growth Training

See the original post here:
Personal Development and Growth | Coaching Courses for ...

There are two definitions of Spiritual evolution

One, to quote from the Wikipedia page on the subject which I co-authored, is the Cosmological or Philosophical perspective, which is

the philosophical, theological, esoteric or spiritual idea that nature and human beings and/or human culture evolve along a predetermined cosmological pattern or ascent, or in accordance with certain pre-determined potentials.

Within this broad definition, theories of spiritual evolution are very diverse. They may be cosmological (describing existence at large), personal (describing the development of the individual), or both. They can be holistic (holding that higher realities emerge from and are not reducible to the lower), idealist (holding that reality is primarily mental or spiritual) or nondual (holding that there is no ultimate distinction between mental and physical reality). All of them can be considered to be teleological to a greater or lesser degree.

Philosophers, scientists, and educators that have proposed theories of spiritual evolution include Nader Angha, Schelling, Hegel, Max Thon, Henri Bergson, Sri Aurobindo, Jean Gebser, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Arthur M. Young, Edward Haskell, E. F. Schumacher, Erich Jantsch, Clare W. Graves, Alfred North Whitehead, Terrence McKenna, P.R. Sarkar, Spiral Dynamics, and Ken Wilber. Thesy tend (for the most part) to be non-materialistic or non-reductionistic.

The other (which sometimes overlaps with the above) is the occult perspective of the evolution of the immanent Divine Principle, the Higher Self or Soul, through successive lifetimes. This is explained by H. P. Blavatsky(the Higher Manas or Immortal Ego in Theosophy), Sri Aurobindo (the Psychic Being), and elsewhere. Because this assumes reincarnation as an integral fact, these ideas are less likely to be embraced by the mainstream.

The above are two diagrams or interpretations of spiritual evolution, selected more or less at random from the web. One (left) refers to a transcendentalist ascent through a number of specifically defined stages, in keeping with the Theosophical and New Age worldview. The same idea of ascent to more spiritual and transcendent states, but without reincarnation, is also found in Anglo-American Spiritualism, 19th century occultism, and channelled communications like the Oahspe Book, and Early (pre-Esoteric Buddhism/Secret Doctrine) Theosophy. This idea of an ascent to progressively more transcendent states is the opposite of the this worldly evolutionary transformation taught by Lurianic/Hassidic Kabbalah and Aurobindonian Integral philosophy.

The other (right) diagram is cyclic and highly detailed, and represents an elaborate cosmology beautifully portrayed in terms of cosmic diagrams. This idea of a cosmic cycle of fall and ascent, or involution and evolution, is incorporated into a spiral. The theme of spiral evolution is also found in the teachings of the Danish mystic Martinus, and in Spiral Dynamics.

images not loading? | error messages? | broken links? | suggestions? | criticism?

contact me

See the original post here:
Spiritual Evolution - Kheper

About Retirement Planning Services:

Retirement Planning Services manages the pension fund, maintains the general ledger and related books of the Milwaukee County Employees 'Retirement System' (ERS).

The retirement division administers the Milwaukee County pension payroll, conducts retirement seminars, prepares estimates and processes benefits for retirees, accidental, ordinary or survivor members.

Retirement Planning Services Information Sessions:

Retirement Planning Services offers information sessions for all employees planning to retire before the end of the year.

Please see your departmental payroll clerks directly with any concerns or questions.

For dates and location, please call the general information line (414) 278-4207.

A Toll-Free Number for Retirees Needing Customer Service:

Milwaukee Countyhas a toll free number that retirees can call to have questions answered about general and personal retirement issues.

Please feel free to call any time during normal business hours:

Milwaukee County is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that is actively seeking qualified applicants for various positions throughout County government. Milwaukee County does not discriminate based on age, ancestry/national origin, arrest/conviction record, color, creed, disability, marital status, military membership, race, sex or sexual orientation.

If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-4143

Link:
Retirement - Milwaukee County Courthouse

Retirement Benefits Overview:

The Employees' Retirement System of the County of Milwaukee (The 'Retirement System') was created to encourage qualified personnel to enter and remain in the service of the County of Milwaukee (The 'County') by providing for a system of retirement, disability and death benefits for its employees. The Retirement System was created by Section 201.24 of the General Ordinances: (The 'Ordinance' of the County) The authority to manage and control the Retirement System is vested in the Pension Board.

The Pension Board consists of nine members - three members appointed by the County Executive (subject to confirmation by the County Board of Supervisors), two members appointed by County Board Chairman (subject to confirmation by the County Board of Supervisors), three employee members elected by the employee participants and one retiree member elected by retired participants.

The following discussion is a brief synopsis of the various regulations:

Please keep in mind that this is a technical area which is regulated by Federal and State laws, Milwaukee County Ordinances and labor contracts.

If you need further clarification, please contact the Retirement Division.

Eligibility and Enrollment:

Some employees are excluded from membership in ERS:

All Milwaukee County employees who are hourly without a scheduled workweek and employees paid on a per call or fee basis, seasonal employees, emergency appointments (EA), athletic officials, student workers, interns, trainees, non-civil service positions including resident physicians, members of boards and commissions (except members of the County Board of Supervisors) are not eligible to receive an ERS retirement benefit.

Required Contribution- Account Balances:

Members shall not be eligible to receive a refund of the portion of the membership account attributable to employee contributions if the member's employment with the County was terminated due to fault or delinquency on the member's part or if the member or a beneficiary of the member is eligible, at the time the request for a refund is made, for the present receipt of any monthly annuity benefit under Ordinance sections 201.24(4.1), (4.5), (6.1), (6.2), (6.4), (7.1) or (7.2).

Membership Account balance includes the employee contributions made to ERS during employment with Milwaukee County; at termination a member can leave their funds in the plan or they may withdraw their contributions.

If a member terminates and does not request to withdraw their contributions, their prior employee contributions will remain in ERS and they will maintain the membership in the plan. If vested, the member remains eligible for a benefit according to the terms of the ERS Ordinances and Rules.

If a member terminates and is not vested in a pension benefit, and does not return to service with Milwaukee County and become vested according to the requirements of the ERS Ordinances and the balance of the Membership Account will be forfeited and the member will not be entitled to a pension benefit under this plan at any time. A member can elect to receive a distribution of the balance of my ERS Membership Account under the terms of Milwaukee County Ordinance section 201.24(3.5).

By cashing out their Membership Account, any service credit under ERS is terminated and ERS membership will cease resulting in no further right to any benefit under this plan.If the terminated member returns to County employment and accrues new service, any benefit received will be based only on the new service accrued.

This termination of service credit and future pension benefit applies even if I am vested in a pension benefit or become vested in a pension benefit in the future and would otherwise receive a pension benefit under the terms of the Ordinances and Rules.

The election to withdraw Membership Account balances must be made within 180 days after termination of employment and is irrevocable once made.

If an election is not made within 180 days after termination of employment, the Membership Account will be maintained with ERS.

Pension Benefits:

The pension amount is determined by the following formula:

For most members, the normal retirement age is either 60 or 64 depending on ERS enrollment date and collective bargaining agreement. A few labor agreements also require a minimum of 5 years creditable service in addition to the age requirement.For deputy sheriff members, the normal retirement age is 57 or age 55 with 15 years of creditable service.

Depending on enrollment date and collective bargaining agreement, some active members are eligible to retire when their age added to their years of creditable service equals 75 (the Rule of 75). The multiplier is determined by Ordinance, collective bargaining agreement and ERS enrollment date:

A members 3 or 5 consecutive years of highest earnings are used to calculate their final average salary as defined by Ordinance and labor agreement.

Annually after retirement the monthly benefit is increased by 2% of the benefit paid for the first full month of retirement.

By Ordinance, the maximum benefit (excluding post-retirement increases) payable to a member cannot exceed the sum of 80% of the members final average monthly salary.

An ERS member who meets the requirements for an accidental or ordinary disability retirement benefit is entitled to an amount computed in the same manner as a normal pension but not less than 60% of the members final average salary for accidental disability. A total of 15 years of creditable service is required to apply for ordinary disability.

A member who is 55 years of age and has 15 years of credited service may elect to receive early reduced retirement benefits.

Vesting is defined as the right to a pension benefit.(The current vesting requirement is 5 years of credited service for most employees and 10 years of service for Deputy Sheriffs.)

Members who terminate Milwaukee County employment after becoming vested but before they are eligible to receive a benefit are known as deferred vested.

Deferred vested members can receive pension benefits beginning the month following attainment of normal retirement age.

Survivor Benefits:

Upon the death of an active ERS member who is not yet eligible to retire (and usually after one year of service depending on labor agreement), the surviving dependent spouse with one dependent child (as defined by Ordinance) will receive 40% of the deceased participants salary offset by an amount equal to Social Security benefits payable to the spouse.

An additional 10% of salary, offset by Social Security, is paid for each dependent child.

The total benefit, if there are more than five eligible dependent children, generally cannot exceed 90% of salary including Social Security benefits.

Upon attaining age 60 (if not remarried), the dependent spouse will receive 50% of the normal retirement benefit considering projected service to the time the deceased employee would have attained age 60.If there is no dependent spouse or child, the death benefit payable to a designated beneficiary is equal to 50% of the deceased participants final average salary, but not to exceed $2,000.

In order to receive lump sum benefits, you will be asked to complete a beneficiary designation form upon enrollment in ERS.

Please remember to keep your beneficiary designation current.

Special survivor provisions cover Deputy Sheriffs if their death occurs as a result of an accident in the actual performance of duty.

Military Service Credit:

ERS members may qualify for additional pension service credit for time served in the United States Armed Forces between January 1, 1938 and December 31, 1974.

The maximum military credit (or fractions thereof) is four (4) based on total County pension service credit upon retirement as follows:

5

Up to 1

10

Up to 2

15

Up to 3

20

Up to 4 (maximum)

Military service credit cannot be used toward determining pension service credit required for vesting or retirement.

To request for military service credit, you will need to complete an application form and provide a copy of your Form DD214 (military discharge).

Application forms are available from the ERS office.

OBRA:

The OBRA 1990 Retirement System of the County of Milwaukee (known as OBRA) was established to provide retirement benefits for temporary, seasonal and other non-traditional employees who do not elect to enroll in ERS.

The OBRA system is non-contributory.

OBRA members are immediately vested and earn a benefit equal to 2% of their covered salary for each year of OBRA service.

Benefits are payable at age 65.

OBRA has no provision for death, survivor or disability benefits.

Milwaukee County is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that is actively seeking qualified applicants for various positions throughout County government. Milwaukee County does not discriminate based on age, ancestry/national origin, arrest/conviction record, color, creed, disability, marital status, military membership, race, sex or sexual orientation.

If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-4143

Read more here:
Retirement Benefits - County of Milwaukee