30/08/2026
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER EIGHT SEPTEMBER 2026
Welcome to Spring!
It is truly wonderful to see so many new people reaching out, asking questions and joining us at our services to discover more about Spiritualism.
Being inquisitive is not a weakness—it is a positive and courageous step towards self-discovery. When we become curious about who we are, why we think and behave as we do, and what gives our life meaning, we open the door to personal and spiritual growth.
Our upcoming six-week course, Let’s Get Spiritual, will explore what it really means to be a spiritual human being. We will look beyond the words and begin to explore the deeper meaning of spirituality—how our thoughts, feelings, behaviours, choices and awareness can influence the person we are becoming, both in the present and as we continue our journey forward.
Perhaps spirituality is not simply something we say we are. Perhaps it is something we live.
It can be found in the way we treat others, the way we respond when life challenges us, the compassion we show, the responsibility we take for our actions, and our willingness to look honestly within ourselves.
Being spiritual does not mean that we never become angry, frustrated, hurt or disappointed. We are human, and we will experience all of these emotions. Spiritual growth is learning what those experiences are here to teach us.
The journey begins when we become willing to ask ourselves:
Who am I?
What are my beliefs?
Why do I behave the way I do?
What can I change within myself?
How do my actions affect others?
And what does it truly mean to be a spiritual being?
Perhaps the greatest journey we can ever undertake is not the journey to somewhere else, but the journey within ourselves.
Our six weeks together will be an opportunity to question, explore, reflect and discover—not to tell you what spirituality should mean to you, but to encourage you to discover your own understanding.
Because when we change our awareness, we can change our choices.
When we change our choices, we can change our behaviour.
And when we change the way we live, we can change the direction of our lives.
Spirituality is not simply something we believe. It is something we have the opportunity to experience, develop and live—one day, one choice and one step at a time.
We do not have a dogma or creed. We are guided by the Seven Principles of Spiritualism. These were communicated to Emma Hardinge Britten through Spirit circa 1860, as five principles. They have undergone some changes by the Spiritual National Union to make them into a comprehensive version that is fitting of a more modern time and language. Seven Principle cards are free at the front desk.
The Seventh Principle of Spiritualism:
“Eternal Progress Open to Every Human Soul”
When we look at the seventh principle of Spiritualism, “Eternal Progress Open to Every Human Soul,” we are reminded that our spiritual journey does not end with this physical life.
The word “eternal” suggests something without an end. From a Spiritualist perspective, our development continues beyond our physical existence. We do not simply live, die and cease to exist. The spirit continues its journey of learning, understanding and progression.
But what does progress really mean?
Progress does not necessarily mean becoming perfect. It means growing in understanding.
Throughout our earthly life, we are given opportunities to learn through our experiences. Sometimes those experiences are joyful, and sometimes they are extremely difficult. Yet both can teach us something about ourselves.
We may learn patience through difficult circumstances.
We may learn compassion through suffering.
We may learn forgiveness through being hurt.
We may learn courage by facing something that frightens us.
And sometimes we learn the greatest lessons by recognising where we have made mistakes.
‘Open to Every Human Soul”
Perhaps the most beautiful part of this principle is the words “open to every human soul.”
It does not say progress is available only to those who are perfect.
It does not say it is only for those who belong to a particular religion.
It says every human soul.
Every person has the opportunity to learn, to change, to grow and to develop spiritually.
That means we should never look at another person and decide that they are beyond redemption or incapable of change.
Someone may have made mistakes.
Someone may have taken a wrong path.
Someone may have behaved in ways that have caused pain.
But their spiritual journey is not necessarily finished.
There is always the possibility of growth, understanding and change.
Progress begins with self-awareness
This connects beautifully with what we have been discussing about self-awareness.
If we are not willing to look at ourselves honestly, how can we progress?
We need to recognise our thoughts, feelings, behaviours, strengths and weaknesses, and also understand the impact we have on other people.
We may ask ourselves:
What am I learning from my experiences?
What do I still need to understand?
Where could I show more compassion?
What part of myself needs to change?
These questions encourage us to take responsibility for our own spiritual development.
Progress is individual
We should also remember that everyone's journey is different.
We cannot compare our spiritual development with somebody else's.
One person may be learning patience.
Another may be learning forgiveness.
Another may be learning to trust.
Another may be learning to stand up for themselves.
Another may be learning to let go of anger or resentment.
Our lessons may be different, but the opportunity for progression belongs to all of us.
What happens after physical death?
The seventh principle also gives us something profound to consider about the continuation of life.
If the soul continues beyond physical death, then perhaps our development also continues.
We don't suddenly become spiritually perfect simply because we have left the physical body.
Instead, we continue to learn and understand.
This gives us another way of looking at the Spirit World. It is not simply a place where we go to rest. It can be understood as another stage of our spiritual journey
A message of hope
I believe this principle carries a wonderful message of hope.
It tells us:
It is never too late to learn.
It is never too late to change.
It is never too late to forgive.
It is never too late to become more loving, compassionate and understanding.
And perhaps when we look back over our lives, we shouldn't only ask:
“What did I achieve?”
Perhaps we should also ask:
“What did I learn?”
“Who did I become?”
“How did I grow?”
“What did I give to others?”
Because these may be the things that truly reflect our spiritual progress.
Closing thought
The seventh principle, “Eternal Progress Open to Every Human Soul,” reminds us that our spiritual journey is not a race and it is not about perfection.
It is about continual growth.
Every experience can teach us.
Every challenge can provide an opportunity.
Every relationship can help us learn.
Every mistake can become a lesson.
And every human soul has the potential to progress.
So perhaps the question we should take away with us today is not:
“Am I spiritually developed?”
but rather:
“What can I learn today that will help me become a little more understanding, a little more compassionate and a little more aware than I was yesterday?”
Because eternal progress begins with the willingness to look within ourselves and take the next step.
