Adolescence is change and growth (physis) and the beginning of the learning cycle. A gestalt is a learning cycle; it is a time of change. Children go through many gestalts (mostly in the first 5 years). At the beginning of the learning cycle, there is regression. Before an individual chooses to change, there may be a period of regression, where things get worse before they get better. At this time, spirituality is a protective factor. At a time of change, when the individual is developing to the next level, old wounds are reopened and re-evaluated. The growth force. Also known as Good Orderly Direction (GOD) takes over. The God Drive propels healing and growth. The Growth Force is a good, orderly direction called ‘doing the next right thing. 

 

A healthy individual will reach these important three developmental milestones:  

1. Attain a healthy ability to process feedback  

2. Modify behaviour 

3. and independently do the next orderly thing (which may or may not include asking for help or helping others). 

 

In 12-step groups, I heard a story told comparing addiction with riding in a garbage truck. I am riding the garbage truck if I am not making decisions that have a good direction. I can take the truck all the way to the dump. Or, I can get off anytime and follow Good Orderly Direction. When I get off the garbage truck, this is the Growth Drive taking the wheel from the Death Drive. Addiction is the garbage truck. Physis is the growth force that makes organisms evolve into higher forms and get off the garbage truck; embryos develop into adults; sick people get better; and healthy people strive to attain ideals. In 12-step groups, it is called the “higher power” and Good Orderly Direction (God). “Physis is nature, coming from the deepest biological roots of the human being and striving toward the greatest realization of the good.”[78]. Where are you going with this path? I ask myself. What will this behaviour end with? Am I riding a garbage truck all the way to the dump when I could just get off this destructive path? Listening to GOD is living a life with spiritual meaning. This is a protective factor in mental health.