Exploring the 8 Stages of Human Maturity - A Journey to Alignment

AI-generated image created using (DALL·E) with artistic direction and input by Annmarie Bhola

This is the first blog in a series exploring themes from Engineered Miracles—an extension of my journey to inspire alignment and transformation.

Personal growth is never a straight line. It’s messy, challenging, and full of unexpected twists. As I reflected on my journey, I realized how much the eight stages of human maturity parallel the transformations I’ve experienced—and continue to experience. These stages aren’t just about growth; they’re about alignment.

Alignment is not about perfection or a final destination—it’s about learning, unlearning, and allowing life’s challenges to shape us into something greater. Through these stages, I’ve discovered the importance of embracing vulnerability, finding clarity, and leaning into discomfort to create miracles.

Stage 1: Non-Conceptual Awareness (Infancy)

We all start life in a state of pure presence. Infants don’t judge or expect; they simply experience. For me, this stage is hazy. Being sent to Trinidad two weeks after I was born and contracting pneumonia left an imprint that I’ll never fully understand.

However, years later, certain places would evoke a sense of familiarity, like I’d been there before. These sensory triggers reminded me of how deeply our early experiences shape us, even when we can’t consciously remember them.

What I’ve learned is that our senses—what we hear, see, taste, and feel—are our first teachers. They anchor us in the present moment. The challenge as adults is reconnecting with that ability to simply be without overthinking.

Stage 2: Getting Programmed (Toddlerhood)

As toddlers, we start absorbing the world around us—both the good and the bad. Growing up in a Caribbean household, I internalized a relentless work ethic. My parents, like so many immigrants, sacrificed everything for better opportunities. It took years for me to realize that while their dedication inspired me, the belief that emotions should be suppressed did not serve me.

This reminds me of Who Moved My Cheese, a story about resistance to change. Like the characters in the book, we often hold on to routines and beliefs out of fear. For years, I didn’t allow myself to feel my emotions because I thought pushing through was the only way forward. It wasn’t until life forced me to stop that I understood the cost of that programming.

Stage 3: Formal Robotic Existence (Adulthood)

Adulthood often feels like a series of checkboxes—work, relationships, achievements—but how many of us are truly awake to the choices we’re making? For me, this stage was like being stuck in a loop. Every day was the same until my cancer diagnosis jolted me out of autopilot.

I had to confront the fact that I wasn’t living; I was just existing. People thought I was crazy to leave a secure corporate job and start a business, but I saw it as an opportunity to redefine what success meant for me. Entrepreneurship humbled me—it stripped away titles and forced me to look at who I was without the labels.

Stepping out of that comfort zone was terrifying, but it taught me that growth requires risk.

Stage 4: The Turning Point

Turning points often come with pain—a loss, a diagnosis, or a realization that life isn’t working. My turning point came when I was asked to write my own eulogy during my forced time off after my cancer diagnosis. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

Sitting with my thoughts felt like trying to meditate for the first time. My mind raced with fear and doubt, and everything in me wanted to quit. But clarity doesn’t come from running away; it comes from staying. Meditation is like golf in that sense—both require patience, discipline, and the ability to let go of perfection.

In golf, you learn that every swing won’t be perfect, but you keep showing up. Similarly, meditation—and life—is about showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable.

💡 Thought to Reflect On: How do you respond when life forces you to stop?

Stage 5: Asking the Big Question

When I asked myself, Who am I?, the answer wasn’t as important as the next question: Who do I want to be? It shifted my focus from where I was to where I wanted to go.

This stage is often avoided because it disrupts routines. But transformation always requires us to let go of who we were to become who we’re meant to be. This reminds me of the 100th Monkey Effect, where collective change happens when enough individuals shift their behavior.

I realized that asking big questions doesn’t just change our lives; it creates a ripple effect for those around us.

Stage 6: Discovering True Nature

Discovering my true nature was euphoric. It’s why I share my story—I want others to experience the same. If someone had the keys to the kingdom and didn’t share them, I’d question their integrity.

Meditation taught me to sit with discomfort, taming the racing mind and reconnecting with my essence. I began to notice that when things flowed seamlessly, it was a sign I was on the right path.

💡 Thought to Reflect On: How often do you check in with yourself to ensure you’re aligned with your true nature?

Stage 7: Stabilizing the Discovery

Staying aligned isn’t easy, especially when life tests you. I’ve walked away from million-dollar contracts because they compromised my integrity. For most people, that sounds crazy, but for me, it was the right choice.

Integrity is my anchor. It reminds me that alignment isn’t about perfection; it’s about making choices that honor who you are. It’s like using a GPS—you might take detours, but as long as you know your destination, you’ll always find your way back.

Stage 8: Coming into Alignment with Life

In 2024, a slowdown in business gave me the opportunity to focus on writing Engineered Miracles. It wasn’t the year I expected, but it was exactly what I needed. When you align with life, you learn to embrace the valleys, knowing they often lead to unexpected peaks.

💡 Thought to Reflect On: Do you embrace life’s challenges as opportunities for growth?

The eight stages of human maturity remind us that transformation is a process, not a destination. Each stage offers an opportunity to grow, reflect, and realign. What stage resonates with your journey right now? Share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to feature your perspective in future blogs or workshops!

This blog is part of an ongoing series inspired by my book, Engineered Miracles.