Crossing the Abyss

In the end
these things matter most:
How well did you love?
How fully did you live?
How deeply did you let go?
~Jack Kornfield~
Enlightenment is experienced when we release all that blocks us from being fully present, and for many, that can be a long and arduous journey. Each of us must ultimately face our own shadows and discover that we can rise above the stories of the mind, habitual patterns and reactivity. All of life supports you throughout this process. Though it may seem distant at times, stillness is already within you.
As we learn to quiet the mind and reside in a peaceful state of being, we create space in which we can explore the realms of infinite possibility. This dance of awareness is yours alone. Be love in action. Let kindness be the inspiration that prompts your journey of awakening.
You can choose to create a life filled with sparks of joy, light, love and spiritual fulfillment. Conscious self-awareness and compassion are the greatest gifts that you can share with those you meet along the way. Explore your unique way of being in the world and trust that you are right where you need to be.

The Highest Good

“The world is not here to make you happy. It’s here to make you conscious.”
~Eckhart Tolle~
I often use the term “highest good” when seeking clarity regarding life situations. Most people assume that “highest good” means joyful or easy; however, since the soul desires awakening, it will sometimes choose to walk directly into karmic situations specifically for the growth that is accelerated by the struggle.
In the midst of our challenges, it’s important to remember that happiness is the natural by-product of higher consciousness. The temporary discomfort we experience awakens our strength and resilience and sets us on a journey of self-discovery. The awakened soul eventually achieves a state of inner mastery that creates a foundation of empowerment and peace, no matter what the circumstance.
Everything and everyone you encounter plays a unique role in your soul’s development. Consider this – those who challenge you the most on the physical plane love you the most on the spiritual plane. They provide opportunities for you to rise above, define your boundaries, articulate your beliefs and live your truth. Ultimately, love resides at the core of every situation.
The slow transformative path to freedom requires that we open to life. Embrace the things that seem to block your way to love and shine the light of consciousness upon them. Your soul knows exactly what it is doing. Trust the processes of your awakening.

The Dance of Contrast

I have learned silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet, strange, I am ungrateful to those teachers.
~Khalil Gibran~

We live in an infinite universe. There are levels and lifetimes ahead in which we will continue our journey of discovery. The villains you encounter in this life may have chosen to play a role that sparks growth. Keep it simple – tend to your own state of consciousness and seek only to uplift the world around you.
Judgment typically occurs when we have yet to experience both aspects of a situation or when the ego attaches to one as “good” and the other as “bad.” Neutrality ensues when we have cultivated empathy and compassion through personal experience. Some circumstances take lifetimes to explore, while others may present themselves more quickly.
The whole point of coming to the physical plane is to learn. Intense experiences teach us in dramatic ways. Consciousness allows us to discover nuances that are often missed when trapped in the grip of ego. Life is a tapestry of dark and light, made even more beautiful by contrast and the creative way it unfolds. To dance in the light of love is to honor whatever arises in the present moment and greet it with open arms.
We have a unique opportunity to discover the dreams and attributes we have in common and weave them into an exquisite work of art. Observe the flow of life, your response to it and how you process this information. As you evolve, you’ll bring a sense of awareness and balance into each and every moment.

You Are a Masterpiece

 “You don’t have to try so hard… you don’t have to change a thing.” 
~Colbie Caillat~

Within you, there are infinite treasures that await discovery.

Every soul is precious and unique. When you recognize and respond to positive characteristics in others, realize that you have those same qualities within you. Everything you experience is a reflection of your state of consciousness.

Should you encounter moments of self-doubt, purposefully consider those you admire and write down the qualities that inspire you. Read books that awaken your heart. Your soul will respond to similar energies and these gentle reminders can reignite self-awareness.

Nothing is missing. Nothing is broken. It’s time to see through the clouds of mind-made illusion and embrace your current expression of the Divine. Treat yourself with love and let your life be a celebration of your unique journey.

Friendship

“In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.”
~Khalil Gibran~

Often it seems there are an amazing number of synchronistic occurrences that have to fall into place in order for two souls to cross paths. Then, recognizing a kindred spirit – or perhaps a karmic contract – they choose to embark upon a segment of the journey together.

Be grateful for those who are kind enough to bring laughter and support into your world. These infinite soul connections create an energy and harmony that creates the soundtrack of your life. I often visualize them as a symphony – every instrument is vital and important, and while the music continues if someone is missing, the energy shifts significantly. The nuances of the whole allow greater depth of experience.

It’s important to accept encouragement from others as you walk the path of transformation. Ultimately, the momentum of change is created from within; however, the supporting characters in your life experience provide a springboard of discovery, inspiration, new opportunities and expanded perception. The extent to which you are willing to be supported is an indication of your self-love.

Create a Safe Space

“The greatest gift that you can give others is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance. ”
~Brian Tracy
~

Release any thoughts of judgment about friends, family, strangers, those in the spotlight or hidden behind the scenes. This can be accomplished by seeing everyone as a spark of the Divine with the knowledge that each of us plays a vital role in the awakening consciousness of the planet.

Eliminate labels from your experience and choose to interact with each person from a place of acceptance, compassion and kindness. This creates a space in which a transformation can occur.

When people live trapped by their own opinions, judgments and expectations, they block the flow of love. Opinions and labels set up limitation of others and of ourselves because they dictate current behavior based upon a set of previous rules and restrictions.

Bring an unprotected heart to your meeting place. Disengage limiting thought and simply share your light with whomever crosses your path. You will discover that a sense of ease and grace flows through you into whatever unfolds in your experience.

Walk Gently

 “The most courageous thing we will ever do is to bear humbly the mystery of our own reality.”  
~Richard Rohr~

Your journey of consciousness can help you to reconnect with the healing energy of mother earth. There are minor chakras located on the soles of the feet. Each morning, visualize them opening to receive grace, direction, support and balance as you go about your day. As a child of light, know that you are loved, guided and protected each and every step of the way.

Experiences awaken our ability to discover the multi-layered facets of existence. Each is a stepping stone to be utilized while creating a joyful, empowered life. The expansion of awareness begins with gratitude and gentleness. All that you see is a spark of the Divine expressing itself in physical form. Recognizing and honoring the sacredness of all life awakens the sacredness within you.

Conscious spiritual practice is to bring a sense of peace and inner purpose to your daily journey as best as you can, from where you are with what you have. As we awaken, we naturally cultivate more tools and a greater ability to navigate through the challenges and beauty we encounter.

Choose Happiness

 “In the infinity of life where I am, all is perfect, whole and complete. I am always Divinely protected and guided. It is safe for me to look within myself. It is safe for me to enlarge my viewpoint of life. I am far more than my personality – past, present or future. I now choose to rise above my personality problems to recognize the magnificence of my being. I am totally willing to learn to love myself. All is well in my world.”  
~Louise Hay~

Happiness is a choice. So is misery.

Each of us is responsible for our own joy; therefore, change begins with consciously changing our thoughts – choosing happiness again and again until it becomes our natural response to daily events. All transformation begins within.

Life will provide ample opportunities to practice acceptance, forgiveness and compassion. The process of growth is both deeply personal and collective. Your unique journey is one of learning mastery and those who grace your life play the roles required for your awakening.

When you choose thoughts that create empowerment and peacefulness, nothing has the power to take your happiness away. Even in the midst of tremendous challenge, there will be a groundedness of spirit that is unshakable.

Mastery is choosing to respond to life rather than being reactive to it. Observe your thoughts. Make choices that support your joy and share your light whenever possible. It is always possible.

Be in the world, but not of it

“Our distress which seems like a very real barrier, is just an artificial prop, which we use to create the story of ‘me’.” 
~Ezra Bayda~ 

Make a commitment to yourself to be a source of peace and compassion. It’s interesting to watch our collective exploration into the dark tunnels of ego and opinion. With every interaction, purchase, news story or rumor, many feel the need to participate in voicing their perception, ultimately seeking others who will validate their point of view.

Clashing viewpoints lead to escalation when those involved insist that their interpretation is accurate. Throughout combative interactions, the ego generates negative energy to feed upon until the personality is taken over by the pain-body. All conflict in the world is the result of individual unconsciousness that becomes collective.

Spiritual seekers must guard against getting pulled into situations that lower their vibration. Only share your viewpoint when it can be expressed without judgment or blame and you have absolutely no attachment to the outcome.

When we interact with love, compassion, detachment and kindness, we have an opportunity to plant seeds that may grow. Your loving presence may create a space in which a transformation can occur.

Soul Awakening

“The voice of the sea speaks to the soul. The touch of the sea is sensuous, enfolding the body it its soft, close embrace.”
~Kate Chopin~
Spiritual practice is not about finding the perfect way to meditate or how to manifest the ideal mate, career, living situation or health. It’s about bringing a higher awareness to your experience.
Life is filled with contrasts. There is always something new to discover and unfamiliar corners to explore. Everything in your experience plays a part in your soul’s growth. You can spark awareness just as easily at a traffic light as you can upon a mountaintop in Nepal.
Nothing is more important than how you choose to experience the present moment. Practice kindness, patience, acceptance and notice how well you do. There will be times when you miss the mark and others when your light shines in amazing ways. That’s part of the process of awakening.
Live simply. There’s no one special you need to be. In fact, when you see yourself clearly, you’ll discover that you are a multifaceted work of art, expressing exquisite beauty just as you are. Life’s wonder and mystery is a reflection of you. Allow yourself to be amazed.