The Transformative Power of Gratitude

Be willing to see the perfection in the imperfection.

“When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.”    
~Kristin Armstrong~ 

One of the most powerful tools of transformation and self-awareness is gratitude. When we choose to be thankful for all that unfolds in our experience, we demonstrate willingness to take personal responsibility for our state of consciousness in the present moment.

In the midst of a challenge, purposely choose to pause and create a moment of stillness. Step into empowerment by saying something like, “I am grateful for my anger/frustration/emotional reactivity… this situation is meant to help me heal and grow and even though I may not be able to see clearly just yet, I know it has great value for me.” The act of utilizing gratitude immediately begins to transform the energy.

Conversely, it’s equally important to remember that expressing gratitude when things are flowing well amplifies our awareness of the blessings that constantly surround us and draws in even more for which we can be grateful.

 

Thrive, Participate, Awaken

You bring something beautiful to the world that will never be seen again.

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”    

~Maya Angelou~ 

When you are able to share your gifts with the world, something amazing happens. People respond to your authenticity. They seek to interact because your energy uplifts them and together, you become part of the dance of awakening.

In every moment we have a choice: to participate or to be the observer. Participation allows you to discover the various nuances of life in a way that observation cannot. Taste, see, touch, feel, hear. Immerse yourself in the beautiful experience of rising consciousness. Your loving energy is an integral aspect to our collective awakening.

There will be moments when you choose to rest in the stillness of infinite possibility. These pauses are also necessary and help to keep you balanced. Peacefulness, when combined with a sense of adventure and humor, provides the foundation for your spirit to thrive throughout your human experience.

The Obstacle is the Path

All suffering is the result of the misguided belief that life shouldn’t be stressful or challenging.

“Whenever we make efforts, the ego will find ways to trick us and divert us from the path. Over time, as this predictable pattern of effort and resistance becomes apparent, we are no longer so easily blindsided by the maneuvers of the ego. Nonetheless, the force of resistance can be strong. The countermeasure is always to persevere in the face of the inevitable hindrances and discouragements.”
~Ezra Bayda~

How much mental energy is lost through the usage of the word “shouldn’t”? When we experience the world without expectation or demands, we see the shimmering beauty of life. Looking through the filters of thought and expectation reveals the limiting beliefs that offer no room for something new to make itself known.

Enter the silence of your true nature through the gentle consistent choice of allowing life to be. Awakening requires turning away from the constant search for comfort and the endless avoidance of pain. True healing requires experiencing what arises within you when you require that life be other than what it is. Once you observe any resistance that arises, it begins to be transformed.

Saying Yes to Life

Allowing the new to enter your life brings about transformation.

“Looking with a mind that’s awake reveals the shimmering pulse of life. Looking with a mind full of thoughts reveals only your thoughts.”
~Ezra Bayda~

The ego has a fear of the unknown. Why? Because the adventurer, the seeker, the student, the spiritualist learns a new way of being and discovers safety in unexpected places. They are willing to heed the call of new ideas, people, places and experiences and live in a constant state of evolution.

Many people are afraid to go beyond the boundaries of the familiar. Be willing to live each moment with intensity so that you can recognize the many gifts that are available for you.

New experiences help you to grow. New friendships or loves allow you to discover unexplored aspects of your being. Yes, there are risks inherent in adventure; however, all the skills you have cultivated can blend into something new when you choose to say “yes” to living a multi-faceted life.

Be the Love You Wish to See in The World

Not all wounds are visible.

“The beliefs that are most deeply hidden often have the greatest power over us. Their strength dissipates as they are brought into the light of awareness.”

~Ezra Bayda~

Some lessons of spiritual growth cut right to the core of our being. They bring up painful patterns that get expressed in our interactions; and even as we move toward wisdom, we struggle to break free from old behavior.

Remember that everyone you encounter is working on some aspect of their awakening. Whether conscious or not, the soul is still engaged in whatever situation is required for the growth of all involved.

As a conscious student of love, be willing to bring an unprotected heart to your meeting place. Your kindness, compassion and optimism will shine a light, perhaps bringing new clarity and transformation to challenging situations.

When we choose to release judgmental, restrictive or angry thought patterns, we open to receive Divine blessings of karmic healing. With gratitude and love, the heart becomes a vessel for the expansive energy that helps to heal the world.

Fearlessness

When you are able to celebrate all life as sacred, there is nothing to fear.

“The great miracle of Zen is in the transformation of the mundane into the sacred… and the miracle of Zen is neither interested in the past nor in the future. Its total interest is in the present. Maybe that’s why the miracle is possible, because the past and the future are bridged by the present.”
~Osho~

As we place our focus on the present moment, we discover that we are entirely capable of handling whatever arises.

Courage is discovered and expressed in the Now. The mind creates future-based fear through the pondering of the unknown – what will the future hold? How will I survive when I am old? What if…? Realize that all thought forms are insubstantial.

Quiet the mind and experience the fullness of this moment. Then act.

When you recognize the sacredness in all things, it brings a different quality into your experience. Operating from a detached sense of unconditional love also brings courage to the surface. Detachment allows us to give without demands. It is a purity that expresses itself through us.

What would your expression of life be if you were fearless? Be that. Do that. Live that. This is the moment of transformation. How will you use it?

Inclusivity

If the mind still functions with an “us versus them” philosophy, be observant…
the ego is active in the present moment.

“Compassion is all inclusive. Compassion knows no boundaries. Compassion comes with awareness, and awareness breaks all narrow territories.”  

~Amit Ray~

Compassion is easy with those with whom we feel a connection. From a place of understanding, we often offer words of encouragement and support. But what happens when we interact with those who operate from a completely different level of consciousness? Judgment… frustration… keeping ourselves at a distance.

I once worked with someone who had extensively studied energy work and healing. This person shared kindness and love with those who seemed in need; however, when I asked if healing and light had ever been shared with an “enemy” – this person seemed surprised at the suggestion.

What good is healing and light if we, as humans with limited perception, decide who deserves it and who doesn’t?

Hold yourself to a higher standard. Love those with whom you disagree. Send light and forgiveness to those who have harmed you. Envelop them in love. See everyone (no exceptions!) as fellow seekers who share our journey of discovery.

Stop Acting So Small

You are an infinite spirit having a human experience.

“Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion.”

~Rumi~

It can be easy to get lost in the illusions of this world. We can become distracted by money, prestige, politics, gossip, opinions, attachments and judgment. So distracted, in fact, that we may momentarily forget that we are infinite souls on a journey of awakening.

You choose where you will direct your energy. Notice how the illusions drain your vitality and make a conscious effort to release all that does not serve you. Find your own way of dancing through the mystery of life. Every moment offers an opportunity to become more enlightened.

When faced with a challenge, ask yourself if it is more important than your joy. Some people give away their power to the littlest of things – traffic jams, slow cashiers, inconsiderate drivers, the weather – and quickly get out of balance. Our job, as conscious students of love, is to recognize the appearance of the ego that insists things should be different than they are.

Your willingness to observe and take ownership of your state of consciousness transforms the illusions of life back to what they are: vehicles of awakening.

Create Space in Which a Transformation Can Occur

As you change, the world around you is transformed.

“Freedom and change are in the air. I discard old ideas.”
~ Louise Hay ~

Periodically take the time to release things that no longer serve you. Do this on every level of your experience: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. You are continually in the process of expansion and need to release old energy that has outlived its usefulness.

The space you create throughout this process is the space in which a transformation can occur. You may be surprised at how much of your time and essence is being utilized carrying baggage that is no longer beneficial for you; however, you’ll discover that what remains is more than enough.

Don’t wait, begin in this moment. Release something that has caused you pain or discomfort and observe the space that remains. What will the mind do without a problem to fix or a belief to maintain? Can you be still? What comes into your experience?

Make space for something new. You are a limitless spirit living in a realm of infinite possibility.

Discernment

The essence of discernment is stillness.

“Know that you don’t know. That is superior.”

Lao Tzu

It’s helpful to become aware of the difference between a high frequency choice and a low frequency choice. For instance, decision making based on fear is low frequency, while making a decision based upon love is in alignment with higher consciousness. This can apply to anything – friendships, dietary choices, business decisions, life partners and even the small things with which you fill your life such as the music you listen to or the books you read.

The art of Discernment allows us to live with integrity, aligned with our values. All vibrations of purity and intention will cut through the chaos of daily life to provide guidance on your unique Path of Transformation, allowing you to stay true to your values and your spiritual destiny without distraction.

Discernment is not about judging something as good or bad. It is merely the conscious choice to align your life with things that are expansive and joyful rather than limiting or draining. Sometimes you can ask yourself, “Am I looking through the filter of fear or lack, or am I seeing clearly?” Trust your vision, live from the heart and let your life shine, dear one – for that is your path.

No matter what space in which you reside, know that it will evolve into something new if you allow it, for we are always in the midst of growth and change.