Nothing to Excess

“Your hand opens and closes, opens and closes. If it were always a fist or always stretched open, you would be paralyzed. Your deepest presence is in every small contracting and expanding, the two as beautifully balanced and coordinated as birds’ wings.”
~Rumi~

In a world filled with contrast we learn by experiencing the highs and lows, gleaning wisdom from both sides of the equation. Within karma too, there is a delicate balance that teaches compassion and understanding through exposure to opposites. Every action, pursuit, emotion, passion or grief can swing the personality wildly into extremes and it can sometimes be challenging to follow our bliss while remaining firmly grounded.

As an “all or nothing” personality, I’ve discovered that it easier to be completely immersed or completely detached; however, the road to enlightenment calls upon us to be mindful of our choices, to listen to our bodies, to pause and to be deeply aligned with our true nature, yet forgiving of the moments when we may miss the mark.

Simply notice when excess becomes a distraction and use that, too, as a tool for growth. Gently move with the energy at hand. Without extremes, enjoy the balancing power of Presence.

Cultivating Detachment

“I don’t mind what happens. That is the essence of inner freedom.
It is a timeless spiritual truth: release attachment to outcomes,
deep inside yourself, you’ll feel good no matter what.”
~Jiddu Krishnamurti~

When we utilize daily gratitude and acceptance as the foundation for creating peace in the present moment, we discover that ultimately, everything we experience is transformed. It’s important to enjoy all the various aspects of your unique journey; however, seek to do so with a fluidity that allows room for miracles to unfold.

Part of the human experience is immersing ourselves in life. Rather than seeking to shun the physical aspects of the world and meditate on a mountaintop, we integrate our spirituality into the mundane and learn that detachment is the key to happiness.

When we attach to a specific outcome, item, person, goal or self-concept, we create barriers that disrupt the free flow of energy and experience. The moment the unexpected occurs we have a choice to either accept or reject what is unfolding.

If suffering ensues, realize the amount of distress you feel is an indicator of your level of attachment. Should you notice excessive disappointment or sadness arising, go within and observe how previous expectations have dictated your current emotional reaction. This is the moment to remind yourself to create space in your experience for something new to emerge. Loss teaches us how to live and love with authenticity in the present moment.

Happiness

“Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same.”
~Carlos Castaneda~
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 comes from 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.
In the present moment, can you choose to surrender to what is? That is the foundation of genuine happiness. Make this a daily practice of walking meditation as you go deeper into your own expression of joy. Open yourself to the experience of life without judging or trying to control. This is the art of contentment.

The Sound of Silence

“When you reach a calm and quiet meditative state, that is when you can hear the sound of silence.”
~Stephen Richards~

Stillness is powerful. Within it, one can walk through life in a way that is empowered, calm, and patient. Create space to lovingly re-connect with the fullness of who you are. This purposeful movement of energy and intention transcends limitation and brings greater balance into your life experience.

Seek to be a conscious expression of love today. Infuse your work, passion, play and spirituality with kindness and compassion and you will discover the deepest truth of who you are. Your soul will rise above and shine through the illusion.

We are engaged in a dance of form. Enjoy it! Spiritual awakening is a conscious blend of the mundane and the mystical, dark and light, intensity and peace. The contrasts we experience teach us the true nature of balance. There is a great depth of spaciousness which resides within you. Step into the silence and see if you can sense the infinite wellspring of potential that is waiting to be discovered.

Awakening From the Dream

Enlightenment is not about being perfect. It’s the process of experiencing a conscious, empowered life as best you can with what you have from where you are. Anyone can experience higher levels of wisdom, awareness and spiritual connection in meditation or on a mountaintop; however, mastery is bringing that same energy down from the mountain and infusing it into your day-to-day experiences.

There are dreams and desires that play scenarios in the mind. The “What ifs?” and “If onlys…” distract us by constantly projecting an imagined future, replaying the past or distorting our perception of the present moment. When we project our desires and attachments, others simply become a screen that reflects our projection to us, for a time. And then we awaken from the dream thinking “This isn’t what I thought it would be…” and of course it isn’t. It never was.

To be aware means that you are shattering the illusion and flaming passion for life as it is rather than an projected image of what it may or may not be in the future. The ego is a by-product of illusion. As we awaken, we begin to recognize this and experience it’s mechanisms less and less. This is the joy of awakening – discovering the beauty of the Divine within ourselves and everything around us and seeing through the dream.

Spiritual Gardening

Recently I spent some time communing with sacred mother earth – tending the trees and flowers, watching the interplay of bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, receiving loving messages from the Divine. Our yard had been left untended for a few months and I was delighted to rediscover the joys of weeding.

Everything we do mirrors our state of consciousness… the microcosm reflecting the macrocosm. I realized that weeds too serve a purpose as teachers. Much like the mechanisms of the ego, if one takes the time to remove them consciously, getting the root, the clearing is complete. Others, not yet willing to let go of their hold (either through their own strength or my impatience), broke off and will likely return to provide another opportunity to attempt removal.

As we clear away unhelpful patterns and energies, we too have a choice. We can allow them to grow untended until they attach to the various aspects of our experience and personality, taking over and absorbing valuable life force from the areas that long to thrive, or we can set ourselves the task of removing them. Sometimes easy to accomplish, sometimes challenging, but always rewarding.

You are the creator of your experience. This is the time to consciously choose your thoughts, words, intentions and actions with the knowledge that the seeds you sow today become the gifts of tomorrow.

Live in Service

“You are never a real guru until you understand that you are serving others and delivering them to the light.”

~Robin Sacredfire~

There are many ways to inspire change; however, true transformation always begins within. Whether you see yourself as an artist, teacher, server, leader or peacekeeper, your life is your message. Every act of love has purpose and power within it. Discover the joy of sharing your light in unusual ways – all are magnificent, all are unique.

Expansion of consciousness allows us to experience the extraordinary within the mundane. You are the bridge between spirit and form and must often lead the way through darkness. Use the stepping stones of the past as sparks of inspiration. Your life experiences have been profound and necessary for your evolution.

Awakening frees us from limiting patterns and beliefs. As you view the journey from a higher perspective, it becomes possible to discern a clear purpose. Hold yourself to a higher standard, yet be gentle as you fumble your way towards enlightenment.

Offer a loving hand. Forgive those who have harmed you, whether knowingly or unknowingly, and be willing to accept the grace that rains down upon you from all dimensions.

Discover Your Gifts

When you have reached a place where you are completely at peace with who you are and what you have experienced, a sense of grace will fill your life. Others will recognize and respond to the radiant energy of innocence and joy which emanates throughout your being. This wisdom emerges after various challenges and experiences have broadened your perception while allowing you to fully discover your unique talents and gifts. Then, the world becomes a playground where you can commune with the Divine.

To get to this point, you may need to periodically break through the perceived minutia of your life. Shift existing patterns (even if you’re afraid of making a mistake) and create movement in a new direction. The key is to drop everything that you have accepted from others – perceptions, limitation, obligation or desires – and step into new experiences, ready to receive.

All aspects of your spirit contain amazing beauty and there is no need to fear the process, no matter how intense it may be. Life’s greatest adventure is to lovingly and consciously break through old patterns. You can set an intention to recognize the beauty in the dance while choosing to live with an open heart.

The Joyful Heart

“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”

~Henri Nouwen~

Empowerment, mastery, fulfillment, abundance, freedom… all begin and end with joy. The only thing over which you have any control is how you choose to respond to life. Occasionally, the ego (in its reactive state) will tell you that imbalance is not only necessary, but expected. These are the moments when your intention is transformative.

When you observe yourself getting lost in the stories of the mind, purposely and lovingly seek out something which brings you joy and place your full attention upon it. Your attention determines where energy flows. In the midst of challenge you can choose to stop for a moment, watch the clouds create artistry in the sky, breathe deeply, and reclaim your balance.

You are more powerful than you know. Joy amplifies that power and expands your perception. Imagine how higher level responses can change the trajectory of a chaotic moment. Laughter is the outward sound of a soul that is awakening. It bubbles up, takes over and scatters the heaviness of the mind. Nothing is more important than your state of consciousness in this moment.

The Power of Awareness

“The outer world is a reflection of the inner world. Other people’s perception of you is a reflection of them; your response to them is an awareness of you.”
~Roy T. Bennett~

This new day is filled with limitless possibility. Honor the sacredness of the present moment through gratitude. When we stop and recognize the beauty of creation, we become loving witnesses to life itself. Everything is a reflection of your own state of consciousness. So when a rainbow awakens wonder within you, turn inward for it is an indicator of your own wonder and magic.

Gaze upon one another with love. Your smile has the power to awaken joy. Your consciousness has the power to awaken the consciousness of others. Your compassion has the power to awaken compassion in others. These are the gifts that you give the world. And it is forever transformed because of your sojourn in it.

Awareness activates dormant energies. Our ability to create is incredibly powerful; therefore, end your gratitude moment by setting an intention. If each of us chooses to be an authentic example of kindness and patience and states this intention out loud each morning, what might come of it?