The Spiritual Path

We are all in the process of awakening from illusion.

“…when you let go of your expectations, when you accept life as it is, you’re free.To hold on is to be serious and uptight. To let go is to lighten up.”
~Richard Carlson~

The most beautiful aspect of spiritual awakening is the realization that life supports us throughout that process. We are spiritual beings having a human experience and whether or not someone is consciously devoting their time and attention to spiritual matters during this lifetime is actually immaterial. Evolution eventually occurs in the perfect way at the perfect time.

Even in the midst of confusion, the soul is still receiving information, lessons and the opportunity to observe new energy in motion. We never know what will spark awareness; therefore, it’s important to do your best with what you have from where you are. Enlightenment typically comes through observation – as we begin to recognize habitual patterns and beliefs, we can then learn to see through them to a deeper truth.

You will certainly experience moments of clarity and awareness. There will be situations that allow you to shine with unlimited potential and others when fear seems to hold you in its grip. Every circumstance contains an opportunity to awaken.

Step into the Unknown

Be a willing participant in the dance of awakening.

“Every great movement forward in your life begins with a leap of faith, a step into the unknown.”
~Brian Tracy~

You are a radiant being of light and in this moment, your purpose is to allow love to express itself through you. It’s important to create a foundation of peace that will support your journey as you walk through a turbulent world. The virtues of kindness and compassion are always worthy of your consideration and exploration.

Life is designed to awaken your inner wisdom. Consider what you have asked for on your spiritual journey and then view the circumstances of your experiences thus far. Have you not had ample opportunity to develop the qualities for which you have searched? Allow this inner knowledge to ignite the flames of courage and feel passion awakening within you as you courageously walk forward in the direction of your dreams.

Be ready for the spark of awareness to transform your perception. As we change, the world around us is transformed.

 

 

 

 

 

Self-Acceptance

You bring something unique and beautiful to the world.

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
~Carl Rogers~

The best way to discover who you truly are and whether you’re fulfilling your life’s purpose is not by comparing yourself to others, but by observing the amount of joy you have in your life.

The ego loves to compare and contrast and self-judgment can sometimes be a hard habit to break; however, it is only a distraction. The transient nature of life is meant to be ever changing – that’s why it’s so important to embrace the present moment, share all that you have to offer and celebrate the unique experiences and perceptions that only you can bring to the world.

On the path of transformation, self-acceptance allows us to walk courageously, no longer hiding from ourselves or others. Then, true healing is possible. Consider using non-reaction as a tool for growth. If someone offends, responds in anger, projects frustration or becomes defensive, move into acceptance, quiet any ego-generated thoughts that may arise and teach by example.

Some will feel uplifted and peaceful in your presence, others annoyed – but it means little… In this moment you can choose to be at peace.

Trust, Innocence and Adventure

Choose to approach life with a sense of wonder and trust.
“Trust is unconditional. It simply says that, ‘I have that quality which trusts. Now, it is irrelevant what happens to my trust – whether it is respected or not, whether it is deceived or not. That is not the point at all.’ Trust has nothing to do with the object of trust, it has something to do with your inner quality: can you trust?”
~Osho~

Each time we have a shift in consciousness, our experience of the world changes. Relationships take on new meaning, we open to messages from the Divine and begin to learn to trust our own inner guidance.

The Universe responds well to this state of willingness and you may begin to recognize the synchronized and coincidental events which unfold around you. Allow yourself to be open to adventure. Take a risk and see what happens – step out of your comfort zone. This can be as simple as offering assistance to someone in need, following your first instinct instead of doing what you’ve always done, or as potentially life changing as facing a fear and trusting that your angels and spirit guides will lead you through it.

When we approach life with a sense of trust, innocence and adventure, we create a space in which anything can happen. As children, we had this expansive approach, but typically our parents, society and life experiences taught an attitude of mistrust, defense, that the world is a dangerous place or life is a struggle.

The innocence of the spiritual seeker is childlike, but not childish. The wisdom you’ve attained on your journey will transform into acceptance of a world that is filled with the wonder of life.

 

Universal Oneness

Everyone and everything shares the Divine breath of life.

“Consider your own place in the universal oneness of which we are all a part, from which we all arise, and to which we all return.”
~David Fontana~

If you could see the impact that your energy has on everything around you, it is quite likely that you would approach life in a different manner. Everything is deeply connected to everything else. Harboring thoughts of anger or hatred for a perceived “other” not only harms your own well-being, but it adds to the illusion of separateness that perpetuates even more layers of unconsciousness.

Conversely, as our perception expands, our role in the unfolding story of the human experience is transformed. We begin to lift one another up, to demonstrate a different way of being, patiently remind others of how much they are loved and strive to be a consistent reflection of the the Universal Oneness that connects us.

This movement of love and acceptance calls upon us to be balanced even when faced with opposition and unconsciousness. Peace is always found within the eye of the storm. You must discover your own still-point and purposely choose to remain centered within it.

Awakening

This moment is filled with infinite potential.

Maturity is the ability to think, speak and act your feelings within the bounds of dignity. The measure of your maturity is how spiritual you become during the midst of your frustrations.
~Samuel Ullman~

Our purpose is to awaken; therefore, we will often walk right into the perfect situation that will facilitate the next phase of our spiritual growth. Karmic agreements, family ties, societal upheaval and self-exploration all play a role in our expanding awareness. Your higher Self will lead you directly into circumstances that ultimately create the movement or insight that is needed in your experience.

When faced with a challenge, begin with gratitude. Your willingness to approach any difficulties that arise with conscious intention ensures a possibility of greater objectivity throughout the process. Rather than becoming mired in the role of victim consciousness, we learn to walk through life as empowered participants.

There are no mistakes, only opportunities to expand and everything in your experience has served you in some way. Accept yourself as you are – a master in the process of awakening. Trust your perceptions while seeking to bring a higher consciousness into every aspect of your journey.

 

Self-Reflection

Everything in your experience contains a message from the Divine.
“Honest self reflection opens your mind to reprogramming, change, success and freedom.”
~Vikas Runwal~

Love yourself enough to be patient with the processes of your spiritual growth. Let your inner dialogue be consistently supportive of your light and your expansion. Compassion is the natural by-product of honoring your own path as sacred.

Observe your thoughts. Does your inner critic block you from feeling peaceful? It can sometimes be difficult to see ourselves objectively. Your interpretation of the world is a direct reflection of how much you love yourself. Are you able to see the best in others and recognize their potential? Apply that same gentleness to yourself.

Everyone, no matter what role they play in this lifetime, is a spark of the Divine in motion. If someone triggers you, remember that it is because they are reflecting something about yourself that you do not like to see. Purposely choose to go within. As you heal your own wounds  and dysfunction, you’ll discover that you are less triggered by the dysfunction in others. Thus, through self-reflection and spiritual growth, peace becomes possible.

 

Acceptance

There is nothing more important than your state of consciousness in this moment.

“If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place.”
~Lao Tzu~

Our relationship to the world around us reflects our true relationship to ourselves; and through that, our connection to the Oneness of all life. When we allow the present moment to be as it is without expectation, we begin to experience the world in all it’s beauty.

If you encounter conflict in any area of your life – relationships, body image, traffic jams, drama, etc. – remember that it’s only purpose is to alert you to the fact that you are out of alignment with your true nature. Empowerment is the realization of the need to self-adjust and bring yourself back to balance.

Peacefulness in the present moment is needed to become aware of the beauty, the majesty and the sacredness of life. When we become engaged in the discovery of our true nature, lessons and inspiration are everywhere we look. As the sun lightens the sky, you are greeted by love. As the birds awaken and sing in the stillness, you are serenaded by love. In the flow of your breath, you are connected to love.

 

 

Using Relationships As Mirrors

Healing ourselves can change the world.
“If we have the courage to look at the social and political forces in the world as reflections of the forces at work within each of us, we can more effectively take responsibility not only for our own personal healing but for the healing of our planet.”
~Skakti Gawain~

There is a connectedness between our personal transformation and the collective evolution of of humanity. As we work on healing our dysfunction, it is mirrored by the people around us. The spiritual student sees everything as a message and has a greater ability to move from judgment to awareness in the midst of a challenge. The need for this particular mirror dissipates when we have cleared the imbalance.

Our collective consciousness is likewise reflected in our communities, our nations, our stewardship of the earth and relationships with others on the planet.

Observation will show you again and again that whatever one accuses or complains about is something they cannot see within themselves. Therefore, as we heal ourselves, we become a living example of what a balanced life looks like. This thread of energy is a spark that will awaken those who are ready to play an important role in the planets transformation.

Seek to bring balance into your personal experience. Notice the triggers that occur on a personal level as well in current cultural or world events, and take ownership for your own state of consciousness. This is your path of transformation.

Encouragement

Give the gift of kindness.

“As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has – or ever will have – something inside that is unique to all time. It’s our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression.”
~Mr. Rogers~

The easiest way to recognize beauty is to first see it in yourself. Celebrate how far you have come on your journey, honor what you have learned, bless what has been healed and encircle the world with your love.

Loving-kindness opens our ability to fully appreciate others’ attributes while encouraging them to share their unique gifts. Our role is to be a loving reflection of the peace and presence of those with whom we interact.

Your light is transformative, your passions inspirational. And while you may never truly know how many lives you have touched, rest assured that your smile has the power to reflect something beautiful today. Live from the heart and allow life to unfold as it will.