Don’t wait for life to fall into place before you choose to feel peaceful, balanced and fulfilled.

The mind will have you believe that certain goals must be obtained, challenging situations overcome or those around you must be joyful before you can relax into a life that is peaceful and contented. As awakening students of love, we understand that our challenges prompt us to turn inward in order to discover the peacefulness that is already within us.

Be grateful for the moments of chaos that disrupt your life situation. They are meant to help you to cultivate the Art of Presence. When you can walk in the midst of turmoil yet remain calm and aware of your state of consciousness, you become a powerful co-creator within your own experience.

Nothing is more important than your state of mind in this moment. Observe what is, breathe, accept and act (when necessary) from a place of inner stillness. Rather than being reactive or feeling lost in a storm of upheaval, you’ll choose mindful responses that transform moments of intensity into what they are meant to be – vehicles of awakening.

You are an evolving, living, vibrant expression of Love in human form.

“You are far from the end of your journey. The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart. See how you love.”    

~Buddha~  

You have a profound impact on the world around you. Your light illuminates the darkness. Your gentleness plants seeds of transformation. Your grace teaches those whose lives you touch – even when you cannot yet see the end results of your efforts.

Know that you are right where you need to be. Yes, there will be times when you feel depleted or unappreciated. Tend to your own state of consciousness and well-being first, then you will have the ability to access the purest aspects of all you have to offer. It’s important to live authentically and act without expectation. This will open you to receive all the energy that you need to proceed. Your Presence awakens the Presence within others.

Contrasts allow us to explore the infinite facets of experience.

Consider this: you are here to experience all that life has to offer. Good, bad, easy, challenging, fulfilling, depleting… everything has something of value to teach. The conscious exploration of various facets of your personal journey creates something that is wholly unique.

Celebrate your existence. Honor those who grace your path by being your authentic self. Let joy and friendship guide your heart, even through the darkest nights of ruthless self-observation and growth. You are always loved, supported and guided throughout the process of awakening. Through experience we learn compassion for ourselves and for others.

This is the moment of transformation. How will you choose to experience it?

Be willing to see the perfection in the imperfection.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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?

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.