Recognize the Sacred

“I would like my life to be a statement of love and compassion — and where it isn’t, that’s where my work lies.”

~Ram Dass~

 

Seek to recognize and respond to the sacred in everyone you meet.

When we get caught up in the ego-driven role that someone may be playing in this life, it is easier to judge them, see them as “wrong” or something to fight against. This is the trap of the human experience; however, there is far more to life than meets the eye.

Spiritual seekers have the opportunity to see beyond the mundane. Those who challenge you are willing to play an antagonistic role (sometimes at the expense of your love and good-will in this lifetime) in order to fulfill a sacred promise: to assist in your spiritual awakening.

While it may initially be challenging to be objective in the midst of drama; you may discover that you get there more and more quickly as time goes by. What once took weeks, months or even years to heal will eventually move through your experience in minutes. Ultimately, we will cultivate mastery, compassion and unwavering love.

The Fusion of Opposites

“Love is the recognition of oneness in the world of duality.”
~Eckhart Tolle~

Integration is the fusion of opposites. What we once perceived as the duality of life – dark and light, good and bad, feminine or masculine – now becomes a dance of Oneness. Night does not oppose day, rather they form a united whole that blends endlessly with one another. We are the union of unique facets we cultivate throughout the journey. The seeds for all expressions of life live within us and we are the embodiment of awareness.

This blend allows for a new life, perception and a mystical union with the Divine. Experiencing is living with a sense of wonder and gratitude, discovering the connectedness with all that surrounds us while we reach out in reverence to greet each moment.

Give life the opportunity to surprise you. The voice of the Divine is everywhere calling you home to the peace of your heart. Release yourself from all expectation and recognize that you have your own dreams to fulfill and discoveries to make. When we release that which no longer serves our growth, all that remains is truth.

Non-Judgment

Nonresistance, nonjudgment, and nonattachment are the three aspects of true freedom and enlightened living.”

~Eckhart Tolle~

In a world filled with opposing and increasingly divisive viewpoints, it can be challenging for those seeking enlightenment to stay neutral, compassionate and loving. Yet that is the ultimate goal of being an awakened soul. Practice seeing everyone you encounter as a sacred expression of the divine. Choose to see through the mechanisms of the ego to the soul within.

The human condition – often loudly expressed by Young Souls who are here to learn about power, control, and greed – is to demand adherence to a particular set of beliefs or perceptions that limit all possibility of an authentic interaction. They label others based upon race, sexuality, political affiliation, religion (or lack thereof), looks, weight, titles or wealth, etc. All of these illusionary attributes are merely a temporary expression being used by the soul for experience and awakening. They are not the deepest truth waiting to be discovered; rather, they are distractions through which we must wade throughout the course of our practice.

Our purpose is to awaken from the world of thought. Mastery is the ability to set aside judgment and open one’s heart in love and Presence. Quiet your mind. Seek to interact without expressing opinions and, instead, choose to walk through each moment as a source of peace and grace. Your ability to lead by example is more transformative than you can imagine.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

At any moment you can transform your experience.

“Nam Myoho Renge Kyo contains everything within it – wisdom, courage, strength and compassion.”
~Daisaku Ikeda~

I wanted to share this Buddhist Chant for those of you who are interested. It’s a wonderful way to bring yourself into a space of peacefulness and connection with the essence of life. Chanting can help quiet an overactive mind. Our voices send energy out into the world and add loving intention to our collective consciousness.

There are many roads to enlightenment. Explore. Breathe. Experience. Your path will make itself known and likely be a unique blend of the beauty and insight that awakens your heart.

Encircle the world with your love. Be led by compassion and walk gently upon the earth.

Transformative Moments

Change is constantly in motion. Flow with the current.

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”   
~Dalai Lama~ 

We are engaged in a journey of awakening. Every moment leads us ever onward and though there may be times of struggle or doubt, the most important thing to do in any situation is to take one conscious step forward. Miracles await discovery.

Certain souls are placed in our path for the sole purpose of pivoting our direction. This is called a pivotal facilitator karma and it can be quite intense. Their presence prompts drastic change and once the change is set in motion, the pivotal facilitator drops out of contact, their job complete. Once the dust settles, life is forever altered and a new destiny begins to unfold.

If you have experienced an intense karma like this, pause and briefly give thanks for that person’s role in your development. There are no accidents or mistakes. The (typically) brief encounter was purposeful and necessary for your growth. You are right where you need to be.

Change

You can create magnificent changes in your experience.
“Expecting an epiphany – some single moment of insight that will  forever banish the experience of fear, anger, neediness – may prevent us from noticing the slow and almost imperceptible ways spiritual practice subtly transforms us. With patience and perseverance, our habitual patterns slowly erode, until one day we find ourselves in a situation that had always made us anxious – and we notice the anxiety is simply gone.”
~Ezra Bayda~
Many spiritual students don’t recognize that significant growth is already at work in their lives. Because we expect to be “evolved,” we judge ourselves for being reactive instead of noticing that the intensity of our reactivity has decreased or is shorter in duration.

Love yourself enough to be kind as you manifest changes in your experience. When necessary, simply take ownership, move into acceptance and honor the processes of your awakening. And you are making progress. When you miss the mark, the fact that you are aware of your unconsciousness actually indicates that you are becoming more conscious.

You are a powerful co-creator of your own experience. Life is filled with infinite possibility on every level of existence. Live expansively and know that you are a magnet for abundance, joy and fulfillment.

Chaos

The light of awareness transforms all that it shines upon.

“The path to love requires open-hearted attention to the very things that seem to block our way to it.” 
~Ezra Bayda~   
Transformation – whether physical, mental, emotional or spiritual – often takes us into uncharted territory. The chaos of upheaval is intended to shake things up and break us free of repetitive patterns.

Don’t fear these intense moments of change. They would not have appeared in your life if you were not ready to grow. Spiritual practice calls upon us to receive these changes with an open-heart. Your willingness to move into acceptance opens the door for new beginnings. Every experience is an opportunity to awaken.

Should you encounter resistance, it is an indicator that true transformation is at hand. The ego becomes more active when we are on the verge of a breakthrough. These is what often creates additional chaos in our experience. We resist the new, cling to the familiar and fear the unknown; however, everything needs to be brought into the light so that we can clearly see what is ready to be discarded.

You are exactly where you need to be. Trust the processes of your awakening and choose to greet life with an open heart.

Inner wisdom

The energy of the vast, infinite universe lives within you.

“You have to create your own path to your own temple. No help is possible, and it is the grandeur of humanity, a tremendous dignity, that you can follow only your own path.”  ~Osho~ 

Christ suggested that we be in the world, but not of it. The awakening soul must learn to stand alone and to seek inner wisdom rather than become lost in the collective opinions of those around us. This can be a daunting task at first. Old souls do not fit in with society; however, as consciousness arises, we can interact with others in a way that is empowered and compassionate.

When you recognize the perfection of your journey and learn to live authentically, you’ll discover that ease and peacefulness infuse your experiences. Enthusiasm allows you to access the creative power of the universe. It becomes a wave of energy that has it’s own momentum. As it ebbs, we must surrender, observe, release attachment and be at ease until the present moment inspires motion once again.

You are a masterpiece

Within you, there are infinite treasures that await discovery.

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

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 experience 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 its 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.

Be an inspiration

Your presence is transformative.

“It is always worth considering, ‘Am I blissful the way I am living?’ If one is not then one must take risks. New paths, new lifestyles, a new search will have to be undertaken. This much is certain: you have nothing to lose.”  ~Osho~ 

Love, joy and enthusiasm are contagious. They allow you to operate from a higher level and bring a vibrant energy to your life situation. Many people in the world are unaware of the power of passion. They plod through their workdays waiting for the weekend – always seeking satisfaction through some future moment.

You can be an inspiration simply by being your authentic self. No matter what you choose to do, let awareness flow through you into all that you touch. If you observe that the mind has taken over, stop, close your eyes and do some conscious breathing to pull yourself present. Then open your eyes and begin again. You’ll discover this brings greater clarity than overthinking.

The joy of being is not something you achieve. It moves through you and comes from the infinite potential of your true nature. It is accessible through being One With Life.