Those who challenge you the most on the physical plane love you the most on the spiritual plane.

The quickest way through any challenge is to utilize the contrasts. As you observe the ego clamoring to take action, choose to slow down and breathe and consciously do the opposite. When we feel compelled again and again to have our say, to voice an opinion, to point out others’ shortcomings, there’s more power in being silent.

Your energy determines how much you get out of this exercise. If your silence contains anger, then it is harming you and not balancing the situation. When anger arises, observe it, and ask how you can bring love to the present moment. As you enter a state of compassion, your silence has meaning and purpose.

There is an ebb and flow to all relationships. They serve a vital purpose in our awakening and it can be helpful to remember that we are all doing the best we can based upon our level of consciousness, imprints, and life experiences.

Trust your inner wisdom.

You are a work in progress, an exquisite tapestry whose intricate design reflects your unique path of transformation.

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
~Maya Angelou~

You are an infinite spirit having a temporary human experience. There will always be moments of perfection and others when you miss the mark. The important thing to remember is that you are perfect, even in the midst of your perceived imperfection.

You have always done the best you can. As you learned, your perceptions changed and you found yourself handling things in different, and often better, ways. Experience is an amazing teacher. The soul will explore various nuances of a situation by drawing it in repeatedly until it is no longer needed. Be kind to yourself as you grow and change.

Each and every person is taking part in this process of personal and spiritual evolution. When faced with someone who is challenging or toxic, remind yourself that they, too, are a work in progress and are doing the best they can based upon their level of consciousness, soul age, childhood imprinting and path of destiny.

Unconditional love is cultivated by accepting people as they are without judgment. This is sometimes a difficult lesson for old souls who view life far differently than most people. Keeping this in mind in your interactions will allow you to be at peace in the midst of transformation.

Compassion is the awareness of the bond we share with all beings.

“There was never any heart truly great and generous, that was not also tender and compassionate.”
~Robert Frost~

Authentic relationships are possible only when we have an awareness of who we truly are. When we can see through the mechanisms of the ego to the true spirit of another, we can dance within the paradox of human compassion and higher awareness while holding space. In this manner, we provide an energetic, loving embrace which allows transformation to occur.

Holding space is far different from fixing someone else’s problems or seeking to ensure that they avoid pain. By honoring all paths as sacred, we operate from the premise of love and acceptance – allowing the lesson, offering support and sowing seeds of compassion.

We walk in a world filled with wonder.

“I would love to live as a river flows, carried by the surprise of its own unfolding.”
~John O’Donohue~

We are in the process of discovering our own divinity. As we learn to uncouple from the frantic reactivity of the mind, we create the space in which a transformation can occur. To honor our own sacredness we must celebrate the sacredness which surrounds us.

The journey is one of remembering. As we awaken, we naturally cultivate greater intimacy, connectedness and compassion in our relationship to the earth and to one another. Let life’s magic and grace spark knowledge of the grace within you. When we choose to walk through the world as loving witnesses to its evolving wonder we discover that there is no distance or barrier that keeps us from being Love.

Spend time in solitude, walk in delight and let nature teach you her secrets. It’s time to reclaim the transformative heritage of your soul.

Let passion infuse your talents with purpose.

“Passion is is one great force that unleashes creativity, because if you’re passionate about something, then you’re more willing to take risks.”
~Yo-Yo Ma~

When you view life through the eyes of love, it comes alive in miraculous ways.

“We tend to forget happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”
~Frederick Keonig~

Let your life be a pleasure trip, a joyous journey of discovery. Appreciation creates a foundation to build upon and the dance of gratitude acts as a magnet that draws in even more beauty into your experience.

Celebrate your existence. You have chosen to be here now for a purpose. If it has yet to make itself known, enjoy the adventure as you experiment, learn and participate in all life has to offer.

Be willing to try new things. Expand beyond your comfort zone. Every moment we are born anew and what we choose today sets the stage for what we’ll create next.

As you change your thoughts, the world around you is transformed.

“Look at a tree, a flower, a plant. Let your awareness rest upon it. How still they are, how deeply rooted in Being. Allow nature to teach you stillness.”
~Eckhart Tolle~

When you bring stillness into your daily experience, you cultivate the ability to see the beauty that is around you and within you. A mind full of thoughts only shows us what we expect to see, while a mind that is still can recognize the gifts of spirit much more easily.

The present moment has secrets to share. Choose to move through it with a sense of wonder and innocence and allow it to bring you into greater awareness.

Friendship allows us to discover who we are in the presence of another.

“A friend is one to whom one may pour out all the contents of one’s heart, chaff and grain together knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away.”
~Arabian Proverb~

Many of our closest friendships are the result of lifetimes of interaction. When you meet someone with whom you have an instant connection, it’s likely because you have had many experiences with that soul. Almost instantaneously there is recognition, trust and joy as you settle in to rediscover one another.

Know that these soul contracts hold great value for both of you. You have come together to help one another on the path of awakening and the love you share is infinite. Friendships add an exciting new dimension to our adventure.

Honor those who grace your life by being your authentic self. Allow them to support you and be willing to give of yourself in return.