Engaging With Life

“Humility will allow you to master what you need to learn, and to be fully present when the moment comes to use what you have mastered.”
~Graeme Rodaughan~

When you choose to be completely present, awareness expands. The key is to immerse yourself fully in life in order to receive it’s gifts. There is much more happening around you than you may realize. Your point of power will always be found in the Now. Use it as a doorway to enlightenment.

Consider that your purpose is initially to be the observer. When we slow down and pay attention, everything becomes a powerful aspect of growth. Lessons come through what we notice, what we project, what we deem important or unimportant.  Observe how many people rush through the present moment to get to the next action; often missing the nuances that make the day infinitely more magical.

In the midst of turmoil, turn inward. Breathe deeply and then open your eyes. Whatever you see can be transformed into a message from the Divine. Little by little you’ll cultivate the ability to calm and center yourself no matter where you are or what is happening. This engagement with life cultivates inner mastery.

Interconnectedness

“The deeper interconnectedness of all things and events implies that the mental labels of “good” and “bad” are ultimately illusionary.”
~ Eckhart Tolle~

Now is the time to become aware of the hidden harmony of life. There is a sacredness, a higher order than our limited perception can easily recognize. The spiritual seeker learns how to see beyond what is presented in physical form and becomes a conscious participant. This is the path of wholeness.

Our physical world utilizes the illusion of separation to facilitate the exploration of Oneness. This paradoxical experience ultimately helps us to discover that we all share very common struggles, fears, joys, expansion and compassion.

Become the observer. Notice the inner voice that seeks to opine, judge or label and, in that awareness, discover that you are no longer trapped by it’s limited discourse. Without thought, give something around you your complete attention for a few minutes. Notice every detail of it without commentary. See how often that voice comes in with it’s own conclusions and instead, allow yourself to be fully present.

Underneath the busyness of the mind lies the sacred space of limitless potential. The more you access it, the greater depth you’ll create in your own experience.

Live With a Sense of Wonder

“Being truly present allows us to appreciate the sweetness of the moment even when the moment isn’t conventionally sweet, because, at least momentarily, we’re not under the sway of the heaviness of our beliefs. The results are a lightness of being, and a sense of inner freedom.”
~Ezra Bayda~

Have you ever been overwhelmed by a beautiful day? Have you allowed yourself to sit and just be, appreciating the breeze as it touched your skin or loved a moment of stillness in the midst of a busy world? That is reality. That sense of wonder which connects you to life is available in every situation. Underneath the chaos of the mind lies an eternal reservoir of grace that you can drink from anytime you wish.

The light of your consciousness transforms whatever it shines upon. Periodically take a moment to bring your attention to the Now and reside fully within it. Even the most mundane aspects of life will sparkle with brilliance and you will be able to recognize the sacredness of your own divinity.

This moment provides an opportunity to see yourself clearly. Bask in the radiance of your own light. Engage the mystery. Breathe. Be open to wonder.

Reflection

“The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind.”
~Wayne Dyer~
Sometimes it can be challenging to see ourselves clearly. One of the most beautiful aspects of the human condition is our ability to reflect truth to one another. You can choose to be an authentic, loving reflection of the Presence in others. Consider the impact your interactions would have if you consciously sought to discover and reflect the most positive aspects of the person in front of you.
When you enjoy someone’s integrity, compassion, kindness or sense of humor, it’s because they are reflecting some of your wonderful qualities. Likewise, when you see patterns of behavior that frustrate you, it’s important to look within. By simply taking personal responsibility it becomes easier to release limiting patterns of your own.
Pay attention to the words you use to describe the people you encounter throughout the day – they will provide tremendous insight. Each of us views life through the filters of our own perception. If there are things you wish to shift or heal, simply do so without any self-judgment or recrimination. Otherwise, honor and own your beautiful qualities and allow them to shine.

Compassion

It can be difficult to watch those you love harm themselves through self-sabotage, limiting thought patterns or repetitive behavior. The natural instinct of love is the desire to take away another’s pain; however, attempting to do so before the soul has truly learned the lesson involved merely prolongs the challenge. The same type of situation will manifest again in various forms until it is no longer needed. It’s healthier for all involved to raise someone’s consciousness (by raising yours) and detach from expectation.

Detached compassion is utilizing the wisdom of love in order to create a space of comfortable silence and well-being – the coming together of kindred spirits. In this manner, one can detach from the ego and move past blocks of perception into the realm of new possibility.

For everyone, this is a period of discovery. Not every pathway will lead to a definitive answer, but the joy is in the journey. Be supportive, kind and authentic. When someone comes to you and specifically asks for direction or advice, share your ideas without attachment – everyone processes new information in their own way and time.

Honor all paths as sacred by allowing the lesson, offering support and sowing seeds of compassion.

Find Your Purpose

“When contemplating what our life’s work might be, we are often driven by our attachment to security. Perhaps the one question we don’t ask often enough is ‘What do I have to offer?’”
~Ezra Bayda~

Those who have discovered their unique way of being in the world are an inspiration. For those in the process of discovery, still seeking your purpose or your direction, I salute you. The willingness to embark upon the path of transformation ensures that you will find it. The road may be long. It may cause you to shift as you explore possibilities that call to you, but that is the process of awakening.
Do not be discouraged. Your challenges will temper your abilities. Your disappointments will teach you how to be strong, to rebuild and to step out of limiting patterns. Eventually, you will immerse yourself within that which makes your heart sing as life becomes a melody of joy and celebration.
Enlightened ones teach by example through the sharing of their gifts. Embrace the journey of discovery and know that you are right where you need to be. As you awaken into the fullness of who you are, your purpose will inform your decisions.

Present Moment Joy

“You are an incredible mystery that you will never figure out.
To be this mystery consciously is the greatest joy.”
~Adyashanti~
Spirituality is meant to bring wholeness and magic back into your life. There are many paths to awakening – purposely choose the one that brings you the greatest joy. As you bring the best version of yourself to the present moment, the future takes care of itself.
When life becomes a drudgery, judgment arises. Self-criticism and frustration block us from recognizing the beauty that surrounds us. It’s important to keep playfulness in your outlook and experience. Laughter enriches the soul and is a powerful expression of the Divine.

Draw attention to the threads that weave the tapestry of your experience. Enter the field of Now. Notice what you hear, feel, smell, touch and see. Quiet the mind and simply notice what is around you. Recognize that whatever you place your attention upon becomes more prominent in your experience.

You can find awakening in your life as it is, for you are right where you need to be. Acceptance draws in the circumstances, experiences and  synchronicities that are in alignment with your joyful, expectant, optimistic attitude.

Enlightenment

When you begin to make substantial progress in your own spiritual growth, you may encounter resistance from the people around you. It can be surprising to witness push-back from those who will benefit the most from your increasing awareness; however, it’s also the best proof that you are indeed evolving to new levels.

As we change, the world around us must change. The resistance you experience serves two purposes: it allows you to continue cultivating the attributes of a spiritual, evolving person and shows how much impact your soul’s growth is having on those around you.

In a relationship, the person of lower consciousness actually has the most difficulty. As one person becomes more empowered, more present, they choose to disengage from the drama. The lack of energy exchange is very frustrating for those still engaged in psychic vampirism.

Cultivate the qualities of compassion, kindness and gentleness. You can remove yourself from the cycle of drama, and step into the power of higher consciousness. Love those who challenge you. They are playing an important role in your development. Your purpose is to awaken. Celebrate it, love it, welcome it, and be a witness of the profound transformation happening within you.

Finding Peace in Presence

As you develop inner richness and maturity, you’ll find that others will be drawn to you. In a world filled with busyness, opinion, drama and  the various games people play, the advanced spiritual seeker provides a calm space of respite.

The quest for love is actually a desire to achieve wholeness. Initially, we look outside ourselves for someone to make us feel complete. This distracts us from the true work of discovering our inner divinity and balance. Relationships offer a beautiful opportunity to practice finding that inner balance, and as we expand more fully into love, those who grace our lives will surely transform as well.

When we bring a sense of wholeness and peace into our interactions, it becomes easier to remain aware and present within the Now. We can connect with one another from the level of spirit.

Old souls typically break the chains of society’s repressive conditioning and opinions. They rise above unconsciousness and begin to live aligned with their true nature. Those who have yet to awaken find this upsetting… so used to misery, they see the enlightened person as unique and mysterious. In a space of love, consciously allow those with whom you interact to witness their own infinite potential.

Sacred Journey

“Every action that is conscious, and that aims at bringing about a result, arises from a motivation. My religion is very simple: my key motivation is love. My religion is kindness.”
~ The Dalai Lama ~

It’s important to remember that you are responsible for your own joy. When you seek fulfillment outside of yourself, you choose to give away your power. Then happiness becomes measured by expectation, attachment to outcomes and reliant upon other people’s choices.

When gratitude, mindfulness, joy and peace come from within, we gain mastery over our own experience. Now life becomes a journey of discovery and adventure. We bring a different energy to the present moment – one that is empowered and aligned with life itself.

Should you notice any form of discontent arise in your experience, observe your thoughts.When you shine the light of consciousness on the ego, it loses momentum and creates space where transformation can occur.

Compassion and love are empowering qualities to explore. Infinite and immeasurable, there will always be new levels to discover. As we learn to create balance and joy within, we become less susceptible to outside events and a greater source of peace in the world.