Limited perception

Our experiences, imprints and expectations shape our perception.

“There are things that are known and there are things that are unknown, and in between are the doors of perception.”  
~Aldous Huxley~ 
Throughout myriad lifetimes we seek to have as many varied experiences as possible. Each excursion into the unknown creates another facet of knowledge which shapes our perception and experience. Older souls have a greater capability to see the many sides of a situation because intuitively they realize that they have likely already experienced the contrast of similar dramas.

Do not fault someone for their limited perception. It is not a failing, merely a lack of vision or experience. Seek only to bring a different viewpoint to light whenever possible. It may awaken something in their soul or it may plant a seed that will take root and grow. All fear is based upon limited perception.

In your own experience, keep in mind that everything serves a purpose in your spiritual development. Strive to step back and observe, knowing that as your perception expands you’ll discover that love is always possible.

Be love

Rather than seeking to find love, be love.

“Something amazing happens when we surrender and just love. We melt into another world, a realm of power already within us. The world changes when we change. the world softens when we soften. The world loves us when we choose to love the world.”  
~Marianne Williamson~ 
To be love is to honor the sacredness of all you encounter. It is only possible when you have learned to love yourself and dropped the layers of pain that keep you separated from life. This experience of love demands nothing. It allows, supports, gives space and sees past dysfunction when another misses the mark.

The way to remind others of their beauty is to act as if it is all you see. When you choose not to react to the ego, it begins to dissolve more quickly. Your acceptance will give their ego nothing to fight against. Kindness and compassion create a space where transformation is possible.

Our spiritual practice is about entering into love – love for one another, the planet, life, passion – how can you demonstrate love in this moment? Who may need to be reminded that they are wonderful? Sprinkle little acts of kindness throughout your life and observe what unfolds.

Be an agent of change

Old souls see the world differently.

“Not to belong is one of the greatest experiences of life. To be utterly an outsider, never feeling to be a part anywhere, is a great experience of transcendence.”  
~Osho~
When your life is guided by spirit rather than by the ego, there is no need to struggle to fit in. Our world is primarily consists of Mature Souls (excessive lessons and drama) and Young Souls (money, status and power). Old Souls begin to see the world differently. They know that there is more to life than meets the eye and therefore, create a unique way of being in the world.

Your personal awakening is an important part of our collective evolution. As you change, the world around you is transformed. Be what you wish to see in the world. If you desire more kindness and compassion, bring that energy into your life situations. The Divine seeks to express itself through you. Become a pure channel of the love, light and laughter of the universe.

Old souls can sometimes feel outnumbered or misunderstood. That is actually built in to the process of growth. We must be willing to be different and learn the lessons that type of experience has to offer. As we heal old wounds, drop the mechanisms of the ego and move into Oneness, something magical happens… acceptance, surrender, empowerment and joy emerge.

Everything serves a purpose

Sometimes you have to be who you aren’t in order to discover who you are.

“There are no mistakes in life, only lessons. There is no such thing as a negative experience, only opportunities to grow, learn and advance along the road of self-mastery. From struggle comes strength. Even pain can be a wonderful teacher.”  
~Robin Sharma~ 
Mistakes are an important aspect of growth and every experience serves a vital purpose in your soul’s awakening. Some who divorce after years of marriage may believe they wasted the best years of their life. Those who struggle but never reach a particular goal may feel that chasing an impossible dream was a bad life decision. However, one must consider the lessons that were learned and the people that were met along the way.

We often begin a journey with a particular destination in mind. The awakening soul discovers that the journey itself is the adventure and the destination was nothing more than the impetus to begin moving in the appropriate direction that ultimately facilitates our souls growth.

No matter what you have experienced, no matter what unfolds, you are engaged in a beautiful dance of nirvana. The greater the challenge, the greater the breakthrough. Trust the processes of your own evolution. Act, and allow life to unfold as it will, for you are a master in the process of awakening.

Embrace the life experience

Earth is the only place that we can enjoy the experience of dark chocolate, hugs and the scent of the ocean…
“I’m bored” is a useless thing to say. I mean, you live in a great, big, vast world, that you’ve seen none of. Even the inside of your own mind is endless; it goes on inward endlessly. Do you get understand? The fact that you’re alive is amazing, so you don’t get to say “I’m bored.”
~unknown~ 
In spite of the many lifetimes we engage with one another on this planet, the experience of being human is but a tiny aspect of our spiritual journey back into Oneness. Earth provides the illusion of separation. We create intense karma and challenges, joyful connections and love in order to fully experience all aspects of the human adventure.

Think of all the things you love: the sunsets, springtime, music, your favorite foods, how the light filters through the leaves of a forest on a summers day, the feel of snow crunching under your boots, the contrast of a good movie that makes you laugh and cry, and so much more! When you begin to think of all that brings joy into your experience, you’ll discover that the list is endless… and yet we’ve just begun.

Rather than seeking for meaning in your life situations, bring meaning to them. Your brilliant, beautiful mind can be used to perceive the grace and wonder of being alive. Touch one another in love. Be kind to yourself. It will be gone all too soon and then we’ll be off on a new type of collective experience. It’s hard to mentally grasp the infinite; therefore, enjoy the Now and watch how it continues to evolve.

 

Stepping into strength

Every challenge you face reveals another aspect of your strength.

“When you reach the point where you think you can go no farther, taking one more step, one more breath into the heart, is all that’s required.” 
~Ezra Bayda~ 
Do not avoid your challenges; instead, approach them with conscious intention. Awakening souls seek to be tempered by experience. We actually want to see our progress in action. When problems arise, they provide an opportunity to be a witness to our own evolution. Life is a barometer that will always provide a indication of your level of consciousness.

Learn to create sacred spaces within your experience. Sprinkle gratitude, prayer, meditation and stillness throughout your day. Often, stop and look around you. Be a loving witness to life itself. These brief pauses will move you out of the mind and into Being.

Those who have risen above tremendous challenges have a deeper level of compassion and strength that can benefit the world. Consider that you have chosen your life-path with a specific purpose in mind and share the gifts you have discovered.

See the light

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

“We wonder how people can’t see the most obvious things about themselves – yet we forget those people are us!” 
~Ezra Bayda~ 
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 that challenge us 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 our 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.

You are loved

Dance within the love, light and laughter of the universe.

“Trust is yes. Knowing that this existence is our mother, that nature is our source and it can’t be against us, it can’t be inimical to us. Seeing this, understanding this, trust arises.” 
~Osho~ 
A shift in perception can create powerful changes in your life. Awareness calls upon us to consistently focus upon the blessings that surround us. This purposeful act of gratitude and willingness opens the door to new experience.

The challenges we face allow us to cultivate the ability to rise above fear, to act with empowerment and faith and ultimately surrender to what is. Every circumstance has a purpose and all life supports our spiritual growth and awakening.

We are on a grand adventure. Here, playing in time and space, we walk with one another through life’s experiences. Each of us is supported in ways beyond imagining. Be patient. Immerse yourself within this moment and discover the joy of being.

Live with an open heart

All suffering is self-inflicted.

“Ultimately we need to understand that spiritual life isn’t about being safe, secure, or comfortable. It’s not that we won’t sometimes feel secure in the course of our spiritual practice; we surely will. And so too will we sometimes feel insecure. Yet there is a fundamental security that develops from many years of practice – though it is a far cry from the immediate comfort we may now crave.” 
~Ezra Bayda~ 
Rather than avoiding discomfort, we must pay attention to the “small deaths” we experience within life – moments of disconnection, judgment, fear-based decisions, self-imposed suffering – and choose instead to live with an open heart. The mind craves security and safety while the heart seeks connection. That can only be experienced through openness in the present moment.

Observe your body language. Do you ever notice yourself crossing your arms? That is an outer sign that you are attempting to protect your heart chakra (fear of being hurt) or your solar plexus chakra (fear of losing control). Listen to any protective measures that the ego is attempting to instill and instead, open your arms by placing them at your side or even opening them wide. This will allow energy to move through you more freely.

Haruki Murakami once said, “Pain in inevitable. Suffering is optional.” Once you move past the mechanisms of the ego, you will be able to approach any situation with greater awareness. Keep in mind that resistance will keep the negativity in place while acceptance and right action will create a breakthrough.

You are ready

Begin, and let the flow of the universe guide your way.

“Only the entry of the new can transform you, there is no other way of transformation. If you allow the new to enter, you will never be the same again.” 
~Osho~
It takes courage to step out of your comfort zone. Whether you’re ready for a change or life forces one upon you, simply take one conscious step forward. Whatever you choose to do, do it totally. Let the power of the present moment ignite your journey with renewed passion and purpose.

The mind may say that you’re not ready or that you need to wait for a particular date, event or sign from heaven before you should begin. In actuality, your movement sends energy outward and the way will make itself known. All of existence responds to you.

Your life experience sets your spiritual transformation in motion. This subtle, powerful, continual awakening is your soul’s purpose. You are right where you need to be and you already have the tools you require. Know that you are guided, supported and loved each and every step of the way.