Learn by teaching

Image result for quotes spiritual teacher
Everyone and everything plays a role in our spiritual development.
“A true teacher wants nothing more than to see you stand on your own two feet.”
~Ezra Bayda~
On the Path of Transformation, solitary practice is an important part of our development. We learn to walk in our truth and find our unique way of being in the world.
Powerful too, is the heart-focused connection discovered within a group of like-minded individuals. The synergy created within group energy transforms and accelerates the growth of all those who are actively involved. When used consciously, group energy expands us into new dimensions and you can help to uplift and nourish the spiritual journey of others.
Meditate, chant and pray with those who resonate with your being. The combined intention and synergy has the power to lift the entire group into a new frequency. For those of you who are natural leaders, allow yourselves to participate without exercising control and receive the blessings generated by the group energy as well.
Our spiritual knowledge must be articulated in order to be fully incorporated into our experience. Thus, we discover the power of sharing with others. Each of us simultaneously plays both roles – student and master.
Balance your journey in the way that is best for you. Spend a healthy amount of time in solitude, connect with those who support your walk and share what you have learned. There are always new dimensions waiting to be discovered and the best is yet to come.
Today my intention is to be an authentic example of unconditional love and acceptance.

Accept yourself

Begin all transformation by loving yourself.

“Because one believes in oneself, one doesn’t try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn’t need others’ approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her.”
~Lao Tzu~

Our cultural imprinting teaches that something is missing. Many feel pressured to look or be a certain way, and indeed we have entire industries dedicated to ensuring a subconscious (or not so subconscious) belief that we are flawed. Because of this, many seek to transform their experience because they do not like a particular aspect of themselves or their life; however, when we approach change in this way, we actually reinforce the perceived negative circumstances to remain in place.

Take it to a higher dimension. When you choose to operate from a place of love and acceptance, your actions have greater power and momentum. It becomes easy to release old patterns and explore one’s relationship to life in a healthy and enlightened way.

Let your choices be a tribute to your unique way of being in the world. See yourself as a living expression of the Divine. Your words and actions will then be a peaceful and empowered reflection of the love you have for yourself.
Today my intention is to be truly open to life.

Create a loving world

Your experience of the world is a reflection of your level of consciousness.

“Spirituality is not the practicing of any virtue; spirituality is the gaining of a new vision. Virtue follows that vision; it comes on its own accord. It is a natural by-product. When you start seeing, things start changing.”
~Osho~

Billions of people are currently sharing the planet. They represent all walks of life, beliefs, soul ages and spiritual awareness. We tend to attract those who share our vibration as part of our journey of awakening; however, it’s important to cultivate an understanding of other levels of consciousness – this leads to compassion.

Ones level of consciousness determines their experience of the world. For instance, someone vibrating at the level of Fear will see life as frightening – there is never enough, others are out to take advantage and believe it’s important to protect what you have at all costs. Conversely, someone who vibrates at the level of Willingness will see opportunity everywhere. They open to others with an expectation of joyful expression, are willing to try new things and are genuinely interested what life has to offer.

Observe what you allow into your mind and consciousness. Pay attention to the words you choose to use. Make a purposeful decision to fill your day with the higher vibrations of Neutrality, Gratitude, Willingness, Acceptance, Love and Joy and you will see those attributes consistently reflected in your life experience.
Today my intention is to live with an enlightened heart. This moment is a gift to be savored.

The nature of eternity

northern_lights_green.jpg

You are a spark of the Divine… infinite, eternal, multi-faceted.

“To clarify ‘eternal’ just a smidge…
Once the river of time has rounded her final bend,
and the last star in the sky has brightened its last night,
and every child who may ever be conceived
has been given ten thousand names…
we will have just begun.”
~The Universe~
(Mike Dooley)

With our limited human perception, it’s difficult to process the idea of eternity. Time is a construct of the mind and often it drives us to hurry through the present moment in order to get somewhere else; however, the present moment is all there is.

We are all participating in an exploration of separateness. The lifetimes we spend on this planet, the roles we play and the lessons we learn from one another are only the beginning of an incredible journey to rediscover Oneness.

“Gradually we’ll learn from one another what we forget. That we’re all one. Our relationships will enable us. The law of karma will teach us. Our challenges will focus us. Love will remind us.”
~Jose Stevens~

There is enough time. Everyone on the planet will eventually evolve through all earth-based soul ages: Infant, Baby, Young, Mature and Old to finally discover that we are all One. Tending to your own state of consciousness will ultimately aid in the awakening of all humanity. Have compassion for yourself and for one another.
Today my intention is to remember that the healing energy of the Divine unceasingly flows through every cell of this body, every dream and every experience.

Infinite possibility

vineyard_landscape_sunset.jpg

You are a powerful co-creator of your life’s experience.

“When you become comfortable with uncertainty, infinite possibilities open up in your life.”
~Eckhart Tolle~

In a world filled with infinite possibility, the human condition is often one of repetition. Our purpose here is to awaken and that can only be accomplished by breaking free from patterns and dancing in the realm of the unknown.

In the midst of your daily routine, consciously and purposely sprinkle in some changes. Take a different route than you’re used to taking. Be creative with your appearance and the expression of Self you present. See if you can simply enter the flow of life without preconceived ideas or attachment and experience whatever arises with an open heart.

These little differences set expansive energy in motion. The resulting threads will begin to weave into your life’s tapestry in a way that is distinctive and unique. The willingness to try new things trains the mind to be more comfortable with the unknown.

The ego fears change, so be ready for some inner resistance. Observe it, smile and do things differently anyway. Something new awaits discovery.
Today my intention is to trust the processes of my awakening.

Be open

Willingly choose to be present with the experience you are having.

“The heart that seeks to awaken, to live genuinely, is more real than anything. That nameless drive calls you to be who you most truly are.”
~Ezra Bayda~

We evolve through a conscious willingness to be open with new ideas and new experiences. When we are able to listen without judgment or reaction, insight is possible. Honoring others’ paths as sacred allows us to explore and embrace the sacredness of our own path.

Do others see you as non-judgmental? Peaceful? Compassionate? These are the traits of an open person. Conversely, close-minded people are very opinionated, judgmental, often in conflict and travel through life without much empathy or understanding for others.

Our role is to be a living expression of the awakened life. Let your heart be open and joyous. Embrace what is. Be peaceful in the midst of drama. Learn to be comfortable with the unknown. Consistent practice will bring these innate gifts to the surface and your light will transform the darkness.
Today my intention is to be patient.

Life begins where fear ends

F.E.A.R – False Evidence Appearing Real

“Fear tells us to stop, to stay within the boundary of our protected cocoon-world. Yet when we feel fear, if we take even one small step toward it rather than yielding to our habitual pulling away, we move one step closer to the vast mind that lies beyond.”
~Ezra Bayda~

Fear is a by-product of thought. The ego attaches to a story which repeats until it becomes a belief. Rather than saying “I’m afraid,” shine the light of consciousness on the thoughts by saying “Fear is present” or “My ego is in fear mode.” This subtle but powerful change stops the reinforcement of  our identification with fear.

As we evolve, we learn to rise above the mechanisms of the mind. We discover that we can observe without becoming trapped and eventually free ourselves from limiting or sabotaging ideas.

Courage is not about being fearless; rather, it is experiencing the fear without self-criticism, judgment, opinions and reactionary behavior. From this state of awareness, we can turn and face the object of our fear and discover the joys of empowerment.
Today my intention is to remember that I am loved, supported and protected for each and every step of the journey.

Peace comes from within

You are responsible for your own experience.
“Clinging to notions of how life ought to be, of what you want, of what you hate, always leads to suffering.”
~Ezra Bayda~
When we go inward, we discover of a greater dimension of silence and peace. More than the absence of noise, the mind itself is quiet and we can commune with the infinite. Rather than seeking to experience this stillness far away from the intensity of busyness of the world, seek to find it within yourself and purposely bring it into your life experience.

The awakening soul learns how to access this sense of stillness and peace, even in the midst of chaotic situations. Yes, this takes practice but is well worth the exploration. Make a conscious choice not to allow another person or circumstance to dictate the level of your joy. Outside factors ebb and flow; however, inner grace is permanent, infinite and complete.
Today my intention is to spend some time in silence being a loving and conscious observer.

Personal responsibility

A new level of consciousness is waiting to be discovered.

“The experience right now – whatever it is – is the doorway to reality. If we try to avoid the mundane or if we seek out the special, we bolt this door.”
~Ezra Bayda~

The only thing over which you have any control is how you choose to respond to life. It’s important to drop all judgment and blame (which is projecting thoughts and beliefs outward) and embrace personal responsibility for whatever is unfolding in your experience. No blame should be directed inward either. Simply observe, take ownership and direct the course of your own life.
When we take full responsibility for our own experience, we put ourselves in a position of empowerment. Everything has a spiritual solution and serves a specific purpose in our soul’s growth.
This dance of awareness allows you to be a conscious co-creator of your own journey. Begin by fully accepting the present moment as it is. Complete each task mindfully and completely and be a source of light.
Today my intention is to begin with gratitude knowing that it demonstrates my willingness to be responsible for my own joy.

Be calm in the face of chaos

Stand in your soul’s truth.

“When strong emotions arise in the midst of a conflict, it’s generally best to keep quiet, to spend some time in meditation. It’s certainly better to avoid getting hooked into self-justification and blame – which is what is inevitably happens when we open our mouths while gripped by flaring emotion. When we relate to others from our small mind – with all it’s desire, opinions and judgments – we relate only to the small mind of the other. And thus we stay caught in a diminished life that guarantees distress. When we relate to another from the big mind – from spacious awareness – we relate to the deepest nature of the other as well. This is the path from conflict to communion.”
~Ezra Bayda~

Quiet awareness creates a space around any difficulties that arise. It allows us to view things differently and to respond differently. When we slow down and become more mindful, we discover that there are many ways to demonstrate love in any given situation.
The greatest spiritual masters were simple people; innocent, kind and consistent. This innocence is already your true nature. It’s time to release the layers of conditioning that block that beautiful expression of existence.
Keep things simple. Discover your own truths rather than adopting the collective viewpoint of others. Set yourself free from the illusions of ego, for a new consciousness is arising within you.
Today my intention is to live in sincerity, authenticity and openness.