When we begin to view life in its sacred perfection, it changes the energy we bring to our experience. Rather than attempting to force events and people to accommodate our timetable and desires, we seek instead to nurture the seeds we have planted and give them the time they need to flourish.

The thoughts and actions of today are creating the reality of tomorrow. Give up needing to control with the knowledge that all will unfold in the perfect way at the perfect time. Tend your garden with love. Remove the weeds of fear and doubt as they arise so they don’t steal vital energy and nutrients from the seeds you have planted.

Surrender is a mental process. We must release the need to judge and become loving witnesses of our life experience. Practice this by choosing an area of your life where you typically feel the need to control. Purposely choose to surrender today and notice how strongly the ego reacts. Keep a healthy inner dialogue and bring yourself back to peace and balance as often as required.

Prior to awakening, the mind is in control. Always comparing, seeking, distressing, planning, fixing or creating dissatisfaction with the present moment, it mercilessly controls our lives. It’s important to honor the ego as a teacher rather than see it as an enemy. It’s purpose is to maintain the illusion of separateness. This prompts our quest for Oneness.

As we move to higher levels of consciousness, we become more aware of the mechanisms of the ego. We learn to transform challenges into empowerment while cultivating the ability to see clearly. The ego must then find news ways to function, so it shifts to a more subtle but still disruptive force. You’ll know ego is engaged in some fashion whenever peace and acceptance elude you.

In moments of imbalance stop and observe your thoughts. See them objectively and then purposely move into love. Every moment is an opportunity to be still and deepen your connection to the Divine.

The higher your level of consciousness, the greater your vision. As you awaken, your choices will have profound insight and empowerment. Choose to experience your life through adventure and participation. Don’t be afraid to venture into new places.

There is only one thing to ask: “Has my life been a celebration or a sadness?” Find your unique way of expressing yourself for the world desperately needs what you have to offer. No matter what you choose to do, do it mindfully. Become immersed within the present moment with joy, acceptance and enthusiasm and see where you are led.

Ready for change in your life? See it, and take one conscious step toward it today. That’s it. Your momentum sparks energy that moves in new directions. There’s nothing to be gained by procrastination. It’s said that your point of power is always in the present moment. This moment.

The key is to focus upon creating a life filled with happiness and fulfillment, then live it Now to the best of your ability. When we release attachment to the “hows” we create a space in which transformation can occur. One baby step leads to another, and another. Typically, there is no great fanfare at the beginning of new ideas or dreams, just a desire to move and a quiet wisdom that simply says “yes”.

Compassion and understanding are the side effects of conscious listening. Whenever you choose to bring an open heart to your meeting place, you create the opportunity to learn something new. From this space of awareness, you’ll discover an alternative viewpoint, garner understanding of another’s challenges or fears and have a greater opportunity to move into love.

Love and judgment cannot coexist in the same space. Look upon yourself with compassion. Look upon others with compassion. Seek only to bring the best version of yourself to your life experiences. This is even more important within the workings of the mind. Every thought sends energy out into the universe. Purposely send kindness whenever possible… and as the Dalai Lama says, “It is always possible.”

You are a living, vibrant expression of the Universe, sacred, complete and whole. You are not broken nor wounded; however, you have spent lifetimes believing that you are. The time has come to see beyond ancient beliefs that have outlived their usefulness. Take a breath… who is breathing?

The dance of awakening is different for everyone. We are all masters in the process of awakening, just functioning at differing phases of the journey. The more you share, the more you will have and the freer you will feel. Sharing creates a dynamic of living experience. Have you ever felt a decrease in your life by giving love or joy to another? You are a wellspring of infinite grace and possibility.

The awakening master realizes that life is only an reflection of one’s innermost state of consciousness; therefore, turn inward, drop illusion and immerse yourself in the love, light and laughter of the Universe.

Underneath the cacophony of the mind and the turbulence of the physical world lies a stillness that is infinite. A human experiencing internal quietude is far different from the quiet one might experience in nature. Far away from the sounds of the modern world, the silence can sometimes be deafening; however, that silence is merely the absence of noise.

Take yourself within, moving beneath the movement, thoughts and desires of everyday life. You are an infinite being and are far, far greater than you know. All the wisdom you seek is within you. Once you find a way to touch this stillness, you’ll discover a sense of grace that stays with you always.

Drink from the depths of your own wisdom. Plan a day of letting go, of releasing all thought and expectation. Can you reside in stillness and become like calm waters? It’s likely that the mind will try to kick into high gear; however, by focusing your attention deeply in the Now – walking, meditating, eating, observing – all become deeply rooted in stillness.

Sometimes it may feel like you are stuck. You’ve completed one aspect of your journey, the energy there has depleted and you may feel unsure of what your next steps should be. These are the perfect times to practice being present and cultivate the art of patience. The ego wants to pace in frustration – “I need to move now!” and it can be a struggle to remember that you’re exactly where you need to be.

When traveling by train in Europe last year, I discovered that the process was to simply to stand ready and periodically glance at the board to see when the next train was coming and where it would arrive. Being there for the first time, it was a bit unnerving to figure out a new process and trust that all was well. Some trains were right on time and easy to spot while others simply showed a delay and, of course, no amount of angst would hurry it along any faster.

The same concept applies to your spiritual journey. When you’ve completed one aspect of your growth, you must exit the train and wait. This period of stoppage is often necessary while outside factors fall into place for the next steps of your journey. At that moment you have a choice: you can complain or worry, or you can interact with those around you and pass the time in a way that’s open and friendly. When you consciously choose to bring willingness and patience to all the little aspects of your daily walk, your life becomes a peaceful place.

Don’t demand that you be perfect. Rather than wishing for the life where you are always zen, no longer subject to the manipulations of the ego or no longer subject to the very human emotions that we all share; choose instead to simply have the intention to live an authentic life.

On the long, transformative path to freedom, we are prompted to release old patterns and beliefs as they arise while making conscious choices that create an internal movement of joy and awakening. Be patient but consistent with yourself, choosing to live with appreciation and kindness. Seek to bring compassion to all of your interactions and you will continue to change in amazing ways.

Think of those you admire and list the qualities that inspire you. Read through the list, giving gratitude for the teachers that have come into your experience. Now know this: If you spot it, you got it! You would not recognize these wonderful attributes if they were not yours as well. Bring them consciously to the surface of your heart and live them to the best of your ability.

You are changing the world. Every life you touch shifts in response to your unique energy. Each of us has an opportunity to love, to be expansive, inclusive, joyful and compassionate. Standing strong and confident in the light of your true nature allows the Divine to work through you in miraculous ways. Even a smile, heartfelt and genuine, can awaken the light in those around us.

Everything is energy. Surround yourself with uplifting books, music, people, ideas and art. Be inspired by those who live awakened lives and purposely choose to be inspirational to others. This is the moment of transformation and you are a blessing.