Beauty lies in the contrast.

The world of form is filled with polarities which allow us to explore every aspect of experience. We are constantly moving within the dance of dark and light, health and imbalance, serenity and stress, joy and anger, abundance and poverty, etc.

Judgment typically occurs when we have yet to experience both aspects of a situation or when the ego attaches to one as “good” and the other as “bad.” Neutrality ensues when we have complete understanding and compassion through our personal experience. Some circumstances take lifetimes to explore, while others may presents themselves more quickly.

The whole point of coming to the physical plane is to learn. Intense experiences teach us in dramatic ways. When we approach situations with a high degree of consciousness, we are more easily able to discover nuances that are often missed when trapped in the grip of ego. Seek the value in the contrast and discover new aspects of yourself in the process.

Gratitude creates space in which a transformation can occur.

You are the creator of your own reality. Each morning we enter a new realm of infinite possibility and we have the ability to set the tone for the day.

When you choose gratitude, two things are set in motion: you declare your willingness to take responsibility for your own joy and your energy raises to a higher vibration. Begin first thing – before your morning coffee, prior to checking your phone or turning on the tv – take a moment to walk outside and say out loud all the things for which you are grateful. Your voice brings a greater dimension to the energy you emit and waves of vital, positive intention flow out into the world. This is far more empowering than waking and planning the day, worrying about what might unfold or simply reacting to whatever is offered.

And in the midst of a challenge, you might just discover that you are aware enough to look for the gift in the situation. One way to transform frustrating energy is to purposely be grateful for whatever is unfolding, even if you can’t yet see the purpose or what you may be learning. The willingness to be grateful opens the door to greater understanding.

Spiritual awakening is merely the dissolution of all that blocks you from seeing the truth of who you are.

After many, many lifetimes of shared adventure and discovery, we have built up multiple layers of experience, memories, beliefs, projections, wounds and blockages and have forgotten our true infinite nature. Awakening is more akin to remembering than learning – as each layer of illusion drops away, we begin to see more clearly.

The ideas you hold most dear are often the ones that need to be examined the most. Allow room in your experience for freedom, change and exploration. Until you can experience life without being reactive, worried or anxious, there is more work to be done.

The joys of awakening feed the spirit, burning away the pains of the past until we experience Oneness with the Divine. The key to a joyful life is to discover aspects of the Divine within ourselves and within one another… and then all the years and lifetimes of struggle will pale in comparison to the infinite love that has been patiently waiting our return to wholeness.

I am merely a reflection of you.

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.

When you enjoy someone’s integrity, compassion, kindness or sense of humor, it’s because they are reflecting your own wonderful qualities to you. Likewise, when you see patterns of behavior that frustrate you, it’s important to look within. By simply owning your own stuff 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, simply honor and own your beautiful qualities and allow them to shine.

I can be the change I wish to see in the world.

Intention is directly tied to thought. It it created by the intellect – an aspect of the mechanisms of the ego and planning for the future. Give of yourself in this moment without any attachment to a desired outcome. From an authentic smile to a non-judgmental ear to a spontaneous act of kindness, the effects of your conscious actions will linger long into eternity.

Honor your own path by living it to the greatest extent that you can. There is nothing more important than your state of consciousness and being fully present will allow you to make choices that are aligned with your heart. Be a source of living kindness and allow the future to take care of itself.

This beautiful planet is our home. We can choose to take loving care of the earth and it’s creatures and walk in love with one another.

Whether someone walks with you for a moment or for a lifetime, the connection creates waves of consciousness that make a difference. Because we are so interconnected, we are always affecting one another, and everything around us, in every moment.

See those who hold a space in your heart as friends who have chosen to share the journey of awakening for a while. This sharing offers us the opportunity to support, teach, learn, laugh and give… and when the our paths diverge, know that all is perfect and the time we will ultimately spend together will far outweigh the moments we spend apart. After all, we have all of eternity to play and explore and dance with one another.

Live in harmony with all of life.

The awakened spirit is able to love without distraction, expectation or fear of disappointment. In those moments of authentic connection, we become a channel for the light, love and laughter of the Divine.

As the layers of ego are released, so too, are the barriers to love that we have built within us. We emerge changed, and it becomes easier to give love, to be love, and to consciously reside in this moment of gratitude.

Seek to bring harmony to every experience, both internal and external. Every thought, word and action sends waves of energy throughout the Universe. Our connection is ready to expand into love.

Expand into a new way of being.

Challenges arise to assist us in our spiritual growth. They originate from limiting thought patterns, judgment, fear or anger – often growing larger due to others who are willing to participate in the drama. It is often from this space of confusion and dysfunction that we attempt to correct the situation… and therein lies the mental trap. We must first focus on creating inner balance and shifting our awareness to a higher level. From there, perceptions change, new solutions are discovered and the power of love enters.

There is a purpose behind every circumstance. Sometimes clear, sometimes murky, but always, ultimately a beautiful coordinated movement of consciousness which is attempting to manifest in the present moment. Seek to bring the best aspects of yourself to every situation. When you are willing to slow down, become aware and approach this moment with compassion, everything changes.

Perfection. Acceptance. Allowing…

In the tapestry of existence, we learn to see the beauty in all things, in all people and in all circumstances. As we release our limiting opinions of others, the patterns begin to make sense. The perfection lies within the perceived imperfection.

The way we approach one another is a reflection of our current state of consciousness. You can choose to see through the mechanisms of the mind to uncover the knowledge your soul requires in this moment. Ultimately, all roads are one and there is nothing to be gained by resisting or judging one another.

Seek to see the grace and unique beauty in everyone with whom you come in contact today. Observe what arises. Listen without thought. See with acceptance. Everyone and everything is a teacher.

Allow others the space and time to make their own discoveries.

Everyone has their own path. Unless they specifically ask for your direction and guidance, leave your friends and family alone as they embark upon the path of enlightenment (or not). It can sometimes be difficult to watch those you love as they struggle; however, forcing new information or perspectives too soon can cause the ego to engage and create additional blockages.

Let your life be the light that inspires others. The quiet grace of living with intention and kindness can be a powerful tool for expansion. When the student is ready, the teacher appears, the soul opens to new perception and transformation can occur in an instant.

The joy of awakening is unique for each of us. Be willing to act with integrity, do your best and accept what is. Worlds of discovery await.