In the ever-shifting flow of life there is a constant movement of growth and change. We are forever in the process of endings and beginnings, expanding into new areas of understanding and recognizing the validity of what serves us best on the journey. Don’t fear the amazing potential that wishes to express itself through you. Underneath the layers of thought and belief lies an infinite source of life that lovingly waits to be explored.

It’s important to periodically go within and take stock of your energetic balance as well as recognizing and giving yourself credit for how far you’ve come on the journey of awakening. All the answers that you require are within you; however, because it can be challenging to see ourselves clearly, we learn how to utilize the reflection provided by the world. Should you find yourself judging, staying in the story, blaming or replaying old events in the mind, recognize that you are distracting yourself from going within. Observation creates awareness. Awareness creates movement… and movement creates the space for something new to be experienced.

Today my intention is to rejoice in the knowledge that I have the power of my own mind to use in any way I choose… and I choose to celebrate life.

Spiritual practice has little to do with logical explanations. The mind will always question ‘Why?’ when challenges arise. This desire for knowledge is an egoic trap which tells us that we must understand in order to alleviate our discomfort. Any reasons we discover – psychological, physiological, karmic, etc. – are only part of the story. Oneness teaches us that everything is interconnected – and the infinite nature of complexity means both that we can discover multiple approaches that help us on our journey as well as the truth that, as humans, our vision and ability to understand is very limited.

There are blinders that obscure our vision. Deep understanding never lies within the cognitive world of ‘why’ but in experiencing the complexity of the present moment with an openness that defies explanation. Ezra Bayda, in “Saying YES to Life (Even the Hard Parts) states that “Ego-based suffering is generated by the complex of believed thought and unpleasant sensations.” Yes, we encounter both minute and life-changing challenges as we navigate the Path of Transformation and during each, the spiritual seeker has the option to suffer consciously. The contrast we discover between the mechanisms of the mind and the playfulness we experience when we feel balanced and connected is the paradox that teaches through the human condition in a way that leads us ever closer to the Divine.

All things work to our highest good (whether we have the ability to see it now or later). When clarity eludes us, we can take one more conscious step forward knowing that each moment is part of our unique journey of awakening. Faith in the process of your development is key. All of us do the best we can we what we have and there are gifts to be discovered in the midst of every challenge.

Today my intention is to open new doors to life. Gifts of love and experience await.

Spiritual awakening is nothing more than emerging from the dream of thought into the power of the present moment. We don’t achieve happiness by rearranging the circumstances of life but by the willingness with which we approach it. Many people are trapped by desire or fear. This is what happens when we forget that the mind is a tool (and sometimes a teacher) and allow it to run our lives.

Do you know someone who seems to create excessive drama in their own experience and the lives of those around them? They are trapped by the mechanisms of the mind and haven’t yet reached a point where they can awaken. These beautiful souls mirror to us the struggle that we all have from time to time and they simply do not know any better. Approach these circumstances with compassion and healthy boundaries. In this manner, you will retain your own balance and subtly teach by example. After all, every one of us knows what it is to be afraid. There is nothing more glorious than the shift into awareness – and we know that this gift awaits everyone when they are ready to receive it.

The moment we realize that life is not as serious as the mind makes it out to be, we discover more and more opportunities to play. Celebrate the joy of being alive as you emerge into the light of your own being. Be ready for something new to flow into your experience and allow the burdens of your heart to disappear. You are a master in the process of awakening…

Today my intention is to remember that the world is my reflection. I am willing to see clearly and love unconditionally.

People often create fortresses around themselves as bulwarks against morality. Because they are unaware of their own divinity, they seek solace in fleeting egoic desires such as awards or titles, numbers in a bank account, fame, possessions or accomplishments. Empowerment comes from the willingness to share whatever it is that you are afraid of losing. All treasures become tarnished without use and when you loosen your grip, you’ll discover the freedom that expansiveness can bring.

Our purpose here is not about things, but the consciousness we discover as a result of how we choose to play with the things of this world. It’s wonderful to enjoy all the physical aspects of being human, but always empowering to remember the richness of your true infinite nature. There is plenty of time and limitless possibilities to explore.

Home is not a physical place but the inner serenity and acceptance that we carry with us. All the inhabitants of the earth – the rocks and plant life, the wind and clouds, birds and flowers and animals – all are our brothers and sisters in the exquisite tapestry of life. Human beings can often forget this in their personal fight to get what they need and create a sense of security… all the while cultivating feelings of desperation and fear.

Release your attachments and become one with the peace of the present moment. From this state of grace and balance, you’ll become more aware than ever before of the fear that most people carry. You have a purpose of this planet. You play an integral part in the evolving consciousness of existence and in that knowledge of a deeper and more meaningful connection, the fear disappears. There is love all around you.

Today my intention is to experience love wherever I go.

It’s Magical Monday!

Today is filled with limitless possibility… what would you like to create in your world? See how many sparks of passion you can flow into each moment. Whether your ideas are grand or small, the action is the same: set an intention, break out of a rut, try something new, be willing to receive and remember, whatever you send out into the Universe will return to you ten-fold… and you may be surprised at what miracles you set in motion.

It might be fun to light a candle which aligns your energy and intention, rearrange a room, make a new friend or try something you’ve never tried. Treat yourself with kindness, eat well, read something inspirational, play some music or create a vision board – simply focus on the end result of happiness and release any attachment to how it manifests in your experience.

Never underestimate the beauty of your own magnificence. Passion and smiles are infectious. Kind words and actions send ripples of love outward and no matter what you choose to do, you can achieve it.

Today my intention is to nurture myself – mind, body and soul.

Willingness is a high level vibration which awakens our ability to receive and is the gateway for our movement to higher levels of consciousness. Where judgement blocks one from authentic experience and growth, Willingness implies that we have released our resistance to the present moment and aligns us to a force of energy that creates ease and grace in our lives.

When things don’t flow well or frustration ensues, it is merely an indicator that we need to look within. Knowing that life is a reflection of our inner state of consciousness, we can utilize such moments to face whatever issue has come to the surface and be willing to learn and grow from the experience.

The opening of energy is directly related to the heart chakra. As we cultivate our ability to trust, receive, share, forgive, release and be less reactive, we become better able to bounce back from adversity and discover empowerment in new and exciting ways. Imagine yourself  at ease in the present moment. Celebrate how far you have come on your own journey knowing that the best is yet to come.

Today my intention is to accept myself and create peace in my mind and heart.

Every journey is unique. As we learn to honor all paths as sacred, we discover the value of diversity and the gifts we have to offer to one another. Each life is a magnificent work of art that weaves its patterns in the tapestry of existence… and our role as interconnected beings is to live our own truth to the best of our ability. When there is too much “what if” activity in the mind, all creation stops… blocked by fear of the unknown. In order for transformation to happen we must be willing to go deep within. If there is pain, experience it without blame or self-pity and look for the gift that surely lies within each and every circumstance. Never underestimate the value of kindness and acceptance, especially when directed inward.

This moment has the potential to shift the momentum and nuances of your life to a new level of understanding. Awareness creates the space in which a transformation can occur and  beneath the worry and the hesitation lies a heart ready to love, a soul ready to expand and infinite possibilities to explore. Trust the processes of your awakening… with trust, something immense opens up. Life becomes filled with the Divine and creates a bridge to eternity. Joy’s greatest expression is in the sharing of your gifts, knowledge and love.

Today my intention is to be grateful and enthusiastic about life. I choose to release any limitations and look joyfully to the future that is unfolding.

Many times the image that we have of ourselves comes not from our own direct experience but from the opinions and perceptions of others. The personality created by childhood programming or the limited worldview of cultural norms overshadows the individuality which would have blossomed naturally in an atmosphere of support and acceptance.

It’s time to recognize your unique strengths and embrace the facets of your authentic and unique nature. You can drop the beliefs and perceptions that you have inherited or accepted and awaken to your Divine potential.

Under the false personality of the ego lies a spirit completely dedicated to freedom – freedom of expression, expansion, transformation and infinite discovery.

Don’t look for outside verification of what is real, the answers are found within. When we focus on externals, we become mired in judgments that keep us trapped within the illusions of old habits and patterns.

It’s time to stop clinging to the past. Put down the burdens you carry with the understanding that it’s ok to outgrow beliefs and ideas which no longer serve your growth. By letting go, you will release any feelings of competition or comparison and simply enjoy being the beautiful person that you are.

Today my intention is to use my mind and thoughts to enhance my life.

Intention is the seed that creates our future. Whatever seeds we plant have the potential to grow when we create the conditions that support them. An old Chinese Buddhist text states, “From intention springs the deed, from the deed springs the habits. From the habits grow the character, from character develops destiny.”

Habits can be freeing (such as developing the ability to meditate, pray, balance oneself, forgive, etc.) or a form of imprisonment (…but that’s how I’ve always done things!). Through mindfulness we can choose our intentions moment by moment and transform our lives. When you find yourself blocked, set an intention to  be fully present with kindness and simply be. Often, we create frustration by trying too hard. Should that happen, take a step back and move into acceptance. From there, anything is possible.

By aligning your dedication with your highest intention and reaffirming it anew each day, you can chart the course of an amazing life.

Today my intention is to act with integrity, do my best and accept what is.

Release your worries and allow the Universe to assist you on your journey. When you feel strongly that it’s time to focus and work hard on a particular project, do so. When you feel you need to step back, rest and rebalance, give yourself that opportunity as well. In this infinite playground of discovery, there is plenty of time to accomplish all that you desire without creating stress or havoc in your experience. Once you’ve set energy in motion with conscious thought and action, surrender the timing, the outcome and the “cursed hows” to the Divine.

Many find it difficult to hear and trust their our intuition. Pay attention to the moments when you find yourself offering loving advice to someone else. Often, your angels will send you one who will act as a sounding board for your inner wisdom – those brilliant messages are actually meant for you and it’s important to stop and listen to the guidance from your higher self.

Now is the time to integrate all the unique facets of your personality, skills and perception. This blend of energies creates a unified aspect of wholeness that is an integral part of your evolution and the journey of your awakening soul.

Today my intention is to remember that I can accomplish more than I ever thought possible. The Universe offers guidance and assistance in miraculous ways.