The paradoxes of human experience make transformation possible.

Experiencing the contrasts of life allows us to reach a place of neutrality that is healthy and empowering. Joy cannot exist without sorrow; therefore, the soul will often engage with others in a way that will allow one to explore the depths of both emotions rather quickly. The intensity prompts us to seek balance which ultimately leads to the glorious freedom of acceptance.

Do not seek to avoid nor create discomfort, but do recognize it’s value when it arises. The process of enlightenment can often feel overwhelming. Mindfulness transforms moments of soul searching into wisdom and compassion.

Don’t play it safe. Trust the processes of your awakening and just take one more step, breathe one more conscious breath and allow love to express itself through you as often as possible. Should you encounter resistance in yourself or from others, see it as an indicator that the work you are doing has incredible value. The spiritual journey is not a straight line to a fixed goal. It is a fluid, transformative process.

The journey of awakening is a life long learning experience.

When you wish to create change in the world around you, always begin within. Life will find ways to reflect the one thing that is often most difficult to see and our job is to take ownership of whatever unfolds in our experience. Repeating patterns, when viewed with love and objectivity, are meant to bring outmoded ways of being to light. With this insight and relentless honesty, the spiritual student can turn inward and clear away layers of limiting beliefs.

Should you be fortunate enough to have a teacher or friend who will gently nudge you in the direction of enlightenment, honor them by doing your own work. This journey is a never-ending spiral of love and enlightenment – each cycle bringing you closer to the peace, freedom and unconditional love you desire.

As we awaken, the world around us is transformed. Relationships begin to feel supportive, the world becomes a safer place and your light is a beacon of awakening.

The connections that bind us to one another have existed for eternity.

“Imagine a love that flows from a source that is nothing but compassion and truth. Imagine being in love in a way that consumes your existence, and renders everything else, your ego, your identity, your material attachments meaningless.”  

~Runjhun Noopur~ 

Our spiritual quest is to experience the highest source of love – love with the Divine. Part of that practice is learning to love in a way that is ultimately pure and free from ego-driven desire. As we open to one another in a way that is completely present, vulnerable and authentic, we remove the barriers that divide us. To see the sacredness in another is the greatest gift that you can give.

Once you strip away future-based desire, judgment, conventional thought, attachment to outcomes and ego driven fear, all that remains is a sense of connectedness. Our love for the planet, for ourselves and for one another can now be experienced without distraction or pain. Imagine your experience in this world to be one of safety, spiritual depth, support and communion. If you can see it, you can create it. You can choose to enter a place of peace, power, growth, joy and transformation. This is a path of your own design.

Practice being love. Walk gently in the world. Let compassion guide your choices and how you respond to whatever life offers. We are on an incredible journey to explore the infinite facets of Oneness – and they can only be discovered through our love for one another.

Cultivate the ability to see the limitless potential in those who grace your life and then treat them as if that’s all you can see.

When one learns to see beyond the mechanisms of the mind and the roles that people play, it’s amazing how beautiful life becomes. Many spiritual teachers gaze upon their students with a peaceful, knowing little smile, simply loving them, and will often trigger the student to feel like their problems aren’t being taken seriously; however, nothing could be farther from the truth.

Viewing life with a clear heart and mind removes distraction. Rather than becoming embroiled in turmoil, one can turn inward with a willingness to see clearly and, more quickly than you can imagine, transform any situation into one of awakening and empowerment.

Your beauty is always there and it shines like a beacon throughout the universe. Remind yourself to look past any fears or challenges to recognize the grace and depth of your being. Practice this self-directed unconditional love and then allow it to flow outward into the world of form.

Cultivate the ability to be at ease with the unknown.

The mind seeks answers and explanations. The ego projects the belief that all will be well with a definitive plan in place and creates distraction by constant search and analysis. There is more truth to be discovered by genuinely living in the present moment and placing your full attention on whatever you are experiencing now.

As I was writing the words above (a mind generated process to be sure), my dog Minky distracted me mid-sentence with a gentle middle of the night “woof…” At once I was prompted to stop and gaze into her eyes. We experienced a moment of smiling doggy love which I joyfully realized was the most important thing to experience in all the world at that moment. Rather than being a distraction, it was a simple reminder that love is alive and all is well.

The profundity of the human experience lies in our ability to honor the present moment as sacred, however it presents itself. And in that sacredness, we can act with integrity, do our best and accept what is.

Make energetic and spiritual balance a part of your daily routine.

“When we create peace and harmony and balance in our minds, we will find it in our lives.”

~Louise Hay~

Throughout our daily experience we can often absorb energies from other people, places or stressful situations. Spiritual seekers are typically very open and it’s important to release any heaviness from our auras on a daily basis. There are many ways to do this such as meditation, daily gratitude walks, visualization, playing with crystals, forgiveness work or prayer.

A daily clearing, built into your morning or evening routine, allows you to re-balance more easily. If you wait for health issues or life challenges to grab your attention, you may need outside assistance to realign your chakras.

Using the verbal chakra balance above, begin with the crown chakra and briefly touch each one (crown, 3rd eye, throat, heart, solar plexus, belly and root) as you say the mantra aloud. It can also be helpful to complete the process by setting a daily intention.

Your thoughts and intentions create your reality. When your mind, body and spirit are in balance, you will see it reflected in your life experience.

Everything is energy.

When you really pay attention, you’ll discover that there is beauty everywhere. Internal commentary must cease in order for us to recognize the perfection of the present moment. Within this internal stillness, we can learn to look with the heart.

Artists have discovered the art of seeing. They find the aliveness in things that others might pass by or even discard. Creativity creates a filter through which they see the world. Cultivate your inner artist by developing a loving relationship with the world around you. Find joy in the little things.

Albert Einstein once said that there are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. Choosing the latter will ensure a life filled with wonder and delight. You have the power to create this in your experience right now. Why wait?

This new day is filled with limitless possibility.

Honor the sacredness of the present moment through gratitude. When we stop and recognize the beauty of creation, we become loving witnesses to life itself. Everything is a reflection of your own state of consciousness. So when a rainbow awakens wonder within you, turn inward for it is an indicator of your own wonder and magic.

Gaze upon one another with love. Your smile has the power to awaken joy in others. Your consciousness has the power to awaken the consciousness of others. Your compassion has the power to awaken compassion in others. These are the gifts that you give the world. And it is forever transformed because of your sojourn in it.

Awareness activates dormant energies. Our ability to create is incredibly powerful; therefore, end your gratitude moment by setting an intention. If each of us chooses to be an authentic example of kindness and patience and states this intention out loud each morning, what might come of it?