Practicing acceptance

No matter what the present moment brings, choose to accept rather than reject.

“The mind cannot trust the moment; it is always afraid; that’s why it plans. It is fear that plans, and by planning you miss everything – everything that is beautiful and true, everything that is divine, you miss.” 
~Osho~
Life is in a constant state of motion, ever evolving, expanding, changeable. And yet, we strive to control the events of our experience or even feel frustrated when we perceive that things don’t go our way. This moment is filled with infinite possibility; therefore, don’t create limitation with expectations created by the mind. Act, and allow it to unfold.

Experience this moment as if you had created it with a specific spiritual purpose in mind. Observe it rather than fight against it. Continue to bring your attention to your state of consciousness. Are you at peace or is there struggle in your experience?

Attempting to control the world can drain your precious energy and bring on exhaustion. It reaffirms that you don’t trust your inner guidance or the bigger picture of your awakening spirit. The ego fears the renewal of your spirit and seeks to distract through thought. With awareness, we can see through this fear and tap into the beauty of our awakening.

No matter what is unfolding, your consciousness can transform your experience of it immediately. The key to being happy is not minding what happens. The awakened spirit simply responds to what is without resistance.

Emerging wisdom

Taste the profundity of existence.

“Rejoice with the flames of the [life-force] energy, dance with those flames, have a communion with those flames and you will be finding a dialogue with existence itself.” 
~Osho~ 
When you find yourself in a position where you must articulate spiritual ideas, give advice, teach or explain your beliefs, the act of articulation actually solidifies your inner wisdom and brings it into the world of form.

Others may seek your advice. Pay attention to the words you say, for more often than not, the advice will also pertain to your own life situation. The other person is there to play the role of a sounding board and through it, your inner wisdom can emerge.

This is a gift that we give to one another. Speaking with compassion while sharing high level concepts such as acceptance, willingness, forgiveness, karmic balancing or love can sometimes allow us to bypass the ego and speak profound spiritual truths. Pay attention. You are wiser than you know.

The more you articulate and apply your inner wisdom, the more you cultivate an authentic understanding of your interpretation of the Divine.

Setting change in motion

Clinging and attachment lead to suffering.
“When our plans crumble and there seems to be nothing left, it is only by completely surrendering to what is that we can realize that what is left is more than enough.” 
~Ezra Bayda~ 
Have you ever longed for for something different only to discover that the smallest of changes set off a cavalcade of transformation that ultimately altered the course of your life?

Everyone faces moments when the desire to create change seems daunting. We long for transformation yet seem to remain stuck in patterns of behavior that solidify the very things we have outgrown. Whether changing habitual patterns in regard to eating, addiction, relationship challenges, judgmental thoughts, gossip, reactivity or spending patterns, it’s best to start small. Focus on one thing and approach it mindfully. Don’t allow the ego to derail your momentum with its stories of limitation or difficulty. One conscious change can set a world of difference in motion.

The mind will always cling to the known until the hatred of the known outweighs the fear of the unknown; however, you don’t need to reach your personal breaking point in order to create positive change. Give yourself small wins, seek to embrace the new and follow the resulting energy wherever it leads. Love yourself enough to set something expansive in motion.

Conscious self talk

“I am” are the two must powerful words in the Universe…
whatever follows them creates your reality.

“The ultimate truth of who you are is not I am this or I am that,
but I Am.” 
~Eckhart Tolle~ 
Pay attention to the words you use. If you share the journey of awakening with someone else, give them permission to point out moments when your “I Am” statements are destructive or limiting. As we observe old patterns or beliefs when they are in motion, we cultivate the ability to make conscious choices that are supportive and healthy.

When the ego has utilized a particular story for many years, it can be challenging to recognize the impact that it has had on our experience. Such ideas are preceded by statements such as “I’ve always been this way” or “everyone in my family…” As a conscious creator, you have an opportunity to purposely shift your inner conversation.

The track of your progress may be subtle. That is the slow progression of awakening. Continue to bring your awareness to the present moment. Shift your words or actions when required and give yourself credit for how far you have come. And most importantly, speak to yourself with love and expansiveness.

Participation

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Has your life been a celebration or a sadness?

“Jump into the river, that is the only way to know life. Jump into the river. Never be a spectator. The spectator is the poorest man in the world. Participate.” 
~Osho~ 
Your life has purpose. The only way to discover that purpose is to live it authentically. The wise man on the mountain may appear peaceful and all-knowing; however, he may be unable to pay his bills or function well in the world. Our participation allows us to cultivate our unique capabilities. Our experiences build compassion and wisdom.

Don’t be afraid to fail. Be willing to say “I don’t know” when necessary, but also bring that willingness to how you choose to experience life. Someone can research honey, describing how it is produced, its texture, how differing flowers change its flavor, etc. But until one actually tastes honey, they cannot understand its true sweetness or how it transforms the taste experience.

This human experiment is meant to be enjoyed. Have your preferences but do not be attached to them or block the limitless possibilities that are available to you. As we dance together, all of existence celebrates through us.

Evolve or repeat…

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This moment is filled with infinite possibilities. Evolve or repeat…

“Residing fully in the present moment allows the unconditioned energy of life to flow through the conditioned body and mind. The willingness to simply rest in the physical experience of your life is the key to spiritual transformation.” 
~Ezra Bayda~ 
This planet is a playground of discovery and every moment provides an opportunity to learn something new. No matter how it appears, we are all engaged in the same journey of awakening. Each path is unique. Each soul is expressing the energy of the Divine in the way most appropriate for them. With this in mind, cultivate patience, compassion and acceptance.

Be patient with those who grace your life. Keep planting seeds of kindness and tend them with joy. Any experience could be the catalyst that moves an awakening soul in a new direction. Most suffering is self-created; however, it plays an important role in spiritual development and leads to transformation. While it can be challenging to watch someone you love hurt themselves with unconscious repetition, keep in mind that their challenges are required for their growth.

As we evolve, we are more capable of learning without a catastrophe to push us into new areas of awareness. See yourself as a lifetime student of love. As you continue to awaken, you’ll see more clearly and approach your life experience with grace and empowerment.

Right action

Mastery is having complete control over how you respond to life.

“Presence is a state of inner spaciousness. When you are present, you ask: How do I respond to the needs of this situation, of this moment?” 
~Eckhart Tolle~ 
Awareness ensures that your responses to life are empowered rather than reactive. Once the ego is no longer in control, your stillness and alertness will allow you to bring a higher consciousness to any situation. From that space of awareness, the action (or inaction) that is for the highest good of all involved will make itself known. Then you can act, allow and accept.

Another way to observe right action in motion is that, once completed, it drops completely from your consciousness. There is no need to replay it, take credit for it, wonder if your choice was ‘right’ or worry about how things will unfold. This is the Divine working through you without ego-driven interference.

Cultivate mastery through the simple things of your experience such as driving, interactions with your children, the energy you bring to your work or your self-dialogue. The peace of Presence is always there. Honor the present moment as sacred by experiencing it fully.

 

Inner wisdom

The energy of the vast, infinite universe lives within you.

“You have to create your own path to your own temple. No help is possible, and it is the grandeur of humanity, a tremendous dignity, that you can follow only your own path.”  ~Osho~ 

Christ suggested that we be in the world, but not of it. The awakening soul must learn to stand alone and to seek inner wisdom rather than become lost in the collective opinions of those around us. This can be a daunting task at first. Old souls do not fit in with society; however, as consciousness arises, we can interact with others in a way that is empowered and compassionate.

When you recognize the perfection of your journey and learn to live authentically, you’ll discover that ease and peacefulness infuse your experiences. Enthusiasm allows you to access the creative power of the universe. It becomes a wave of energy that has it’s own momentum. As it ebbs, we must surrender, observe, release attachment and be at ease until the present moment inspires motion once again.

You are a masterpiece

Within you, there are infinite treasures that await discovery.

“You don’t have to try so hard… you don’t have to change a thing.”  ~Colbie Caillat~   

Every soul is precious and unique. When you recognize and respond to positive characteristics in others, realize that you have those same qualities within you. Everything you experience is a reflection of your state of consciousness.

Should you experience moments of self-doubt. Purposefully consider those you admire and write down the qualities that inspire you. Read books that awaken your heart. Your soul will respond to its similar energies and these gentle reminders can reignite self-awareness.

Nothing is missing. Nothing is broken. It’s time to see through the clouds of mind-made illusion and embrace your current expression of the Divine. Treat yourself with love and let your life be a celebration of your unique journey.

Be an inspiration

Your presence is transformative.

“It is always worth considering, ‘Am I blissful the way I am living?’ If one is not then one must take risks. New paths, new lifestyles, a new search will have to be undertaken. This much is certain: you have nothing to lose.”  ~Osho~ 

Love, joy and enthusiasm are contagious. They allow you to operate from a higher level and bring a vibrant energy to your life situation. Many people in the world are unaware of the power of passion. They plod through their workdays waiting for the weekend – always seeking satisfaction through some future moment.

You can be an inspiration simply by being your authentic self. No matter what you choose to do, let awareness flow through you into all that you touch. If you observe that the mind has taken over, stop, close your eyes and do some conscious breathing to pull yourself present. Then open your eyes and begin again. You’ll discover this brings greater clarity than overthinking.

The joy of being is not something you achieve. It moves through you and comes from the infinite potential of your true nature. It is accessible through being One With Life.