Procrastination

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Remove the word “should” from your vocabulary.

“After meditating for some years, I began to see the patterns of my own behavior. As you quiet your mind, you begin to see the nature of your own resistance more clearly, struggles, inner dialogues, the way in which you procrastinate and develop passive resistance against life. As you cultivate the witness, things change. You don’t have to change them. Things just change.”
~Ram Dass~
Procrastination feeds the ego-mind in one of two directions. It feels good to contemplate the good things you will do someday, seeing yourself as being better or making positive changes. Conversely, negative self-talk keeps us stuck saying “I know what I should be doing, but I never seem to finish anything.” Either way, it feeds false personality and creates dissatisfaction in the present moment.

The moment you notice a “should” creep in, simply take action – any action – and allow the energy to move in whatever direction it flows. The choice to take one conscious step opens up a world of possibility.

No matter what challenges arise, notice your thoughts. When you change your thoughts, your life is transformed. Inner resistance is something that can be released through movement.
Today my intention is to remember that every day things get easier. My new experience of the world is a reflection of my new way of thinking. 

 

Seeing perfection in the imperfection

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When we look through the filters of love and acceptance, we discover that all is well.

“To become a great teacher, one must become a teaching.”
~Gabrielle Roth~
Can you see it? Can you look at a seed and see it’s perfection, it’s potential? Encased in a protective shell until it’s ready to sprout, the seed carries the potential of growth – not only of the one sprouting, but of the many, many plants that will evolve from it.

The spiritual seeker can bring this same light to those with whom they interact. Is the person in front of you a seed full of potential, a flower in bloom or decline or ready to nurture the energy of the future? All aspects are natural and part of the perfection of the process of growth.

Choose to find the perfection in the imperfection. See the value of everything and how it may serve our unfolding journey. This is how we honor all things as sacred and it tends to move us into peace, compassion and acceptance. What a wonderful place to reside.
Today my intention is to embrace what is with an open heart.  

Infinity

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There’s no need to rush. We’re just getting started.

“To clarify ‘eternal’ just a smidge…
Once the river of time has rounded her final bend,
and the last star in the sky has brightened its last night,
and every child who may ever be conceived
has been given ten thousand names…
we will have just begun.”
~The Universe~
Enlightenment is not about how quickly you can make it to the finish line. Consider how small our many lifetimes of experience are when compared to the infinite nature of the Divine. This playground is meant to be an immersive experience. Allow yourself to fully participate in the present moment knowing that time is an illusion.

The ego loves it when we rush because we tend to miss things and then need repetitive circumstances in order to explore all that awaits discovery. When we slow down and view things from varied perspectives, we access an inner peacefulness that is unshakeable.

Observe yourself today. Notice how often you rush through the present moment to get to something else. Purposefully bring your complete awareness to the Now. Doing so will provide the opportunity to find inspiration within it’s secrets.
Today my intention is to slow down and view everything as sacred. 

 

Be kind

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Kindness is never wasted.
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
~Dalai Lama~
Every moment offers opportunities to be kind to yourself, one another, animals, the planet as well as future generations. When we bring the practice of compassion to our life situation, we become integral aspects of the dance of creation.

Sometimes the ego seeks immediate gratification through reminding another of their shortfalls (as we perceive them), getting in a snarky comeback or simply expounding upon our opinions. That sort of response feeds the negativity of a situation and is a missed opportunity to bring a higher level of consciousness to the present moment.

We are called upon to be channels for Divine energy. Release the need to blame anyone and instead, choose to accept people as they are. There are no enemies – simply souls playing various roles in our collective awakening. Those who are still asleep need your love, not your judgment.
Today my intention is to see every experience as an opportunity to cultivate a greater understanding of my life’s purpose.

 

Joy

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You are a joyous expression of the Divine.

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”
~Thich Nhat Hanh~
When you chose to be joyful, there is no one in the world who can take that from you. Our experience of life is the physical expression of our level of consciousness. Your light brings a unique energy into the world and as you evolve, you cultivate the ability to create a deeper connection with the joy of being.

True joy runs deeper than desire, experiences, disappointments or struggle. In the midst of challenge, it calls upon us to become the observer, to see life through the lens of compassion and freedom. Joy frees you from fear.

Remember to pause and appreciate where you are. Honor your journey as sacred with the realization that far more is happening on your behalf than you realize. Love rains down upon you from all dimensions… always.
Today my intention is to remember that when I find harmony and balance in my mind, I find it in my life.  

Using relationships as mirrors

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Healing ourselves can change the world.

“If we have the courage to look at the social and political forces in the world as reflections of the forces at work within each of us, we can more effectively take responsibility not only for our own personal healing but for the healing of our planet.”
~Skakti Gawain~
There is a connectedness between our personal transformation and the collective evolution of of humanity. As we work on healing our dysfunction, it is mirrored by the people around us. The spiritual student sees everything as a message and has a greater ability to move from judgment to awareness in the midst of a challenge. The need for this mirror dissipates when we have cleared the imbalance.

Our collective consciousness is likewise reflected in our communities, our nations, our stewardship of the earth and relationships with others on the planet. Observation will show you again and again that whatever one accuses or complains about is something they cannot see within themselves. Therefore, as we heal ourselves, we become a living example of what a balanced life looks like. This thread of energy is a spark that will awaken those who are ready to play an important role in the planets transformation.

Seek to bring balance into your personal experience. Notice the triggers that occur on a personal level as well in current cultural or world events, and take ownership for your own state of consciousness. This is your path of transformation.
Today my intention is to love unconditionally, beginning with myself.

Strength

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You are stronger that you realize.

“Few circumstances awaken our aspiration to live more directly from the heart than the grave illness or death of a loved one. In such times of naked pain, we’re no longer so intent on clinging to our protections, so interested in preserving our small comforts and our fleeting goals. At such times, we may become aware of just how strongly we hold our hearts back in fear. At this point, grief becomes a doorway to enter more deeply into our life.”
~Ezra Bayda~
When faced with circumstances that challenge one’s ability to trust the processes of life, the tendency may be to withdraw or move into denial as a form of protection. The five stages of grief are denial, bargaining, anger, depression and acceptance; therefore, a brief state of denial is actually an important aspect of the healing process.

Most people experience all five steps – sometimes in a different order, sometimes vacillating back and forth between them, but ultimately moving into acceptance, peace and personal strength. These moments are the doorway to higher levels of consciousness. When we walk through the fires, we are transformed.

There is great value in conscious inner exploration. We must choose to turn and face our shadows in order for them to become powerful aspects of our personal growth and development. If the challenges you face threaten your equanimity, pause, breathe and remind yourself that your soul is ready to expand in ways that you cannot yet imagine. Then, take one more conscious step forward.
Today my intention is to see beyond appearances to the truth of connection, love and soul agreements between us. 
 

The awakened heart

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Living an authentic life is an expression of love and empowerment.

“Looking with a mind that’s awake reveals the shimmering pulse of life. Looking with a mind full of thoughts reveals only your thoughts.”
~Ezra Bayda~
Living an awakened life calls upon us to consistently and purposefully bring the best version of ourselves to our life experience. This daily practice can show us areas where we are stuck as well as how much we have grown over the years.
As we relentlessly observe ourselves, noticing our self-image and ego driven stories, we begin to release the illusions that block us from living authentically. Ultimately, we discover that we are more than our stories or the roles we play in this lifetime. We can step into the freedom of not needing to be defined.
The most powerful aspect of spiritual growth is the ability to Be Here Now. Immerse yourself within the present moment and all that it offers, seeking only to be fully conscious. Your choices, goals and journey will reflect the peace that you are.
Today my intention is to be an authentic example of acceptance, peace and loving-kindness. 

 

 

A new paradigm

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One sign of an evolving soul is the ability to accept assistance from others.

“Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change.”

~Wayne Dyer~

There comes a time when spiritual tools we once utilized no longer have the impact that they once did. This doesn’t mean that they are ‘wrong’ or that you have somehow lost your mojo. Conversely, you have reached another turning point in your spiritual journey and are ready to experience a new paradigm.

Beliefs and thought processes can get stuck in repetitive patterns. To break through to a higher level of consciousness, we must choose to take full responsibility for our experience. This moves the awakening soul into empowerment.
Seek to see beyond limitation to freedom and fulfillment. You’ll know when your thoughts are beginning to take form when you’re able to see a situation differently, and thus, respond differently. Life will then reflect your new vibration.
Today my intention is to be willing to see clearly.

Releasing expectation

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When we release attachment and expectation, we are able to experience life as it is.

“When you release expectations, you are free to enjoy things for what they are instead of what you think they should be.”
~Mindy Hale~

Approach the present moment with a sense of completeness, openness and wonder. Rather than limit your experience with preconceived ideas, explore the Now through the filter of your energy as it is today. As you walk the spiral of transformation, even old, familiar circumstances can shift considerably based upon your new insight and wisdom.

The human condition is one of repetition because the mind tends to adhere to the known rather than seeking to explore the unknown. But what if you purposely sought to bring a new experience to the familiar? There will be new lessons and discoveries that await you.

Think of those who, while using a microscope, first discovered that seemingly solid surfaces are really teeming with life, energy and space. That experience and information had always been there, simply waiting for someone to shift their point of view. The life force of the universe is waiting to be discovered and it exists within everything and everyone. We just need to choose tosee more clearly.
Today my intention is to explore new perceptions.