Discover the gift within the challenge

Sometimes a shake-up is required in order to shatter the ego’s grasp.

“Spiritual practice includes learning how to open-heartedly receive the shocks of life – the things you don’t like, the people who criticize you, the job that goes wrong, the partner that leaves, the health that fails you – whatever shakes you up.”
~Ezra Bayda~

Everything is an opportunity to awaken. When things seem to fall apart, your soul is attempting to pivot your direction, change your perception or simply assist in breaking you free from things, people or circumstances which no longer serve your growth. You can resist, insisting that you know better what is best for you, or you can trust that there’s a higher purpose in play and honor it by being open to the message.

At the higher states of consciousness we stop seeing things as “good” or “bad”. Life simply is what it is. The awakened soul seeks to cultivate inner mastery, and that can only be achieved through practice. No matter the situation, you can be empowered, magical, loving and courageous. See challenges as opportunities to discover the best in yourself.

Today my intention is to see life as my friend.

Your authentic self

The world desperately needs you to be your authentic self.

“Seek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, ‘This is the real me,’ and when you have found that attitude, follow it.”
~William James~

There are many people in the world who expend incredible amounts of energy to fit in, look a certain way or please others. Often it seems there are just as many eagerly awaiting any opportunity to judge others, primarily because that’s easier than looking within and taking personal responsibility for their own experience.

Conscious living calls upon us to stand alone in our truth. The key is to find your own joy and then live it to the best of your ability. As you begin to embrace this vibrant, live-affirming energy, some around you may offer resistance. That’s OK. See resistance as a sign that you are making powerful and profound changes.

You chose to  incarnate now for a specific purpose. You are here to thrive, learn and awaken. When you live authentically, you teach by example. Your life becomes a way to demonstrate grace and empowerment in an often tumultuous world.

Today my intention is to keep things simple.

Embrace the uncertainty

Allow room in your experience for the Universe to surprise you.

“With the courage of the soul, we don’t focus only on self-preservation, security, or safety; in fact, such courage compels us to risk our comfort and safety, and sometimes even our lives, as we act according to our most deeply held values. This kind of valor comes from a higher source and is the necessary ingredient for us to create a different dream.”
~Alberto Villoldo~

Create a perfect day. Upon awakening, step outside (or look outside if it’s exceedingly cold) and speak your gratitude out loud. The waves of energy expand from you and go out outward. This raises your vibrational frequency and declares to the Universe that you are willing to take responsibility for your own joy today. Take a moment to listen – to five birds sing, dogs barking, cars driving – and just be.

Make a point to bring mindfulness to your food choices. Slow down and ask yourself if something adds to your health and well-being or are your choices dictated by being in a rush and grabbing something out of habit.

Take a moment to set the stage for a day filled with amazing moments. Dress in a way that makes you feel joyful and empowered. Play music that uplifts or calms you – whatever awakens your inner grace.

Most importantly, allow the Universe to surprise you. Leave some space to breathe. Feel love. Say “Thank you.”

Today my intention is to allow this day to be a blessing in my life.

The heart is a garden

To live in harmony with life is to allow it to unfold without interference.

“Everything under heaven is a sacred vessel and cannot be controlled. Trying to control leads to ruin.
Trying to grasp, we lose.

Allow your life to unfold naturally.
Know that it too is a vessel of perfection.”
~Lao-tzu~

When we begin to view life in its sacred perfection, it changes the energy we bring to our experience. Rather than attempting to force events and people to accommodate our timetable and desires, we seek instead to nurture the seeds we have planted and give them the time they need to flourish.

The thoughts and actions of today are creating the reality of tomorrow. Give up needing to control with the knowledge that all will unfold in the perfect way at the perfect time. Tend your garden with love. Remove the weeds of fear and doubt as they arise so they don’t steal vital energy and nutrients from the seeds you have planted.

Surrender is a mental process. We must release the need to judge and become loving witnesses of our life experience. Practice this by choosing an area of your life where you typically feel the need to control. Purposely choose to surrender today and notice how strongly the ego reacts. Keep a healthy inner dialogue and bring yourself back to peace and balance as often as required.

Today my intention is to show love to those who grace my life by allowing them the space they need to grow.

Rising above ego

The mind is concerned only with the past and the future.
The heart lives Now.

“A life of equanimity and appreciation is lived in the immediacy of the present – not in the mind.”
~Ezra Bayda~

Prior to awakening, the mind is in control. Always comparing, seeking, distressing, planning, fixing or creating dissatisfaction with the present moment, it mercilessly controls our lives. It’s important to honor the ego as a teacher rather than see it as an enemy. It’s purpose is to maintain the illusion of separateness. This prompts our quest for Oneness.

As we move to higher levels of consciousness, we become more aware of the mechanisms of the ego. We learn to transform challenges into empowerment while cultivating the ability to see clearly. The ego must then find news ways to function, so it shifts to a more subtle but still disruptive force. You’ll know ego is engaged in some fashion whenever peace and acceptance elude you.

In moments of imbalance stop and observe your thoughts. See them objectively and then purposely move into love. Every moment is an opportunity to be still and deepen your connection to the Divine.

Today my intention is to enjoy the journey.

Live your passion

You are meant to thrive, to love and to awaken.

“We are always standing on the crossroads from where an infinite number of paths emerge… As the individual becomes more and more conscious, his ability to choose becomes more and more profound.”
~Osho~

The higher your level of consciousness, the greater your vision. As you awaken, your choices will have profound insight and empowerment. Choose to experience your life through adventure and participation. Don’t be afraid to venture into new places.

There is only one thing to ask: “Has my life been a celebration or a sadness?” Find your unique way of expressing yourself for the world desperately needs what you have to offer. No matter what you choose to do, do it mindfully. Become immersed within the present moment with joy, acceptance and enthusiasm and see where you are led.

Today my intention is to be led by love.

 

Baby steps spark miracles

Baby steps spark miracles.

Ready for change in your life? See it, and take one conscious step toward it today. That’s it. Your momentum sparks energy that moves in new directions. There’s nothing to be gained by procrastination. It’s said that your point of power is always in the present moment. This moment.

The key is to focus upon creating a life filled with happiness and fulfillment, then live it Now to the best of your ability. When we release attachment to the “hows” we create a space in which transformation can occur. One baby step leads to another, and another. Typically, there is no great fanfare at the beginning of new ideas or dreams, just a desire to move and a quiet wisdom that simply says “yes”.

Today my intention is to open my consciousness to the expansion of life.

Compassion and understanding

Everyone says that they wish for happiness, yet they still cling to the ideas and things that bring them misery.

“The more we practice with our own struggles and relate to them as our vehicle to awakening, the less we will judge our struggles as defects. Likewise in relationships, the more we can remember that others also have the wish to learn from their struggles, the less we will judge others as defective when we see them caught in their distress.”
~Ezra Bayda~

Compassion and understanding are the side effects of conscious listening. Whenever you choose to bring an open heart to your meeting place, you create the opportunity to learn something new. From this space of awareness, you’ll discover an alternative viewpoint, garner understanding of another’s challenges or fears and have a greater opportunity to move into love.

Love and judgment cannot coexist in the same space. Look upon yourself with compassion. Look upon others with compassion. Seek only to bring the best version of yourself to your life experiences. This is even more important within the workings of the mind. Every thought sends energy out into the universe. Purposely send kindness whenever possible… and as the Dalai Lama says, “It is always possible.”

Today my intention is to honor everyone as my teacher.

You are a sacred expression of life.

Let your dance be alive, radiant, contented and blissful.

“The authentic master is concerned only with one single thing – to provoke you to see your potentiality, to see inward.”
~Osho~

You are a living, vibrant expression of the Universe, sacred, complete and whole. You are not broken nor wounded; however, you have spent lifetimes believing that you are. The time has come to see beyond ancient beliefs that have outlived their usefulness. Take a breath… who is breathing?

The dance of awakening is different for everyone. We are all masters in the process of awakening, just functioning at differing phases of the journey. The more you share, the more you will have and the freer you will feel. Sharing creates a dynamic of living experience. Have you ever felt a decrease in your life by giving love or joy to another? You are a wellspring of infinite grace and possibility.

The awakening master realizes that life is only an reflection of one’s innermost state of consciousness; therefore, turn inward, drop illusion and immerse yourself in the love, light and laughter of the Universe.

Today my intention is to open my heart. I am safe. I am love. I am.

Seeing clearly

Be willing to see clearly.

“Spiritual work is possible in one place alone:  here, in exactly what you are experiencing right now.”
~Ezra Bayda~

Underneath the cacophony of the mind and the turbulence of the physical world lies a stillness that is infinite. A human experiencing internal quietude is far different from the quiet one might experience in nature. Far away from the sounds of the modern world, the silence can sometimes be deafening; however, that silence is merely the absence of noise.

Take yourself within, moving beneath the movement, thoughts and desires of everyday life. You are an infinite being and are far, far greater than you know. All the wisdom you seek is within you. Once you find a way to touch this stillness, you’ll discover a sense of grace that stays with you always.

Drink from the depths of your own wisdom. Plan a day of letting go, of releasing all thought and expectation. Can you reside in stillness and become like calm waters? It’s likely that the mind will try to kick into high gear; however, by focusing your attention deeply in the Now – walking, meditating, eating, observing – all become deeply rooted in stillness.

Today my intention is to remember that real joy is often just a quiet presence in the moment.