We learn the most when we are in the midst of a challenge. In moments of soul seeking and discovery, we find ourselves exploring places we would never purposely enter on our own. Those who play adversarial roles on the physical plane have the greatest love for you on the soul level. They are willing to risk losing your good will and friendship in this lifetime in order to assist in your soul’s purpose – to awaken.

Take a moment today to think of every difficult situation you’ve experienced. Make a list of the lesson you learned or the gift you received from each encounter. Mentally thank the person for the role they have played in your soul’s awakening. This process transforms anger and resentment into forgiveness and freedom.

I utilize this prayerful approach when doing healing work. Visualize each color flowing around you like a cocoon, adding layers of light and protection:

“I draw down the healing pink energy of unconditional love, offering forgiveness to anyone who has ever harmed me, knowingly or unknowingly, in all times, places, spaces and dimensions. Thank you for the role you have played in my growth.

I  draw down the purple energy of humility, asking forgiveness from all those whom I have ever harmed, knowingly or unknowingly, in all times, places, spaces and dimensions. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in your soul’s growth.

I am willing to receive the blue light of emotional healing, on every level, wherever it is required. I feel it flow now into every aspect of my being, into every cell, thought, dream or memory. Thank you.”

It can often be challenging to see ourselves clearly. To help us with this, beautiful souls enter our lives or publicly step foot on life’s stage and act in a way that benefits our growth. All that you see is a reflection of your inner state of consciousness as well as our collective consciousness. Teachers and circumstances will remain until we’ve learned from them.

“If you spot it, you got it!”

~Collin Tipping~

Observe what you notice in the world around you. What inspires? What triggers? When you are willing to learn, messages are found everywhere. The depth of your response indicates the intensity of the spiritual work in which you are engaged.

If you desire change in your experience, you must first create change within yourself. Challenging situations contain gifts that are waiting to be discovered. Consider what you have already tried and then consciously choose to view the situation in a new way. You may find yourself experimenting with differing approaches until the energy shifts and movement occurs.

The Tao Te Ching teaches us to live in harmony with the world of 10,000 things. Willingness and appreciation allow us enter this realm with an open heart. Humility changes the way that we relate to the world and to one another. In the 39th verse (written 2500 years ago), Lao-tzu says, in part:

“When man interferes with the Tao,

the sky becomes filthy,

the earth becomes depleted,

the equilibrium crumbles,

creatures become extinct.

Therefore, nobility is rooted in humility;

loftiness is based on lowliness.

This is why noble people refer to themselves

as alone, lacking, and unworthy…

…Playing one’s part

in accordance with the universe

is true humility.”

We must make our decisions based upon the idea that we are all interconnected. The concepts of daily gratitude and Oneness cultivate a loving relationship with the planet and inspires this heart-based connection to inform your actions.

“If you put your heart against the earth with me, in serving every creature,

our Beloved will enter you from our sacred realm and we will be,

we will be so happy.”

~Rumi~

It is helpful to connect with heart-centered groups that improve the quality of our lives. As we each walk our unique path of awakening, we draw in the people, circumstances and lessons that best support our growth. Be willing to connect with like minded people – group work can lift us up and support us in ways that can be extremely powerful. If you normally are a leader, purposely step back and allow yourself be nourished as well. This balance of energy is helpful to all involved. Pray, chant, meditate or simply create a quiet space together.

There is love all around you. Embrace it as you open as a channel for light and laughter to fill your experience. Awakening is an ongoing process and there is always something new to discover.

“When contemplating what our life’s work might be, we are often driven by our attachment to security. Perhaps the one question we don’t ask often enough is “What do I have to offer?”

~Ezra Bayda~

Ego-driven pride eventually teaches us the beauty of humility. During the beginning stages of growth, it’s natural to achieve, amass, market oneself and determine our value based upon outward indicators of success. With the ebb and flow of life’s energy, there are certainly times of abundance and times of loss. Each serves a purpose in the soul’s development.

As we evolve, the outward indicators become less important. They still arrive in our experience but since our confidence, purpose and joy now come from within, they merely enhance our playfulness and fulfillment rather than define it. The old souls definition of success is far different from that of a young or mature soul.

Know that life will present all that you require at the perfect time. Be willing to observe and receive. Mastery is demonstrated by our unhurried, trusting attitude. Learn to appreciate all phases of experience by remembering that “This too, shall pass.” Inner peace comes from living a centered, balanced life. This healthy confidence, ease and grace will shine like a beacon in the darkness.

Fear paralyzes. It tells us that nothing will change no matter what we do and creates a mind full of “what ifs?” that weigh us down. The postponement of movement leaves us feeling incomplete and stuck; however, this moment, you can decide to move wherever life leads you with the knowledge that you are loved, supported and guided each and every step of the way. Take a risk. Drop the stories of the mind and see what waits to be discovered.

On the other side of fear is a playful courageousness that inspires, uplifts and frees us from self-imposed bondage. It can be reached by participating fully in the present moment. Let yourself shine. Trust. Honor the processes of your awakening… whatever they may be.

“Play as if you have nowhere to go and a lifetime to get there.”

~Freddie Gruber~

Another word for mind is “maya” which is a Hindu expression for illusion. Those who are trapped in thought become lost in the mire of projection, seeing only what they are programmed to see. The only thing that transforms this prison is silence. Pay attention to your thoughts and you’ll notice that they are all ideas that have been passed down from others.

The mind is not reality; it is a limited interpretation of experience. Once you lock into an idea, you block all other possibility. Seeing life as a mystery implies that it cannot be solved or understood. We learn to become open, receptive and clear. Thoughts come and go, but the stillness of your eternal being always remains.

Freedom comes from cultivating an awareness of your ability to create joy in your experience. Allow life to happen by simply being present for what arises in the present moment.

“If you understand it, the world is a great device to make you more conscious. Your enemy is your friend, and the curses are blessings, and the misfortunes can be turned into fortunes. It depends only on one thing: if you know the key of awareness.”

~Osho~