Consciousness, or the lack of it, determines one’s response to the events of life. Pay attention to the many different experiences you observe people choosing to have during the course of a day. You’ll discover that life is merely a projection of each person’s beliefs, judgments, expectation and desires. Typically, they will share their perception (often repeatedly) looking for those who will validate it.

As a spiritual seeker, it’s even more important to take the time to turn your attention inward. Observe your own thoughts and responses and notice when the ego attaches to a particular story. As soon as you recognize something that replays and causes discomfort, purposely ask if you are viewing the situation from the highest vibration possible. Then choose to shift your thoughts in a way that creates peace in your experience.

This gentle process of observation, ownership and conscious choices will create a flow of understanding that is beyond the traditional movement of the ego. Through consciousness itself, you will begin to awaken from the world of thought into the joy of being.

Today my intention is to open my consciousness to the expansion of life. I am willing to grow and change.

The paradox of human nature is that life provides ample opportunity to experience a situation from multiple levels of awareness. Spiritual seekers discover that all perceptions are simultaneously accurate and understand the transforming power of the light of consciousness.

Rather than fighting for a particular viewpoint, utilize your energy by purposely assisting in the collective awakening of which we are all a part. The truth will make itself known in the perfect way at the perfect time and it’s important to honor each path and perception as sacred. Conflict only strengthens the ego while acceptance creates a space in which a transformation can occur.

You have the ability to be a reflection of the light of the Divine. When you live aligned with your soul’s purpose, joy naturally emanates through you, changing the energy of any circumstance in which you may find yourself. Channel this empowering energy by simply being true to your own path.

Today my intention is to embrace this moment as sacred. I choose to be an authentic example of love, light and laughter.

We created this world, and the illusion of separateness, to explore the vast realms of human experience. It can be easy to get lost in the illusion and forget that we are simply brothers and sisters on the same path of awakening. All will discover the same infinite truths. The only difference between us is the level of consciousness, which dictates the types of experiences required for the purpose of awakening, and how far along with path we’ve come.

Many people use the Sanskrit term “Namaste” to greet one another. Roughly translated, it means, “The divine spirit in me honors the divine spirit within you.” What would happen if we simply brought this kindness and respect to every person with whom we interact? Choosing to honor the others soul rather than the role they play creates space for an authentic interaction.

Your purpose is to awaken and every aspect of life assists you in this endeavor. Be a reflection of light and kindness. The journey is long and it’s wonderful to share joyful moments together along the way.

Today my intention is to honor the sacred in all things.

Enlightenment is not about being blissed-out. Rather, it is the enchanting movement of inner peace expressed in the present moment. Enlightenment is being here Now, applying hard-won spiritual wisdom and maturity to everyday life. The end result is to to live without attachments – to let go, allow and accept what is.

When you can put the past behind you, the natural progression is the awakening of wisdom. How wonderful it is to dance through life with innocence and maturity. Even after all that has been experienced – the highs and lows, achievements and losses, celebration and struggle – the enlightened soul surrenders to the adventures that await.

Feed your spirit with things that nourish you. Treat your life and yourself as sacred and trust that the dynamism of your soul will guide you exactly where you need to be.

Today my intention is to celebrate this moment as sacred.

In our infinite Universe, there is more than enough room to experience whatever you wish. The energy that you send out into the world dictates what will return to you as well as the filter through which you view your life situation.Observe the energy you emit. It’s important to ensure that you bring joy, enthusiasm or acceptance to the present moment. If you cannot operate from that level of consciousness, pause and shift your thoughts or step away from the task until you can function from a space of balance. Nothing is more important than how you choose to experience the Now.

Your primary goal is to awaken. Everything else is secondary. When you operate from the higher levels of consciousness, life will rise up to meet you. This joyful celebration of life energy will bring you deeper into the present moment.

Today my intention is to remember that I am responsible for my own joy. All that unfolds is exactly what is required for my growth.

Everything plays a role in your spiritual development.

Liberation from ones challenges is not about reaching a point where life flows without problems. It comes from the empowerment discovered when we learn how to transform our stumbling blocks into stepping stones.

For the awakened, everything becomes an opportunity to rise above. Even the mundane challenges of daily life are integrated into our spiritual work. The next time you feel frustrated, annoyed, impatient or blocked, stop and ask yourself how the moment can be transformed through a shift in perception or conscious action.

Mastering the small, seemingly insignificant things cultivates the tools required to handle anything that may come your way.

“The heart that seeks to awaken, to live genuinely, is more real than anything. That nameless drive calls you to be who you most truly are.” ~ Ezra Bayda

Today my intention is to rejoice in the knowledge that the gateways to wisdom and knowledge are always open to me.

You do have enough time.

When you live fully present, the illusion of time begins to slow down. Actions have more intention and strength behind them and life begins to flow more smoothly. The ego loves to distract us from the Now. It consistently pulls our energy and thoughts off to some distant future, intimating that this moment is simply something to get through in order to get to the next.

No wonder so many people rush from one thing to another feeling that there is not enough time to accomplish all that they desire. The truth is that you have all the time in the world. Slow down and enter the Now with your full attention. Bring the light of consciousness to all that you do and love where you are. Choose to treat the present moment as the most precious and important thing there is… for indeed it is all there is.

As a master in the process of awakening, you are here to discover your true, infinite and divine nature. Breathe in the breath of life. Act with integrity, do your best, accept what is.

Today my intention is to be here Now – fully present, engaged and mindful – knowing that tomorrow will take care of itself.