Balance

Balance is created with intention by learning to breathe deeply and enter the present moment. When beginning meditation, gratitude, prayer or contemplation, the ego is often unwilling to release control. Should you observe busyness in the mind, see if you can enter the Now by saying, “I honor this step, this moment, this breath as sacred.” Then, take one slow inhale. When done consistently, this allows you to create a space of peace for your inner work.

Music can also be extraordinarily balancing. Notice what calms you, perhaps create a playlist and use it whenever you’re ready to quiet the mind. This is another tool you that can literally shift your energy into a different frequency when feeling off balance. Your practice is amplified by utilizing unique personal approaches. Similar to a hypnotic induction, through repetition these approaches can retrain the mind to recognize that it’s time to move out of anxiety and into a healthier way of being.

It’s powerful to have a permanent sacred area in your home or on your property. With each use, you build up a store of healing energy that can also create a beautiful moments of peace and empowerment when you need them.

Serenity Now!

“There’s no value in digging shallow wells in a hundred places. Decide on one place and dig deep. Even if you encounter a rock, use dynamite and keep going down. If you leave that to dig another well, all the first effort is wasted and there is no proof you won’t hit rock again.”
~Sri S. Satchidananda, The Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali~
All philosophies and spiritual concepts can lead to an expansion in consciousness; however, consistency is required. It’s not enough to parrot the words of a teacher, practice or belief system. We must delve deeply into that which ignites the soul. Transformation is demonstrated by how we choose to walk in the world.
When you have created a firm foundation, you’ll discover that it’s easier to turn into any challenges that arise. Your spirit seeks opportunities to strengthen the gifts you have discovered and it’s powerful to see them in motion. Be the observer, pay attention to the mechanisms of the ego, and continue to use your tools.
Your life is your practice. Act with integrity, do your best and accept what is. With hindsight and self-reflection, you may discover greater depths and insight regarding your journey and the perfection of your soul.

Your True Nature

“You find peace not by rearranging the circumstances of your life, but by realizing who you are at the deepest level.”

~Eckhart Tolle~

Once you understand who you are and what you’re here to do, the world takes on new meaning. There is no longer any need to be defined by outward appearances or possessions. There is no seeking validation from others. There is no desire to fight or stress; instead, one starts accepting life as it is.

This acceptance allows us to step into gratitude more easily. We recognize the symphonic blend of energies that merge to support us on the journey of awakening. The stages of enlightenment that we reach do not ensure a life without challenges; however, they do build a foundation of peace in our experience so that we no longer get so lost within the story.

Evolution is a pilgrimage. There is no end to the journey of awakening – just the rejoicing of discovery, healing, loving, being, sharing and walking with one another.

Humility

Love cannot exist without humility.

Seek to provide a space of acceptance for all those who cross your path. Compassion, when operating from the level of soul, is honoring every path as sacred… even when one appears to have no path at all. The awakened understand that judgement and love cannot coexist in the same space.

Expand consciousness through conscious living knowing that your awareness transforms all that you see. This moment provides exactly what your soul requires. Face it with an open heart.

Take ownership of any perceived mistakes. This opens the doors of perception. Consider yourself a lifetime student of love and simply begin with the person in front of you.

Your enlightenment is the greatest gift that you can give to the world. Non-reactivity is more than the action you take in the face of unconsciousness. It also  refers to a mind that is clear and at peace. The more aware you are of your own moments of unconsciousness, the more conscious you are becoming.

Perhaps the goal is simply to be at ease with yourself in every way possible. To be present, to enter stillness, to act with kindness –  these choices embody Love in its purest form.

The Creator

“When you surrender to what is and so become fully present, the past ceases to have any power. The realm of Being, which had been obscured by the mind, then opens up. Suddenly, a great stillness arises within you, an unfathomable sense of peace. And within that peace, there is great joy. And within that joy, there is love. And at the innermost core, there is the sacred, the immeasurable, That which cannot be named.”
~Eckhart Tolle~ 

As we integrate the various aspects of the Self, inner mastery and balance ignites spiritual maturity. The conscious creator learns how to harness the fiery energy within and steps into the role of conscious creator. Passion transforms into powerful creativity rather than the destructive force of the uninitiated, and from there we can express ourselves in ways that are both enriching and fulfilling.

To be your authentic self in the midst of conformity is to reveal a masterpiece of the divine. The dance of awakening activates the mystic, the shaman, the creator who knows how to drop the ego and receive. There is nothing missing. We just need to continue to work on the inner plane and recognize who we are at the deepest level.

Expansion Through Contrast

It is love that allows us to expand. It transforms our vision and interpretation of experience. It awakens the ability to heal or to hold space for another. When faced with hatred or fear, love can shine through inspiring hope in its wake. The power of connection is often learned through contrast. It doesn’t matter what you believe, or from where you receive inspiration. All that matters is your level of consciousness in this moment.

The human condition is a plethora of contradiction. Our multi-faceted experiences keep the journey full of surprises and possibility. No matter what one seeks to experience, they have the ability to create it. It often seems that things are getting both worse and better; however, I would imagine that every culture and era has felt the same. When I read ancient writings, they seem to speak directly to our current challenges. Others have left behind gifts of wisdom in their words, art, music and oral traditions.

Always, some actively seek enlightenment while others are completely resistant to change. The drama of the world continues with billions of unique stories playing out simultaneously and the overload of information is sometimes overwhelming. With so many in pain, how can we immerse ourselves in love? That is the paradox of experience. If you seek to expand consciousness, bring love to all that you do. Create a filter through which you can interpret what you see and let that perception guide your actions. With love, we can rise above.

Playing in the Field of Consciousness

“This is the real secret of life — to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play.”
~Alan Watts~
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Often the only difference between work and play is attitude. As we awaken, the field of consciousness takes on new meaning. Rather than plodding along through life tolerating work, waiting for the weekend or the next vacation, we find joy in the present moment. This playful attitude then creates a difference experience – a vibrancy that is stimulating and smile inducing.
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The choice to see spiritual exploration as play rather than work brings out childlike innocence and wonder. It expands our ability to maintain humor in the face of challenges and reminds us to celebrate the ridiculous rather than fall prey to self-criticism. The old adage “he who can laugh at himself will never cease to be amused” comes to mind.
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Since the world is built on contrast, every situation offers an opportunity to find and maintain a healthy balance betwixt two polarities. When you choose to utilize playfulness as a powerful aspect of your awakening you demonstrate a willingness to be responsible for your own joy. This is empowerment.

The Untroubled Spirit

“The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are.”
~Marcus Aurelius~

When you can see beyond the mechanisms of the ego, you are well on your way to a life unencumbered by drama. The actions of others always demonstrate their the filter through which they view the world. Since you cannot please all the people all the time, you are free to live in your integrity.

Nothing matters more than your state of consciousness in the present moment. The awakening soul learns to be non-reactive in intense situations and waits for the appropriate time to take action. As we drop reactivity, our energy becomes more focused and succinct. The way forward makes itself known and we can act while remaining detached from the outcome.

In a world beset with judgment, intensity and blame, we have the opportunity to demonstrate a different way of being. Create spaces that are peaceful for you. Fill your life experience with things that bring you joy, but remain content. Through the wisdom born of experience, one can see clearly yet still choose to walk through life with an untroubled spirit.

You Are Worthy

Occasionally, I observe someone listing all the reasons they cannot be at peace. The ego loves to create a story that happiness is impossible – perhaps because of a past challenge, disappointment, loss, imprints, world events or ongoing struggles. Some expend far more energy  reinforcing old blockages rather than creating a new experience or even expressing the belief that one is possible.

It’s empowering to remember that you are a child of light worthy of joy, fulfillment, laughter and peace. Don’t wait for life to fall into place before you choose to be happy. You have the power to choose how you will experience this moment.

Though there are likely times when existence feels oppressive, remember that far more is happening for your benefit than it may appear on the physical plane. You can consciously choose to recognize your worthiness or continue to reject it.

Dance in the moonlight and embrace the shadows as your teachers. Know your value by seeing the perfection in the imperfection and walk forward with an open heart. You are a divine infinite being on a journey of awakening. Your willingness to accept the gifts that life has to offer is an indicator of your self-love.

Emotions and Empathy

“Tears shed for another person are not a sign of weakness. They are a sign of a pure heart.”
~José N. Harris~

The most profound spiritual work is often done alone. It’s helpful to enter the stillness of the present moment, step away from the input of others, feel deeply and undergo a cleansing. Getting near water can be helpful with this process – visit the ocean, step into a stream, immerse yourself in a lake or even use your shower as a conscious place of healing.

In times of uncertainly and re-evaluation, allow the element of water to inspire a free flow of feelings. This cleansing process begins to heal old wounds while creating a space where clarity can emerge. Tears are powerful. They come when we need emotional release as well as being spontaneous indicators of the flow of love from the Divine in times of breakthrough and joy.

There are times when we must go inward, feel deeply and allow healing to begin. Give yourself freedom to cleanse mind, body and spirit. Honor your tears as sacred for they indicate the depth of your openness and willingness to grow. Emotions clear a path for compassion to emerge and there, we discover our shared humanity.