Setting the Tone

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“Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.”
~Thich Nhat Hanh~

Greet the day with joyful expectation and consciously set an intention of exploring the world with a open heart. When we choose to approach the present moment with the innocence and openness of a child, miracles begin to unfold. By releasing attachment to the ‘shoulds’ and embracing what is, we allow a new perception to unfold.

You are the co-creator of your experience. Observe your self-talk and adjust when necessary. You can choose to see your life as an adventure in time and space. Become a loving witness to the infinite ways in which the Universe speaks to you. When you really pay attention, everything contains a message meant to guide your unique path of transformation.

The new friendships, experiences, ideas and circumstances you encounter will break you free from any limiting routines you may have created. These compelling energies will awaken the aspects of yourself that are ready to shine and bring them to the surface.

 

Nature Heals

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“The goal is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with nature.”
~Joseph Campbell~

When the heart and mind are overwhelmed, let nature heal you. Whether exploring the wilderness of remote places or standing alone barefoot in the grass, there is a stillness that speaks to the soul.

Even when indoors, a glance out the window to a sky filled with clouds and color can remind us of the miracles and artistry of life. Often I hear birds outside my door and it brings me joy to bear witness to the songs of their delight.

Nature, in whatever form it arrives, is soothing because there is no thought. The flowers are deeply present. The trees stand sentinel and within the cawing of crows I hear reminders to speak my truth.

The things that bring delight are simply consciousness in physical form. Everything is an aspect of love and when we take the time to listen, experience and appreciate, we can walk gently in the world.

Friendship

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“Your heart and my heart are very, very old friends.”

~Hafiz~

There are moments when we meet someone with whom we have an instant connection. Two souls recognize each other and immediately feel a sense of familiarity, a feeling of “Oh, it’s you!” The friendship deepens naturally and time spent apart doesn’t lessen the love and joy they bring into each others’ experience.

Whether we walk with these soul friends for a moment or for a lifetime, the love remains. Life after life we find one another, changing roles and scenarios, learning, teaching, laughing, challenging. Celebrate your soul friends and express gratitude for the role they have played in your growth. There will come a day when we have a deeper understanding of the energy behind all of these experiences.

As each piece of the puzzle falls into place, a picture emerges… one of purpose, enlightenment, awakening. The ultimate role of friendship is to help one another find the way through this unique process of discovery. Beyond the roles of this life there is a greater collective experience that we will explore. Expand your love outward knowing that we are one.

The Joy of Being

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“Perfect happiness is a beautiful sunset, the giggle of a grandchild, the first snowfall. It’s the little things that make happy moment, not the grand events. Joy comes in sips, not gulps.”

~Sharon Draper~

You are a joyous expression of the divine, a beautiful masterpiece coming alive, each line drawn through the gift of experience. Seek only to be fully present with whatever unfolds. Quietly do your inner work and allow the infinite energy of the Divine to flow through you.
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.

Love in Motion

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“Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think and twice as beautiful as you’d ever imagined.”
~Rumi~
Defense is a mechanism of the ego. When one feels attacked by others regarding their beliefs, lifestyle, choices or way of being in the world, the tendency is to feel defensive, explain their position or replay the conversation out of frustration or emotional pain. This lowers your energetic vibration to match that of the attacker and drains your energy.
These types of situations call upon us to consciously rise above the ego. Awareness allows you to interpret life from an expanded point of view and respond in a way that demonstrates your truth. Your life is your message and your actions have greater impact than any explanation ever could. Think of yourself as love in motion.
It can be challenging to accept others’ misinterpretation of you. Remember that everyone views life through a filter created by their life experiences, level of consciousness and expectations. Accept their non-acceptance knowing that you do not need outside validation. It’s empowering to live authentically. The truth will make itself known in the perfect way at the perfect time. You are an ever-evolving child of light.

Hearing the Call of Spirit

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“The planet does not need more successful people. 
The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers,
restorers, storytellers, and lovers of all kinds.”
~Dalai Lama~

There are many paths to enlightenment. Immerse yourself in one that is profound and playful, something that calls to your soul. No matter how you choose to explore, be guided by love. It’s easy to get sidetracked, to set aside the spiritual side of life thinking that there is no time to seek enlightenment while working, raising a family or chasing a dream; however, when you are balanced, spirituality is naturally infused into every aspect of your life.

For the awakening master, work becomes the field through which enlightenment emerges. Family provides an opportunity to see love in action. Inspiration comes into being through art, music, cooking, creating.

The call of spirit is all around you. Life is merely the playground in which consciousness experiences itself in physical form. This is why it’s important to release criticism, blaming, judgment (all products of the egoic mind) and approach the present moment from the highest aspect of consciousness that you can. This practice is transformative, not only for yourself but for all of those who grace your life.

Be Still

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“It is very easy to conform to what your society or your parents and teachers tell you. That is a safe and easy way of existing; but that is not living…To live is to find out for yourself what is true.”
~Jiddu Krishnamurti~

When the mind is still, a profound difference is felt in every aspect of your experience. Going inward allows you to touch this new kind of silence and align yourself with Presence. Cultivate the ability to stop the invasive flow of thought and practice bringing a sense of stillness to your life situation.

True peacefulness cannot be disturbed. Even in the midst of chaos and movement, you will bring a sense of empowerment and balance to the present moment that is immeasurable.

The ego desires distraction and creates diversion. It occupies moments of stillness with thoughts that bring up old stories, cultivates fear and sparks needless movement. Observe what happens when you move into stillness – truth and light and love await.

You can step our of thousands of years of human conditioning. Bring your awareness within. Let stillness be the basis of your words and actions.

Awareness

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“Awareness is like the sun.
When it shines on things, they are transformed.”
~Thich Nhat Hanh~

Awareness is a living flame that burns within you. It burns away ego, greed, possessions, desire, expectation and limitation… and when all is gone, what remains? Only the light of pure potential.

Often we carry a debilitating fear of loss within us. We cling to things, people and ideas that hold us back from experiencing freedom. We are afraid to take a risk and can get lost in inaction. Only through purging can we allow wholeness and passion to shine through.

Imagine an exquisite work of art left forgotten in a dark corner. Over the years dust has built up, things have been piled around it and people pass it by without knowing its true value. And one day, in comes someone who knows what to look for. She can see through the muck and is excited to gently clear away the build-up. Slowly, the piece is returned to its natural glory. It is lit and lovingly displayed for all to enjoy and perhaps inspires others to see the potential for beauty around them.

You are the work of art. Your awareness is the art lover. Your spirit is the witness.

Living Your Truth

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“You rarely have time for everything you want in this life, so you need to make choices. And hopefully your choices can come from a deep sense of who you are.”
~Mister Rogers~
Our actions have greater meaning when they are aligned with our true nature. The dance of awakening calls upon us to explore the depths of being, embrace what is truly important and act with integrity. Often this authenticity comes to the forefront after facing challenges that shake the foundations of old belief systems and expectations.
As you seek greater understanding be willing to change. Expansion comes into being at the end of our comfort zone. The enlightenment you desire is not a static end result; rather, it is an on-going process of exploring the limitless facets of love.
Every circumstance leaves us transformed. Your light has a unique impact on those with whom you interact and you leave a  trail of sparkles in your wake. There has never been, nor will there ever be, anyone with your unique way of being in the world. This moment is an opportunity for you to love who you are as well as the aspects that have yet to be discovered.

The Path of Awakening

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“You are eternally yourself.
The rest is only a dream.
That is why they call it awakening.
~Mooji~
The path of awakening is different for everyone. For some, intense challenges are required to shake up the status quo and compel them to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Others feel the relentless call of their soul urging them to awaken and spend their lives seeking wisdom, gradually leaving the dream behind.
When the illusion shatters it can be disconcerting; however, there are many signposts along the way. Keep walking forward. Each conscious step adds to the foundation of wisdom, support and freedom that awaits your discovery. Those who are awakened have no need to judge those who are still in the process.
The idea is to be in the world but not of it. Cultivate the art of seeing through the illusion with a loving heart. Honor each path as sacred and most importantly, be gentle with yourself. This playground of discovery is only the first step of an amazing journey toward Oneness. You are much more than the roles you play in this life. Delve into the I Am within, find your grace and see where it leads you.