Rather than being a slave of the mind, seek instead to regulate it back into the helper it is meant to be.

“Enlightenment is a state of freedom not only from the counterproductive emotions driving cyclic existence but also from the predispositions established in the mind by those afflictive emotions.”  ~Dalai Lama~

What you allow to repeat in your mind slowly becomes a truth that you manage to in your daily life. For example: if one thinks that no one appreciates them, this mindset eventually creates a filter through which every experience is interpreted. Even when someone expresses appreciation or kindness, it will be overlooked or viewed with suspicion by the person who is enslaved by their own mind and beliefs. 

As we become more aware of our own limiting thought patterns, we can consciously choose to shine the light of consciousness upon them. The ego-generated negativity can only function well in the dark; therefore, your attention and positive choices will shift the energy. Affirmative statements, when repeated consistently, create new experiences. The mind will, at first, attempt to sabotage because its tendency is to embrace the known and fear the unknown – even when the unknown is a life of peacefulness, balance and joy. 

You can create the life of your dreams and it begins now, in this moment. Keep your thoughts aligned with what you wish to experience. Be kind to yourself and know that when you change your thoughts, you can change your life.

You have chosen to be here now, in this place with your loving insights, for a purpose.

“You must become enlightened in order to most effectively benefit others.”  ~Dalai Lama~

The greatest gift that we can give is our Presence. No matter what the situation, we have the opportunity to bring light where there is darkness, give kindness rather than turn away and teach by example. In order to be consistent in our approach, one must never stop learning. Allow your life to be your message. 

Asking yourself, “How may I be of service in this situation?” can turn your attention inward. As we examine our motivations we discover that helping others helps us to achieve enlightenment. This double helix of energy thus creates a space where transformation can happen.

You have a greater impact than you realize. Your energy intertwines with that of those around you and together you create an intricate symphony of mind, body and spirit.

Our attachments create biases that impact our ability to love unconditionally.

“Real compassion does not depend on whether the other person is nice to you.”  ~Dalai Lama~

Our friendships and close connections demonstrate our unconscious biases or judgment. We feel for those we love. Our compassion prompts us to extend a helping hand when they are in distress. But how often do we do that for someone who is currently playing an adversarial role in our development? Many times we may choose to leave them to their own devices or even feel happy to see them struggle. 

Awareness calls upon us to view these soul contracts from a higher level. One who seems an enemy now has often played roles of love, and will again. We must strive to see beyond the roles to the truth of the soul. This insight allows us to be kind without attachment.

Choose to spend the day being equally kind, helpful and compassionate to all who cross your path. Drop any ego-generated stories or judgment and simply treat everyone with the same loving-kindness. We all seek the same thing – to be accepted as we are.

“Each of us is a unique thread, woven into the beautiful fabric, of our collective consciousness.”  ~Jaeda DeWalt~

What harms one, harms all. What heals one, heals all. In spite of the appearance of separateness, we are One. This planet provides a paradoxical playground in which to explore and discover these truths

As we immerse ourselves in the physicality of being, our experiences – both positive and negative – teach us compassion. With each challenge we are called upon to go within, to rise above and let our unique way of being in the world guide us.

We constantly emit waves of energy out into the Universe. Because we are all connected, these energetic frequencies impact countless others. When you purposely seek to give love, you create ripples of positive change. Anything can shift a situation or a perception and every moment of existence provides an opportunity to bring something beautiful to the world.

Opposition from those around you indicates that you are making significant changes.

“Resistance is the first step to change.”  ~Louise Hay~

When we seek to break free from old patterns and conditions that no longer serve our evolutionary process, the ego will often disrupt our efforts. See this as an indicator that the change you are contemplating has value in the process of your awakening. If the inspiration was just another layer of the old conditioning, the ego would allow you to go your way unimpeded.

Likewise, our changes often have an impact on those who grace our lives. Should you encounter resistance from those who love you, know that it comes from their own ego-generated fear. If you change, they will be forced to shift to compensate for the shift in energy.  Many will seek outside support and sometimes lose momentum if it isn’t received. Dance in the light of your own consciousness and know that the support you seek must come from within.  

Flow with the changes that take place in your life as best you can. See them as opportunities to explore new aspects of yourself. Your willingness to do things differently ensures your continued growth and evolutionary transformation.

When you change your thoughts, you change your life experience.

Lao tzu taught four virtues that, when practiced consistently, provide a lasting foundation of inner peace and purpose:
1) Reverence for All Life – When you live from the heart, expressing unconditional love for yourself and others, the light of consciousness will automatically flow into all that you do.2) Natural Sincerity – When you act with integrity, you can allow life to unfold as it will without doubt, regret or worry. Act with integrity, do your best, accept what is.3) Gentleness – Living a life of non-violence and giving up the ego’s desire to be right paves the way for authentic interactions. What would your life be like if you never argued or had inner conflict again?4) Supportiveness – Support yourself and others with kind and uplifting words, thoughts and actions. This beautiful nurturing energy brings the most empowered and peaceful aspects of yourself into your daily interactions.

The idea is to consistently work toward the higher levels of consciousness such as Willingness, Acceptance, Reason, Love, Joy, Peace and Enlightenment. The higher frequencies have a greater impact and, utilizing them, we can hold space for others – and that is the space in which a transformation can occur.

Those who are awakened focus on self-understanding rather than seeking approval through outside factors.

“In the 33rd verse of the Tao te Ching, Lao-tzu is asking you to change the way you look at these twin ideas of knowledge and power. You’ve invited to evaluate your level of self-mastery by turning your gaze inward and seeing the world, and your place in it, in a new light.”
~From Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life by Wayne Dyer~

Mastery calls upon us to change how we view the world. Rather than seeking more knowledge or pursuing status symbols to demonstrate our success, our focus turns inward. Mastery has nothing to do with power over others. It is an empowered way of  walking through life. As we align with our inner strength we are guided by wisdom.

The only thing over which you have any control is how you choose to respond to the present moment. Instead of trying to understand the ‘whys’ or the motivations of others or falling into the “us versus them” blame game, you’ll consistently seek to explore your own responses and reactions. This conscious state of awareness affords you the ability to step into personal responsibility knowing that you are a Divine being who is actively in the process of enlightenment.

Demonstrate love to those who grace your life by honoring their path as sacred. Give them the space to explore, learn and awaken in the way that is most meaningful for them. Trust that the Tao is working toward the highest good of all. This trust is simply another measure of your self-mastery.

Happiness is a choice we make. Why wait to experience it?

“The basic paradox: everything is a mess yet all is well.” Ezra Bayda~

Playfulness and joy are states of being. They cannot be traveled to, purchased or mapped out. They arise from simply being fully present in the Now. Make the conscious choice to enjoy the little things. The world is filled with beauty and your life is filled with the miraculous.

Should you find yourself being too serious, go back to basics. Utilize gratitude as a way to shift your energy higher. Enjoy the little things – the way sunlight sparkles through a drop of dew, how the clouds move across the sky making pictures in a constant state of transition, the smile of a dog… it all comes down to what you choose to amplify with your attention.

Your joy will bring you into a state of wholeness. From there, life becomes friendly and playful… a loving reflection of your true infinite nature.

You are awareness. Remove the distractions, and what remains?

“Awareness is the greatest agent for change.” ~Eckhart Tolle~

The mind is an instrument. Somewhere along the line humans became so entranced by the physical world that the mind became master (albeit an unstable one). Awareness calls upon us to relegate the mind back into it’s rightful status of servant. As the soul awakens, the mind is transcended and we can step back and observe its antics.

Buddha called this awareness “right knowledge.” As we dismantle the layers of distractions and attachments, we are able to utilize the mind in a way that is simple and empowering – this is wisdom.

Become the Witness. Remove the endless dialogue and just observe. What is there? Just pure awareness remains. This awareness is the source of all that is and as it flows through you the bondage disappears. Use every opportunity to become more conscious and one day you will awaken – loving but unattached, in the world but not of it, filled with clarity and compassion.

Our thoughts create energies that amplify as they repeat.

“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~

The moment you step into a challenge, whether related to health, money, relationships or self-image, you have an opportunity to grow. Do your best to calm the mind and simply be alert. The dark moments of the soul are your opportunity to shine.

Whatever unfolds in the present moment is the doorway to infinite possibility. Yet, many simply hide behind old patterns and habits and do not witness the beauty of bringing consciousness to ordinary life.

Our thoughts shape and amplify our experiences, therefore, pay express attention to the thoughts that occur and ask yourself if they represent the energy you wish to put out into the world. Many people dwell upon their fears or focus upon what they wish to avoid, and then are surprised (or the ego is gratified saying “I knew it”) when those thoughts materialize. As awakening souls, our goal is to bring higher consciousness to every experience, especially our internal one.

Try it. Take a walk with your awareness completely engaged. It releases tension (which is created by the mind) and allows a subtle joy to arise. Let your higher consciousness guide all of your interactions. Bring that present moment awareness to the food you choose and how you consume. It will slow you down, allow you to fully enjoy your meal and create harmony between your mind, body and spirit.