What we put into life determines what we receive from life. Whether working to create inner peace and balance, learning to play an instrument, create a beautiful dinner or write a novel, the effort must be consistent.

On a daily basis, the more we practice, the more second nature our behavior becomes. We learn to make time for the things we find important and others learn to expect that from us.

Whatever your passion, honor your own path by making it a significant part of your life. Each day, set aside time to devote to yourself. Your focus, intention and conscious decisions create space in which a transformation can occur.

It’s important to follow your passion. When we do things out of joy instead of attaching to a particular outcome, we can experience new aspects of ourselves, discover unused talents, meet people with similar passions and much, much more.

• What would it take for me to be at peace now?
• How would compassion change my perception of this situation?
• What am I trying to learn?

When we begin our journey on the path of transformation, the effects are very personal. Like a spiral, the changes start small and are initially felt as timid optimism, a spark of hope that ignites and flames into passion for life.

Then the energy begins to touch those around you – your family, home, close relationships… and all begin to shift to accommodate your growth. The spiral continues to expand. In an infinite Universe, there is no end to the energy that can be accessed, absorbed and shared.

Visualize yourself as the core of an infinite spiral of light. In quiet contemplation today, realize that you don’t have to know the specifics of the “hows” or where the journey will ultimately lead. Instead, focus on joy in the present moment. Allow each decision to fan the spark of optimism into the flames of passion. As the energy expands outward, awareness becomes a beautiful dance of experience.

Our society places a lot of importance on multitasking. People seem to feel that there is great value in juggling a multitude of tasks and getting a lot of work done; but in doing so, we’re losing our sacred connection to the present moment. Stress diminishes both the quality and the effectiveness of what we do.

The infinite source of all life flows through each one of us. With that in mind, we can honor all things as sacred and give them our full attention. In every interaction, our role is to be there as a field of conscious presence. In this state of awareness, you’ll find it easier to operate from the frequency of acceptance, enjoyment or enthusiasm. Anything else means your focus is elsewhere and  that you should stop and bring yourself back into the present moment.

Presence is achieved by going inward and accessing grace. The ego disappears, the roles and life situations become transparent and only empowered silence remains. When you begin to realize that you are much, much more than the stories of the mind, you have planted the seeds of your own spiritual maturity.

The new moon is a powerful time when the stars alone rule the night sky and we pause, expectant, to see what this phase of beginnings will bring. Your state of consciousness will dictate how you experience the energy of this cycle. If needed, consciously re-frame any negative or limiting beliefs into ones of empowerment, joy and gratitude.

Make friends with the darkness, recognize the need for the contrast, embrace the flow of cycles and understand that everything has a purpose in the tapestry of existence. What happens when you venture into the unknown? Your soul begins to shine with an inner light as you discover aspects of yourself that have long laid dormant and now seek expression.

This is a wonderful time to cleanse your Sacred Space, rearrange a room in your home, create a new vision board, reach out a hand in friendship or perform any activity that sets the stage for new beginnings. Treasure each moment of your experience, for something sacred is about to be born.

When the eternal and the human meet, that’s where love is born — not through escaping our humanity or trying to disappear into transcendence, but through finding that place where they come into union.
~Adyashanti~

I awoke today wondering “what shall I write?”

The answer quietly came… “Be at peace with the not knowing.” And so, I began to type, understanding that my intellect really has nothing to do with inspiration. I don’t need to try to be witty or brilliant or even inspirational – only allow the purity of love to flow through me in whatever way that it can.

For many years, I’ve used this statement as one of my daily affirmations: Today let me be an authentic expression of kindness and unconditional love. I am an ever-evolving channel for the love, light and laughter of the Universe.

Like everyone, it’s important for me to constantly work to release egoic attachment so that it doesn’t distract or diffuse the healing energy which is available to us all. To be at peace with the not knowing is an indicator that I am learning how to move forward with faith and allow the healing to occur in whatever way is most appropriate in the present moment.

The key to empowered movement forward is to be fully conscious within the present moment. Hind sight provides the ability to review our history and recognize the loving hand of the Divine at work. Coincidences, inspiration, action and faith blend together to create opportunity.

View the wisdom of your soul as a brilliant navigational system. You provide the end result you desire (awakening, happiness and peace) and as you travel, it adjusts and provides new routes that you can utilize to reach your destination. You can move quickly or take the long way, it doesn’t matter. The system will simply readjust, even if you should decide to take a detour. However, the most important aspect of the journey is this – you must start and keep moving in order to reach your destination.

Begin the next phase of your journey and allow for adjustments, perhaps choosing to view them as mini-adventures. When traveling in unfamiliar cities, we put a lot of faith in our navigational systems and often don’t know with certainty that we are on the right track until the moment we reach our destination. Have faith in your inner wisdom and trust that all will ultimately unfold in the perfect way at the perfect time for your growth.

The present moment is a doorway which can allow us to discover an inner quality of relaxation and acceptance. The stars, the rocks, the trees, the flowers, birds and insects are our brothers and sisters in this dance of existence. Watch the day awaken and consciously witness the blend of all that creates the unique tapestry of your life.

Many times we can forget that it’s not what we do, but how we do it that’s important. Taking one step through life at a time, giving each task and each step your complete attention and energy can bring a powerful new vitality and creativity to all that you do. This is one of the greatest gifts that you can give yourself.

Walk in alignment with your inner wisdom and you will find that existence provides exactly what is needed for your awakening. The more you love yourself, the more easily you’ll be able to recognize the possibilities that are all around you.

When we choose to share our energy with others, we create a flow of abundance that enriches both our lives and the lives of those with whom we come into contact. Consider bringing each person with whom you interact a gift day. It may be as simple as a compliment, a shared moment, a stone from your sacred space or a flower – but the joy that comes from sharing will certainly open a world of new possibility.

Everyone in your life is there for a purpose and contributes to your spiritual awakening. Giving is a wonderful way to say “thank you” to those who grace our lives. Each conscious act adds to the beauty in the world.

When we give love, we improve our own mind/body/spirit connection and radiate the frequency of bliss to everyone around us. It’s time to try something new, offer kindness and make this journey of life the absolute best it can be.