A Change of Perspective

“Divisions are imaginary lines drawn by small minds.”
~Paramahansa Yogananda~
Division is a byproduct of ego-generated thought. Once the mind begins to cling to an idea, a narrowness ensues. Everything that falls outside of those self-made parameters now becomes suspect and much be challenged, disregarded or actively opposed. The spiritual student, seeking to expand consciousness, must be prepared to step back and view life from the broadest perception possible while realizing that there is always something new to learn.
What if you could encircle the world with your love? What if your presence transformed the energy of all those with whom you come in contact? If you had the power to touch another and witness the miracle of expansion would you only spend time with like-minded people or would you feel safe enough to engage with the world in an authentic way? You do have all this power and more. Any challenges you face are opportunities to put it into practice.
Ask yourself why many are collectively intertwined in extreme divisiveness. We may be in the process of an energetic breakthrough that will bring us closer to one another than ever before. The law of contrasts states that both polarities are possible in every situation. Where there is hate, let us demonstrate love.

Live the Mystery

“The mystery of life isn’t a problem to solve, but a reality to experience.”
~Frank Herbert~
We live in an infinite Universe filled with unlimited potential. All that we see is constantly evolving and changing, as are we. No matter how much we have learned so far, it’s humbling to realize that we have barely begun to scratch the surface.
Keep a childlike sense of wonder and adventure. The mind will often distract by wanting to know “why?” or “how?” or “when?” and may plant the idea that you must know the answers prior to moving forward or being healed. Conversely, a child will explore and become immersed in the present moment while living in a constant state of discovery.
Allow room for paradoxical truths to live side by side with the understanding that all dualities ultimately merge into Oneness. As we awaken, we cultivate a life that is immersed in exploration and conscious experience while becoming more comfortable with the unknown.

Choices

“When you act out of present-moment awareness, whatever you do becomes imbued with a sense of quality, care, and love – even the most simple action.”
~Eckhart Tolle~

Here you stand at the precipice of a brand new day filled with infinite possibility… how will you choose to use it? There are new dimensions of the Self to be explored, friendships to discover, wonders to see and old wounds ready to be healed.

Many remain in negative situations out of a fear of facing the unknown because the ego cleverly masks that decision as one born of duty or charity. Fear creates limitation, not only in regard to self-image but also in the possibilities we allow ourselves to recognize.

Practice making all of your decisions from a space of love rather than one of fear. When selecting a job, beginning or ending a relationship, spending time with family or anything else you can imagine, let love be your guide. Facing challenges then becomes a conscious act of devotion – you may strive to find the lesson or help another to heal. Integrity and passion provide a foundation for your actions and infuse greater strength into whatever you ultimately choose to do.

Illusion of Separateness

“Whatever existence has given to you must be a subtle necessity of your soul, otherwise it would not have been given in the first place.”
~Osho~
Whether walking with you for a moment or for a lifetime, honor those who grace your life as fellow travelers sharing the journey home. We created this world and it’s illusion of separateness in order to explore the vast realms of human experience. It can be easy to get lost within the illusion and forget that we are simply companions on the same path of awakening. All will ultimately 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, “I bow to you.” What would happen if we simply brought this kindness and respect to every person with whom we interact? We can create space for an authentic connection by choosing to honor the others soul rather than getting caught up in the role they currently play.

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.

The Law of Contrast

“The greater the contrast, the greater the potential. Great energy only comes from a correspondingly great tension of opposites.” 
~Carl Jung~

One powerful aspect of expanding consciousness is the willingness to take complete responsibility for our own experience. As we awaken, we are more apt to see the beauty in the contrast, find the gifts within the challenge and view all life as sacred.

This journey is one of opposites. Through facing our darkness, we embrace our light. This process of learning will take us on many adventures. Sometimes you have to be who you aren’t in order to discover who you are…

Embrace this moment knowing that it will provide exactly what is required for your soul’s growth. Should you face periods of darkness, either personally or collectively, recognize the perfection that is inherent in the process of awakening and take one more conscious step forward.

The contrasts we encounter teach us that all things are possible. Everything contains positive, negative and neutral energy. Through these shifting polarities we learn how opposition plays its part in our collective awakening. The greatest challenges provide the greatest opportunity for growth.

Learning to Articulate the Language of the Soul

“Accept yourself, allow your unconscious to be revealed to you. By accepting it, cherishing it, you bring a revolution to your life. And when you look at others with that understanding, you will not find strangers; you will find all are friends.” 
~Osho~
 
On the Path of Transformation, solitary practice is an important part of our development. We learn to walk in our truth and find our unique way of being in the world. Powerful too, is the heart-focused connection discovered within a group of like-minded individuals. The synergy created within group energy transforms and accelerates the growth of all those who are actively involved. When used consciously, group energy expands us into new dimensions while uplifting and nourishing the spiritual journey of others.
Meditate, chant, be present and pray with those who resonate with your being. The combined intention and synergy has the power to lift the entire group into a new frequency. For those of you who are natural leaders, allow yourselves to participate without exercising control and receive the blessings generated by the group energy as well.
Our spiritual knowledge must be articulated in order to be fully incorporated into our experience. Thus, we discover the power of sharing with others. Each of us simultaneously plays both roles – student and master.
So, balance your journey in the way that is best for you. Spend healthy time in solitude, connect with those who support your walk and share what you have learned. There are always new dimensions waiting to be discovered and the best is yet to come.

The Power of Forgiveness

“Anger and blaming others takes a lot of energy away from healing. One of the most powerful emotions that has to be expressed is forgiveness.”
~Candace Pert~

It is safe for you to live beyond the expectations of others.

Anger and resentment are a waste of your precious energy. They drain vitality and ease from your life experience and harm no one but yourself. This energy can be transformed into gentleness through gratitude, meditation, mindfulness and a conscious choice to be free from the past.
The spiritual path calls upon us to reside fully in life, as it is in this moment. If there are pains that you carry, do not feel that you must push them down or deny them; rather, bring them to the light of your consciousness and transform them through acceptance and forgiveness. See the past through the filters of your current state of awareness and you may discover that freedom is at hand.
Forgiveness is really not about the other person at all. It is a gift that you give to yourself. There is no need for physical closure or a meeting of the minds (though these may occur naturally in time), just a quiet peace in the present moment will open your ability to love, trust and believe once again in the beauty and mystery of life.

Holding Sacred Space

Love all. Serve all. Help ever. Hurt never.
~Sathya Sai Baba~
Imagine how it would feel to be completely loved and accepted. Imagine a relationship so comfortable that you simply remain present and engaged instead of attempting to determine what the other person requires. Can you see it? Provide that for another…

Holding sacred space is a gift that flows from awakened intention. From the frequency of love we allow another the opportunity to recognize their own divinity. What we can offer is unconditional acceptance because we see the limitless potential and know that if it isn’t discovered today, it certainly will be somewhere down the road.

When you intentionally offer your loving wishes, your prayers and blessings to another, you heart is transformed. You cannot walk in the light of love without being changed. Serving one another (even if only through the art of compassionate listening) is an expression of our sacred connection. It awakens us to Oneness and binds us with the gifts of loving-kindness.

Set an intention to stop and replenish your soul often throughout the day. Nurture yourself with compassion and you will have more to offer those who grace your life.

Acceptance

“The moment that judgement stops through acceptance of what it is, you are free of the mind. You have made room for love, for joy, for peace.”
~Eckhart Tolle~

Acceptance, when engaged mindfully and authentically, is a powerful tool of transformation. Saying yes to life unlocks the prisons of perception and sets us free to experience life as it is without limiting mental interference.

The journey of awakening is unique for each of us. Imagine what we can learn from one another through the sharing of our varied experiences, insights and love without judgment. Honor each path as sacred. See everyone as your teacher and your life will be enriched beyond measure.

We are lifetime students of love. The contrasts and paradoxes of human experience teach us of the infinite ways that we can enter into the love that is the true nature of our being.

Self-Awareness

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

Reactivity indicates that something is ready to be healed. View moments of emotional intensity as distractions created by the mind and purposely choose to draw your attention inward. The process of reflection and awareness creates a space in which a transformation can occur.

Quieting the mind is a skill that grows stronger with practice. The mechanisms of the ego include complaining, blame, worry and regret. Growth calls upon us to do things differently; therefore, each time you can break through a repetitive thought pattern, recognize that you are becoming more aware.

The light of your consciousness transforms all that it shines upon. Each time we turn toward our own shadows we see a little more clearly. You may ask, “What is this?” as a way to broaden your perception. Your willingness to go inward indicates that you are ready to cross the threshold into new awareness. Take a breath and draw in unconditional love and the essence of pure potential. Feel every cell of your body awaken with new vitality and a joy of being. This is the moment of transformation.