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

What you allow to repeat in your mind slowly becomes a truth that you experience 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 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 change your life.

Create space in which a transformation can occur.

Every relationship in your life provides an opportunity to become a better version of yourself. Neediness, desire, frustration or feelings of lack often push us into areas of self-awareness and growth that we would never venture on our own. Notice these feelings of discomfort when they arise and rather than feeding energy into them, go deeper within to discover the emotional wound that is ready to be healed. Your awareness and attention begin the process of transformation.

Let your actions be guided by joy rather than by fear or lack. When you can give without attachment or expectation, you allow the limitless love of the Divine to flow through you. Whether interacting with family, friends, lovers or strangers, be love. Your kindness can transform the world. Those who grace your life need you to be your authentic self. Do your best, act with integrity, accept what is.

Consciously spending time in nature is another pathway to Oneness.

“The sun shines not on us but in us. The rivers flow not past, but through us. Thrilling, tingling, vibrating every fiber and cell of the substance of our bodies, making them glide and sing. The trees wave and the flowers bloom in our bodies as well as our souls, and every bird song, wind song, and tremendous storm song of the rocks in the heart of the mountains is our song, our very own, and sings our love.”

~John Muir~ 

As we learn to transcend the mechanics of the ego and rise above thought, we are able to recognize the sacredness in life and within ourselves. All that you see is a reflection of your current state of consciousness; therefore, choose to periodically remove yourself from outside distraction and just be. Experience the beauty of life without mental chatter. Immerse yourself in the magic of the present moment and feel the love that rains down upon you from all dimensions.

When we spend time in nature in this manner, our energy is replenished. The stresses of the day become less important as simple gratitude transforms the mundane into the sacred. The small, ordinary things of life become vehicles of spiritual awakening. The laugh of a child, the love of a dog, clouds creating pictures in the sky… everything is the voice of the Divine. Recognizing this, you are enlightened.

Turn and face your shadows. Shine the light of consciousness upon them.

No matter what challenges you face, remember that no problem can be solved at the same level of consciousness at which it was created. Therefore, if anger or reactivity set a frustrating situation in motion, purposely shift yourself to a higher level such as courage or neutrality prior to taking corrective action. Ruthlessly observe your state of consciousness, consciously take ownership of it and love yourself enough to gently correct course when required.

Transcending fear allows each of us to be a source of love. Through awareness our vision expands and we learn to accept ourselves without blame. Acceptance releases the need for self-judgment, guilt or recrimination, and rather than seeing oneself as flawed, we see only a spirit who is in the process of awakening.

As we change, the world around us is transformed. Life becomes easier as we become less reactive. We discover the joy of being and begin to view existence without the old filters of limitation. The result? Wholeness, joy and peace.

Have you ever stopped to listen to the symphony of existence?

All of life plays its perfect part in the symphony of your experience. Dedicate a moment today to listen to the song of your heart. The beauty resides within the contrast and the silences as much as it does within the melody.

Step outside and hear the music of nature. Existence itself sings your name with messages of love. Feel the rhythm and allow it to move your soul. When you find the place where sound and spirit meet, you’ll discover a new depth and breadth of experience.

Become a pure channel for the creative energy of the Universe. Open yourself by learning to embrace periods of silence. Remove all distractions and focus on the beat of your heart and the breath as it fills your lungs. Realize that you are a vibrant, living, evolving work of art.

Purposely slow down, breathe and fully experience this moment.

In every moment you have a choice to live from the heart.

When we choose to live from the heart, the journey becomes a blessing. It’s easier to recognize the beauty that surrounds us, to laugh at ourselves and take life a little less seriously. We realize that we can honor each others’ paths without judgment or expectation.

Embrace those who grace your experience with joyous delight. Your demonstration of consistent, unconditional love creates space where a transformation can occur. Trust the processes of your awakening. The only thing over which you have any control is how you choose to respond to life. Your choice to live, love and let go demonstrates a freedom and faith that will propel you into new dimensions.

Nothing is missing. You are right where you need to be. You can breathe new life into your relationships by allowing love to work through you.

Spiritual practice is not about playing it safe. It’s about expanding perception through new experiences and discovering facets of your strength that have yet to be explored.

As we play the game of life, it’s easy to get distracted by the trappings of perceived safety. Many strive within the framework of this illusion and coast through their days on autopilot thinking that all is well. Often, life will present a challenge that seems to pull the rug out from under our feet – health problems, the partner who leaves, financial struggle, anything that rocks the foundation – and we are left with no choice but to accept what is in order to move forward.

When we can say “yes” to the shocks of life, they transform us. They compel us to enter new pathways of experience that we would not have consciously chosen. Our perspectives change, we cultivate greater compassion and discover the support and love that surrounds us.

Know that whatever unfolds in your life is happening for you rather than to you. Every circumstance plays its role in your spiritual development. Your vulnerability and faith ensure that you will continue to grow and it’s important to remember that you are loved, supported and guided each and every step of the way.

When the mind overwhelms you, don’t despair. You have reached a transformative moment in your development.

In the midst of struggle it can sometimes feel like your mind has become the enemy. Its incessant activity keeps you up at night replaying the events of the day or worrying about the future. Meditation seems impossible and some seek outside distractions in order to cope.

We must observe the antics of the mind without falling prey to its limiting stories and beliefs. When intense emotions arise don’t run from them, turn inward and shine the light of consciousness upon them. The willingness to face your shadows opens the possibility of a breakthrough. We must operate through the heart rather than through the mind.

Use the koan “What is this?” to move deeper and deeper to the heart of the issue. When anger or sadness arises, turn inward. What has triggered the feeling? Go deeper, where did the attachment begin? And deeper still, how can recognizing the imbalance be transformed into empowerment?

When you can transform a breakdown into a breakthrough, you are one step closer to mastery.

Encircle the world with your love.

Everything that we send out into the world is a reflection of our inner state of consciousness. There must be self-forgiveness, self-acceptance, kindness and compassion within us before we can adequately demonstrate spiritual maturity in our daily interactions.

Nurture yourself. Let your inner dialogue be one of support, possibility, laughter and encouragement. The journey of awakening takes us through various levels of experience and each allows us to explore another facet of being, another facet of love.

You are the universe in ecstatic motion. Lose yourself in the scent of a flower or the embrace of a loved one. Let music and art open you to appreciate new dimensions. Honor the present moment as sacred by choosing to see the sacred within it and within yourself. And from there, anything is possible.