We have received so much. Now is the time to give.

Transformation begins within. A new insight arises that sparks the possibility of change. And what might we do with that inspiration? File it away for future consideration? Wish we could create change while continuing to approach life as we always have? Talk about our dreams?

The most important aspect of creating the new is consistent action. Whether you are exploring nuanced aspects of your spiritual journey, expressing artistic talent, seeking joy in relationships or embracing healthier choices, what you do daily matters. The transformative energy must become your priority.

The key is to keep it simple. Bring in one conscious change and immediately see it as a vital aspect of your daily routine. Repetition creates a flow of energy that makes the new action easier each time it is repeated. Once mastered, bring in another conscious action and add that to your experience. This makes huge changes seem easy and empowering rather than overwhelming.

Rather than seeking to find love, be love.

“Something amazing happens when we surrender and just love. We melt into another world, a realm of power already within us. The world changes when we change. the world softens when we soften. The world loves us when we choose to love the world.”  

~Marianne Williamson~

To be love is to honor the sacredness of all you encounter. It is only possible when you have learned to love yourself and dropped the layers of pain that keep you separated from life. This experience of love demands nothing. It allows, supports, gives space and sees past dysfunction when another misses the mark.

The way to remind others of their beauty is to act as if it is all you see. When you choose not to react to the ego, it begins to dissolve more quickly. Your acceptance will give their ego nothing to fight against.

Kindness and compassion create a space where transformation is possible.

Our spiritual practice is about entering into love – love for one another, the planet, life, passion. How can you demonstrate love in this moment? Who may need to be reminded that they are wonderful? Sprinkle little acts of kindness throughout your life and observe what unfolds.

You are more powerful than you realize.

Life is not happening to you. Life is responding to you.

One of the most important aspects of mastery is being willing to take responsibility for your own state of consciousness. What would your experiences be like if you viewed everything as a miracle? Every interaction and every breath would simply become a loving conversation between you and the Divine.

This connectedness shifts our perceptions in a profound way. In order to remain aware, we must learn to rise above the mechanisms of the mind which seeks only to remove the magic and mystery from life.

Choosing to see the magical is the difference between viewing a tree and quoting all the facts that you may know about it compared to quietly opening your heart to it in order to experience its essence, patience and wisdom. Each approach comes from a different level of consciousness. The latter, more expanding experience brings a sense of awe, sacredness and respect into the equation.

Practice experiencing the mysterious in nature. Move gently through the world and allow your vision to transform the mundane into the miraculous.

Every experience, without exception, plays an active role in your awakening.

When in the midst of a challenge, it can sometimes be difficult to recognize the lesson or the gift within the situation. One way to open yourself to receive clarity is to include any challenges that arise in your daily gratitude moments saying, “I’m grateful that this situation with so-and-so has occurred. Even though I may not see the gift contained within it yet, I know that there is one and am grateful for the opportunity to grow from this experience.”

If you are fortunate enough to recognize the lesson while the situation is in play, own it, accept it and embrace it. Observe the aspects that you already handle consciously as well as those that may require a purposeful and mindful approach in order to rise above the mechanisms of the ego. When you seek the lesson, your growth is assured. Everything and everyone in this vast universe conspires to assist in your awakening.

Resistance keeps challenging situations in play. Acceptance creates the space in which a transformation can occur.

Choose to recognize the sacredness in all that you see.

This moment is filled with limitless possibility. It offers a new beginning and a new way of being. We must become aware of and disconnect from the patterns, thoughts and behaviors that distract us from seeing clearly. Mind-made burdens often keep us from recognizing the sacredness that is within us and all around us.

As we learn to rise above the mechanisms of the ego, we bring a new vision to life. There is vast potential within you and all around you. Surrender to the present moment, seek to honor its perfection and discover the joy and empowerment that acceptance brings.

When we stand in the presence of the Divine, our humility and gratitude open portals to higher levels of existence. Seeing with the heart transforms everything in your experience. A sense of awe and wonder is the result of living an awakened life. Imagine how your relationships and interactions would be transformed if you purposely recognize the sacredness in another and choose to respond to that rather than interacting from the level of ego and desire. That is the space in which a transformation can occur.

Your awareness and attention bring deeper meaning to all you experience.

Every situation contains gifts of insight and awareness. As you search for meaning in the exploration of life, you’ll come to realize that your consciousness and perception gives meaning, rather than seeking it from outside yourself.

As we evolve, we see things differently. The chaos of modern life makes the stillness of a tree even more beautiful. We can lose ourselves in the contemplation of a flower – it’s sacredness and energy – and ultimately learn to bring that awareness and stillness into daily life.

Observe things around you without labeling them. Simply see and experience them without the mind’s interference. This can take you deeper within the truth of your own nature. Imagine how you would walk through the world if you saw only the energy of the Divine in its various forms.

Perceived failure, embarrassment, obstacles and challenges often allow us to strengthen the lessor used facets of our personality. They force us to pivot into unexplored territory. And yes, this can be uncomfortable. It’s important to remember that your soul knows exactly what it is doing and facing your fears will allow you to emerge transformed.

Ruthless self-observation is required in order to enter new realms of experience. When you’re ready to recognize the places in your life situation where you may feel stuck, it can be uncomfortable. The ego will create stories which promote procrastination and it’s important to push through to the next level of your evolution. When you love yourself enough to face your fears, you’ll discover that the past has no power over you. Trust that the processes of life will align you with whatever is required for the next stage of your souls evolution.

Even though discomfort is an indication of growth, that doesn’t mean that we will never feel safe, secure and happy. We most certainly will. The concepts of embracing uncertainty, facing our fears or transforming our challenges into aspects of personal strength and empowerment ensure that any discomfort will not be extended by buying into the stories of the mind.

Remember that “this too shall pass” and simply take one more conscious step forward. As you awaken to the infinite potential of your true nature, you will discover that you have the tools to navigate through anything life throws at you.

Life is a pilgrimage and the goal is to awaken.

Everything you experience offers an opportunity to awaken. There are no accidents, no obstacles and you are never “off your life-path” nor making a mistake. In all situations, you are seeking greater insight and peace.

Awakened living calls upon us to bring a higher consciousness to our interactions. When you set your intentions for the day, verbalize your desire to see with the heart rather than the mind. Open yourself to receive the assistance and blessings that await discovery.

Give up the desire to plan or play it safe. Taking a step into the unknown calls upon us to walk forward in faith while being completely present and aware. It’s time to stop sleepwalking through life and honor the seeds of enlightenment that are ready to grow.

You are perfect in your imperfection.

There is great joy in self-acceptance. When we no longer need to seek outside validation for how we present ourselves to the world, we begin the process of expansion. Life becomes a place to simply explore who we are in the presence of another.

Give up trying to please or attempting to determine what others might want. Instead, realize that you are a multi-faceted being who is evolving. Allow your enthusiasm and passion for life to express itself by embracing your unique way of being in the world.

Peacefulness comes when you live in alignment with your true nature. And in your explorations, should you discover you’ve made a turn down a road that doesn’t feel appropriate, love yourself enough to accept that sometimes you have to be who you aren’t in order to discover who you are. Life is a process of discovery. Adjust when needed, release doubt and self-criticism and choose to open to your full potential.