Blaming and complaining are very closely aligned. They create an atmosphere of victim-hood and ensure that we remain stuck in negativity. When either arises in your experience, and the mind seeks to begin a litany of “why”, choose instead to take complete ownership of your own experience and make peace with the present moment.

Eckhart Tolle teaches that there are three options available when we find ourselves in an untenable situation: leave it, change it or accept it. Sometimes it takes a bit of exploration to determine which is best in a given situation; however, it’s important to remember that one approach must ultimately be chosen if we are to create grace and peace in our own experience.

The scourge of victim-hood is the tendency to complain without taking conscious action or to blame others (or life itself) for our lack of movement. As one becomes more self-aware, he or she discovers the joy of personal responsibility. Life provides several areas in which we can practice empowerment and acceptance.

One way to accelerate your awakening is to become someone’s teacher. When you find yourself in a position where you are called upon to share your beliefs, there is tremendous opportunity. The teacher/student karma provides an opportunity for you to articulate what you have learned. This articulation reinforces the knowledge that you purport to live by.

When we speak our truth, there is a greater likelihood of being held accountable by those around us. Your spirituality is aligned to authenticity and consistent behavior. Interwoven in the teacher/student experience is the need to bring a higher awareness to the day-to-day choices that we make.

Divine intelligence seeks to express itself through you. So, whether interacting with others or experiencing moments of solitude, examine your choices and your approach to life to ensure that your thoughts, words and actions are in harmony with your inner truth. Let your life be your message.

Consider how much would get accomplished in your experience if none of your energy was wasted “trying” to get others to do something, “fixing” things you feel are wrong or “worrying” about the future. Trying, fixing and worrying are leaks that steal your life force. Allow everything and everyone around you to flourish without interference.

This mindful approach demonstrates a trust in the flow of the universe. Your light of consciousness transforms all that it shines upon. The Tao te Ching teaches that in doing nothing, everything gets done. Give yourself permission to just be. This creates space in your relationships and in that space, growth is possible. Be the awakened and beautiful soul who allows life to be as it is while supporting others to evolve in their own way.

You make a difference. We make a difference. When enough awakened beings choose to bring joy to the present moment, the energy transforms. Create a pocket of light in your experience and be an inspiration to those with whom you interact. Yes, you may feel momentarily disconnected from the drama of the day and the “did you hear?” stories; however, there is truly no need to participate in the seriousness of the human condition.

Masters are often seen as very simple people. They do not hunger for power or attach to outcomes. They tend to stay close to nature and find joy in the little things. Each of us can make choices that bring us into greater alignment with the Divine. Choose to simplify your own experience to heighten your spiritual awareness.

Pay attention. Slow down and enjoy your food. Put down the phone for hours at a time and purposely engage with life itself. Know that you can be fulfilled through your celebration and playfulness.

In the midst of chaos and confusion, all is well. When things fall apart, there is an opportunity to let go of expectation and desire and simply do our best in the present moment. Teach yourself the joy of being at ease during unexpected circumstances.

When people strive for perfection, they seek to exert mental and physical control in a world that is messy and unpredictable. Rather than demanding a specific outcome, practice doing your best and working with the resulting energy. Then, imperfection becomes your teacher. The result? Humor, peace, laughter, joy….

You are a powerful co-creator in your life experience. There is nothing more beautiful than someone who is consistently authentic and untroubled. Life is what it is. Are you choosing to enjoy it?

We tend to get so wrapped up in our physical life experiences, thoughts and expectations that we can forget to be grateful for the many things and gifts that flow to us in every moment. Recognize that each and every day you can purposely choose how you will respond to the events that unfold. Rather than carrying the energy from yesterday into the Now, step into the realm of infinite possibility.

Periodically spend an entire day in gratitude. No matter what unfolds or whether the moment is exalted or mundane; pause, breathe deeply three times, observe and move into gratitude. There is a significant difference between practicing gratitude as clean water flows from the tap – seeing it as a nourishing gift, appreciating the thousands of people who have contributed to this experience, honoring it as sacred and therefore choosing to be mindful in its usage – and simply using it and moving on without another thought. One thing you may discover is how often you are not grateful. This counter-intuitive process may open your eyes to the subtle ways that expectation and attachment sabotage your peace of mind throughout the day.

The willingness to approach life with a little magic ensures that a spark of limitless potential will infuse all that you do and experience. This empowered choice teaches us that it’s possible to be inwardly grateful and joyous even when challenges arise.

Your journey is unique. As your vision expands, you’ll discover the joys that can be created through balance and self-mastery as you seek to express your soul’s purpose. When energy is focused upon awakening, the need to blame others disappears. We learn to take full responsibility for our own experiences.

When intense emotions arise, slow down and observe the feelings without judgment. Allow the moment to be as it is and examine why you temporarily have chosen to give away your power or be reactive. As you turn as look toward the true object of your distress (typically your thoughts about a situation rather than the situation itself), it begins to transform. The light of your consciousness allows you to understand yourself – and that is the point of our sojourn here.

Make the conscious decision to drop judgment and see all paths as sacred. Give others the support and space they need to find their own way and choose to stay deeply connected to your own peacefulness. Each of us is a master in the midst of awakening. The only difference between us is where we are in that process. Tend to your own state of consciousness. Everything will come together exactly as it should.

No matter where one resides on the path of consciousness, there are always new levels to explore. We work within the framework of a particular level (sometimes for lifetimes) until we have learned all that it has to offer. As each new level is transcended, our perception of life is transformed.

All of the lower levels represent various aspects of ego-driven dysfunction and misery. Those who reside below the terminator of awakening are very draining to be around. Unbeknownst to them, they are psychic vampires who live off the energy of others. This is why so many people create excessive drama and conflict in their life experience. They are addicted to the energy they get from emotional reactions and attention.

When you interact with someone who struggles with dysfunction, do your best to remain neutral, compassionate and loving. These higher levels of expression automatically protect your energy and demonstrate a different way of being. The higher you go, the more power you have and the more protected you are.

What happens when you venture into the unknown? You discover aspects of yourself that have long laid dormant, that seek expression. Your soul begins to shine with an inner light. Fear brings your attention to the present moment while courageousness allows you to move forward anyway.

When we work without a road map, we allow room for the Universe to surprise us. The ego’s desire to plan and prepare prior to taking risks only blocks us from the miracles that will inevitably be drawn into our experience.

Choose to see everything merely as an opportunity to expand who you are. Never fear failure for it also has great beauty to share, and indeed, failure leads us to levels of potential that can never be discovered when things are flowing effortlessly.

Allow yourself to trust the processes of life. You are safe, loved and supported each and every step of the way.