Breakdowns can become breakthroughs. When things seem to fall apart, the old structures are no longer viable. Rather than seeking to go back to “normal” see if you can enter into a new world, a new perspective and allow a new vision to take shape.

Use these opportunities to go inward. Choose to live through the heart rather than through the mind. The human condition is one of homeostasis; whereas spiritual movement always moves toward expansion into new areas of growth and development.

Personal growth leads to collective growth. As you change, the world around you is transformed.

Anger, whether directed inward or extended outward, is a waste of your precious energy. It causes the cells of the body to deteriorate, it creates a filter that taints everything you see and acts as a magnet, drawing in people and circumstances of similar low levels of consciousness.

The mind will tell you that you are right to be angry. It will keep old stories alive through repetition and seek those who strengthen the web around your heart by agreeing with you.

Anger, like anything else, can be transformed into  a powerful aspect of your spiritual growth. Mindfulness allows you to observe anger when it arises, recognize ideas and beliefs that need to be faced and pivot you toward a breakthrough.

The goal, ultimately, is to learn to rise above anger and reside in the levels of acceptance, willingness and love. The higher your consciousness, the easier things become. Your choices and actions will be empowered and you’ll view life through the heart rather then through mind-made filters.

You have something to offer the world that no one else does. Your passion, insights and energy are unique and inspiring. You have chosen to incarnate here at this time for a specific reason. The way to discover it is to allow love and joy to guide the way.

Many people get lost in the process of fighting for what they want, seeing life as a competition or fearing that there’s not enough. This preoccupation distracts from the abundance, grace and infinite possibility that are inherent in the present moment.

Love falls upon you from all dimensions. Reminders of this love are everywhere we look. A moment ago I opened the back door and stepped out to do my gratitude in the moonlight. I noticed a praying mantis in my hair almost immediately. In shamanism, praying mantis represents the power of stillness.

“It teaches how to still the outer, so that when it is time to act (in any form) it is done with surety, accuracy and great power.”

~ Ted Andrews, Animal Speak ~

I am grateful for these simple reminders of support. When you choose to see life as a living conversation between you and the Divine, it changes how you walk in the world.

It’s important to purposely and mindfully enter into new experiences. The willingness to explore the unknown opens limitless realms of possibility. The idea of comfort or “this is the way I’ve always done things” may seem safe; however, it easily transforms into rigidity. The soul seeks to expand.

“As much as we deny it, we still believe we’re supposed to be perfect. Our ongoing anxiety and sense in inadequacy testify eloquently to this unexamined truth. In spiritual practice, this trap takes the form of making one attempt after another to measure up to some ideal of how a spiritual practitioner is supposed to be – more calm, loving, wise, or simply more together. Yet becoming truly calm and loving requires that we first see clearly the extent we still punish ourselves by clinging to ideals of perfection.”

~Ezra Bayda~

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.

Bring awareness to your responses to life. How much love are you willing to give? How much compassion? How much empathy? How much patience? It’s time to fully understand the part you play in the world. Each of us has a role in the awakening consciousness of the planet.

“The Universe is a highly-structured, living organism, whose goal is the accumulation of new experiences that aim toward growth and self-knowledge.”

~From Michael, The Basic Teachings~

All paths of spiritual growth are sacred and have value. This is the beauty of free-will experience. Everyone evolves at his or her own pace; however, as we awaken, we begin to understand more fully how we are all interconnected.

The physical experiences you have are the path. Your purpose is awaken. Before you can love and accept others, you must first love and accept yourself. Begin now, with what you have from where you are.

Begin your day with gratitude. Step outside and state out loud everything for which you are grateful. Take a moment to breathe deeply knowing that this day is full of potential. Stop, listen, be. Realize that your words, thoughts and beliefs dictate how you will choose to experience the day. Find ways to express love.

How much love are you willing to receive? How much grace? How much peace? True happiness is the natural expression of your being when unobstructed by the mechanisms of the mind. Choose now and forever to bring the best version of yourself to the present moment.

“What happens when we slow down and pay attention? Everything! Innumerable delights are right at hand.

Thank every one of the ten thousand things: gratitude turns our world right-side-up.”

~Ezra Bayda~

In moments of challenge, it is especially important to remember that grace is still at hand. Underneath the chaos is a vibrant, eternal stillness that is your birthright. Though the mind will often attempt to distract you, peace awaits.

Everyone and everything you experience is responding to your spiritual needs and supporting your journey, regardless of how it may appear.

Prior to birth, we arrange specific karmic agreements such as birth, marriage, betrayal, support, love, inspiration, assistance or opposition, etc. Each karmic situation is meant to teach or balance energy until it is no longer required.

We also have self-karma. This is an internal experience, based upon limiting beliefs or behaviors (addiction, self-worth, judgment, criticism). While processing through these karmas, we energetically draw in people and circumstances that assist us by bringing them to the surface.

As we do our spiritual work and take a more active role in the raising of consciousness, we draw in those who can assist and support us with the goals of acceptance, unconditional love, forgiveness, peace, clarity and the like.

Whether they last for a moment or for a lifetime, all of your relationships play the perfect role in your growth. Take some time today to be grateful for those who challenge, support, teach and inspire.

Whenever profound change is about to happen, we encounter resistance. This can be internal or external but it is always present during times of authentic growth.

It take courage to examine your deepest truths and most dearly held beliefs. There is always something new to learn and life will present whatever is required for your soul’s growth. There is a gift in every situation, patiently waiting to be discovered and received.

Enjoy life. Immerse yourself within it. Discover the people, experiences and circumstances that put a sparkle in your heart and love the moments as they come. The things of this world are fleeting, eventually everything fades to memory and new experiences come along to accompany you on the journey, to challenge or to inspire.

Life often turns out differently that we anticipate. Notice how well you adjust to the unexpected or how easily you find joy in the unfamiliar. Are you willing to be present in such a way that it really doesn’t matter?