Living Without Labels

“When we first meet people, we inevitably see them through the filters of all our associations, expectations, and projections. Over time, as the filters diminish, we may feel betrayed or deceived: ‘You’re not the person you were when we first met!’ Of course they’re not – in fact, they never were.”

~Ezra Bayda~

Observe how often we limit ourselves or others by adhering to narrow roles or archetypes. Often, when discovering one particular aspect of someones experience we will jump to a particular set of conclusions about them without actually discovering their unique expression of life.

The need to label is a by-product of the ego. When we reduce others to one dimensional entities, it’s easier to move into judgment about them. Work consciously to expand your vision. We, as multifaceted beings, have infinite aspects to explore and the willingness to drop limitation is required.

Some people get lost in their identities. They see themselves in a particular role and forget that infinite possibilities are always available. You might notice that you temporarily assume a role based upon the person with whom you’re interacting. Can you be the loving, expansive soul seeker with children as well as adults? With servers as well as billionaires? With someone who attacks you as well as someone who supports you?

Just notice. When you fully accept yourself and act from the heart, you may discover an authentic continuity that is far beyond any human conditioning.

Hummingbird Inspiration

“When we settle for comfort over discovery, or compromise the soul’s longing to grow, we begin to wither. When we reawaken the great instinct to learn and explore, our lives grow less trivial and become epic.”

~Alberto Villoldo~

When you are ready to embark upon an epic journey, call upon the spirit of hummingbird for assistance.

Every year, ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate over the Atlantic from Brazil to Canada. These tiny little birds wouldn’t appear at first to have the energy or stamina to journey over 2500 miles; however, they are able to draw energy from the sweetness of life. This instinctual movement represents joyful courage in the shamanic traditions.

When you are faced with daunting circumstances or don’t know how you will accomplish that which seems impossible, call upon the energy of Hummingbird. Let her teach you how to drink the nectar of life, to be fiercely independent, a hard worker and a playful expression of the Divine.

Hummingbird is linked to the 3rd Eye Chakra and awakens soul perception. With spiritual insight we learn to recognize the deeper meaning behind our relationships and experiences. Everything becomes an expression of the sacred.

Simplicity

“If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive.”
~Eleanora Duse~

When you live in alignment with your true nature, life becomes simple. It can be an empowering process to de-clutter your life experience. Observe the various distractions you face – how many are self-imposed?

See if you can simplify your life, expectations and desires. Find joy in the little things. Give when you can. Love with all your heart. Allow your presence to make a difference by planting seeds of kindness and giving them time and space to grow.

Vibrant energy flows through you into whatever you choose to do. Awareness is enhanced by removing distractions. The human condition is to complicate; however, the role of the spiritual seeker is to see through the mechanisms of the ego and rise above them. The mind may want you to believe that such an approach to life is boring; however, you’ll discover that it is a vibrant, inclusive, limitless, empowered existence… beautiful in its simplicity.

Friendship

“Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.”
~R.J. Palacio~

Sometimes we meet others and feel an instant connection. From the moment of ‘hello’ there is a feeling of safety and warmth and this person brings something special to your life experience. These are typically reunions of two souls who have played together in many lifetimes. The ease you feel is the natural result of the many interactions and karmic agreements you two have shared.

Often it seems there are an amazing number of synchronistic occurrences that have to fall into place in order for two souls to cross paths. Then, recognizing a kindred spirit – or perhaps a karmic contract – they choose to embark upon a segment of the journey together.

As an older soul, you may have this feeling often. Your long history on the planet has likely included many members of your soul group. This is why we must be accepting and grateful for those who grace our lives. Whether you share the journey for a moment or for a lifetime, the feeling is always one of coming home.

The extent to which you are willing to be supported is an indication of the love you have for yourself. The supporting characters of your life provide a springboard for the discovery of new experiences, thoughts, opportunities and perceptions. Friendship is the highest form of love.

One More Step

“When you reach the point where you think you can go no farther, taking one more step, one more breath into the heart, is all that’s required.”
~Ezra Bayda~

The path of awakening is the process of remembering our true nature. It calls upon us to release old baggage and beliefs and create a space where transformation can occur. Whenever you observe a repetitive pattern in your experience, see it as an opportunity to break free of habitual ideas and responses. Peace can happen in one place only – the present moment.

The more aware you are, the greater your ability to purposely make choices that support your spiritual growth and development. Conscious breathing is a wonderful way to center yourself within the Now. From a place of balance and stillness, new pathways will make themselves known. Gradually you will discover friendships and circumstances that open new doors of understanding and will joyfully celebrate your ever-evolving way of being in the world.

Take one more step forward. Let the momentum of enthusiasm, joy and acceptance inform whatever actions you choose to take. Your intention and mindful approach to the present moment ignites energy in motion that sets the stage for tomorrows experience.

Release Judgement

Judgement, whether directed outward or inward, blocks all possibility of love. One gets caught in the maze of self-deception, believing the reality of their mental projections. The ego wants to distract from honest self assessment and healing; therefore, it spends a lot of time and energy complaining, blaming and judging the world as wrong.

Conscious awareness cultivates the ability to see through the mechanisms of the ego. Rather than getting lost in the story, we purposely pause the cacophony of thought in order to see through dysfunction and utilize opportunities for growth.

Love is demonstrated by consistent, unconditional support. Judgement typically triggers an eg0-driven defensive response causing both parties to become mired in distraction. Rather than pointing out missteps of others, we can focus on the possibility of breakthrough. Gentle advice, words of encouragement or simply holding space are powerful tools.

Those who operate from higher levels of consciousness demonstrate how powerful energy can be when it is not depleted. Focus and peacefulness come from clearing personal triggers, wounds and distractions. Humility, empowerment, and awareness are emitted by those who know and appreciate their own value and way of being in the world. This is a powerful place to reside.

Earthkeepers

“To an Earthkeeper, love is not a feeling or something your barter with. Love is the essence of who you are, and it radiates from you as a brilliant aura: You become love, practice fearlessness, and attain enlightenment.”

~Alberto Villoldo~

There is something beautiful about nurturing what you love. Selfless acts of kindness and personal responsibility  demonstrate the power of a loving heart. The awakening master walks gently in the world with no thought of recognition, and a higher state of consciousness infuses every decision.

We are defined by what we do when no one is watching. Enter into the stillness of your soul and bring that grace and wisdom into your daily journey. Quietly become part of the solution by honoring this playground as sacred. We all have our roles to play in our collective experience and each is vitally important.

Everyday offers the possibility of discovery and insight. When you walk through life with an open heart and mind, you create space for inspiration, motivation and right action. Dance with the breezes, revel in the mystery of awakening, sing with the birds as they greet the dawn. We are the Earthkeepers.

Just Be

“Just be yourself. Let people see the real, imperfect, flawed, quirky, weird, beautiful, magical person that you are.”
~Mandy Hale~

Just in case it might have slipped your mind… You are an absolutely unique, beautiful, ever-evolving, radiant being of light, resplendent as the noon-day sun, breathtaking and magical. Thank you for being here.

When life gets overwhelming and opposing energies seem to tug you in several different directions at once, take some time to re-balance, breathe, and settle into the truth of who you are. You have chosen to be here now for a specific purpose and the world needs your unique perspective. You bring something to our shared collective that no one else can.

Demonstrating gratitude, slowing down, allowing mindfulness to infuse our responses to life and honoring all paths as sacred helps us to see more clearly. Our role is often to show others a different way to be; however, that can only be accomplished when we are fully present and acting without attachment. Unwavering authenticity and compassion create a powerful foundation that supports conscious interactions with one another.

Your kindness sends ripples of energy throughout the universe. Like a flower, simply reach toward the sun, move gently in the breeze and enjoy blanketing the world with your natural beauty.

Forgiveness

“Looked at from a spiritual standpoint, our discomfort in any given situation provides a signal that we are out of alignment with spiritual law and are being given an opportunity to heal something.”
~Colin Tipping~

As long as there is one person whom you can’t forgive, there is still work to be done. Every circumstance in our experience has meaning and purpose. The small injustices, the betrayals and lingering disappointments all point to aspects of ourselves that need to be cleared in order for us to be free. 

Those who challenge you the most on the physical plane love you the most on a soul level. They are willing to risk losing your love and your goodwill to assist you in the most profound ways. Healing requires that we become consciously aware of our wounds. What better way than to generate an emotional upset that temporarily clouds your mind and your experience of joy? It grabs your attention and takes over. 

The moment you recognize that you are behaving in a unconscious manner, you become more conscious. Now you have the ability to shift your thoughts and attention toward balance and healing. Bless the challenges of your life for they take you places you would never dare to walk on your own and ultimately lead you to mastery, insight and a deeper experience of love.

The Key of Awareness

“If you understand it, the world is a great device to make you conscious. Your enemy is your friend, and the curses are blessings, and the misfortunes can be turned into fortunes. It depends only on one thing: if you know the key of awareness.”
~Osho
~

Happiness is your divine right. All too often, people live with the limiting belief that life is hard and that one must suffer in order to get ahead. We suffer until we realize that there is no need to suffer.

Practice finding joy in the little things: an inspiring piece of music that makes your heart come alive, the way sunlight spills through the trees creating unique patterns on the earth, respond to the smile of a dogs loving eyes… Once you master happiness in the Now, expand it outward. Feel it guide you throughout the day. Discover the power of choosing joy even in the midst of challenging moments.

When you maintain an undercurrent of satisfaction and peace as the foundation of your journey, you step into an empowered way of being. Expecting good to come from everywhere and everything creates a magnetic effect that draws energetically aligned people and circumstances into your experience. Celebrate it! Let your life be a dance of empowerment, passion and acceptance.