Self Approval

“Our self-images define our own boundaries, limiting us to the narrow ideas of who we believe ourselves to be.”
~Ezra Bayda~

If you’ve ever spent time with someone who criticized your every move, always found fault with your choices or nit-picked the decisions you’ve made, you’d likely consider that person to be toxic, and would probably limit your interactions.

Yet, the unkindness perpetrated by others often pales in comparison to the dialogue of our inner critic. Many people place impossible demands upon themselves and carry the mental weight of perceived mistakes, lost opportunities, guilt or shame.

Should you observe negative self-talk, stop and change the momentum of your thoughts. Affirmations, gratitude and self-love can shift the energy into a more productive direction. Instead of demanding that you be perfect, seek to transform your experience through conscious acceptance. Don’t hate your way to change. Let love open you to the transformative energy that is all around you.

Ultimately, since the world is our reflection, we can actively practice kindness on every level: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. As your self-love increases, you’ll notice that you complain less. Acceptance, compassion, balance and harmony are the by-products of of a person who is at ease in the present moment.

Act With Integrity. Do Your Best. Accept What Is.

Every thought, word and action sends ripples of energy across the Universe which returns to us in miraculous and unexpected ways. Our ability to understand the perfection within the nuances of life is limited at best; therefore, never underestimate the value of sharing your gifts and unique perception. Realize that life is rarely as serious as our minds would like us to believe… as we learn this, we find more opportunities to play.

Something wonderful awaits. It’s up to you to welcome it with open arms and joyful innocence. You can release the burdens of your heart. In the presence of infinite love, limitless possibility and Divine grace, it’s impossible to be weighed down by fear.

Look beyond the external form to the eternal truth within you. The rising sun of awareness shines through and opens up new dimensions of stillness. In that space of awakening, we find that we can drop judgment, limiting patterns and the illusions which trap us in the mind and move ever more deeply into the truth of who we truly are.

Wholeness

“On this sacred path of Radical Acceptance, rather than striving for perfection, we discover how to love ourselves into wholeness.”
~Tara Brach~

Beyond the dualities of life resides a unified space of Wholeness born of the endless dance of awakening that we share. The mystical union of grace and strength comes from walking through our challenges with conscious awareness… always seeking to discover the lesson and blend it into our unique way of experiencing the world.

Repeating patterns will always show you the aspects within you that are ready to be healed. Step into the role of observer – detached, clear and calm – and be a loving witness to your own growth. You have the ability to stop playing the tape of limiting thought and recognize that those feelings of doubt are lingering baggage from the past.

The only way to blend all the sparkling facets of who you truly are is to go inward. At the center of your being lies an infinite and powerful connection that can only be rediscovered after experiencing the illusion of separation. Integration of all that you have learned allows you to reach new levels in your own awakening. And the best part of playing in a Universe of infinite possibility? We are always at the beginning with limitless potential to explore.

Cultivating Detachment

“I don’t mind what happens. That is the essence of inner freedom.
It is a timeless spiritual truth: release attachment to outcomes,
deep inside yourself, you’ll feel good no matter what.”
~Jiddu Krishnamurti~

When we utilize daily gratitude and acceptance as the foundation for creating peace in the present moment, we discover that ultimately, everything we experience is transformed. It’s important to enjoy all the various aspects of your unique journey; however, seek to do so with a fluidity that allows room for miracles to unfold.

Part of the human experience is immersing ourselves in life. Rather than seeking to shun the physical aspects of the world and meditate on a mountaintop, we integrate our spirituality into the mundane and learn that detachment is the key to happiness.

When we attach to a specific outcome, item, person, goal or self-concept, we create barriers that disrupt the free flow of energy and experience. The moment the unexpected occurs we have a choice to either accept or reject what is unfolding.

If suffering ensues, realize the amount of distress you feel is an indicator of your level of attachment. Should you notice excessive disappointment or sadness arising, go within and observe how previous expectations have dictated your current emotional reaction. This is the moment to remind yourself to create space in your experience for something new to emerge. Loss teaches us how to live and love with authenticity in the present moment.

Happiness

“Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same.”
~Carlos Castaneda~
Happiness is a choice. So is misery. Each of us is responsible for our own joy; therefore, change begins with consciously changing our thoughts – choosing happiness again and again until it becomes our natural response to daily events. All transformation comes from within.
Life will provide ample opportunities to practice acceptance, forgiveness and compassion. The process of growth is both deeply personal and collective. Your unique journey is one of learning mastery and those who grace your life play the roles required for your awakening.
When you choose thoughts that create empowerment and peacefulness, nothing has the power to take your happiness away. Even in the midst of tremendous challenge, there will be a groundedness of spirit that is unshakable.
In the present moment, can you choose to surrender to what is? That is the foundation of genuine happiness. Make this a daily practice of walking meditation as you go deeper into your own expression of joy. Open yourself to the experience of life without judging or trying to control. This is the art of contentment.

Authenticity

“Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood? Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther, and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton, and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh. To be great is to be misunderstood.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson~
In a world filled with expectation, opinion and judgment, it’s often challenging to consistently be vulnerable and authentic. Should you experience stress, anxiety, frustration or disappointment, it’s likely that you are out of your integrity in a given situation. Take a moment to self-assess and adjust when necessary. Once realigned with your integrity, live it to the best of your ability.
All of existence celebrates your journey and contributions. Cultivate the ability to be totally present. Take one step at a time, giving the Now your full attention and energy. This authenticity and Presence will bring a wonderful new dimension into your life experience.

Those who have drawn you into their lives need to experience your unique way of looking at the world. Authenticity inspires expansion into higher levels of consciousness. When you have learned to embrace who you are with calm confidence, your spirit will dwell in truth and light and that energy will be infused into every aspect of your life.

The Pilgrimage

The journey is a sacred place and by honoring the present moment, we consciously move through the beautiful landscape of our souls awakening. Whenever you enter periods of movement and change, allow yourself to feel a sense of adventure and growth. This is your pilgrimage.

Be willing to accept and embrace the new. This attitude of openness and acceptance invites new opportunities, friends and experiences into our lives. There is no way to force healing of the heart chakra – it is the natural flow of your energy as you mature and learn to rest in your inner silence.

It has been said that one must lose all to learn how to be simple. We fill our lives with people, things, and ambition in order to stay busy and distracted. The Universe will often create a space for us to discover the joys of simplicity; however, one doesn’t have to wait for all to be lost – we can simply lose our attachment.

Guidance is available when you heed the whispers of your heart. The more you move into love and balance, the more receptive you’ll be… and your life will become radiant with blessings. This is your birthright, a gift that has awaited you since the moment you first set foot on this planet. Will you choose to embrace the journey?

Friendship as the Highest Form of Love

“Just be friendly. Rather than creating friendship, create friendliness. Let it become a quality of your being, a climate that surrounds you, so you are friendly with whomever you come in contact.”
~Osho~

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.
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. It might be a brief re-connection or you may share the journey for a while but the feeling is one of coming home.
And when someone leaves your life, know this: you will ultimately spend far, far more time together in eternity that the few moments here in this lifetime that you spend apart.
Let friendliness become your true nature. Your kindness and friendship is simply an abundance which must be shared.
 

The Shape of Vulnerability

The shape of vulnerability takes many forms. Though deeply entwined, each soul must traverse the blueprint of awakening alone. Rather than hide any perceived flaws or wounds, keep returning to the threshold of the disturbance until you discover something new. Yes, this can be frightening, and often creates discomfort and disorder in your experience; however, the soul longs to transform vulnerability into strength.

Flaws create beauty and give meaning to the masterpiece. Whether falling in love, facing your greatest fear, standing at the precipice of change or navigating your path, know that as you discover new things about yourself, you will become more deeply aligned with your true nature. This leads to freedom.

We are multi-faceted beings, yet we are often surprised to find light hidden in the most unexpected places. In humility, be nourished by the gifts of your soul and choose to accept them. You are undefinable, infinite, and ever-changing. As you integrate the varied aspects of the Self into your expression of life, any vulnerability will amplify what is truly important in your quest for awakening.

There are secret worlds hidden in the nuances of experience. How powerful it will be to view your journey with appreciation, acceptance and forgiveness.

Disruption

“…something very beautiful happens to people when their world has fallen apart: a humility, a nobility, a higher intelligence emerges at just the point where our knees hit the floor.”
~Marianne Williamson~

Acceptance is saying “Yes” to life. It is not dependent upon liking what is unfolding, rather, it is an inner awareness that releases the ingrained habit of struggle and allows you to step into the present moment with power and grace. Life’s disruptions reveal your strengths.
You are much more than this body or this experience. You are a vast, infinite energy that is in the process of discovery. Simultaneously unique and part of the Oneness that connects us, we are here to discover how to live from the heart.
The purpose of the human existence is to experience every facet of life. So, lifetime after lifetime we play in the world of form. We interact with one another as lovers, enemies, teachers, family and friends in order to discover compassion. Our challenges send us on new roads of adventure and discovery. When you are ready to learn, you’ll find that everyone and everything is your teacher. Living in alignment with your unique way of being in the world will help you to access your inner wisdom.