Compassion

“We are all different. Don’t judge, understand instead.”
~Roy T. Bennett~

Everyone carries wounds that silently (or not so silently, in some cases) control their lives. Rather than turn and face these shadows, the ego-mind begins a story of wrongness that gets projected outward. As a distraction, judgment and blame create all-encompassing stories that can keep the personality busy for years. Over time, the mantra around “the other” gets stronger as the ego becomes entrenched in the role of fighter.

Healing these wounds takes conscious and consistent effort. The first step is to take ownership of what is being reflected. When attention turns inward, seek to remove the reactivity and criticism by seeing clearly. Here is a simple visualization:

  • Surround the person or situation with the pink light of unconditional love. Say, “In love, I offer forgiveness to all those who have ever harmed me, knowingly or unknowingly, in all times and spaces, places and dimensions.”
  • Surround the person or situation with the purple light of awareness. Say, “In humility, I ask forgiveness from all those whom I have ever harmed, knowingly or unknowingly, in all times and spaces, places and dimensions.”
  • Visualize calming blue light around all, saying, “I accept emotional healing wherever it is required, on every level of existence, in every cell, thought, dream or memory. And so it is.”

This process sets energy in motion. Empowerment fosters compassion. This is how we help one another to heal.

Transformation

Everything is constantly changing, evolving, growing. This natural process is what allows us to expand our perception while we explore new aspects of ourselves. As we journey through the phases of life – youth, power and wisdom, we tend to revisit old lessons in order to understand them from a different point of view.

Enjoy the phase you are in. Smile gently as the next group of souls fumble their way to enlightenment. We all need to make mistakes, and sometimes be who we aren’t in order to discover who we are. As we cultivate greater understanding, we do better. Ultimately, we have the joy of passing along wisdom to those who are ready to hear.

The greatest gift that you can give is a demonstration of love. As consciousness awakens it often appears as patience, kindness, wisdom and authenticity. Give with love. Be a witness to your own experience. Create a life filled with flow and vitality and you will never cease to be amazed. Expanding consciousness comes through understanding contrasts and seeing the value in all sides of an experience. In acceptance, anything can be transformed. Through sharing our gifts, we change the energy of the world around us.

Control is an Illusion

“What is the path? Residing in this very life, exactly as it is right now… liking or not liking has nothing to do with it.”  

~Ezra Bayda~

Awakening calls upon us to be aware of our responses. Rather than seeking to dominate circumstances, we learn to flow with them. Rather than attempting to bend others to our will, we value the sacredness in each person’s path. The only thing over which you have any control is yourself, and that is challenging enough! We’ve all experienced the take-over of the ego and have temporarily lost consciousness; however, these moments of missing the mark become less frequent and intense as we continue our practice.

When we attempt to control the world around us, the energy we emit creates a rigidity of the soul that’s difficult to penetrate. These structures of thought may present themselves in our lives as tenseness, grinding teeth, forgetting to breathe… It’s time to allow spontaneity and vulnerability to enter our lives. If mistakes happen, that’s OK. When life seems like a wild ride, it’s OK. There’s much to be discovered by entering uncharted territory.

Allow your encounters to be authentic. Listen more. Take time to breathe and feel the energies that swirl around you. This is the moment of transformation. No matter what space you’re in right now, know that it will evolve into something different if you are willing to accept new energy into your experience.

Anger is a Message

When caught in the grip of reactivity, anger or blame, it’s imperative to observe your inner dialogue. There are patterns of limiting behavior or beliefs bubbling up to the surface, ready for profound healing. Conscious awareness provides an opportunity to integrate messages from your higher self. Anger is only healthy when utilized as an springboard for self-transformation.

Whether directed inward or extended outward, anger 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.

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

See reactivity as a barometer which measures attachment. The ultimate goal is to experience the present moment as it is. The conscious observer walks quietly empowered through life, holds space, and uplifts those with whom they interact.

Detachment

“Having preferences is not a problem, nor is enjoying them. But when preferences crystallize into requirements, we suffer.”     
~Ezra Bayda~

Attachment creates suffering. 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.

Chaos

Transformation – whether personal or collective – often takes us into uncharted territory. The chaos of upheaval is intended to shake things up in order to break us free of repetitive patterns.

Don’t fear these intense moments of change. Spiritual practice calls upon us to receive changes with an open-heart. Your willingness to move into acceptance opens the door for new beginnings. Every experience contains the opportunity to awaken.

Should you encounter resistance, it is an indicator that true transformation is at hand. The ego becomes more active when we are on the verge of a breakthrough. These is what often creates additional chaos in our experience. We resist the new, judge or blame others, cling to the familiar and fear the unknown; however, everything needs to be brought into the light so that we can clearly see what is ready to be discarded.

Don’t wait to have a peaceful life before you choose to be at peace. Something will always seek your attention. Choose to make inner grace a priority in your experience. Little spaces of stillness realign you with the Divine. Each time you bring yourself present, time slows and you’ll be able to accomplish the task at hand with a clear heart and mind. Life is what it is – chaotic, beautiful, unpredictable. Be the one who brings peacefulness to the world around you.

Transition

During times of transition, shifts in life’s circumstances or accelerated self-change, it’s important to learn how to keep emotional responses moderate. Rather than complete immersion in the highs and lows (which can be exhausting!), consciously take a moment to observe yourself, knowing that true protection comes from acting with integrity, doing your best and accepting what is.

On the path of transformation we periodically embark upon cycles of change and discover new aspects of our strength in the newfound freedom and liberation from outmoded beliefs and habits. When we take responsibility for creating the conditions of a particular situation, we move into empowerment. The more severe the disruption, the more significant the growth.

When you don’t know what to do, choose one small task and do it mindfully. This sets energy in motion. Present moment awareness activates a higher perception and from there, you can see more clearly.

Visualize beautiful light and energy forming around a thought. See it expand and take on a life of its own as it flows out into the Universe, sparkles of joy merging with the life-force and love of the Divine. Change is constant; however, inner stillness and limitless potential are your true foundation.

 

 

Union

When we come together, a synergy is created that shines brilliantly throughout the universe. This is what love looks like. It is fluid and expansive and allows us to explore life as we discover who we are in the presence of another.

In union, watch how your energies merge and change. Relationships reflect our desire for Oneness. Choose to leave enough room for the winds of heaven to dance in between and enjoy the beauty you create during moments of connection.

All relationships ultimately lead us to a greater union with the Divine. As we learn to provide consistent, loving acceptance for those who grace our lives, we experience the joyousness that results from watching them discover their unique way of being in the world.

Acceptance allows those you love the freedom to shine. In the present moment we can choose to give support and affection with a peaceful, open heart, and honor the riches and inspiration the other has to offer as sacred.

Allow compassion, kindness and gratitude to create a foundation for healthy, supportive relationships. Love with a gentle strength. Love in a way that expands your own heart and you’ll discover a well that never runs dry.

Know Thyself

“Your own Self-Realization is the greatest service you can render the world.”
~Ramana Maharshi~

Some people seek recognition or validation. Some seek to be needed. Others base every decision upon what they believe is required of them… and all feel trapped by the expectations of others.
The awakened spirit lives in his or her own truth. Led by passion and compassion, they walk the path less traveled. If others seek to admonish them, it’s OK. When others seek to revere them, they simply turn inward. Each of us walks a unique path and it cannot be truly defined by anything other than our inner wisdom.

Rather than fighting particular aspects of your personality or appearance, cultivate acceptance and reside in the positive poles of each. Even so-called negative traits can be expressed in a healthy way when one is conscious – stubbornness becomes tenacity of spirit, impatience can be transformed into healthy, mindful action, arrogance can shift into pride of one’s accomplishments combined with humility. It’s the unique differences between us that create so much beauty. You bring a glorious and valuable energy to the collective experience of the planet and sharing your light may inspire others to do the same.

The Joy of Friendship

“Friendship … is born at the moment when one man says to another “What! You too? I thought that no one but myself . . .”

~C.S. Lewis~

Old souls tend to be drawn to those with whom they have a long and varied history. Through lifetimes of experience, they have played several roles with one another, learned together, and can ultimately interact with a sense of familiarity and safety. These are the souls with whom you can be yourself. There is nothing to prove, just a true acceptance that is not impacted by time or space.

When you meet someone and immediately feel something like, “Oh, it’s you!” it’s likely that you’ve rediscovered a soul mate. Long talks feel like you’re simply catching up and there is a sense of safety. Celebrate the beautiful souls that grace your life. Whether near or far, remind them that they are loved and appreciated.

Since most beings on the planet are currently Young or Mature souls, we do not typically have as many in our spiritual peer group. You may just have a few very special connections and find that it is enough. You are loved and supported on many different levels.