Sacred Journey

“Your life is a sacred journey. It is about change, growth, discovery, movement, transformation, continuously expanding your vision of what is possible, stretching your soul, learning to see clearly and deeply, listening to your intuition, taking courageous challenges at every step along the way. You are on the path… exactly where you are meant to be right now… And from here, you can only go forward, shaping your life story into a magnificent tale of triumph, of healing, of courage, of beauty, of wisdom, of power, of dignity, and of love.”
~Caroline Adams Miller~
When you view this world as an illusion, a school, who’s only purpose is to help you to understand who you truly are, the journey becomes sacred. Every challenge becomes an opportunity to discover new aspects of yourself that are ready to shine. Layer by layer we strip away the illusions that we carry, only to discover that love resides at the core of all things. Imagine going so deeply within yourself that you weep with bliss at your awareness of the whole. When everything is burned away, only joy remains. Love rains down upon you from all dimensions. If only you could see what I see when I look at you… You are amazing, and I bow to the spirit within you.

What Perception Reveals

“No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.”
~Ansel Adams~
As we awaken, our perceptions are transformed. Consciousness expands and our vision becomes all-encompassing as we benefit from our varied experiences. It doesn’t matter what you believe or where you derive your inspiration. All that matters is your level of consciousness.
Each of us sees the world through our own unique filter. The ego then attaches to a perception, labeling it as “right” and will fight to the death to defend it. When one does not do their own work – healing emotional wounds, addressing their shadow self, accepting responsibility for their life experience – they try to get others to change in order to feel more secure.
Over time, the awakening soul creates a sacred space of balance and empowerment. This inner peace cultivates the ability to accept others unconditionally and feels no fear when faced by those who see the world differently.
Your interpretation of life reveals who you are. For those caught in the lower levels of shame, fear, hatred, pride and judgment, life is a frightening place indeed. The realm of empowerment is expressed through courage, willingness, acceptance, love and joy. Your spirit seeks to explore these beautiful levels of awareness.

The Role of Resistance

“Enlightenment is nothing more than the complete absence of resistance to what is. End of story.”
~Adyashanti~
As lessons unfold, your explorations will undoubtedly take you down new paths. Always seek the lesson, the beauty, the insight, for everything plays a role in the ongoing journey of your awakening.
As consciousness expands, the ego must learn to be more subtle. When you begin a process that is important to your development, distractions may arise. Resistance, whether internal or external, is a sign that you’re in the process of authentic change. Turn inward and face it directly knowing that the light of your consciousness is transformative.
Spiritual practice requires an openhearted acceptance of whatever unfolds in your experience. Acceptance lays a groundwork of peacefulness and empowerment that permeates all that you do. Begin with the premise that everything works toward your highest good and plays a specific role in your soul’s awakening.
Life-changing ideas are rarely heralded by a blaze of trumpets… sometimes they reside in a thought that pivots your direction. How you approach the present moment is the key – is it merely a means to an end, or are you celebrating your existence and the journey of your soul? Be led by joy.

Rising Above Thought

“Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.”
~Khalil Gibran~

We have the opportunity for expansive growth in this moment. By choosing not to be offended by anyone or anything, by releasing hurt and resentment, by rising above the mechanisms of the mind, we create space in which a transformation can occur.

Set yourself free from all fear and limitation. Recognize that your interpretation of the world is a reflection of your own level of consciousness and be willing to learn from any challenges that arise. Everything serves a specific purpose on your journey of discovery.

I am forever grateful and humbled when circumstances show me ways in which I limit myself. As a lifetime student of love, I am willing to explore its nuances no matter how they are presented. The willingness to release judgment and move into acceptance is a lifelong process.

The more consciousness you bring to a situation, the more you’ll be able to recognize the inherent possibilities it contains. The awakening spirit is simply willing to explore the unknown rather than continuing to repeat old patterns.

Walk Gently

“Walk as if you are kissing the earth with your feet.”
~Thich Nhat Hanh~
To live in alignment with life, we must first remove anything that blocks us from living in a way that is empowered and accepting. The spiritual path calls upon us to dissolve the ego, rise above the mundane and cultivate trust. There are many layers to this work and countless roads to enlightenment. As you explore the various teachings that ignite your spirit, your willingness to learn will draw what is needed to you.
Walk gently upon the earth and listen to the prompting of your inner guidance. Celebrate your breakthroughs and learn from the challenges that arise. Everything works toward your highest good – always. With this in mind, fear departs as we take a greater role in what we choose to create and how we interpret the circumstances in which we find ourselves.
This never ending process of awakening is filled with opportunity, for as you change, the world around you is transformed. Seek to discover the language of your heart. See each moment only as an opportunity to shine. Messages from the Divine are everywhere and infinite gifts of love are waiting to be discovered.

Be Yourself

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson~
Our cultural imprinting teaches that something is missing. Many feel pressured to look or be a certain way, and indeed we have entire industries dedicated to ensuring a subconscious (or not so subconscious) belief that we are flawed. Because of this, many seek to transform their experience because they do not like a particular aspect of themselves or their life; however, when we approach change in this way, we actually reinforce the perceived negative circumstances to remain in place.
Take it to a higher dimension. When you choose to operate from a place of love and acceptance, your actions have greater power and momentum. It becomes easy to release old patterns and explore one’s relationship to life in a way that is healthy and enlightened.
Let your choices be a tribute to your unique way of being in the world. See yourself as a living expression of the Divine. Your words and actions will then be a peaceful and empowered reflection of the love you have for yourself.

What We Think…

“Enlightenment is nothing more than the complete absence of resistance to what is. End of story.”
~Adyashanti~

Acceptance is empowerment. Begin where you are with what you have.

Then, take a deep slow breath, close your eyes and imagine….

Imagine that you are safe. Feel the healing powers of the earth with each and every step you take.

Imagine that you are surrounded by love and that you can easily recognize and understand the guidance that is available to you.

Imagine that there are no wrong choices. Each path simply leads to a different type of experience – any of which will lead you exactly where you need to be in order to learn and grow.

Imagine that it is easier than ever before to be present. See yourself basking in the beauty of a day filled with unlimited possibility and visualize yourself walking forward in faith that all is well.

Now realize that all that you have imagined already exists on some level. Each of us must discover our own way of being in the world. You have the power to create whatever experience you wish. Why not make it a joyful, passion-filled journey?

Universal Love

“The mantra – sat chit ananda – tells us that our soul is that place which is spontaneously love, knowingness, and bliss.”
~Deepak Chopra~

Sutra: Sat Chit Ananda (saht chit ah-NAN-dah)
Meaning: My inner dialogue reflects the fire of my soul

When your self talk is aligned with the love of the Divine, you are in tune with universal consciousness. Your inner wisdom, grace and acceptance create an aura of empowerment that emanates from you in myriad ways.

This power, unlike ego-generated self confidence, is not based upon outside factors and therefore is not reliant upon them. Money, relationships, health and experiences can then ebb and flow. Fear dissipates and life becomes an exploration of experience.

Loving and supportive inner dialogue helps us break free from old patterns of limiting thoughts and beliefs. It promotes spiritual development and accelerates positive change.

Observe the ego when it arises. Bless it for the lessons it has come to teach and then choose to see beyond it to the fire of your soul. Quieting the voice of ego will allow the vibrant light of your inner beauty to shine through.

Insight Through Contrast

“The true miracle lies in our eagerness to allow, appreciate, and honor the uniqueness, and freedom of each sentient being to sing the song of their heart.”
~Amit Ray~

Spiritual awakening is a constant process of forgiveness. As long as there is still one person, government entity, business or circumstance that you can’t forgive, there is still work to be done.What if you chose to find one thing to appreciate about each person who has ever been a challenge in your life? What if you chose only to speak about that positive thing when prompted to discuss him or her. What do you think would happen?

Life is a blend of dark and light. The contrasts we experience provide insight and wisdom we could never access from a one dimensional vantage point. Everything is multi-faceted; therefore, there is always an opportunity to find the good, assimilate the lesson or cultivate new strength, no matter what the circumstance.

Love who you are at this moment with the understanding that you are a culmination of all that you have ever experienced. When we rise above the need to blame we free ourselves to consciously explore Oneness, love and connection.

Facing Challenges Consciously

“Every challenge takes you a little deeper and awakens you again and again. Without the challenges, you probably would go to back to sleep. The challenges keep you awake.”
~Eckhart Tolle~

Think about all that you’ve learned so far on your spiritual journey – the tools of awakening tried and sometimes discarded, the basis of how you view your life, the facets of strength you have discovered as a result of facing challenges, the wisdom of surrender and acceptance, the power of gratitude.

What about those moments when gratitude seems far away? Sometimes we walk in darkness with the belief that all the tools we have cultivated have either deserted us or no longer work with the strength they once did. But something is different this time around…. we’re conscious of the fact that we are suffering. We actively apply what we’ve learned or seek new ways to address whatever challenge arises with the knowledge that we’ll find a way to grow through the process.

That’s the difference between someone who has experienced awakening and someone who has yet to access the knowledge that lies underneath the drama. The conscious approach becomes something of a dance with the Divine, a tango of immense passion filled with talent, surrender and synchronicity. Lifetime after lifetime we perfect this dance. Spiritual awakening is a process of constant practice and application.