Expressions of Consciousness

“It is truth that liberates, not your effort to be free.”
~Jiddu Krishnamurti~

The world desperately needs you to be your authentic self. Collectively, we are transformed by the light you bring to our experience. Once you discover your passion, seek unique ways to express it. Rather than attempting to determine what others expect or want, understand that you are simply here to shine.

Celebrate your magnificence. The purpose is to learn Oneness through contrast. Each of us must ultimately discover the expressions of consciousness that seek to manifest through us. Some teach through service, others through art or inventiveness and some, through Presence. No matter what your soul calls you to do, be true to yourself.

Joy manifests through giving and sharing; however, balance is imperative in order to be a pure channel for the light, love and laughter of the universe. Nurture yourself and listen to your body. Doing so will allow you to find your own way of harmonizing mind, body, spirit and emotion.  This is the gateway to enlightened experience.

If nothing else, seek to leave each interaction better than you found it. Whether personal or collective, love is expressed by walking gently in the world.

The Awakened Life

“Looking with a mind that’s awake reveals the shimmering pulse of life. Looking with a mind full of thoughts reveals only your thoughts.”

~Ezra Bayda~

Living an awakened life calls upon us to consistently and purposefully bring the best version of ourselves to our life experience. This daily practice can show us areas where we are stuck as well as how much we have grown over the years.

As we relentlessly observe ourselves, noticing our self-image and ego driven stories, we begin to release the illusions that block us from living authentically. Ultimately, we discover that we are more than our stories or the roles we play in this lifetime. We can step into the freedom of not needing to be defined.

The most powerful aspect of spiritual growth is the ability to Be Here Now. Immerse yourself within the present moment and all that it offers, seeking only to be fully conscious. Your choices, goals and journey will reflect the peace that you are. Living authentically is the highest expression of love and empowerment.

Be Authentic

“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”
~Carl Gustav Jung~

Drop all pretense. Rather than trying to please or seek outside validation, simply bring the best version of yourself to this moment.

The dance of awakening opens new dimensions of life. In them, we are born anew and begin to leave behind the limitations, demands, criticism, doubt and worry of earthbound experience. We taste the gifts of freedom and limitless potential in our exploration and learn to bring this expanded perspective into our life situations.
One of the most important aspects of awakening is self-love. Transcend your own experience by choosing to interpret the perceived flaws of old programming as brilliant facets you can explore this lifetime. The Divine seeks only to express itself through you; therefore, do not hold yourself back out of fear. There has never been, nor will there ever be, someone with your unique way of being in the world.
In your authenticity, you shine like a beacon in the darkness. When you deeply love and accept yourself, it becomes easier to love others just the way they are. Teaching by example, we can demonstrate a new type of experience, one founded in joy.

Your Life is Your Message

“You do not write your life with words…You write it with actions. What you think is not important. It is only important what you do.”

~Patrick Ness~

Imagine the life of your dreams and live it Now to the best of your ability. You can expand into mastery by experiencing the present moment with an open heart. Life is a tapestry that is intricately woven by your thoughts, words and actions. You are the artist. Your joy is the light. Your life is the message.

When you live authentically, happiness arises. That energy flows outward touching everything and everyone around you. The way to discern if you’re living your truth is to ask, “Am I completely at peace with myself or am I suffering?”

Every cell in your body is filled with Divine intelligence. Listen to the messages it provides and honor the processes of your awakening. All that is required is the willingness to recognize the magnificence of your being.

The purpose of being human is to awaken to who we truly are. Live fearlessly and dance in the mystery and wonder of being alive.

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.

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.

Outside Validation

“When you do something noble and beautiful and nobody noticed, do not be sad. For the sun every morning is a beautiful spectacle and yet most of the audience still sleeps.”
~John Lennon~

Once you discover your authentic way of being in the world, everything becomes very simple. You effortlessly embrace the call of your spirit and consistently demonstrate your level of consciousness, whether or not anyone else is around to witness. Beautiful, vibrant energy flows through you, infusing all that you do with the higher vibrations of love, light and laughter.

Seeking outside validation is an ego-generated journey of frustration and soul crushing compromise. When we are constantly trying to determine what others may be seeking from us, we discover that chasing recognition ultimately leads into the abyss of fear.

Understand deeply that those who grace your life need you to be your most authentic self. This is the energy that you weave into our collective experience and there is no one in the world with your unique way of being. Observe your inner state of peace. This is the barometer that will inform that you are fulfilling your purpose here. There is nothing to prove. You are amazing.

Divine Wisdom

“The heart that seeks to awaken, to live genuinely, is more real than anything. That nameless drive calls you to be who you most truly are.”
~Ezra Bayda
~

Sometimes you are closer to your divine wisdom than you realize. On those occasions the Universe tends to send confirmation – the perfect book falls into your hands, you repeatedly hear the same message, knowledge makes itself known to you – it can be a delight to watch how the synchronicities unfold.

Our conditioning often leads us to place more faith in validation from others than in ourselves. These loving messages from the Divine are meant to strengthen your unique vision so that you can more easily follow the inner prompting of your heart. For many, this begins an incredible transformation that reverberates throughout their life experience.

You will awaken in whatever way best serves your evolution. Apparent losses and challenges are simply part of the game of awakening in which we are all engaged. Whether someone is consciously seeking awareness or not, their soul is still propelling them forward in the most appropriate way for the unfoldment of their journey. As we tend to our own awakening, this loving energy impacts everything and everyone around us.

Know Thyself

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

One challenge that many spiritual seekers encounter is opposition from those around them. The ego may, for a time, flame the inner struggle between the human desire to be accepted and the souls desire to live in ones truth. Those who oppose you teach you how to be authentic. They will be the first to point out when your actions are hypocritical. They will demand explanations and then pick apart spiritual ideas in a way that may cause the newly awakened to doubt their own experiences and insights; however, this articulation (especially to oneself) is an important aspect of spiritual awakening.

True empowerment resides in humility and enlightenment. When you notice the egos desire to be right, to score points off a frustrating person or even to be recognized as a spiritual master, go within and consciously release the need to speak. Watch how strongly the mind responds… Your authenticity has a greater impact than changing someones mind, performing miracles or receiving temporary adulation from the uninitiated. Life will always present the ideal situation for your growth. The spiritual student will look at a challenge and ask themselves what there is to be learned. A master will look at the ease and joys of life asking the very same question.

Be The Light

“Wherever you stand, be the soul of that place.” 

~ Rumi~

Each of us must demonstrate personal responsibility by observing the energy we bring into our life situations. Mastery calls upon us to take ownership of our state of consciousness in the present moment. We can then take right action knowing that we have a definitive impact on those around us.

Every circumstance offers an opportunity to discover the infinite facets of love. Periodically check in and ask if you’re bringing the best version of yourself to the present moment. It’s empowering to observe, see clearly and shift when required. These are some of the many gifts of expanding awareness. As you awaken, you’ll have access to greater perception. Don’t be surprised if you have a significantly different view of the world than others around you. Let your life be your message and bring gentleness to your journey.

Each of us plays a role in the collective awakening of humanity. Some heal through adversity, some through loving example and teaching while others let the light of the divine shine through them by bringing kindness and compassion into daily activity. Find your truth and live it to the best of your ability.