Stand in Courage

“In these times where it has seemed dark indeed
where integrity appears solely buried in legend and lore,
it is an opportunity in contrast to the shadows,
to create miracles…
by choosing first courage,
then diligence,
standing,
opening our mouth
and speaking the truth that in rare moments,
may ignite the light.”
~Tom Althouse~

To live an authentic life is to be deeply committed to the truth of who you are. There will be moments when you shine with inspiration and conviction, and others when you may miss the mark; however, it is all part of the process of transformation. Reading and study will only get you so far. It’s powerful to watch ideas as they come to life in the world around you. You are far stronger than you know.

Listen deeply to the inner wisdom of your soul. Each of us has a unique purpose and while you might find motivation and insight through others’ works, the message slightly transforms when processed through your filter of interpretation and again as you put new ideas and energy into motion.

Be the change you wish to see. Honor your purpose as sacred and embrace the continuity of your spiritual evolution. Beautiful facets of your soul still await discovery.

Into The Mystic

“If you cling too much to logic you will never be able to be part of the living process that this existence is. Life is more than logic: life is paradox, life is mystery.”

~Osho~

You are a unique, evolving expression of the Divine in physical form. Why not allow life the freedom to surprise you? Many walk through their days blind to the beauty which surrounds them; however, the spiritual seeker explores the ability to infuse enchantment into the mundane with their attitude, joyful expectation and innocence.

Much of the path of awakening is remembering how to be amazed, how to dance with delight in the rain, take a leap of faith or seek inspiration. Everything, in its reflection of you, becomes a message of love. Together, we rise when we consciously engage with life.

There are infinite threads of commonality that bind us. Seek out those threads, draw them into your experience and witness their impact on the exquisite tapestry of which we are all a part. We can choose to live in a way that is both connected and expansive. Set aside any perceived limitations, be enchanted by love and give expression to the magic within you.

Community

Be proud of your unique gifts. There has never been, nor will there ever be, anyone who brings your perception and talents to the planet. No matter where you reside on the Path of Transformation, you are right where you need to be. It’s empowering to realize that in every moment, you are doing the best you can… and so is everyone around you.

Judgment blocks the ability to love. When we become tangled within the egoic stories regarding others’ behavior, it distracts us from doing our inner work. Even more debilitating are the blockages we create when we judge ourselves. Personal responsibility calls upon us to see ourselves clearly, but that does not include directing judgment inward. All too often the spiritual seeker gets lost in the “shoulds” and forgets that patience and compassion are the greatest gifts we can offer – both to ourselves and to others.

Embrace the aspects of yourself that might have once made you feel insecure and integrate them into the Wholeness of your spiritual expression in this lifetime. As your confidence increases, so will your ability to participate fully in whatever life has to offer. Spiritual awakening is not meant to detach us from life, but allow us to delve more fully into it. Mastery calls upon us to share ourselves with the world.

The final lessons of an old soul are based in self-forgiveness, compassion, acceptance and unconditional love toward the self and others. When we understand where others reside on the journey of awakening, it becomes easier to honor their path and accept them where they are. It would be a waste of energy to expect a young soul to understand the perception or actions of a mature or old soul… they haven’t yet reached that stage in their development.

Be true to yourself, seek spiritual fulfillment, detach from the intensity and recognize your connection to something greater. The best is yet to come.

Sharing Love

 
“If you withhold love as a form of punishment, who is being punished?”
~Donald L. Hicks~

Love is giving – giving based in kindness, freedom and compassion without expectation.

Judgment is a by-product of the ego. Condemning others, whether through “righteous anger” or an internal dialogue, creates blockages between people. The only way to break through the lower levels of unconsciousness is to become more conscious yourself. In that manner, your life will be your message.

Love transforms any situation into a space of pure potential. Like water eroding rock, the process may take some time, but the results are permanent. Each loving thought, word or act of kindness plants a seed of awakening. These seeds are nourished by our consistent mindful approach and may thrive in ways you’ve never imagined. Whether you’re there to witness the transformation or not, never doubt the power of love.

Seek to honor all paths as sacred. Each journey is unique, yet all are on the same path of awakening. One never knows what will trigger a breakthrough; therefore, it’s powerful to act as though this moment is the one that will open doors to new levels of understanding… and remember that love is the key.

Transformation and Rebirth

“To live fearlessly is to actively practice peace and non-violence, even when it seems like we’re being threatened.”
~Alberto Villodo~

Our energy has a significant impact on those around us. When we embody peace in the face of challenging situations, our Presence influences others and thus, we eventually experience a collective shift to higher levels of consciousness.

The awakened spirit cultivates the capacity to see beyond the roles and mechanisms of the ego to the infinite soul within. There is no need to create an enemy or something to fight against. Instead, we recognize opportunities to teach, to awaken and to love.

Condor inspires us to rise above. With greater awareness, our vision expands and we can gain deeper understanding. Embodied with wisdom, one can walk the way of the visionary, bringing peace and non-violence into our shared experience that is often fraught with conflict. Consider your role in our collective awakening.

There is a cyclical nature to the human experience. Karmic lessons, whether personal, mutual or collective, teach through the polarity of opposites until we find the center of neutrality. Step into compassion, be true to yourself, rise to the occasion, and honor the journey of awakening as sacred.

 

Relationships

The foundation of love is acceptance. Judgement is ego-driven, saying “You must change because I am uncomfortable.” Spiritual seekers transform discomfort or fear by working with the imbalance on the inner plane rather than immediately projecting outward. Once the imbalance is cleared, the other’s behavior may lessen or it will no longer elicit a reactive response. Relationships are the most transformative tool we can utilize on the path of awakening.

Healthy love offers support, patience, compassion and space. Ego-driven love demands that others must behave in a way that makes us feel whole. As we vacillate between the two states of being, we may discover aspects of ourselves that require our focus. Our relationships consistently provide opportunities to grow.

When we create harmony within our relationships, we begin to discover who we truly are in the presence of the other. Our multifaceted experience is transformed through exploration of friendships, partnership, lovers, parenting and active participation with our soul group.

Bring conscious presence into your relationships by giving those you love the space they need to grow and thrive. See your connection as a sacred, living expression of Divine love as you walk in beauty and honor the perfection of the journey.

Sacred Flame

“Awareness is the greatest alchemy there is. Just go on becoming more and more aware, and you will find your life changing for the better in every possible dimension. It will bring great fulfillment.”
~Osho~

Let your life be guided by the sacred flame of awareness. Layer by layer the veils of illusion are burned away and we open to receive the gifts of enlightenment. It may be hard to imagine the beauty that awaits, but truly that is the one and only reason for this sojourn in space and time – discovery. There is nothing specific that you need to do, only drop that which blocks your vision.

Bring greater awareness to your experience. Choose just an hour today and approach every task fully present – no multitasking, slow and conscious, grateful and alert. This will teach you how to become the observer and recognize the sacredness of the Now.

One indicator of awakening is that you will feel whole, peaceful, balanced and integrated, even when facing adversity. Inner guidance speaks in whispers – the more you trust it, the stronger it becomes and the more attuned you will be to the wisdom which emanates from the very core of your being.

The Clouds of Emotion

“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”   

~Thich Nhat Hanh~ 

Like clouds, emotions are mutable. Sometimes light and wispy, sometimes dark and full of the promise of rain, but always moving endlessly on the air current. You can use conscious breathing as a way of being an active participant in moving the clouds along. When emotions arise, be observant. They always show truths that lie beneath the surface and then you can actively work with them.

While it’s important to feel your emotions fully, it’s equally important to remember that they are temporary. The saying “This too shall pass” is true in every circumstance, whether joyful or challenging. In each moment you have an opportunity to cultivate a greater understanding of yourself and the world you create around you. See yourself as a master in the process of awakening.

For me, the clouds in the sky are a beautiful, ever-evolving work of art. Many times throughout the day I just stop to appreciate the beauty and watch the changes. The moment of stillness is a simple way to honor the sacredness of creation that is always in motion.

Peace and Magic and Wonder

“The moment you enter the Now with your attention, you realize that life is sacred. There is a sacredness to everything you perceive when you are present. The more you live in the Now, the more you sense the simple yet profound joy of Being and the sacredness of all life.”     
~Eckhart Tolle~ 

Beyond the mechanisms of the mind, beyond the cacophony of life and the intensity of emotion and desire, stillness resides. Limitless possibility is accessible within this spaciousness and we can choose to enter inner stillness at any time.

Cultivate the ability to quiet the mind and be present. This will allow you to see beyond illusion to recognize the sacredness of your true nature and will ultimately bring a greater sense of peace and joy into your life experience.

Mastery calls upon us to take personal responsibility for our state of consciousness in the present moment. Clarity arises from the stillness and we eventually discover that no matter how things may appear, all is well.

This wonderful world of illusion is very real for us, as are the emotions and insights that we experience. You can choose to create your own reality… and that’s the joy of awakening.

The Gifts We Give

“Your own Self-realization is the greatest service you can render the world.”

~Ramana Maharshi~

Those who have manifested you into their lives need you to be exactly who you are. Being authentic and allowing others to bear witness to your growth and changes allows you to play your part perfectly. Act with integrity, do your best and accept what is. When you miss the mark, own it. When you can offer kindness, do so. Should you walk blindly into a karmic contract, navigate to the best of your ability.

We are all in the process of awakening. The only difference between us is where we are in that process. Ultimately, we walk one another home. Should you ever feel confused, take the time to tend to your own state of consciousness. This will allow you to bring the best version of yourself to the present moment and your actions (or conscious inaction) will have a higher foundational quality.

Whether we walk with someone for a moment or for a lifetime, the gifts we give are innumerable. This moment is precious – how will you choose to use it?