Relationships

“Contrary to the romantic fantasies we have about relationships, in actuality they often push us directly into our blind longings, our dark fears, and our unhealed pain.”

~Ezra Bayda~

We wade into relationships as children and begin the process of experiencing egoic desire, often learning through identification with the idea of “Mine!” The ego builds its identity and we watch it play out again and again throughout the various phases of life. Whether challenges comes through family dynamics, friendships, lovers or co-workers, observe the repeating patterns in your experience.

The power of subconscious programming and belief is sometimes hard to see clearly. Our soulmates assist in the process of discovery. As we become self-aware, transformation begins. Once we are no longer enslaved by desire or blindly lost in the mechanisms of the mind, our relationships will then reflect health, balance and peacefulness.

View yourself with love and compassion. Likely, certain beliefs and tendencies were passed down through generational experience. Simply observe and bring loving awareness to your interactions. Spiritual transformation is a subtle process that impacts every area of your life. The illusion of separateness will ultimately lead you to experience Oneness. Honor the processes of your awakening as sacred.

Who You Are

“Enlightenment is understanding that there is nowhere to go, nothing to do, and nobody you have to be except exactly who you’re being right now.”

~Neale Donald Walsch~

Our infinite Universe has a limitless supply of all that you desire. There is enough love, abundance, joy, health, radiance and fulfillment for each and every being on the planet. It is our birthright to immerse ourselves in life in such a way that we can simultaneously tap into the depths of understanding and wisdom while enjoying all the beauty that life has to offer.

The wonder of spiritual awakening is learning to balance all these varied aspects of experience while leaving the ego behind. As each layer of blockage or limitation is removed, we discover new realms of contentment. Wholeness allows you to be rich in physical experience, rich in discovery, in meditation and in consciousness.

Abundance and Fulfillment

“What is truly a part of our spiritual path is that which brings us alive. If gardening brings us alive, that is our path, if it is music, if it is conversation… we must follow what brings us alive.” 
~ David Steindl-Rast~
Look beyond challenges to the beauty that fills your life experience. The present moment provides an opportunity to awaken in a way that allows you to give rather than being propelled by desire. The awakened heart sees through the eyes of love and gratitude with the realization that abundance is a state of mind.
Spiritual abundance and fulfillment have greater depth than simple prosperity or obtaining a particular financial goal. Things, by their very nature, bring limitation and the worry of “what ifs?” that can destroy one’s sense of well-being. One who is truly abundant is already complete. Outer expressions of prosperity can ebb and flow; however, the heart that is fulfilled is untroubled and lives in a state of grace.
Celebrate existence! Embrace the joys and beauty that life has to offer. See yourself as an expression of the divine, step into service and discover the love that resides at the core of everything. Then, your walk will become flowing and harmonious.

Enter Into Stillness

“Whenever you deeply accept this moment as it is — no matter what form it takes — you are still, you are at peace.”

~Eckhart Tolle~

This moment is the gateway to enlightenment. In the midst of hyperbole and distraction lies an infinite well of peace from which you can drink. Honor your journey as sacred by drinking deeply of the love, light and laughter of the universe.

Periodically choose to detach from worldly limitation and enter into the stillness of infinite possibility. Within the gap between words, breaths, heartbeats or movement we can catch a glimpse of  life’s limitless potential. There is no need to fill it that silence with analytical thought or action. Just be present. Your conscious awareness activates inner wisdom and peace.

Some call this the space of no mind. Detachment allows us to observe all that unfolds with greater clarity. From the vantage point of awareness, you may discover greater compassion, especially for those who are momentarily caught in the mechanisms of the mind. Your light is transformative, not only for yourself, but also for those around you.

Engage life’s magic through stillness. Consciousness seeks to experience itself through you. When distractions are removed, what remains? Love.

Life’s Gifts

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” 

~Albert Einstein~

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 willing to explore the unknown rather than continuing to repeat old patterns. Observe your interpretation of the world and choose to celebrate the many gifts that you are offered.

Finding Gratitude in Grief

“In some ways, [gratitude] makes [grief] more profound, because it allows you to look at it. It allows you to examine your grief in a way that it is not, like, holding up red hot ember in your hands, but rather seeing that pain as something that can warm you and light your knowledge of what other people might be going through.”

~Stephen Colbert”

Compassion is learned through experience. In Presence, we can create space around emotions that arise and transform our wounds into empowerment. Challenges help us to discover facets of insight and awareness that are ready to shine. When you can turn toward your grief and embrace it, it becomes a powerful aspect of your awakening.

Our history does not define us, but it does inform us. Rather than thinking the challenge shouldn’t have occurred, or believing the “if only” created by the mind, see everything as part of the perfect unfoldment of your life, the exemplary movement of love and loss, lessons and values that can only come through depth of emotion.

Our shared humanity is the key to spiritual awakening. We all walk the same journey and we can find joy in walking one another home.

What We Choose

“You are not the victim of the world, but rather the master of your own destiny. It is your choices and decisions that determine your destiny.”

~Roy T. Bennett~

Empowerment begins with ownership. Ego would have you believe that you are a victim of life’s challenges, that things happen to you rather then for you and that you are trapped by circumstance. Though each journey is different, there comes a time when a whisper cuts through the barrage of thought to remind us that change is possible. That whisper is the gift of infinite possibility.

For those ready to shift, that is the moment that everything changes. Rather than repeating old patterns, we bravely try something new as we  fumble our way toward ecstasy. Through consistent practice and experience, we refine our way of being in the world. Each new playground provides ample opportunity to master the art of awakening as we shed limiting beliefs and step into conscious awareness.

When shadows arise, turn toward them and they will disappear in the beauty of your light. Acceptance sets the stage for a new way of being to emerge. Your willingness to seek the gift ensures that it will be discovered.

Let Go

“Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If, in our heart, we still cling to anything – anger, anxiety, or possessions – we cannot be free.”

~Thich Nhat Hanh~

There is nothing wrong with having preferences; however, when we allow those preferences crystallize into absolute requirements, we suffer. One way to determine your level of attachment around something is to observe the level of disappointment experienced when you don’t get what you want. Some people are terribly reactive to even the slightest imposition and have to endure constant self-induced turmoil.

Others see life as a playground. They strive and play with equal pleasure, sometimes winning, sometimes losing, but always finding the joy in the adventure. This detachment creates a peaceful foundation from which to experience life. This is not to say challenges do not arise, but they feel less intense and are released more quickly.

Choose to be at ease where you are. Take one more conscious step forward while honoring the process of your awakening. Make detachment one aspect of your daily practice and observe what happens. It’s likely that you will feel more empowered and peaceful in this moment… and that’s all that matters.

Soul Friends

“One of the most beautiful gifts in the world is the gift of encouragement. When someone encourages you, that person helps you over a threshold you might otherwise never have crossed on your own.”

~John O’Donohue~

When you connect with a soul friend, the recognition is immediate. A bond has formed over several lifetimes because of the many interactions you have shared and the feeling is simply one of coming home. Celebrate these beautiful souls. They offer assistance on your journey of awakening.

The roles we play have a purpose and those who grace your life need you to be exactly who you are. Be authentic, loving, open, vulnerable and trust that your higher Self has broader vision than your human perception allows you to see. There are beautiful intricacies in play. Each thread of experience leads us to greater compassion and awareness.

Our soul friends will sometimes act in a way that inspires us to break out of our comfort zone. This is where your growth accelerates. Be willing to trust that you are right where you need to be. Act with integrity, do your best, accept what is. There is far more to life than meets the eye.

A Journey of Discovery

“When you regain a sense of your life as a journey of discovery, you return to rhythm with yourself. When you take the time to travel with reverence, a richer life unfolds before you. Moments of beauty begin to braid your days.”

~John O’Donohue~

Walk forward and allow yourself to be drawn by a sense of wonder into the unknown. When you learn to trust the processes of your awakening, it becomes easier to experience life as an adventure. Leaving behind the need for plans and a mapped out future, we explore with the exhilarating freedom which comes from being open and vulnerable.

Discovering your inner truth comes through experience. Nothing is guaranteed, but the search helps us to grow. Allow yourself to be insecure, to face adversity and accept the challenges that the unknown has to offer. Much of spiritual awakening is prompted by the realization that there are vast levels yet to explore.

Life is here to offer whatever is needed in order for you to explore your unlimited potential. Taking one step at a time and giving your complete attention to the Now can bring new passion, creativity and clarity in to all that you do.