Cycles of Awakening

“Be kind to yourself as you proceed along this journey. This kindness, in itself, is a means of awakening the spark of love within you and helping others to discover that spark within themselves.”
~Tsoknyi Rinpoche~

It has often been said that the only constant in life is change itself. We continually move through cycles of transformation – birth and death, beginnings and endings, love and hate, health and imbalance – flowing through the experience of opposites in a vast, exquisite pattern of movement as part of our evolution. Everything plays a role in this dance of awakening and the more centered we become, the easier it is to reside at the core of this energy, peaceful… knowing that this too shall pass.

Patterns replay until we become mindful enough to shift the paradigm of our belief and expectations. One of the most powerful aspects of spiritual awakening is the joy of finding the flow of ease and joy in the midst of our human experience. This comes from discovering and cultivating trust in your inner guidance. It speaks in whispers, gently reminding you that you can feel more balanced, whole and integrated if you so choose.

In a darkened room any light, no matter how small, will transform everything. Find the source of light within yourself and allow it to guide you through the mazes of the mind into a space of connection with the Divine.

Awakening Intuition

“At times you have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover is yourself.”
~Alan Alda~

In a world filled with overwhelming sensations and distractions, the ego-mind has cultivated a collective script that results in continued conflict and dysfunction. As we awaken, we begin to break free from the overwhelming cacophony to once again enter the stillness of being.

In that space of stillness, we can access our inner wisdom. Rather than being reactive, we can consciously respond to life from a higher level of consciousness. Our ability to slow down and go within creates a secure foundation which supports our journey of awakening.

Strengthen the intuitive aspect of your experience by trusting your instincts. When the voice of ego begins its repetitive mantra of fearful “what ifs?” simply recognize it, observe it and slow down. Ask how you can bring light, kindness or compassion to the situation. Most often you’ll discover that the voice of your heart directs you to do the exact opposite of what the ego insists is the right course of action. Acting on your instincts builds a pathway of energy that grows stronger over time.

The great miracle of awareness is that it transforms the mundane into the sacred. There is much more to life than meets the eye.

 

Unconditional Love

“But let there be spaces in your togetherness and let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another but make not a bond of love: let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.”
~Kahlil Gibran~

Unconditional love calls upon us to honor each path as sacred. Regardless of how it sometimes appears, life is perfect and will always facilitate the appropriate circumstances for our continued growth. Choose to allow enough space in your relationships for each person to thrive. The awakening soul provides a consistent place of safety and acceptance for the other.

Love is discovering who you are in the presence of another. This type of soul-based love has no opposite. It will never get triggered into hate or anger, nor will it become mired in the endless loop of desire. It allows the present moment to be as it is.

When you can be grateful for every moment of your life without expectation or regret, you have arrived. Unconditional love creates a profound transformation in the way you choose to interact with the world. This is the true nature of your being.

 

The Gift of Presence

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

To offer another the space to be who they are is a miraculous gift. Everyone we encounter wants only one thing: to be accepted as they are. Plant seeds of love and kindness by recognizing the sacredness in those who grace your life.

Think of how much energy is depleted by defending one’s viewpoint, life choices or expression of self. Rather than participate in this egoic activity, begin by accepting yourself as you are, as a work in progress. There is nothing to defend, nothing to explain. You are perfect, even in your perceived imperfection. Something new to learn is always within reach; therefore, the spiritual student seeks to recognize the gifts inherent in every situation.

Your self-acceptance will have a great impact on how much you are able to accept those around you. They will feel safe in your presence and will shine in unique ways. All that you experience is a reflection of your awakening consciousness.

Eternity

“In the external scheme of things, shining moments are as brief as the twinkling of an eye, yet such twinklings are what eternity is made of — moments when we human beings can say “I love you,” “I’m proud of you,” “I forgive you,” “I’m grateful for you.” That’s what eternity is made of: invisible imperishable good stuff.”
~Fred Rogers~

You are a spark of the Divine… infinite, eternal, multi-faceted. With our limited human perception, it’s difficult to process the idea of eternity. Time is a construct of the mind and often it drives us to hurry through the present moment in order to get somewhere else; however, nothing exists but Now.

We are collectively participating in an exploration of separateness. The lifetimes we spend on this planet, the roles we play and the lessons we learn from one another are only the beginning of an incredible journey to rediscover Oneness.

There is enough time. Everyone on the planet will eventually evolve through all earth-based soul ages: Infant, Baby, Young, Mature and Old. Tending to your own state of consciousness will ultimately aid in the awakening of all humanity. Have compassion for yourself and for one another throughout the process.

The Uses of Adversity

“I’ve come to trust not that events will always unfold exactly as I want, but that I will be fine either way. The challenges we face in life are always lessons that serve our soul’s growth.”
~Marianne Williamson~
Consider the uses of adversity. Challenges refine our skills and prompt us to cultivate our strengths. We discover that life doesn’t end when things fall apart; rather, space is created to explore aspects of ourselves that are ready to shine. Even when the ego is caught up in desire and attachment, the soul understands exactly what is needed.
Trust in the unique processes of your awakening. Nothing is more important than your state of consciousness in the present moment. When you view life as an opportunity to evolve and grow, everything becomes more manageable. Ultimately, you can walk the journey as a source of grace and peace and even humor knowing that there is far more to life than meets the eye.
Life will present the perfect circumstances to assist in your spiritual awakening. This is true for each of us – singularly or collectively. Seek the lesson or the gift in any circumstance, and most assuredly, you will find it.

Be Your Unique Self

“By being yourself you put something wonderful in the world that was not there before.”
~Edwin Elliott~

You play a significant role in the tapestry of existence and there will never again be anyone quite like you. Observe nature. Witness how everything plays a specific role in its evolving ecosystem, no matter how obvious or insignificant it appears. Often, the smallest creatures do the most important work.

The world needs you to be yourself. For some this comes easily while others search and experiment in order to discover their true potential. Be led by love, live your passions, seek joy in the present moment and you will not be led astray.

The people you have drawn into your life seek your true spirit to shine through. We are all deeply engaged in the awakening of human consciousness and you have chosen to be here, in this moment, for a purpose. You may discover that you feel called to action, you may be a healer or teacher, or you may be a frequency holder who keeps the energetic vibration in a situation as high as possible. You’ll recognize your path by the degree of peacefulness you feel upon it.

 

Inner Dimension

“If you can make everything you do a conscious process, you will live an absolutely Blessed Life.”
~Sadhguru~

The paradox of being an infinite being having a human experience creates a dance between wisdom and love. As we access our inner wisdom – releasing ego, competition, judgment and limitation – we discover the boundless possibilities that love and Oneness have to offer.

Both states exist simultaneously. Seek to access the inner dimension of love and purposely utilize it as the energetic undercurrent of your life. This will allow you to experience the present moment for itself rather than as a means to an end. Honor life, and therefore yourself, as sacred by experiencing the Now with intention, joy, acceptance and freedom. When you are balanced in this moment, life will fall into place.

The awakening soul learns how to access this sense of stillness and peace, even in the midst of chaotic situations. Yes, this takes practice but is well worth the exploration. Make a conscious choice not to allow another person or circumstance to dictate the level of your joy. Outside factors ebb and flow; however, inner grace is permanent, infinite and complete.

The Journey Inward

“Inward is not a direction. Inward is a dimension.”
~Sadhguru Jaggi~
The world of form is filled with illusions that create the perception of limitation and separation. We seek security, connection, purpose and struggle to find it, often struggling against one another. Getting lost within the illusion, we forget to seek the lesson within the experience.
The journey inward is extraordinary and unique, and until it is begun life seems one-dimensional. As your spirit awakens, multiple dimensions open. With each level of consciousness things take on new meaning and we learn how to see through the illusions more easily. The journey inward is expansive. There is no end to the depths of understanding, love and connection you will discover.
Learn to embrace stillness. Take time to reside gently in the present moment with an open heart. The ego disappears, the roles and life situations become transparent and only empowered silence remains. When you begin to realize that you are much, much more than the stories of the mind, you have planted the seeds of your own spiritual maturity. Your expanding consciousness will inspire greater creativity,  compassion and a quietness of spirit, for you are the light of love.

Playfulness

“See the world through the eyes of your inner child.
The eyes that sparkle in awe and amazement as they see love, magic and mystery in the most ordinary things.”     
~Henna Sohail~ 

It is time to rediscover your innocence. After years of adding layers of knowledge and experience the spiritual seeker comes to realize the value of simplicity, childlike wonder and innocence. Thus, the path of awakening calls upon us to drop all the heaviness we have amassed and return to our true nature.

Playfulness is an important aspect of discovery because it allows us release all pretense and let laughter guide us into new realms of no-thought. Often, our striving actually pushes what we desire away from us. This energy can be reversed by moving into a state of ease and receptivity. Consider all the times you focused considerable energy trying to remember something only to have the word, idea or name dance out of reach. And then after moving on to something new, it comes to you effortlessly.

Bring this openness into your daily experience by choosing to see through the eyes of a child. Explore the immense difference between intellectualizing and hugging a tree and let your heart lead the way.