Living in Presence

“When you go in, you touch a new kind of silence – the presence of silence itself. It is not only an absence of noise, it is something absolutely positive, almost visible, tangible.”  

~Osho~

 

Observe the stillness that exists between thoughts. Throughout the day, pause before you choose to reach for your phone to pass the time. Instead of ‘checking in’ with the world around you, simply go within and be still. Observe the body, slow your breathing and listen. Enter Zen from where you are.

 

The mind’s habitual pattern is to stay busy, jumping from one thought to the next, finding something that needs to be done or filling the gaps with mindless activity such as watching television. It’s healthy to periodically break the pattern and move into stillness. Find the gaps in your experience and utilize those moments of deep connection.

 

Once you step into stillness, you’ll notice that time slows down. As you create a deeper sense of balance and presence, you’ll bring that positive energy into the activities in which you decide to participate. Part of our spiritual journey is to bring the beautiful connection with the Now into our human experience. You are the bridge between the spiritual and the mundane.

The Circle of Compassion

Throughout the journey of awakening we discover how deeply connected we are. Compassion arises when we recognize our shared humanity and see our reflections revealed through interactions with others. We experience the contrasts that lead us ever onward in our quest to evolve and remove the layers of illusion that once created blockages and the perception of separation.

In the higher planes of consciousness, awareness expands to include all living things as we feel even more profoundly entwined. We begin to consider our impact on the planet and those with whom we share it. Spiritual awakened choices naturally demonstrate kindness and empathy. Throughout this process; however, many forget to honor themselves as sacred. Remember to also direct compassion inward.

Self-love creates a foundation from which to express your unique gifts. The more balanced you are, the more you have to offer those who grace your life. Through acceptance we create space where others can explore and reveal the best in themselves. And thus, the circle of compassion turns, expands, embraces and receives us as we enter through the doorway of Presence.

This moment is your point of power. Breathe deeply and feel your heartbeat connect with the heartbeat of the Universe.

Celebrate Your Uniqueness

Be aware of wonder. Live a balanced life – learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
~Robert Fulgham~

Balance isn’t something that just happens when life falls into place; rather, it is the foundation of a life that is grounded, joyful and complete. Much of the world’s angst comes from the desire to please or care for others at the expense of one’s own happiness. People struggle to satisfy perceived expectations and often put their needs on pause.

The challenges we face help us to discern what is important to create and maintain balance. How would you discover your boundaries if someone or something didn’t cross them from time to time? See those who challenge you as healing angels rather than frustrations. They are teaching you what is truly important.

The awakening spirit understands that fulfillment comes through finding their own unique way of being in the world. There is great beauty to be discovered throughout the journey inward. As you create balance by tending to the needs of body, mind and spirit, you’ll find that you have more to give those you love – more compassion, patience and kindness. Then life becomes an outward expression of your joy.

Labels Create Limitation

“I am ashamed to think how easily we capitulate to badges and names, to large societies and dead institutions.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

Once we drop mind-made labels of race, religion, sexuality, health, politics or heritage, we can explore life more fully. Labels create limitation that is often expressed throughout our varied interactions. Righteous judgment or reducing others to one dimensional entities is the ego’s way of creating division. Judgment and love cannot coexist in the same space; therefore, we evolve more quickly by choosing to love our way through challenging situations.

Many feel the need to belong or explain the tendency to act in a particular way; however, there’s a fine line between understanding ourselves and managing to a particular belief about a diagnosis or way of being. Rather than adopting an identity based upon one aspect of yourself, know that you are multifaceted, infinite and ever-evolving. Should you be working through a particular challenge, you may find it helpful to say, “I am working on becoming more balanced and present” rather than repeating the label and managing to it.

Work consciously to expand your vision. There are infinite aspects to explore and the willingness to drop limitation is required. Each person’s story is unique and through them, we can discover new ways of viewing the world and cultivate greater compassion. By giving up  preconceived ideas about others, we open to the love that already connects us.

Nothing to Excess

“Your hand opens and closes, opens and closes. If it were always a fist or always stretched open, you would be paralyzed. Your deepest presence is in every small contracting and expanding, the two as beautifully balanced and coordinated as birds’ wings.”
~Rumi~

In a world filled with contrast we learn by experiencing the highs and lows, gleaning wisdom from both sides of the equation. Within karma too, there is a delicate balance that teaches compassion and understanding through exposure to opposites. Every action, pursuit, emotion, passion or grief can swing the personality wildly into extremes and it can sometimes be challenging to follow our bliss while remaining firmly grounded.

As an “all or nothing” personality, I’ve discovered that it easier to be completely immersed or completely detached; however, the road to enlightenment calls upon us to be mindful of our choices, to listen to our bodies, to pause and to be deeply aligned with our true nature, yet forgiving of the moments when we may miss the mark.

Simply notice when excess becomes a distraction and use that, too, as a tool for growth. Gently move with the energy at hand. Without extremes, enjoy the balancing power of Presence.

The Joyful Heart

“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”

~Henri Nouwen~

Empowerment, mastery, fulfillment, abundance, freedom… all begin and end with joy. The only thing over which you have any control is how you choose to respond to life. Occasionally, the ego (in its reactive state) will tell you that imbalance is not only necessary, but expected. These are the moments when your intention is transformative.

When you observe yourself getting lost in the stories of the mind, purposely and lovingly seek out something which brings you joy and place your full attention upon it. Your attention determines where energy flows. In the midst of challenge you can choose to stop for a moment, watch the clouds create artistry in the sky, breathe deeply, and reclaim your balance.

You are more powerful than you know. Joy amplifies that power and expands your perception. Imagine how higher level responses can change the trajectory of a chaotic moment. Laughter is the outward sound of a soul that is awakening. It bubbles up, takes over and scatters the heaviness of the mind. Nothing is more important than your state of consciousness in this moment.

Empathy

“We have been to the moon, we have charted the depths of the ocean and the heart of the atom, but we have a fear of looking inward to ourselves because we sense that is where all the contradictions flow together.”
~Terrence McKenna~

When we are attached to an idea of how life should be and it differs from what we are experiencing, pain ensues. The awakened soul has the ability to turn and face whatever fears arise, thus, addressing the imbalance while it is smaller and more manageable. If we allow the mind to create and repeat stories that reinforce the original attachment, energy is fed into the problem increasing it’s presence in our lives. Choose instead to bring peace and balance into your experience. Become a channel for light to enter your life.

The more you see any challenges you encounter as vehicles of awakening, the more empathy you’ll cultivate for others who struggle with their own challenges. Compassion teaches us the value of creating space in relationships, allowing each person to thrive and grow as the winds of heaven dance in between.

Everyone has something beautiful to offer – a moment of kindness can be life-changing for those who are touched by your energy. Sharing new insights, artistic vision, passion or laughter can open new avenues of experience. Never doubt the power of your positive choices and interactions.

Finding Peace in Presence

As you develop inner richness and maturity, you’ll find that others will be drawn to you. In a world filled with busyness, opinion, drama and  the various games people play, the advanced spiritual seeker provides a calm space of respite.

The quest for love is actually a desire to achieve wholeness. Initially, we look outside ourselves for someone to make us feel complete. This distracts us from the true work of discovering our inner divinity and balance. Relationships offer a beautiful opportunity to practice finding that inner balance, and as we expand more fully into love, those who grace our lives will surely transform as well.

When we bring a sense of wholeness and peace into our interactions, it becomes easier to remain aware and present within the Now. We can connect with one another from the level of spirit.

Old souls typically break the chains of society’s repressive conditioning and opinions. They rise above unconsciousness and begin to live aligned with their true nature. Those who have yet to awaken find this upsetting… so used to misery, they see the enlightened person as unique and mysterious. In a space of love, consciously allow those with whom you interact to witness their own infinite potential.

Spiritual Practice

Solitary practice is an important part of spiritual development. Each of us must walk in truth to find our unique way of being in the world. Powerful too, is the heart-focused connection discovered within a group of like-minded individuals. The synergy created within group energy transforms and accelerates the growth of all those who are actively involved. When used consciously, group energy expands us into new dimensions and you can help to uplift and nourish the spiritual journey of others.

Meditate, chant, pray and play with those with whom you resonate. The combined intention and synergy has the power to lift the entire group into a new frequency. For those of you who are natural leaders, allow yourselves to participate without exercising control and receive the blessings generated by the group energy as well.

Spiritual knowledge must be articulated in order to fully incorporate it into our experience. Thus, we discover the power of sharing with others. Each of us simultaneously plays both roles – student and master.

Balance your journey ways that are best for you. Spend healthy time in solitude, connect with your soul circle and share what you have learned. There are always new dimensions waiting to be explored.

Express Your Joy

“Be aware of wonder. Live a balanced life – learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.”
~Robert Fulgham~

Balance isn’t something that just happens when life falls into place; rather, it is the foundation of a life that is grounded, joyful and complete. Much of the world’s angst comes from the desire to please or care for others at the expense of one’s own happiness. People struggle to satisfy perceived expectations and often put their needs on pause.

The challenges we face help us to discern what is important to create and maintain balance. How would you discover your boundaries if someone or something didn’t cross them from time to time? See those who challenge you as healing angels rather than frustrations. They are teaching you what is truly important.

The awakening spirit understands that fulfillment comes through finding their own unique way of being in the world. There is great beauty to be discovered throughout the journey inward. As you create balance by tending to the needs of body, mind and spirit, you’ll find that you have more to give those you love – more compassion, patience and kindness. Then life becomes an outward expression of your joy.

By the way… according to palmistry, the wider you hold your thumb apart from the hand, the more generous you are. You’re looking at your hand right now, aren’t you?