Tag Archives: #buddha

Anger is a Message

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When caught in the grip of reactivity, anger or blame, it’s imperative to observe your inner dialogue. There are patterns of limiting behavior or beliefs bubbling up to the surface, ready for profound healing. Conscious awareness provides an opportunity to integrate messages from your higher self. Anger is only healthy when utilized as an springboard for self-transformation.

Whether directed inward or extended outward, anger is a waste of your precious energy. It causes the cells of the body to deteriorate, it creates a filter that taints everything you see and acts as a magnet, drawing in people and circumstances of similar low levels of consciousness.

The mind will tell you that you are right to be angry. It will keep old stories alive through repetition and seek those who strengthen the web around your heart by agreeing with you.

Like anything else, anger can be transformed into a powerful aspect of your spiritual growth. Mindfulness allows you to observe when it arises, recognize ideas and beliefs that need to be faced and pivot you toward a breakthrough.

See reactivity as a barometer which measures attachment. The ultimate goal is to experience the present moment as it is. The conscious observer walks quietly empowered through life, holds space, and uplifts those with whom they interact.

Detachment

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“Having preferences is not a problem, nor is enjoying them. But when preferences crystallize into requirements, we suffer.”     
~Ezra Bayda~

Attachment creates suffering. When we utilize daily gratitude and acceptance as the foundation for creating peace in the present moment, we discover that ultimately, everything we experience is transformed. It’s important to enjoy all the various aspects of your unique journey; however, seek to do so with a fluidity that allows room for miracles to unfold.

Part of the human experience is immersing ourselves in life. Rather than seeking to shun the physical aspects of the world and meditate on a mountaintop, we integrate our spirituality into the mundane and learn that detachment is the key to happiness.

When we attach to a specific outcome, item, person, goal or self-concept, we create barriers that disrupt the free flow of energy and experience. The moment the unexpected occurs we have a choice to either accept or reject what is unfolding.

If suffering ensues, realize the amount of distress you feel is an indicator of your level of attachment. Should you notice excessive disappointment or sadness arising, go within and observe how previous expectations have dictated your current emotional reaction. This is the moment to remind yourself to create space in your experience for something new to emerge. Loss teaches us how to live and love with authenticity in the present moment.

Vision Quest

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Powerful forces of change are awakening within you. The desire for growth often prompts a journey of discovery into the unknown. Your spiritual evolution is incredibly personal and yet, it impacts the collective growth of all.

Momentary breaks from life’s distractions create a space of immense value. In the solitude of discovery you can face your shadows and overcome them, ultimately drawing new insights and awareness into your experience.

The purpose of the physical realm is to reflect your inner state of consciousness. Observe the flow of life, pay attention to patterns and messages and realize that you are ready to embark upon the next phase of your vision quest with the tools that you have cultivated.

Explore the mysteries of love. The initiation to higher levels of spiritual awareness often involves consciously facing your challenges. Choose to see each situation as an opportunity to rise above and stand in your truth. Honor this moment and experience as sacred, for within it lies the key to your awakening.

When you choose to take a risk and break free from the familiar patterns of your life, something beautiful emerges. Ready for a new adventure, know that your spirit will be renewed.

Awareness

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Awareness is awakening within you. Layer by layer you are removing the illusions that hinder your vision. As your inner wisdom becomes more apparent, life becomes simple. When you know yourself, understand your purpose and consciously choose to be less ego-driven, you are evolving into a Buddha.

The picture above was taken during my gratitude walk. It’s amazing how a simple sunrise can amplify the peace within. The daily flow of energy had not quite begun and I was consciously able to appreciate the stillness, bundled up against the chill. In that stillness, I became aware of the inner vitality of my body and quietly expressed my gratitude and appreciation for the vehicle that I am using in this lifetime. That moment of gratitude then led me down several pathways (as it always does) and each step transformed into a loving conversation with the Divine.

No matter how you choose to access your inner awareness, remember that feeling! Revisit it several times throughout the day and reengage with the light that seeks expression through you. Then life can be as it is, with its various joys and challenges, its laughter and tears. And you will walk gently in the world.

Let Go

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“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.

The Words We Speak

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“The challenges in this place are real and sometimes very difficult, but I’ve learned to slow down and look for beauty in my days, for the mysteries and blessings woven into everything, into the very words we speak.”
~Kim Edwards~

Your words have power. They send energy outward and create the type of reality you experience. Observe your inner dialogue as well as the words that you choose to speak aloud. Are you supportive? Excited? Passionate? Optimistic? Kind?

Many have wonderful moments recognizing their infinite potential when focused upon gratitude or meditation, only to engage in self-sabotage later in the day with words of self deprecation. Your thoughts, words and beliefs are constantly setting the stage for what you experience; therefore, it’s important to purposefully consider what you send out in to the world so that you create movement and growth rather than reinforce any perceived negative aspects of the journey.

“Harm none” is more than approaching life in a mindful and magical way. It calls upon us to be aware not only of our actions, but also of the words we speak, where we allow our minds to dwell and ultimately, how we express ourselves in the world.

Whispers of Wisdom

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“Open the bloom of your heart and become a gift of beauty to the world.”
~Bryant McGill~

Simple things matter. Small acts of kindness can change situations in powerful ways. When we choose to live gently, we discover that our sojourn is filled with majestic spaces. Instead of rushing from one thing to another, one person to another, solving problems or acquiring more, we have the capacity to hear the whispers of wisdom.

Consciously create quiet space in your experience. The world is a sanctuary that is overlooked all too often because of our focus on the mundane. Today, seek to bring gentleness to your life situation, whatever it is, and treat yourself well.

In the stillness we can slow down and experience the fullness of life itself. You can step into the inner sanctum of the Divine, drink deeply of peace and bring that sacred energy into the present moment.

Compassion

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“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
~Leo Buscaglia~

The transformative power of compassion is awakened when we choose to truly hear one another. Being fully present calls upon us to drop our preconceived ideas, cease out internal commentary and listen with the heart. Spiritual practice calls upon us to cultivate the awareness of the bond we share with all beings. Our role is to care for the earth and all the creatures with whom we share this amazing planet.

Authentic relationships are possible only when we have an awareness of who we truly are. When we can see through the mechanisms of the ego to the true spirit of another, we can dance within the paradox of human compassion and higher awareness while holding space. In this manner, we create space in which transformation can occur.

Holding space is far different from fixing someone else’s problems or seeking to ensure that they avoid pain. By honoring all paths as sacred, we operate from the premise of love and acceptance – allowing the lesson, offering support and sowing seeds of compassion.

What We Think…

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“Enlightenment is nothing more than the complete absence of resistance to what is. End of story.”
~Adyashanti~

Acceptance is empowerment. Begin where you are with what you have.

Then, take a deep slow breath, close your eyes and imagine….

Imagine that you are safe. Feel the healing powers of the earth with each and every step you take.

Imagine that you are surrounded by love and that you can easily recognize and understand the guidance that is available to you.

Imagine that there are no wrong choices. Each path simply leads to a different type of experience – any of which will lead you exactly where you need to be in order to learn and grow.

Imagine that it is easier than ever before to be present. See yourself basking in the beauty of a day filled with unlimited possibility and visualize yourself walking forward in faith that all is well.

Now realize that all that you have imagined already exists on some level. Each of us must discover our own way of being in the world. You have the power to create whatever experience you wish. Why not make it a joyful, passion-filled journey?

The Grace of Gratitude

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“Those who awaken never rest in one place. Like swans, they rise and leave the lake. On the air they rise and fly an invisible course. Their food is knowledge. They live on emptiness. They have seen how to break free. Who can follow them?”
~Gautama Buddha~

All life is in a constant flow of creation, evolution and transformation. The infinite love of the Divine resides within each and every particle of existence and we can choose to live harmoniously within its flow.

As you advance on your journey of spiritual awakening, things become easier. With maturity and expanded perception, you are less likely to attempt to control events  and can allow life to unfold as it will with the knowledge that everything works toward your highest good.

Trusting the flow of your life doesn’t mean floating aimlessly lost within the minutia of experience. It is a purposeful response and a conscious choice to move in whatever direction is required without losing your way. This flexibility is what allow us to be authentic instruments of the Divine, bringing aspects of creativity and healing into our lives and, by extension, into our collective consciousness.