Life is an Adventure

“Life is an adventure. If you treat it as such, you’ll enjoy it’s happiness”
~Manny Segarra~
How we choose to see life determines how we experience it. Everyone faces both intense challenges and great beauty – this is a world of paradox after all… but many believe that if they evolve or if they do the right thing that life will fall into place and the struggle will cease. This is only half true. The struggle will certainly cease; however, life will be what it is – a constant ebb and flow of energy and experience. If you allow it, everything will assist you in awakening.
Choose to see your life as an adventure. Face any challenges that arise with expectation and wonder knowing that you are ready for a breakthrough to new levels of awareness. By design we have limited perception. Remind yourself that even though you cannot yet understand the lesson or the purpose behind your current circumstances, that all is well. There may be a new friend among strangers. You may discover new skills and passions. It’s important to remember that life will always present the perfect situation that is needed for your spiritual growth.

Sacred Wildflowers

“Wildflowers are the loveliest of all because they grow in uncultivated soil, in those hard, rugged places where no one expects them to flourish. They are resilient in ways a garden bloom could never be. People are the same, son—the most exquisite souls are those who survive where others cannot. They root themselves, along with their companions, wherever they are, and they thrive.”
~Micheline Ryckman~

The resiliency of the human spirit is beautiful. We learn that we can overcome our challenges. Our rough edges become facets that reflect the light of love. The dance of our transformation is always in play and together we will discover the myriad nuances of Oneness.

In the process of our collective evolution, we must first consciously tend to our own gardens. Observe what makes you thrive and fill your experience with that. Let life and laughter nurture your soul and as you mature, share the seeds of infinite possibility with the world.

Let us learn from the wildflowers. Honor your brief experience here by being your authentic self. Spring up in the unlikeliest of places. Let your presence give those in your presence a moment of beauty as you reach for the sun.

 

Wholeness

“On this sacred path of Radical Acceptance, rather than striving for perfection, we discover how to love ourselves into wholeness.”
~Tara Brach~

Beyond the dualities of life resides a unified space of Wholeness born of the endless dance of awakening that we share. The mystical union of grace and strength comes from walking through our challenges with conscious awareness… always seeking to discover the lesson and blend it into our unique way of experiencing the world.

Repeating patterns will always show you the aspects within you that are ready to be healed. Step into the role of observer – detached, clear and calm – and be a loving witness to your own growth. You have the ability to stop playing the tape of limiting thought and recognize that those feelings of doubt are lingering baggage from the past.

The only way to blend all the sparkling facets of who you truly are is to go inward. At the center of your being lies an infinite and powerful connection that can only be rediscovered after experiencing the illusion of separation. Integration of all that you have learned allows you to reach new levels in your own awakening. And the best part of playing in a Universe of infinite possibility? We are always at the beginning with limitless potential to explore.

Disruption

“…something very beautiful happens to people when their world has fallen apart: a humility, a nobility, a higher intelligence emerges at just the point where our knees hit the floor.”
~Marianne Williamson~

Acceptance is saying “Yes” to life. It is not dependent upon liking what is unfolding, rather, it is an inner awareness that releases the ingrained habit of struggle and allows you to step into the present moment with power and grace. Life’s disruptions reveal your strengths.
You are much more than this body or this experience. You are a vast, infinite energy that is in the process of discovery. Simultaneously unique and part of the Oneness that connects us, we are here to discover how to live from the heart.
The purpose of the human existence is to experience every facet of life. So, lifetime after lifetime we play in the world of form. We interact with one another as lovers, enemies, teachers, family and friends in order to discover compassion. Our challenges send us on new roads of adventure and discovery. When you are ready to learn, you’ll find that everyone and everything is your teacher. Living in alignment with your unique way of being in the world will help you to access your inner wisdom.

A Work in Progress…

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.
~Thich Nhat Hanh~

We walk this amazing journey of love and discovery. The threads that connect us are innumerable, constantly weaving new patterns and bringing new perspectives to light. Ultimately, we learn incredible things from one another while fumbling our way toward ecstasy.

See your awakening as a work in progress and try to create as many spaces of Presence as you can throughout your day. The challenges that we face often bring us painful awareness of old wounds or beliefs that have created the illusion of separation; however, with mindful intent, those challenges can be transformed into empowerment and insight.

You’ll know that any self-karmas are healed when there is no emotional charge around them. You may find yourself recounting the tribulations of the past, seeing them only as stepping stones to your current state of consciousness, and indeed that is the truth of your sojourn here in time and space.

When in doubt, choose joy. Find something, no matter how small or insignificant, and let it bring a smile to your face. With that smile in place, close your eyes and breathe it in. This is the breath of awareness and it will help you to create a foundation of peace in your daily experience.

Life’s Blessings

“To transform the world, we must begin with ourselves; and what is important in beginning with ourselves is the intention.”
~Jiddu Krishnamurti~

All change begins within. It starts with a desire to create peace or healing or joy, and extends outward. We must be willing to allow new perceptions into our experience. The subtle, yet profound shifts naturally expand our energy and impact our relationship to life.

Challenges show us where we are stuck in outmoded ways of being. Resist nothing; instead, be willing to approach your life circumstances with love and a willingness to change. Be patient with yourself and trust the processes of your awakening. Far more is happening on your behalf than you realize.

You may discover that this new perception, expanded way of thinking and relating, and authentic peacefulness spark healthy changes within all your relationships. This is how we teach one another. And sometimes… love will speak through a stranger. Whether someone graces your life for a moment or for a lifetime, be fully present with them while you walk together on the path of awakening.

This is your moment of transformation. Acceptance and awareness lead to empowerment. Breathe, and take one conscious step forward.

 

Change

“People have a hard time letting go of their suffering.
Out of a fear of the unknown,
They prefer suffering that is familiar.“
~Thich Nhat Hanh~
When plans crumble or change is thrust upon us, the natural human tendency is to resist. The mind prefers the known to the unknown, even when the unknown offers the possibility of freedom, happiness or growth. Because of this, many will often stay trapped in repetitive cycles long after they have served any useful purpose.
Life will often shake up the status quo. These moments of intensity or loss contain the seeds of new beginnings. Remind yourself that everything in your experience is there to help you grow or to wake you up. Challenges bring hidden strengths to the surface and once the storm has passed, there will be clarity and limitless potential to explore as you build again.
We can choose to look forward with optimism. Rather than losing oneself in the belief that life is wrong or mistakes were made, see each moment as an opportunity to discover the best of yourself. You are loved, and you are stronger than you know.