Stand in Courage

“In these times where it has seemed dark indeed
where integrity appears solely buried in legend and lore,
it is an opportunity in contrast to the shadows,
to create miracles…
by choosing first courage,
then diligence,
standing,
opening our mouth
and speaking the truth that in rare moments,
may ignite the light.”
~Tom Althouse~

To live an authentic life is to be deeply committed to the truth of who you are. There will be moments when you shine with inspiration and conviction, and others when you may miss the mark; however, it is all part of the process of transformation. Reading and study will only get you so far. It’s powerful to watch ideas as they come to life in the world around you. You are far stronger than you know.

Listen deeply to the inner wisdom of your soul. Each of us has a unique purpose and while you might find motivation and insight through others’ works, the message slightly transforms when processed through your filter of interpretation and again as you put new ideas and energy into motion.

Be the change you wish to see. Honor your purpose as sacred and embrace the continuity of your spiritual evolution. Beautiful facets of your soul still await discovery.

The Magic of New Beginnings

“I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning.”
~J.B. Priestly~
You can create the life of your dreams. No matter what you wish to shift in your experience, begin Now. See the change, feel the joy that arises from new beginnings and take one conscious step forward in the direction of your dreams.

The willingness to open yourself to new ways of being is the key. Old patterns are created by repetitive thoughts; therefore, plant the seeds of transformation with new, expanded ways of thinking.

One thing to keep in mind is this: the ego fears change. Often, when we change our focus, that area of your life will seem to entrench you even more. See any resistance – internal or external – as an indicator that something new is happening. Push through it as best as you can. Life will rise up to meet you.

Focus on the end result and don’t micromanage the details. That is another egoic tactic designed to overwhelm. Instead, allow joy to lead to you forward. You have the ability to create the life of your dreams.

Imagination

“The most beautiful world is always entered through imagination.”

~Helen Keller~

Within the present moment there are infinite levels of perception to explore. Stillness creates space within the intensity of life and in that space resides the wisdom of your soul. Imagine cultivating the ability to walk through changes with a sense of inner grace, balance and peace. This aura of empowerment is yours to claim.

New ideas bring inspiration. Willingness to explore adds nuance and potential to the movement of awareness which is rising within you. Utilize your gifts and trust the intuitive longing of your soul. There are no mistakes, only avenues of experience to explore. This world is your playground. Every circumstance provides an opportunity to learn, and as you are transformed, the world around you is changed as well.

Thankfully, there is no end to this process. We are in a constant dance of discovery. Watch the energy as it ebbs and flows. Quiet moments happen for a reason. Take a moment to go inward, reflect and appreciate. There is far more to life than meets the eye.

Repeating Patterns

“Constantly focusing on the limitations, instead of all the possibilities, is how people become stuck in their lives. It only serves to recreate the same old reality from day to day. And soon the days turn into years, and lifetimes.”
~Anthon St. Maarten~

Everyone has a filter through which they view the world. Their energetic vibration and long-held beliefs are displayed again and again until they are recognized. Whenever you notice a repeating pattern that limits joy in your experience, realize that the first step is becoming aware of it. From a space of awareness, you can consciously choose to break free from outmoded patterns of behavior and leave them behind.

For many, intense emotional/mental/physical/spiritual disruption is the only thing that awakens them from the dreams created by the projections of the mind; however, we can circumvent this process by consciously continuing to do our spiritual work in times of relative peace. This is the moment of transformation. No matter what comes into your experience, you have the courage and fortitude to face it with faith… and while nothing is guaranteed on this journey of the soul, the changes you create within will surely play out in your daily experiences.

When you reach toward the light, it also reaches out to you. Love will always meet you where you are and walk forward with you from there. Seek to constantly clear limiting patterns that sabotage your happiness. One tool is to step back from the situation and observe the thought – perhaps saying, “The ego is in fear mode” or “Anxiety is arising”. Rather than absorbing the limiting thought or emotion, just see it and experience it as the observer knowing that the infinite, Divine truth of who you are is not defined by these fleeting ideas of insecurity or doubt. Something greater is waiting to break through, shattering the patterns of limitation and opening the door to a life of empowerment.

The Dance of Change

“Don’t let your mind stop you from having a good time.”
~Jason Mraz~

Could it be that the weight of all your beliefs, memories and old expectations holds you back from the freedom that your soul requires? It’s healthy to consciously explore the nuances of your unique path. Appreciate the support you have, the joy you create and the infinite possibilities that await discovery.

Release everything that blocks you from experiencing love, light and laughter. The human experience is filled with death and life, endings and beginnings, pivots in our planned direction, surprises and coincidences that spice up the dance of being. We cannot fully experience the present moment and all that is has to offer unless we are unencumbered by thought. Free yourself to accept the gifts of the Divine – undoubtedly, they are outside of the known parameters of your expectation.

You stand at the gateway of transformation. Plant seeds of change in the world by focusing on your own state of consciousness. Take the time to create a sense of gratitude, grace, peace and balance so that you are at ease in the present moment. Your loving presence will teach others that alternative perceptions and responses are available.

Expansion Through Contrast

It is love that allows us to expand. It transforms our vision and interpretation of experience. It awakens the ability to heal or to hold space for another. When faced with hatred or fear, love can shine through inspiring hope in its wake. The power of connection is often learned through contrast. It doesn’t matter what you believe, or from where you receive inspiration. All that matters is your level of consciousness in this moment.

The human condition is a plethora of contradiction. Our multi-faceted experiences keep the journey full of surprises and possibility. No matter what one seeks to experience, they have the ability to create it. It often seems that things are getting both worse and better; however, I would imagine that every culture and era has felt the same. When I read ancient writings, they seem to speak directly to our current challenges. Others have left behind gifts of wisdom in their words, art, music and oral traditions.

Always, some actively seek enlightenment while others are completely resistant to change. The drama of the world continues with billions of unique stories playing out simultaneously and the overload of information is sometimes overwhelming. With so many in pain, how can we immerse ourselves in love? That is the paradox of experience. If you seek to expand consciousness, bring love to all that you do. Create a filter through which you can interpret what you see and let that perception guide your actions. With love, we can rise above.

Your Level of Consciousness

“The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness.”

~Lao Tzu~

Challenges arise to assist us in our spiritual growth. They originate from limiting thought patterns, judgment, fear or anger – often growing larger due to others who are willing to participate in the drama. It is often from this space of confusion and dysfunction that we attempt to correct the situation… and therein lies the mental trap. We must first focus on creating inner balance and shifting our awareness to a higher level. From there, perceptions change, new solutions are discovered and the power of love enters.

There is a purpose behind every circumstance. Sometimes clear, sometimes murky, but always, ultimately a beautiful coordinated movement of consciousness which is attempting to manifest in the present moment. Seek to bring the best aspects of yourself to every situation. When you are willing to slow down, become aware and approach the present moment with compassion, everything changes.

Celebration joins us. In joy, how can we harm one another (or ourselves)? As we find ways to create an attitude of laughter, of living and celebrating the present moment, we learn the power of acceptance and personal responsibility.

Write Your Own Story

“Looking with a mind that’s awake reveals the shimmering pulse of life. Looking with a mind full of thoughts reveals only your thoughts. ”
~Ezra Bayda
~

When you notice yourself speaking often of the past, make a conscious effort to bring yourself fully into the present moment. Spiritual maturity has little to do with past experiences or achievements. The depth of your awakening is discovered by journeying inward and expressed by how you choose to merge the insights you have had into the present moment. The Now is your true point of power and it is here your story resides.
Honor the past as a teacher while allowing the emotional intensity to fade. See everything as an integral aspect of your spiritual growth, the fulfillment of soul contracts or nurturing the seeds of consciousness.
With that in mind, walk in the present moment with a sense of innocence and trust. Know that you have infinite potential while you transform the lessons of the past into new experiences and understanding. You can choose to bring optimistic, vibrant energy into the story you are writing. Awareness will continue to expand your consciousness and inspire you, opening a world of mastery, wisdom and empowerment.

Higher Consciousness

“Remember always that the goal of awakening, of self-awareness, of living in higher consciousness is always about the very same thing that Christ brought into the world which is unconditional, agape love.”

~Theodore J. Nottingham~

See the path of your awakening as a spiral. Lessons will cycle through your experience ever more quickly, allowing you an opportunity to approach old challenges from an ever-evolving state of consciousness. Should you notice a recurring theme in your life, pay attention to how you handle it. It’s likely that your response is far different today than it was five or ten years ago. 

For instance, when learning to communicate more effectively, one may begin by focusing their energy on defining boundaries or learning how to say a high-quality “No.” In the higher levels of consciousness, this strength combines with love and compassion.
 

When you have mastered a particular lesson, it will no longer appear in your life. The energy around it will decrease and you’ll feel completely neutral when sharing your experiences or reflecting upon your journey. 

Ask yourself, “How can I bring the best version of me to this situation?” With each cycle, trepidation will continue to dissipate while joy and empowerment expand.

Aging Consciously

“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”
~Sophia Loren~

One of the benefits of conscious aging is to experience and share the wisdom of a life well lived. The explorations through youth and power lead us to discover our passions and talents. Around age 54, we enter the cycle of wisdom. Here we begin to explore the various life lessons we have faced and cultivate a better understanding of the structure of the soul.

For those unable or unwilling to do the work, aging can be frustrating. Any dysfunction becomes even more deeply entrenched and the missed lessons intensify. Life becomes a burden and often impacts others. Lost in and controlled by stories of the ego, they are unable to value and work with the power of change.

Aging can be extraordinary for those who have awakened. Moving consciously through the stages of life, they still continue to learn, adjust when needed and are less controlled by outside factors. These beautiful souls have incredible wisdom to share.