Appreciation

“Let’s trade in all our judging for appreciating. Let’s lay down our righteousness and just be together.”
~Ram Dass~

What if you chose to find one thing to appreciate about each situation or person who has ever been a challenge in your life? What if you chose only to speak about that positive thing when prompted into discussion. How do you think that would impact your overall life experience?

Life is a blend of dark and light. Contrasts provide insight and wisdom we could never discover in a one-dimensional world. Everything is multi-faceted; therefore, there is always an opportunity to find the good, assimilate the lesson, or cultivate new strength – no matter the circumstance. You are a culmination of all that you have experienced.

Layer by layer we transcend the levels of consciousness, incorporating energy and lessons, broadening our vision, and setting ourselves free. For most, this is a subtle transformative process rather than an abrupt shift to a new level. Don’t worry about how fast you can awaken, for the joy is in the journey. Embrace the day and discover the secrets it has to offer. Most importantly, love yourself and appreciate those who walk by your side.

Happiness

“Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same.”
~Carlos Castaneda~
Happiness is a choice. So is misery. Each of us is responsible for our own joy; therefore, change begins with consciously changing our thoughts – choosing happiness again and again until it becomes our natural response to daily events. All transformation comes from within.
Life will provide ample opportunities to practice acceptance, forgiveness and compassion. The process of growth is both deeply personal and collective. Your unique journey is one of learning mastery and those who grace your life play the roles required for your awakening.
When you choose thoughts that create empowerment and peacefulness, nothing has the power to take your happiness away. Even in the midst of tremendous challenge, there will be a groundedness of spirit that is unshakable.
In the present moment, can you choose to surrender to what is? That is the foundation of genuine happiness. Make this a daily practice of walking meditation as you go deeper into your own expression of joy. Open yourself to the experience of life without judging or trying to control. This is the art of contentment.

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.

Presence

“You are not limited to this body, to this mind, or to this reality—you are a limitless ocean of Consciousness, imbued with infinite potential. You are existence itself.”
~Joseph P. Kauffman~

Presence is achieved by going inward. The ego disappears, 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.

Why seek validation from others when all of existence is ready to communicate with us? The Divine seeks expression through you – allow it to flow without limitation.

You have an opportunity to bring a powerful sense of peace and well-being to this moment. Your thoughts create your reality – what are you choosing to create right now? Life presents opportunities to respond to darkness with light, to show kindness to those who seem to reject it the most and to experience the infinite Presence of the Now.

No matter how you choose to connect to the Divine, do it consistently. Let your life be a walking meditation knowing that awareness is your true nature. As you drop old patterns and limiting beliefs, you are left only with the infinite mystery of your being.

Detachment

“It is only in our thoughts that ideas, beliefs, and problems become solid, dark and unyielding. Reality itself is moveable, light, ever-changing. In our minds we seem trapped, in reality we are utterly free.” 
~Ezra Bayda~
Detachment is worlds away from apathy. While apathy says “I don’t care” within a cloak of darkness and despair, detachment allows one to be fully engaged in life without fear or disappointment. This is the secret of happiness and it can only be found within the present moment.
Allow the Divine to express itself through you. In the Now we can participate in life’s dance by choosing to be in harmony with what is. In our free will universe there is always a choice. When in the midst of anger or disruption, we might ask, “Why am I choosing to be angry when I could easily choose to be joyful?” The answer is simple – the stories of the ego have created enough energy to temporarily take over our state of consciousness. The spiritual seeker may be distressed to realize they’ve temporarily dropped to a lower state of consciousness; however, identifying unconsciousness actually indicates that you are awakening.
Step into awareness, breathe deeply and understand that you are free.

What We Choose

“You are not the victim of the world, but rather the master of your own destiny. It is your choices and decisions that determine your destiny.”

~Roy T. Bennett~

Empowerment begins with ownership. Ego would have you believe that you are a victim of life’s challenges, that things happen to you rather then for you and that you are trapped by circumstance. Though each journey is different, there comes a time when a whisper cuts through the barrage of thought to remind us that change is possible. That whisper is the gift of infinite possibility.

For those ready to shift, that is the moment that everything changes. Rather than repeating old patterns, we bravely try something new as we  fumble our way toward ecstasy. Through consistent practice and experience, we refine our way of being in the world. Each new playground provides ample opportunity to master the art of awakening as we shed limiting beliefs and step into conscious awareness.

When shadows arise, turn toward them and they will disappear in the beauty of your light. Acceptance sets the stage for a new way of being to emerge. Your willingness to seek the gift ensures that it will be discovered.

Appreciate the Little Things

“Find magic in the little things, and the big things you always expected will start to show up.” ~Isa Zapata~

Life offers us many choices. The lighter you become, the higher your vibration and the more easily you’ll align yourself with the Divine. We can choose to bring a sense of love, light and laughter to our experience.

Granted, there will certainly be moments that awaken compassion and empathy, frustration that (hopefully) leads to a shift in perception, and the sadness which comes from losing a loved one… that’s part of the human experience. But through it all, our ability to realign with joy is a powerful way to shine the light of consciousness in times of darkness.
Misery, struggle, hard work without appreciation and drudgery are all aspects of perceptions we inherited along the journey of awakening. They have no value except as teachers. Feel what needs to be felt, own your response to the present moment, but do remember to look beyond it to the truth of existence, which is to live vibrantly, filled with gratitude, empowered, passionate and joyful.

What We Create

This moment is precious. As I stepped outside for my Gratitude Walk, I was greeted by the stillness of a cloudy, quiet morning. I watched as the sky lightened and felt the living texture of infinite possibility that awaits my discovery. This feeling and openness creates a peaceful and powerful flow of energy. It is one that I purposely seek often and it sets the tone for my daily experience.

The only thing that exists is the Now – don’t allow yourself to destroy its potential by the worry created by the shadows of the mind. See yourself walking forward in joy and expectation and simply take one more step. Fear dissipates through conscious action – we discover new things, gain greater clarity and cultivate the discernment which allows us to see through the stories of the ego.

Find your inspiration and in the stillness, connect to the Universe. Seek out people and moments which resonate with this infinite connection and come home to yourself. The energy of the Divine is yours to experience in any way that you wish. In a changeable world filled with limitless nuances to discover, this connection remains constant. Once you quiet the old patterns of thought and release the stories of the past, you may recognize how to create transformation in your life – the answer is often right there in front of you.

Using Gratitude to Dispel Fear

“Fear is the destructive energy in man. It withers the mind, it distorts thought, it leads to all kinds of extraordinarily clever and subtle theories, absurd superstitions, dogmas, and beliefs.”
~Jiddu Krishnamurti~
Fear is pervasive. It heightens a sense of anxiety and doubt while blinding us to the beauty inherent in the present moment. Observe all marketing, click bait, news stories and gossip and you’ll notice fear is often at the core.
With a multitude of available energies constantly in flux, we have the ability to choose which we will focus upon. Gratitude is transformative. Like a muscle, it gets easier to access the more that it is utilized.
Practice rising above fear in its various forms. Notice when you begin to label, compare, seek out perceived flaws or close yourself off. Purposely shift to an open stance, opening the heart chakra. This will affect you mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually in miraculous ways. This is your moment to shine and you can give yourself the gift of freedom. There are always 10,000 things for which you can be grateful.
Be aware. Be present. You are safe. Love rains down upon you from all dimensions. Are you willing to receive it?

Be Kind

“The place to improve the world is first in one’s own heart and head and hands.”
~Robert M. Pirsig~

Everything begins with you… how you choose to start your day, what gets your attention, the things you choose to read or watch or what you put into your body. Bring kindness to every choice. Let your life be a loving conversation with the Divine.

Our universe is designed to provide experiences that accelerate growth, inner wisdom and awareness. When we understand our relationship to the whole, we participate more fully in the evolution of our collective consciousness. Enlightenment is a state of awareness that we ultimately bring into our physical experience.
We are called upon to be pure channels for Divine energy. Release the need to blame anyone and instead, choose to accept people as they are. There are no enemies – simply souls playing various roles in our collective awakening. Those who are still asleep need your love, not your judgment.
Cultivate a greater understanding of yourself and others. When you create inner balance and peace, you’ll discover that joy expands when it is shared. Let your unique expression of life spark joy in others by extending kindness whenever possible.