Facing Your Shadows

“Call to mind the deepest, darkest most negative truth about yourself – and know that this “truth” is a lie.

~Ezra Bayda~

Consider the many uses of adversity; our challenges often force us to turn inward and face our shadows. When you understand that many problems are self-imposed, you can, with loving intention, transform fear into empowerment. Should you experience inner resistance, see it as an indicator that you are on the right track. The ego-mind will often attempt to divert energy through blame, judgment and anger. Observe the tendency to get lost in discussion or drama rather than taking ownership.

The ego amplifies limiting stories created by the shadow-mind. Perceived problems provide an opportunity to explore new facets of your unique potential. In the midst of depression, anger, fear, doubt or anxiety, revisit old wounds or patterns that are ready to be cleared. You may feel prompted to begin soul-searching, only to discover new teachers, ideas and tools to utilize in your quest for wholeness. Sometimes you may have to traverse the dark corners of your psyche. Do not reject your shadows. Instead, choose to see them as teachers and you will emerge transformed by the light of consciousness.

Enlightenment

Enlightenment is a life-long process. In the light of consciousness we begin to see more clearly and can consciously participate in our own awakening. Understand that life is full of distractions – some personal, some collective; however, you can choose to expand in a way that is empowering.

Ultimately, the soul heeds the call of awakening and we are able to break free from the ravages of karma. While life still unfolds as it will, we no longer feel victimized by circumstance; instead, we learn to transform challenging situations through love. To find a personal state of grace and balance, we must cultivate the ability to allow life to unfold without attachment to outcomes. The dance between dark and light opens our consciousness to explore the space in between, a resting place where healing occurs.

Each of us will forge a unique pathway to higher dimensions. The most beautiful thing that you can do is share your insights and wisdom and act in a way that exemplifies them in the world of form. Delve into the delight of consciousness, for once you explore the mysteries of life with an awakened heart, you will never be the same.

Oneness

“As we feel the pain that all people feel in facing an uncontrollable world, compassion naturally arises – even for our ‘enemies.’ ”
~Ezra Bayda~

Collectively, much of humanity is absorbed in the mundane, obsessed with appearances and drama. They have forgotten or neglected the only thing that matters – awakening to the truth of who we truly are. Each of us is a fragment of the infinite Oneness of the Divine. The earthbound experience utilizes forgetfulness in order to facilitate the joy of awakening.

Purposely look past the roles that people play (both consciously and unconsciously). Depth of vision will allow you to connect with the soul of another and interact from a higher level of consciousness. Consider this: all definitions create limitation. See if you can stop defining yourself and others. Instead, operate as a field of awareness, bringing the vastness of soul connection into play.

When faced with opposition, remember that the other is acting from a place of fear and has lost touch with the deeper perfection of life. This may foster compassion rather than anger. Thus, your actions will be based upon love, balance and perspective.

When we connect on a soul level, something powerful happens. We experience a brief moment of Oneness, our collective energy expands and we begin to explore a new facet of love.

Insight

“Allow yourself to take the risk of shattering the old patterns and limitation that have kept your energy from flowing.”
~Osho~

Living consciously is the greatest adventure that life has to offer. When you bring awareness to your life experience, anything can spark a breakthrough. Something as unexpected as a chance encounter, a vivid dream or a message from the Divine can change everything. Life can spark a breakthrough… and that insight may expand your way of thinking.

There are moments when your life-path can diverge from repetitive beliefs and behavior into a whole new area of experience. Consciously facing a dark night of the soul allows us to emerge into the light with a new level of courage and a higher perspective. Old structures disappear as we shed the weight of old beliefs.
When you reach a point of despair, resistance or darkness, it indicates that something profound is getting ready to happen. Push through, keep moving forward and reach toward the light. You may be surprised at the power that flows through your life when you are willing to create a space where a transformation can occur. The goal is to see things differently. Daylight has come.

Know Thyself

“Your own Self-Realization is the greatest service you can render the world.”
~Ramana Maharshi~

Some people seek recognition or validation. Some seek to be needed. Others base every decision upon what they believe is required of them… and all feel trapped by the expectations of others.
The awakened spirit lives in his or her own truth. Led by passion and compassion, they walk the path less traveled. If others seek to admonish them, it’s OK. When others seek to revere them, they simply turn inward. Each of us walks a unique path and it cannot be truly defined by anything other than our inner wisdom.

Rather than fighting particular aspects of your personality or appearance, cultivate acceptance and reside in the positive poles of each. Even so-called negative traits can be expressed in a healthy way when one is conscious – stubbornness becomes tenacity of spirit, impatience can be transformed into healthy, mindful action, arrogance can shift into pride of one’s accomplishments combined with humility. It’s the unique differences between us that create so much beauty. You bring a glorious and valuable energy to the collective experience of the planet and sharing your light may inspire others to do the same.

Expansion

Clarity is rooted in the deep stillness of the present moment. It lies beyond the desire to understand with the mind and brings a higher awareness of the harmony that connects us. As we awaken, we experience this clarity with greater frequency and honor it as a sacred gift.

We share a brief moment within the infinite expansion of consciousness. This world is merely the beginning of an amazing journey from separation to wholeness. A journey that ultimately takes us beyond all limitations of time and space and into the unknowable.

Understandably, the concepts of soul expansion can be challenging to understand from a human perspective. While immersed in life it’s easy to become distracted by the intensity of the world around us. This is why stillness, gratitude and mindfulness are so important – each provides an opportunity to rise above the mechanisms of the ego and into communion with the infinite, if only for a brief moment.

Be open to opportunities to celebrate. Joy is the gateway into the temple of the infinite… learn from the trees, the wind, laughter, friendship… and remember that the wisdom you seek is everywhere, waiting to be discovered in the stillness of your heart.

Eternity

“We are travelers on a cosmic journey,stardust,swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share.This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.”
~Paulo Coelho~

You are a spark of the Divine… infinite, eternal, beautiful.

With our limited human perception, it’s difficult to process the idea of eternity. Time is a construct of the mind and often it drives us to hurry through the present moment in order to get somewhere else; however, the present moment is all there is. And it is the eternal Now.
We are all participating in an exploration of separateness. The lifetimes we spend on this planet, the roles we play and the lessons we learn from one another are only the beginning of the incredible journey we share.
There is enough time. Everyone on the planet will eventually evolve through experiencing all the earth-based soul ages: Infant, Baby, Young, Mature and Old to finally discover the nature of love. Tending to your own state of consciousness will ultimately aid in the awakening of all humanity. Have compassion for yourself and for one another.

Choosing Joy

“Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair…”
~susan polis schutz~

You are here to experience everything that life has to offer. It’s powerful to remember that, in every moment, you can consciously choose how you interpret your experiences. When you view the present moment through the filter of joy, you bring a higher awareness into any situation.

Life is filled with contrasts. Joy helps us to discover purpose, solutions, healing and strength in circumstances that can often be fraught with challenge. Your love is the guiding light during moments of darkness, and your willingness to walk forward will bring you once again into the realm of joy and empowerment.

Wisdom is attained through experience. Our challenges provide opportunities to strengthen aspects of our character that are ready to shine. Proceed, knowing that you are right where you need to be and that all you need to discover is waiting for your attention. Laugh at your foibles, and realize that you do not need to wait for a reason to celebrate. You can dance in the rain knowing that sunny days are ahead. And, if all else fails, lose yourself in the smile of a dog.

Rising Above Ego

“Enlightenment is the ego’s ultimate disappointment.”
~Chogyam Trungpa~

Prior to awakening, the mind is in control. Always comparing, seeking, distressing, planning, fixing or creating dissatisfaction with the present moment, it mercilessly controls our lives. It’s important to honor the ego as a teacher rather than see it as an enemy. It’s purpose is to maintain the illusion of separateness. This prompts our quest for Oneness.As we move to higher levels of consciousness, we become more aware of the mechanisms of the ego. We learn to transform challenges into empowerment while cultivating the ability to see clearly. The ego must then find news ways to function, so it shifts to a more subtle but still disruptive force. You’ll know ego is activated in some fashion whenever peace and acceptance elude you.

As you cultivate wisdom and taste the freedom and expansiveness that is discovered, you will begin to view the ego as a teacher – nothing more, nothing less. It then becomes easier to see through the illusion. In moments of imbalance stop and observe your thoughts. See them objectively and then consciously move into love. Every moment is an opportunity to be still and deepen your connection to the Divine.

Divine Wisdom

“The heart that seeks to awaken, to live genuinely, is more real than anything. That nameless drive calls you to be who you most truly are.”
~Ezra Bayda
~

Sometimes you are closer to your divine wisdom than you realize. On those occasions the Universe tends to send confirmation – the perfect book falls into your hands, you repeatedly hear the same message, knowledge makes itself known to you – it can be a delight to watch how the synchronicities unfold.

Our conditioning often leads us to place more faith in validation from others than in ourselves. These loving messages from the Divine are meant to strengthen your unique vision so that you can more easily follow the inner prompting of your heart. For many, this begins an incredible transformation that reverberates throughout their life experience.

You will awaken in whatever way best serves your evolution. Apparent losses and challenges are simply part of the game of awakening in which we are all engaged. Whether someone is consciously seeking awareness or not, their soul is still propelling them forward in the most appropriate way for the unfoldment of their journey. As we tend to our own awakening, this loving energy impacts everything and everyone around us.