Self-Discovery

Sometimes we have to be who we aren’t in order to discover who we are.

Everyone faces their own dark night of the soul as part of the quest to awaken. These moments can create feelings of loss and confusion; however, they are a necessary aspect of transformation. The ego will often play a script that says, “If only this person knew [what I’ve seen, been through, done], they’d see me differently.” And thus, we see ourselves as separate from one another because of our perceived deficiencies.

 

Nothing could be further from the truth. Our very human struggles are what allow us to rise above, cultivate compassion and drop judgment. The more we work with our hidden wounds, the more we discover the love and Oneness that bind us together.
Be gentle with yourself. When someone appreciates beauty or courage or tenacity within you, know that it is a loving reminder of things you may have forgotten. You are a work in progress, a master in the process of awakening. And no matter how much you’ve learned so far, know this – you are just getting started. The resilience of your soul is ready to shine.

Living Courageously

“The crowd neither wants nor seeks knowledge, and the leaders of the crowd, in their own interests, try to strengthen its fear and dislike of everything new and unknown. The slavery in which mankind lives is based upon this fear.”
~G. I. Gurdjieff~

To be a spiritual seeker is to discover your courage. Leaving the confines of the familiar we venture out into a new world, risking all. The willingness to explore the unknown paves the way to adventure as we learn to experience life with an open heart and open mind.

Throughout this process we encounter a stripping away of the ego. Layer by layer we drop beliefs and blockages that no longer serve us. Challenges allow us to cultivate fortitude as we discover new ways of experiencing all that life has to offer.

It’s important to be vulnerable and authentic. Don’t hold yourself back out of fear. The path of awakening calls upon us to recognize our potential. Faith and action transform that potential into actuality.

When you recognize the sacredness in all things, it brings a different quality into your experience. Operating from a detached sense of unconditional love also brings courageousness to the surface. Detachment allows us to give without demands. It is a purity that expresses itself through us. What would your expression of life be if you were fearless? Be that. Do that. Live that.

Inner Strength

“Self discovery is the most empowering time of your life, you remember who you are and you become the best version of yourself but what they forget to tell you is, to get to a point of pleasure you must face the pain.”

~Nikki Rowe~

The challenges that you have faced have forged aspects of your personality that are ready to shine. In times of uncertainty, you can tap into these inner strengths to give you fortitude to face whatever unfolds in your experience. Resilience of character is often a silent wisdom and competence that underlies your actions while providing a firm foundation throughout the journey.

Remember to give yourself credit for how far you have come. The weight of the past is nothing compared to the power of the present moment. Allow the light of your soul to guide you home. The story of your awakening is unique, and all the supporting characters have played their roles to perfection.

You are ready to thrive. All that is required is one more conscious step forward, and then one more. Pay attention to the calling of your spirit and choose to be open to discovery and adventure. You’ve got this.

 

 

 

Engaging Life’s Magic

“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love …”
~Marcus Aurelius~

When hardships arise we have choices: complain, be resentful, blame others or face the challenge and grow from it. Passion for life leads us out of darkness and into the light of consciousness. Courage is not the absence of fear, it is the ability to move forward in spite of it… joyfully discovering our own strength in the process.

Nothing is guaranteed and at times we may feel like the “knowns” of the past are safer; however, as we drop perceived security and take risks in the fullness of our own experience, we begin a dance with the unknown and the limitless possibilities which await. On this amazing journey, planning and over-analyzing won’t create a new reality. We must take steps toward our goals each and every day. Show up, expand, do whatever it takes to put yourself in the realm of receptivity. Life’s magic will meet you there.

Hummingbird Inspiration

“When we settle for comfort over discovery, or compromise the soul’s longing to grow, we begin to wither. When we reawaken the great instinct to learn and explore, our lives grow less trivial and become epic.”

~Alberto Villoldo~

When you are ready to embark upon an epic journey, call upon the spirit of hummingbird for assistance.

Every year, ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate over the Atlantic from Brazil to Canada. These tiny little birds wouldn’t appear at first to have the energy or stamina to journey over 2500 miles; however, they are able to draw energy from the sweetness of life. This instinctual movement represents joyful courage in the shamanic traditions.

When you are faced with daunting circumstances or don’t know how you will accomplish that which seems impossible, call upon the energy of Hummingbird. Let her teach you how to drink the nectar of life, to be fiercely independent, a hard worker and a playful expression of the Divine.

Hummingbird is linked to the 3rd Eye Chakra and awakens soul perception. With spiritual insight we learn to recognize the deeper meaning behind our relationships and experiences. Everything becomes an expression of the sacred.

Friendship

“Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.”
~R.J. Palacio~

Sometimes we meet others and feel an instant connection. From the moment of ‘hello’ there is a feeling of safety and warmth and this person brings something special to your life experience. These are typically reunions of two souls who have played together in many lifetimes. The ease you feel is the natural result of the many interactions and karmic agreements you two have shared.

Often it seems there are an amazing number of synchronistic occurrences that have to fall into place in order for two souls to cross paths. Then, recognizing a kindred spirit – or perhaps a karmic contract – they choose to embark upon a segment of the journey together.

As an older soul, you may have this feeling often. Your long history on the planet has likely included many members of your soul group. This is why we must be accepting and grateful for those who grace our lives. Whether you share the journey for a moment or for a lifetime, the feeling is always one of coming home.

The extent to which you are willing to be supported is an indication of the love you have for yourself. The supporting characters of your life provide a springboard for the discovery of new experiences, thoughts, opportunities and perceptions. Friendship is the highest form of love.

One More Step

“When you reach the point where you think you can go no farther, taking one more step, one more breath into the heart, is all that’s required.”
~Ezra Bayda~

The path of awakening is the process of remembering our true nature. It calls upon us to release old baggage and beliefs and create a space where transformation can occur. Whenever you observe a repetitive pattern in your experience, see it as an opportunity to break free of habitual ideas and responses. Peace can happen in one place only – the present moment.

The more aware you are, the greater your ability to purposely make choices that support your spiritual growth and development. Conscious breathing is a wonderful way to center yourself within the Now. From a place of balance and stillness, new pathways will make themselves known. Gradually you will discover friendships and circumstances that open new doors of understanding and will joyfully celebrate your ever-evolving way of being in the world.

Take one more step forward. Let the momentum of enthusiasm, joy and acceptance inform whatever actions you choose to take. Your intention and mindful approach to the present moment ignites energy in motion that sets the stage for tomorrows experience.

Courage

Know that you are not alone,
And that this darkness has purpose;
Gradually it will school your eyes,
To find the one gift your life requires
Hidden within this night-corner.”

~John O’Donohue~
(From the poem “For Courage”)

When faced with a struggle it’s imperative to understand that your soul needs the challenge in order to grow. Many seek to remove all embattlements from their life experience; however, the spiritual life is not about avoidance. You can transform pain into empowerment. Pay attention to the scripts that run in the mind when perceived disaster occurs. These are the wounds and limited beliefs that are ready to be brought into the light of your consciousness.

Betrayal, accidents, loss, death, financial setbacks and health issues all carry seeds of enlightenment. The greater the challenge, the greater the breakthrough. Unexpected struggles often push us where we would not normally choose to walk, and it is there that your courage begins to shine.

You are far stronger than you know. Take one conscious step at a time and consider that this turning point is the beginning of powerful change. Everything you seek to create and desire to be is on the other side of fear.

Living Courageously

The only way to connect with all of existence is to go inward. Deeper than the stories of this lifetime and beyond the limiting patterns of belief, resides a soul who was willing to enter the challenging and beautiful school of physical reality. When you live with great awareness as the observer, life becomes a odyssey of discovery. Each step reveals new layers of wisdom.

In this free will world, nothing is guaranteed. We must believe in our potential in order to take a risk. We must explore the unknown, learn from our challenges, and constantly walk forward into the light of awareness. Too often, we hold ourselves back out of fear. From something as simple as saying “no” when appropriate to leaving a toxic situation or reclaiming individuality and confidence, we can find the strength within to make empowering changes.

Let your pilgrimage become a dance of awakening. Seek your own way of being, live authentically and remember that nothing is more important than your state of consciousness. Courage is the first step. Nurtured by faith and by movement, we grow towards the light of the Divine. Drop the ego, release attachment and most importantly, be willing to receive.

Trust Love

The infinite love of the Divine surrounds us at all times. Although, there are certainly moments when it is easy to feel separate, bewildered or overwhelmed, there it waits, patiently honoring the process of discovery until we are ready to access it once again.

When the light of consciousness shifts your perception, it allows you to recognize the guidance and support that is available, see your infinite potential and trust yourself enough to step into the flow of life. A shift in perception can create powerful changes in your life. Awareness calls upon us to consistently focus upon the blessings that surround us. This purposeful act of gratitude and willingness opens the door to new experience.

We learn by experiencing contrast. A life filled with love is typically discovered and nurtured by rising above our fears. Your willingness to face the shadows of the soul, ensures that you will emerge changed, empowered and courageous.
When you choose to live from the heart, amazing things begin to happen. Love life as it is and see it as an adventure, exploring and experiencing with innocence and excitement. With each challenge you have the opportunity to learn something new about yourself. These facets bring new sparkle and dimension to the journey.