Relationships

The foundation of love is acceptance. Judgement is ego-driven, saying “You must change because I am uncomfortable.” Spiritual seekers transform discomfort or fear by working with the imbalance on the inner plane rather than immediately projecting outward. Once the imbalance is cleared, the other’s behavior may lessen or it will no longer elicit a reactive response. Relationships are the most transformative tool we can utilize on the path of awakening.

Healthy love offers support, patience, compassion and space. Ego-driven love demands that others must behave in a way that makes us feel whole. As we vacillate between the two states of being, we may discover aspects of ourselves that require our focus. Our relationships consistently provide opportunities to grow.

When we create harmony within our relationships, we begin to discover who we truly are in the presence of the other. Our multifaceted experience is transformed through exploration of friendships, partnership, lovers, parenting and active participation with our soul group.

Bring conscious presence into your relationships by giving those you love the space they need to grow and thrive. See your connection as a sacred, living expression of Divine love as you walk in beauty and honor the perfection of the journey.

Rise Above Judgment

In a world filled with opposing and increasingly divisive viewpoints, it can be challenging for those seeking enlightenment to stay neutral, compassionate and loving. Yet that is the ultimate goal of the awakened soul. Practice seeing everyone you encounter as a sacred expression of the divine. Choose to see through the mechanisms of the ego to the soul within.

The human condition – often loudly expressed by Young Souls who are here to learn about power, control, and greed – is to demand adherence to a particular set of beliefs or perceptions that limit all possibility of an authentic interaction. They label others based upon race, sexuality, political affiliation, religion (or lack thereof), looks, weight, titles or wealth, etc. All of these illusionary attributes are merely a temporary expression being used by the soul for experience and awakening, and are not the deepest truth waiting to be discovered; rather, they are distractions through which we must wade throughout the course of our practice.

Our purpose is to awaken from the world of thought. Mastery is the ability to set aside judgment and open one’s heart in love and Presence. Quiet your mind. Seek to interact without expressing opinions and, instead, choose to walk through each moment as a source of peace and grace. Your ability to lead by example is more transformative than you can imagine.

The Intuitive Mind

“The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honours the servant and has forgotten the gift.”

~Albert Einstein~

In a world filled with overwhelming sensations and distractions, the ego-mind has cultivated a collective script that results in continued conflict and dysfunction. As we awaken, we begin to break free from the overwhelming cacophony to once again enter the stillness of being.

In that space of stillness, we can access inner wisdom. Rather than being reactive, we are able to consciously respond to life from a higher level of consciousness. The ability to slow down and go within creates a secure foundation which supports the journey of awakening.

Strengthen the intuitive aspect of your experience by trusting your instincts. When the voice of ego begins its repetitive mantra of fearful “what ifs?” simply recognize it, observe it and slow down. Ask how you can bring Presence, mindfulness or love to the situation. Most often you’ll discover that the voice of your heart directs you to do the exact opposite of what the ego insists is the right course of action.

Acting on your instincts builds a pathway of energy that grows stronger over time. The great miracle of awareness is that it transforms the mundane into the sacred.

Serenity Now!

“There’s no value in digging shallow wells in a hundred places. Decide on one place and dig deep. Even if you encounter a rock, use dynamite and keep going down. If you leave that to dig another well, all the first effort is wasted and there is no proof you won’t hit rock again.”
~Sri S. Satchidananda, The Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali~
All philosophies and spiritual concepts can lead to an expansion in consciousness; however, consistency is required. It’s not enough to parrot the words of a teacher, practice or belief system. We must delve deeply into that which ignites the soul. Transformation is demonstrated by how we choose to walk in the world.
When you have created a firm foundation, you’ll discover that it’s easier to turn into any challenges that arise. Your spirit seeks opportunities to strengthen the gifts you have discovered and it’s powerful to see them in motion. Be the observer, pay attention to the mechanisms of the ego, and continue to use your tools.
Your life is your practice. Act with integrity, do your best and accept what is. With hindsight and self-reflection, you may discover greater depths and insight regarding your journey and the perfection of your soul.

You Are Worthy

Occasionally, I observe someone listing all the reasons they cannot be at peace. The ego loves to create a story that happiness is impossible – perhaps because of a past challenge, disappointment, loss, imprints, world events or ongoing struggles. Some expend far more energy  reinforcing old blockages rather than creating a new experience or even expressing the belief that one is possible.

It’s empowering to remember that you are a child of light worthy of joy, fulfillment, laughter and peace. Don’t wait for life to fall into place before you choose to be happy. You have the power to choose how you will experience this moment.

Though there are likely times when existence feels oppressive, remember that far more is happening for your benefit than it may appear on the physical plane. You can consciously choose to recognize your worthiness or continue to reject it.

Dance in the moonlight and embrace the shadows as your teachers. Know your value by seeing the perfection in the imperfection and walk forward with an open heart. You are a divine infinite being on a journey of awakening. Your willingness to accept the gifts that life has to offer is an indicator of your self-love.

Empowerment

The quickest way to empowerment is by taking personal responsibility for all that you experience. This creates greater insight through introspection, conscious action and awareness. Consider adding humor into the mix and watch the process of change become more pleasurable.

Blame is often used as a tool of avoidance. We project energy at another person, situation or idea to distract ourselves from looking within. Since the world is our reflection, circumstances will often arise which provide an opportunity for us to recognize what we’ve spend a lifetime trying to avoid. It’s important to remember that the core of life’s practice is joy. We can only reach that state by stepping into personal responsibility.

Everything is energy and is mutable, light and constantly transforming. Should you ever find yourself going into blame mode, simply notice, quiet the mind and examine what you are projecting outward. All blame is a reflection of how we see ourselves. This insight can be one of the most powerful aspects of your spiritual awakening.

There is a vast and infinite amount of energy available. You can access it, not by planning or thinking, but by being centered and silent enough to allow it to flow through you. This light and love awakens your potential.

Duck Medicine

Those who are unwilling to change demand that everyone around them change. This is to avoid triggers or the need to self-assess and is deeply rooted in ego. Often they feel enslaved by anxiety and therefore, want to avoid conflict and discomfort at all costs.

Those who are awakened understand that empowerment and freedom come from within. These beautiful souls have to capacity to utilize challenging moments as opportunities to prove their mettle. They actively seek answers and are constantly expanding their perception. Because they are willing to take ownership for their state of consciousness, awakening is accelerated.

Rather than attempting to control life, learn to flow with it. Know that you can handle anything that unfolds in the present moment. Like the duck, release negative energy through movement. A squawk followed by a quick flap often happens after a bit of duck-related conflict… and then he moves on, seemingly over it, once again deeply rooted in the present moment.

There is no need to carry the weight of the past on your shoulders. Be gentle with yourself and others, and simply do your inner work quietly, consistently and intentionally. This is how you create space where transformation can occur.

Ego and Gossip

If you propose to speak, always ask yourself, is it true, is it necessary, is it kind?”

~Buddha~

Observe how the ego reacts when you find yourself immersed in a story that is unfolding. Likely, the voice of ego will be clamoring to share it with someone. Why? It’s interesting to watch how the mind reacts when you consciously choose to say nothing or remain neutral in situations while others are lost in comparison, blame or schadenfreude.

Keep in mind that triggers or emotional reactivity are typically a result of some sort of reflection, deflection or projection. When one is lost in gossip or accusation, their words often speak volumes about their own struggles and wounds. Focusing energy outward is a powerful distraction. As long as the ego can see something “wrong” in another, it is too busy to look within to do the work of healing.

Presence calls upon us to be mindful. Pay attention to what you choose to say today. Is it helpful, uplifting or supportive? The light of your awareness is transformative and will help you to see through the mechanisms of the mind with greater clarity. Once you remove gossip and opinion from your own narrative, you will enter the realm of empowered presence. It is there that peacefulness resides.

Awareness, Presence, Transformation

“Whenever you’re stuck in distress, penetrate your confusion with this question: What is my most believed thought right now?” 

~Ezra Bayda~

When we operate from the premise that all things work toward our highest good, we come to discover that inconsolable sadness or frustration is a waste of energy. The mind creates stories which seem to enslave us, and though it takes conscious effort, shifting your thoughts will always shift your perception, and thus, your experience.

The ego loves to feel special. But this life experience is not meant to be one of sadness, frustration or loss; rather, you are meant to break free from self-imposed prisons and find your joy.

Seek to cultivate greater awareness of your own strength and abilities. Its helpful to utilize the energy of gratitude by saying “I am grateful for this situation. Even though I may not yet understand the lesson or be aware of gift, I know one awaits me.”  Your willingness to be open is transformative.

When you choose to bring the best version of yourself to the present moment, the future will take care of itself. These simple, empowering moments of presence and intention will transform your experience in surprising ways.

Freedom

“Inscribe in your mind harmony, health, wholeness, beauty, peace, perfection and right action. These are principles. You do not create these truths, but you activate them and make them effective and functional when you affirm them.”    
~Joseph Murphy~

The path of transformation is a process by which we systematically break free from self-made bondage. As we awaken, we become more aware of what we perceive to be blockages. This awareness begins the process of ruthless observation, authenticity and conscious action (or inaction depending upon the situation).

Give yourself credit for how far you have come. The slow, subtle process of your spiritual evolution is always in play and as we awaken, it’s important to remember that the ego becomes more subtle. It may demand your perfection. It may tell you that you should know better or that if you were really conscious, such mistakes or reactivity would not happen; however, nothing could be further from the truth. We often revisit old triggers and challenges for the express purpose of seeing that we now handle them far differently than we would have in the past.

Create freedom in your experience by treating yourself with compassion and loving-kindness. You are a child of light and nothing matters more than your state of consciousness in this moment. What is more important than your joy?