Ego and Gossip

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.

Surrender

“When we bring a gentle awareness to the layers of our conditioning, and to the struggles that arise out of our conditioning, the power of that conditioning slowly dissolves. Life then moves toward the unconditioned – where the vastness, or love, just flows through.”    

~Ezra Bayda~

The ego often seeks to fight, prove oneself right, defend beliefs or struggle against life. Whenever you observe this happening, consciously move into surrender. Allow the energy around you to flow unimpeded. You’ll access the strength and peace that reside underneath the mechanisms of the mind.

When we choose to surrender to what is, we demonstrate faith in the process of awakening. Things often flow better when we get ourselves out of the way. The enlightened understand that surrender is a sign of empowerment.

Trust the wisdom of your higher self. Place your focus upon how you are responding to life, rather than trying to control how it unfolds. Are you operating from a space of joy, enthusiasm or acceptance? Are you seeing your experiences as opportunities to awaken?

The present moment is your point of power. How are you choosing to experience it? Life’s wonder and mystery can only be discovered where you are.

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.

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.

Be Peace

“If you understand it, the world is a great device to make you more conscious. Your enemy is your friend, and the curses are blessings, and the misfortunes can be turned into fortunes. It depends only on one thing: If you know the key of awareness.”
~Osho~

You have chosen to follow a path of awakening in a time when many still live in darkness and confusion. More than ever before, it’s important to focus on staying balanced – even in the midst of upheaval – so that you can bring light to the world.

A peaceful heart is created by a peaceful mind. Quieting the ego is a life-long process; however, it is one that has the potential to set you free from the turbulence that plagues so many. Since your perception of the world is a reflection of your inner state of consciousness, your experiences will become more peaceful.

All that unfolds happens for you, not to you. Your life situation provides the opportunity to refine and utilize the spiritual tools you have been cultivating. It allows you to apply your inner wisdom in various scenarios until it becomes the integral aspect of your response to life.

Transforming Impatience

“Patience is very alert, patience is very active, patience is very expectant.”
~Osho~

Impatience is a by-product of our society, a mental construct that says there’s not enough time, I may miss out. It is created by an overactive mind and blocks all enjoyment of the present moment. Very quickly, impatience can turn into martyrdom. When someone feels thwarted, there is often a “Why me?” response.

When you notice impatience rising within you, choose instead to slow down, pay attention and bring your awareness deeply into the Now. Then, breathe, make your decision, take action and create change with a peaceful state of mind. All fear patterns can be transformed into personal power.

It’s important not to rush your spiritual development. This can cause you to pretend that you have advanced without doing the required work. The triggers still lie beneath the surface ready to disrupt your momentum.

We live in an infinite universe. Patience strengthens your capacity to relate to life from the higher levels of consciousness rather than the ego-driven desire of false personality. Practice utilizing silence and moving slowly. There is enough time. Mindful action ensures that the more patient you are, the more you will accomplish.

Karmic Lessons

There are times when we seem to walk blindly into challenging karmic circumstances. Temporary blinders are necessary because most would not consciously choose to engage in the discomfort required by the soul for growth. Strong emotional reactions typically indicate that karma is in play.

In challenging circumstances, seek the gift or the lesson by going within. Once the situation has served its purpose, it will either no longer be required in your experience or you will feel completely neutral about the person or behavior.

Everyone who enters your life has a role to play in your growth. When ready to heal old emotional wounds, the higher Self sends an energetic call out into the universe requesting assistance. Those who answer the call are willing to play a role (typically adversarial) to bring the energy of the wound to the service. These loving souls are willing to risk losing our love and goodwill in this life to assist with our awakening.

When you get triggered, when life gets intense, healing is possible. The ego may attempt to distract through stories of victimhood or martyrdom; however, resistance indicates that true transformation is at hand. Remind yourself to slow down and see clearly.

Mastery and Joy

“I have found that if you love life, life will love you back.”

~Arthur Rubinstein~

Joy is linked to mastery. When desire and expectation are released and we consciously immerse ourselves deeply within the Now, life responds  in amazing ways. Rather than allowing attachment to create moments of pain, we can discover the freedom that is the by-product of  acceptance.

Seek to fill your experience with countless tiny moments of joy rather than seeking to attain one particular goal. When we enter the field of awareness with humility and a sense of adventure, we open floodgates of energy that synergize and awaken, simplifying our journey.

Joy and peacefulness go and in hand. Seek to rise above the mechanisms of the ego by paying deep attention whenever you observe that it is attempting to distract you. Resistance is a great indicator that something powerful is possible. One spark of awareness can change everything.

Honor the processes of your awakening by being a conscious participant in the process. Let yourself be drawn into wonder as you traverse the landscape of your life. Ultimately, love will make itself known, expanding as it is shared. The song of your soul desires to be sung.

Dissolving Blockages

When you seem to be stalled, feeling incomplete or dissatisfied, look within and observe the thoughts that impede your ability to take action. These internal blockages often create greater conflict than any physical obstacle you may face.

The only thing that exists is the Now – don’t destroy it’s potential with 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. Enter the realm of discovery and cultivate the discernment that allows you to see through the stories of the ego.

This moment is precious. As I stepped outside in gratitude, I was greeted by the stillness of a cold, clear morning. Early storms had passed, frost was on the ground and the stars sparkled across the sky like diamonds on velvet. The darkness had a living texture of possibility and once again, I fell madly in love with life.

Find your inspiration. In the stillness you can connect to the Universe 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 explore, this powerful connection remains constant.

Kindness

Never underestimate the value of kindness.

It is said that no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Choose to bring this lovely energy to the planet. Whether you rescue a spider, listen to a stranger, hold space for your child or help another to see their own beauty, you can walk gently upon the earth.

We live immersed by ego-generated opinions and the contrasts of belief systems seem to be widening. Things appear chaotic. And yet… we are on the verge of tremendous growth and breakthrough. Great change is always proceeded by disruption. Most people expect (or even seek) push-back, thus allowing the ego to feed existing negative energy through debate. When others seem to want conflict, give kindness.

The goal is to see through and break free from the mechanisms of the ego. There is no need to be right. We can utilize conscious actions and insights to infuse our life situations with high vibration energy. Rather than repeating old ideas and behaviors, seek instead to embrace a new way of being. Our collective consciousness is ready for expansion. Educate others by demonstrating what authentic loving-kindness looks like and let your life be your message.