Relationships

“Contrary to the romantic fantasies we have about relationships, in actuality they often push us directly into our blind longings, our dark fears, and our unhealed pain.”

~Ezra Bayda~

We wade into relationships as children and begin the process of experiencing egoic desire, often learning through identification with the idea of “Mine!” The ego builds its identity and we watch it play out again and again throughout the various phases of life. Whether challenges comes through family dynamics, friendships, lovers or co-workers, observe the repeating patterns in your experience.

The power of subconscious programming and belief is sometimes hard to see clearly. Our soulmates assist in the process of discovery. As we become self-aware, transformation begins. Once we are no longer enslaved by desire or blindly lost in the mechanisms of the mind, our relationships will then reflect health, balance and peacefulness.

View yourself with love and compassion. Likely, certain beliefs and tendencies were passed down through generational experience. Simply observe and bring loving awareness to your interactions. Spiritual transformation is a subtle process that impacts every area of your life. The illusion of separateness will ultimately lead you to experience Oneness. Honor the processes of your awakening as sacred.

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.

The Flames of Awareness

“I am aware that what I do not want to change is exactly what I need to change the most.”
~Louise Hay~
Your purpose is to awaken. The flames of awareness burn away all that is false. Layer by layer we release old energy, beliefs, attachments and perceived limitations that block us from seeing our inner beauty and divinity.
Everyone’s journey is different. Though we walk the path of awakening together, each of us is ultimately responsible for our own joy. This moment offers the beginning of a new way of being. Drop the baggage that you carry and step into the light of consciousness.
You can only truly understand what you have experienced. The mind seeks to plan, while the heart listens and acts. Nurture the garden of your heart and tend the seeds that you have planted there. Who knows how much beauty and growth may come from one new insight?

Feel your way to freedom. Honor the emotions that arise with the knowledge that they are meant to help you break free from restrictive thoughts and beliefs. Untethered, the energies of infinite possibility feed the flames of your life purpose in a transformative and powerful way.

Living in the Light

“I understand, better than ever now, that “living in the light” involves traveling into the darker places within ourselves and shining the light of our consciousness into them so that we can truly love and express all that we are.”
~Shakti Gawain~
Each of us has a very simple role in the awakening of collective consciousness. We must shine the light of awareness and be loving witnesses to our own transformation. It’s imperative to observe of our own process of healing rather than getting lost in projection, defensiveness or reactivity.
Once we allow the mechanisms of the ego to take hold, it can be challenging to feel peaceful. Utilize the beauty that shines upon you to bring yourself back into balance. Appreciation and Presence quiets the mental chatter and in the gap we discover other possibilities or interpretations.
Consciously choose to bring the best version of yourself to this moment. That may entail being an attentive listener, avoid spreading gossip or bad news or jumping into the fray to voice an opinion. Notice that all of these actions are actually non-actions. Used mindfully, stillness is transformative. Then, after a purposeful pause and some introspection, your actions and words will naturally be filled with the light of consciousness.

Conscious Presence

Acting with integrity means that you’ve chosen an action that resonates with your highest truth. Decisions are based on authenticity rather than ego and have more impact because of the foundational strength and wisdom within the interaction.
From this place of empowerment and consciousness you will recognize when you’ve done your best in any given situation. Because it’s very natural to vacillate between awareness and ego, its important to remember that we all do the best we can with what we have in every moment. There is always something new to learn.
Should you experience stress or unhappiness within your life situation, realize that the ego is likely active and begin to examine your thoughts. Purposeful attention disrupts the mechanisms of the ego and creates space in which a transformation can occur. Presence ignites the ability to accept what is, move into expanded awareness, and recognize the limitless possibilities that are available.
Your loving awareness ensures that change will happen. When we choose to flow with life instead of fighting against it, our energy becomes more balanced and we remain deeply connected to Oneness. The greatest gift that you can give those who grace your life is conscious Presence.

Be Kind

“Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.”
~Rumi~
Every moment offers opportunities to be kind to yourself, to one another, animals, the planet, and future generations. When we bring the practice of compassion to the forefront of our life situation, we become integral aspects in the dance of creation.
Sometimes the ego seeks immediate gratification through reminding another of their shortfalls (as we perceive them), getting in a snarky comeback or simply expounding opinions. That sort of response feeds more negativity into a situation and is a missed opportunity to bring a higher level of consciousness to the present moment.
We are called upon to be 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.
See every experience as an opportunity to cultivate a greater understanding of your life’s purpose. Kindness is never wasted.

What Perception Reveals

“No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.”
~Ansel Adams~
As we awaken, our perceptions are transformed. Consciousness expands and our vision becomes all-encompassing as we benefit from our varied experiences. It doesn’t matter what you believe or where you derive your inspiration. All that matters is your level of consciousness.
Each of us sees the world through our own unique filter. The ego then attaches to a perception, labeling it as “right” and will fight to the death to defend it. When one does not do their own work – healing emotional wounds, addressing their shadow self, accepting responsibility for their life experience – they try to get others to change in order to feel more secure.
Over time, the awakening soul creates a sacred space of balance and empowerment. This inner peace cultivates the ability to accept others unconditionally and feels no fear when faced by those who see the world differently.
Your interpretation of life reveals who you are. For those caught in the lower levels of shame, fear, hatred, pride and judgment, life is a frightening place indeed. The realm of empowerment is expressed through courage, willingness, acceptance, love and joy. Your spirit seeks to explore these beautiful levels of awareness.

Expanding Consciousness

“Mind is consciousness which has put on limitations. You are originally unlimited and perfect. Later you take on limitations and become the mind.”
~Ramana Maharshi~
All limitations are self-imposed. When we hold a limiting belief, fear can block the exploration into anything that challenges that belief. The ego is terrified of losing control; therefore, it seeks to keep the illusions in place. Inner resistance is a wonderful indicator that you are moving in a direction that will ultimately bring freedom from the illusion.
As we awaken, the world becomes full of promise and potential. Our passions ignite a journey inward that is limitless. Life then becomes a canvas where we can see these new insights demonstrated in the world of form. There is nothing more important than your state of consciousness in this moment.
In stillness we can discover the fullness of being. Observe the mind and it’s antics while allowing your awareness to transform all that it sees. You are on a journey of awakening, of expansion, of joy. Honor the process by actively and consciously participating in a way that feels liberating. The seeds of infinite possibility lie dormant in the midst of your awareness. Nurture them well.

 

Being Love

“Most humans believe that love is something that you get, that it is an emotion, that it has to be discovered, and that the more they give away, the less they will have. The opposite is the truth. Lovingness is an attitude that transforms one’s experience of the world. We become grateful for what we have instead of prideful. We express our lovingness when we acknowledge others and their contributions to life and to our convenience. Love is not an emotion but a way of being and relating to the world.”
~ David R. Hawkins
All that we think, say and do is recorded in the infinite field of consciousness. With this in mind, the awakened spirit seeks to give love even when it may not be recognized or appreciated by others on the physical level. We dance within the gifts of the Divine and share that joy with those who grace our lives.
When you can say to another, “I am grateful for every moment we have spent together” without expectation or regret, you have arrived. When you can be Unconditional Love, a profound transformation occurs in your perception and the way you choose to interact with the world. This shift in awareness creates space where the ego cannot reside, and there, freedom awaits.

Higher Perspectives

View others as unfolding beings in their journey toward higher consciousness.
~Ken Keyes Jr.~
The higher your state of consciousness, the greater your perception. As we awaken, we cultivate the ability to interpret life from many different levels. Consciousness is the journey of expansion into all dimensions, the discovery of broader perspectives and the integration of all that we have learned.
Reactivity is an automated response that is driven by the ego. Observe how you face the challenges in your life. As you awaken, it’s likely that you’ll notice the intensity and duration of reactivity decrease.
Periodically bring your awareness to your state of consciousness. Are you fully present? Can your purposely shift your thoughts in ways that are empowering? How often do you show yourself love and compassion?
And finally, consider this: The person who challenges you the most on the physical plane loves you the most on the spiritual plane. They are willing to risk losing your love and affection in this life to aid you in your soul’s growth and development. There is no greater gift than playing a role that stimulates awakening. When you view your challenges from this higher perspective, you’ll discover that this is true.