Tag Archives: #ego

The Power of Presence

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“True freedom is when all the stories, all the insights, all the realizations, concepts, beliefs and positions dissolve. What remains is what you are; a vast, conscious, luminous space simply resting in itself, not knowing a thing, at the point where all things are possible.”
~Enza Vita~

Presence is achieved by going inward. The ego disappears, the roles and life situations become transparent and only empowered silence remains. When you begin to realize that you are much more than the stories of the mind, you have planted the seeds of your own spiritual maturity.

You can bring a powerful sense of peace and well-being to this moment. Life presents opportunities to respond to darkness with light, to show kindness to those who seem to reject it the most and to experience the infinite Presence of the Now.

Ultimately, you create your own experiences, have your own insights and live a unique journey.  No matter how you choose to connect to the Divine, do it consistently. Let your life be a walking meditation with the realization that awareness is your true nature. As you drop old patterns and limiting beliefs, you are left only with the infinite mystery of your being.

The Gift of Presence

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“Whenever you deeply accept this moment as it is – no matter what form it takes – you are still, you are at peace.”
~Eckhart Tolle~

To offer another the space to be who they are is a miraculous gift. Everyone we encounter wants only one thing: to be accepted as they are. Plant seeds of love and kindness by recognizing the sacredness in those who grace your life.

Think of how much energy is depleted by defending one’s viewpoint, life choices or expression of self. Rather than participate in this egoic activity, begin by accepting yourself as you are, as a work in progress. There is nothing to defend, nothing to explain. You are perfect, even in your perceived imperfection. Something new to learn is always within reach; therefore, the spiritual student seeks to recognize the gifts inherent in every situation.

Your self-acceptance will have a great impact on how much you are able to accept those around you. They will feel safe in your presence and will shine in unique ways. All that you experience is a reflection of your awakening consciousness.

The Uses of Adversity

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“I’ve come to trust not that events will always unfold exactly as I want, but that I will be fine either way. The challenges we face in life are always lessons that serve our soul’s growth.”
~Marianne Williamson~
Consider the uses of adversity. Challenges refine our skills and prompt us to cultivate our strengths. We discover that life doesn’t end when things fall apart; rather, space is created to explore aspects of ourselves that are ready to shine. Even when the ego is caught up in desire and attachment, the soul understands exactly what is needed.
Trust in the unique processes of your awakening. Nothing is more important than your state of consciousness in the present moment. When you view life as an opportunity to evolve and grow, everything becomes more manageable. Ultimately, you can walk the journey as a source of grace and peace and even humor knowing that there is far more to life than meets the eye.
Life will present the perfect circumstances to assist in your spiritual awakening. This is true for each of us – singularly or collectively. Seek the lesson or the gift in any circumstance, and most assuredly, you will find it.

I Honor Your Path

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“How would your life be different if…You stopped making negative judgmental assumptions about people you encounter? Let today be the day…You look for the good in everyone you meet and respect their journey.”
~Steve Maraboli~

Many today feel the loss of changing relationships. Polarities are becoming more extreme and excessive stories of the ego are causing people’s pain-bodies to take over in reactivity, anger or fear. Rather than focusing on perceived differences or the loss of closeness, consider that each soul is on a sacred journey.

To honor the path of another is the greatest act of love that you can give. Acceptance does not require agreement, nor is it apathy. The awakening soul understands that each of us must walk the journey of awakening in our own way.

The only thing over which you have any control is your state of consciousness. Do your best, act with integrity and accept what is. As life unfolds you may get more clarity, or not. Understanding that everything works for the collective highest good of all is a foundational belief that counsels patience and understanding.

There is far more to life than meets the eye. Be kind. Every situation provides countless opportunities to learn and evolve and, in the words of Ram Dass, we’re just walking one another home.

 

Living Courageously

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“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.

Recognizing the Ego

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“Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people.”
~Socrates~
The ego can be viewed as a teacher rather than an enemy. Its function is to play the part of adversary and with practice, we can learn to recognize it’s mechanisms. Ego is in play when thought-forms crystallize into beliefs through repetition, creating attachment, desire or pain.
Give your ego a name that will make you laugh. When you notice a story beginning to replay in the mind, immediately observe it’s antics and shine the light of consciousness upon through recognition and calling it out. You’ll notice that the diatribe will stop and you’ll have an opportunity to shift your thoughts in a way that is more helpful for you in the present moment.
The more you do this, the easier it becomes. Your loving attention ignites a process of transformation that will impact every area of your experience. One of the most beautiful aspects of higher awareness is the ability to consciously participate in life in a way that is empowering and joyful. You are a master in the process of awakening. Come, the journey of discovery awaits.

Enlightenment

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“…the past gives you an identity and the future holds the promise of salvation, of fulfillment in whatever form. Both are illusions.”
~Eckhart Tolle~

The greatest gift that we can give is our Presence. In every situation we have the opportunity to bring light where there is darkness, give kindness rather than turn away and teach by example. In order to be consistent in our approach, one must never stop learning.

Turn your attention inward by asking, “How may I be of service in this situation?” As we examine our motivations we discover that helping others helps us to achieve enlightenment. This double helix of energy thus creates a space where transformation can happen.

View this planet as a playground that teaches through contrast. Every moment offers an opportunity to become a little more aware, a little more empowered, a little more free from limitation.

Some lessons are presented in several different forms before we truly understand the patterns that have silently controlled our lives. Your awareness of moments of unconsciousness is actually an indicator that you are becoming more enlightened. Celebrate your humanness as well as your true infinite nature. Delve into the delight of consciousness, for once you explore the mysteries of life with an awakened heart, you will never be the same.

Awakening the Heart

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“You are here for no other purpose than to realize your inner divinity and manifest your inner enlightenment. Foster peace in your own life and then apply the Art to all that you encounter.”
~Morihei Ueshiba~
Enlightenment is a life long process. There will be times when we feel empowered, balanced and ready to face the world with conscious intent and others when we may feel that we’ve missed the mark. The process of awakening is nuanced and layered with opportunity to discover hidden aspects of ourselves that are ready to shine.
As we awaken, the hold of the ego lessens. We learn to recognize old patterns and beliefs when they arise and utilize them as stepping stones to greater awareness. Act with integrity, do your best and accept what is. If you are true to your authentic nature you can allow circumstances to unfold as they will.
Everyone does the best they can based upon their soul age, level of consciousness, imprints and history. It’s helpful to remember this: if they could do better, they would… this is true for each and every one of us. Throughout the process of enlightenment, we are continually transformed and thus, transform the world around us.

Enlightenment

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“Enlightenment will be now the beginning, not the end. Beginning of a non-ending process in all dimensions of richness.”
~Osho~

No matter what is unfolding in your life experience, you have an opportunity to utilize it as a vehicle of awakening. Even momentary boredom or apathy can be transformed into a powerful aspect of your soul’s journey.

The key is your willingness to make choices that open your perception. Many have bursts of spiritual growth as a result of facing challenges; however, spiritual mastery is achieved when we also seek growth during the best of times or the quiet pauses we experience. The more you have a continued focus on your evolution, the less you will require some type of disruption to spark movement forward again.

Life is meant to be an adventure, each moment a gift for you to explore. Step into the unknown with an open heart, take risks, and drop the familiar which masquerades as security and stability. Remember, you are loved, supported, guided and safe, especially in the midst of transition and exploration.

The Spiritual Practice of Listening

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“Listening is about being present, not just about being quiet.”
~Krista Tippett~

Many people often feel unheard and misunderstood. Consciously choose to be receptive today, offering advice only when it is specifically requested. Being an open presence of non-judgment and an active, present-moment listener is a sincere expression of love and respect. Every moment provides an opportunity to learn from one another.

The next time you find yourself in conversation, observe the thoughts that run through the mind and purposely choose to become present. You may be surprised at the busyness of the ego. Authentic listening demands that we forget ourselves completely (not an easy task) and become the Divine feminine – open and receptive, a conduit for energy, light and love. We cannot achieve communion by being aggressive. Open the door and wait.

Each time another piece of the puzzle falls into place we develop a greater understanding of the whole. True silence exists within you – and in within it, the ego cannot flourish. More than the absence of thought, it is the deep and profound stillness that holds the seeds of infinite possibility. Active listening puts you in touch with the present moment in way that is profound, almost magical.