Empowerment

“The next thing you think, the next action you take, will either create a new possibility for you, or it will repeat the past.”
Deepak Chopra

Each thought, word, and action creates a powerful momentum that is ultimately experienced in the world of form and it’s important to ensure that all are in alignment. For instance, choosing to apply for a job and then immediately saying to yourself, “…I probably won’t get it anyway…” negates the action. Dieting while hating your body is another example of contradictory energy, as is tying to solve relationship problems by telling the story of how you were wronged again and again to all who will listen.

When all aspects of the personality are in harmony, it can be surprising how powerfully and quickly things can move. Take the time to be mindful of your thoughts and allow your actions to be led by joy.

Enthusiasm, gratitude and appreciation spark an expansion of conscious energy throughout your life experience. Your perception of the world is a reflection of your level of awareness; therefore, practice maintaining a conscious, empowered interpretation of the events, lessons and interactions you experience. Life will respond accordingly.

The Power of Presence

“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 Uses of Adversity

“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.

Gratitude and Awakening

“The great awareness comes slowly, piece by piece. The path of spiritual growth is a path of lifelong learning. The experience of spiritual power is basically a joyful one.”
~M. Scott Peck~
Spiritual awakening is a progression. Step by step we expand our vision, cultivate new knowledge and find ways to apply it to our lives. Though a shift in consciousness can happen in an instant, more often it occurs over time. Periodically take a moment to assess your responses to life. It’s likely that you’ll discover you process challenges differently, are less reactive and move more quickly from anger to peace. How much have you grown over the last year, or five or ten?
Ease and grace are born of experience. After facing repeating patterns meant to assist us in our spiritual growth, we finally experience a break-through and everything begins to change. The awakening soul learns to utilize thoughts and intentions in ways that are positive and empowering.
With conscious awareness, the world seems less threatening. Life becomes more joyful as we take risks and expand into new experiences knowing that each step is guided by love. When you can be at peace in your own truth and be a conduit for the light of the Divine, you’ll step into the majesty of the present moment – aware, enlightened, awake. This is your destiny.

I Am Not Subject to Disappointment

“Attachment constrains our vision so that we are not able to see things from a wider perspective.”
~Dalai Lama~
Life ebbs and flows as it will. Humans, suffering from limited perspective, feel the need to fight against what is. The ego creates a story that plays repeatedly in the mind until one believes that things shouldn’t be the way they are. Then disappointment sets in.
With this in mind we can view disappointment as a barometer. The level of discomfort is an indicator of how much attachment we have had to a particular idea, person, or item. Attachment causes suffering.
Fortunately, this is an energy that can be transformed into acceptance. The light of conscious awareness transforms all that it shines upon. Sometimes, the shift can happen immediately once the attachment has been observed and recognized. Then, we can begin the process of seeking the lesson in the challenge.
Everything works toward the highest good for all involved. Our limited vision gives us the situation as interpreted by the ego; however, the soul is always interested in expansion. Empowerment is acting from the heart and allowing circumstances to unfold as they will.  You are right where you need to be.

Acceptance

“Because one believes in oneself, one doesn’t try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn’t need others’ approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her.”
~Lao Tzu~
The truly empowered see themselves clearly. They do not need outside validation nor do they seek perfection from others. As we awaken, we naturally cultivate the ability to accept things as they are and release the need to struggle. Since everything is a reflection of our inner state of consciousness and level of awareness, this implies a quiet inner acceptance of one’s self.
You have unique gifts and insights to share. Others will notice them in time, or not; however, the goal is to live simply in alignment with your purpose and passion. Don’t waste time attempting to force others to understand you or change their perceptions to match yours. Life needs the blend of differing perceptions, experiences, soul ages and cultures to facilitate spiritual growth.
Attend to your own state of consciousness and enjoy all this moment has to offer. Acceptance expands perception. The ego will imply that you are bound by the need to be accepted; however, you are absolutely free.

The Dance of Discovery

“It was perhaps one of your greatest acts of love,
choosing to be alive at a time when so many are so deeply in the dark.
And already things are looking brighter.
All bow.” 
~Mike Dooley, Notes from the Universe~
Adversity can awaken you. Joy can awaken you. It’s your choice. No matter how you decide to experience life, there will be myriad opportunities to grow. Imagine your soul expanding as it opens to receive new energy, insight, healing and balance.
We learn from our interactions with one another and with our sacred mother earth. Your light transforms the darkness. When you choose to approach your life situations with a willingness to learn, anything is possible.
So, become a lifetime student of love. Know that untold gifts still await discovery. You are strong enough to face whatever unfolds in your experience, and awakened enough to utilize it in a way that is unique and empowered. No matter how far you have come, you have barely scratched the surface of your spiritual understanding.
Let your life be a dance of discovery. Everyone you encounter has the potential to teach you something new. When we can bring a sense of humility and openness to our interactions, we stand at the threshold of infinite possibility.

Recognizing the Ego

“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

“…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.

Living a Sacred Life

“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
~Thich Nhat Hanh~
Every experience leaves us transformed. Consider the energy you leave behind when you interact with another as well as what you might learn or draw from them. The richness of textures and delight should spice our lives with a unique imprint and typically, less is more. The nuances of our playtime on this planet contribute to the enlightenment of us all.
Be gentle in your approach. As we become more aware, we discover the true power that resides in kindness and service. We no longer need to utilize force to make an impression; instead, life becomes more of a dance of discovery and a sharing of energy. No matter where you are, you can consciously participate in life’s wonder and mystery.

Experiences awaken our ability to discover the multi-layered facets of existence. Each is a stepping stone to creating a joyful, empowered life. This movement of awareness begins with gratitude and gentleness. All that you see is a spark of the Divine. Recognizing and honoring the sacredness of all life awakens the sacredness within you.