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.

Creating a Sacred Space

“I love myself, therefore I provide for myself a comfortable home, one that fulfills all my needs and is a pleasure to be in. I fill the rooms with the vibration of Love, so that all who enter, myself included, will feel the love and be nourished by it.” ~Louise Hay~
Consider your home a sacred space. Any emotions that we experience emit powerful vibrations that remain behind; therefore, focus upon being conscious of what you create or allow around you. Setting intentions, smudging, playing peaceful music or lighting candles to shift the energy can have a dramatic impact.

At least once a month, open a few windows or doors and cleanse the space with white sage, lavender/sage spray or pure tones saying, “Negativity out! Only love, joy and beauty remain. Today, let this space be a space of peace, power, growth and transformation.” Any heavy or unbalanced energy will dissipate and you’ll create a lighter, empowered feeling that will impact all who enter your space.

You have more power than you realize and cleansing your space is a great way consciously step into your role as an empowered co-creator. Be the peace you wish to see in the world.

Let Go

“Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If, in our heart, we still cling to anything – anger, anxiety, or possessions – we cannot be free.”

~Thich Nhat Hanh~

There is nothing wrong with having preferences; however, when we allow those preferences crystallize into absolute requirements, we suffer. One way to determine your level of attachment around something is to observe the level of disappointment experienced when you don’t get what you want. Some people are terribly reactive to even the slightest imposition and have to endure constant self-induced turmoil.

Others see life as a playground. They strive and play with equal pleasure, sometimes winning, sometimes losing, but always finding the joy in the adventure. This detachment creates a peaceful foundation from which to experience life. This is not to say challenges do not arise, but they feel less intense and are released more quickly.

Choose to be at ease where you are. Take one more conscious step forward while honoring the process of your awakening. Make detachment one aspect of your daily practice and observe what happens. It’s likely that you will feel more empowered and peaceful in this moment… and that’s all that matters.

Appreciate the Little Things

“Find magic in the little things, and the big things you always expected will start to show up.” ~Isa Zapata~

Life offers us many choices. The lighter you become, the higher your vibration and the more easily you’ll align yourself with the Divine. We can choose to bring a sense of love, light and laughter to our experience.

Granted, there will certainly be moments that awaken compassion and empathy, frustration that (hopefully) leads to a shift in perception, and the sadness which comes from losing a loved one… that’s part of the human experience. But through it all, our ability to realign with joy is a powerful way to shine the light of consciousness in times of darkness.
Misery, struggle, hard work without appreciation and drudgery are all aspects of perceptions we inherited along the journey of awakening. They have no value except as teachers. Feel what needs to be felt, own your response to the present moment, but do remember to look beyond it to the truth of existence, which is to live vibrantly, filled with gratitude, empowered, passionate and joyful.

Be The Change

“The world is changed by your example not your opinion.”

~Paul Coelho~

If you feel that anything is lacking, step into the role of an empowered co-creator in the present moment by purposely generating the energy you’d like to experience. Life is a reflection of your state of consciousness. When you notice a trait that seems to be missing or exaggerated, it’s an indicator that your soul is getting ready to work on cultivating change.

Consciously bring the aspects that you wish to see into your own expression of life. If you desire to feel safe, drop all judgment so that others feel safe with you. When tired of gossip, speak with kindness. Should you notice others acting out angrily or with impatience, slow down and be fully present. Your light is where transformation begins.

It is safe for you to travel beyond the limitations of your parents programming, society’s perceptions and the fears of the past. You are here on this planet to assist with the awakening of our collective consciousness. This can only be done by bringing the light of the Divine into every circumstance and situation.

 

A Higher Perspective

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
~Wayne Dyer~

Something magical happens when we view life from a higher perspective. Beyond the mechanisms of the mind – thoughts, opinions, confusion, stories, histories and other facades – there is great potential and power; however, the ego often distracts us from seeing clearly.

You have the ability to interpret life from many different perspectives. As your vibration increases, new viewpoints become available. Periodically bring your awareness to your own state of consciousness. Are you fully present? Can you purposely shift your thoughts in ways that are empowering? How often do you show yourself love and compassion?

Consciousness is the journey of expansion into all dimensions, the discovery of broader perspectives and the integration of all that we have learned. It seeks to express itself through our interactions and provides an opportunity to see life differently.

Life is a tapestry of dark and light, a blending of dimensions from the depths of lower consciousness to the heights of love and communion. They exist together and when we cultivate the understanding that all are required in this dance of awakening, we begin to have a very different perspective of the world.

Playing in the Field of Consciousness

“This is the real secret of life — to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play.”
~Alan Watts~
Often the only difference between work and play is attitude. As we awaken, the field of consciousness takes on new meaning. Rather than plodding along through life tolerating work, waiting for the weekend or the next vacation, we find joy in the present moment. This playful attitude then creates a difference experience – a vibrancy that is stimulating and smile inducing.
The choice to see spiritual exploration as play rather than work brings out childlike innocence and wonder. It expands our ability to maintain humor in the face of challenges and reminds us to celebrate the ridiculous rather than fall prey to self-criticism. The old adage “he who can laugh at himself will never cease to be amused” comes to mind.
Since the world is built on contrast, every situation offers an opportunity to find and maintain a healthy balance betwixt two polarities. When you choose to utilize playfulness as a powerful aspect of your awakening you demonstrate a willingness to be responsible for your own joy. This is empowerment.

Sanctuary

“…for you know that soft is stronger than hard, water stronger than rock, love stronger than force.”
~Hermann Hesse, Siddhartha~

The only thing over which you have any control is how you choose to experience the present moment. It’s time to reignite life’s mystery and leap fully into the spiritual experience. The energy that we put out into the world matters. Your sense of connection matters. More than ever before, life needs peacekeepers, artisans, free thinkers, healers and creators.

Consciousness has expanded because of a willingness to journey through darkness. As we emerge from the shadows, we find ourselves transformed, and it is this strength and awareness that can now be brought out into the light. The role of the awakened soul is to demonstrate what empowerment looks like in the world of form. Gentleness, kindness, and compassion arise when we have cultivated them within.

Keep it simple. Focus only on this moment and how you can bring the best version of yourself to whatever unfolds. Even solitary, mundane tasks take on a sacred quality when you are thusly engaged. Imagine how life would feel if you consistently experienced the Now in this manner. Your peacefulness creates a true sanctuary.

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.

Compassion and Enlightenment

Kindness and awareness work together. Through awareness we understand the underlying beauty of everything and every being”
~Amit Ray~

Imagine having the ability to walk through the world untroubled, to tend to those in need while holding a higher frequency of love. Compassion sows the seeds of enlightenment and enlightenment brings greater compassion. The amplification of energy between these two forces allows us to explore life in a unique, empowered, and loving way.

The mantra Oṃ maṇi padme hūṃ is used to transform and awaken. It is said that this chant holds all the elements of Buddhist teaching. When you’re ready to release limitation and expand your awareness, this is a wonderful tool.

Awaken the love that is your infinite, true nature. Visualize it expanding outward with each breath. Allow it to create an atmosphere of peacefulness and harmony in your experience. Your Presence awakens the Presence in others.

We are the bridge between the mundane and the sacred. As we cultivate the ability to see through the illusions of separation we come to recognize the Oneness that connects us. Practice being aware of your state of consciousness and consciously send love outward whenever possible. It is always possible.