Just Be

“To go beyond the mind and reconnect with the deeper reality of Being, very different qualities are needed: surrender, nonjudgment, an openness that allows life to be instead of resisting it, the capacity to hold all things in the loving embrace of your knowing.”
~ Eckhart Tolle~
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The pathway to peace is acceptance. You can choose to release attachment to the stories of the past or anxiety about the future and turn your attention to this new day. This spiritual practice takes you more deeply into the Now.
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Focusing your awareness completely within the present moment opens your ability to access the energy of pure Presence. Consciously observe yourself, your thoughts and what you choose to focus upon. The ego loves to distract us from stillness by keeping the mind busy. When you really pay attention, you’ll notice the repetitive nature and meaningless chatter of the mind.

In the power of conscious surrender, a portal opens, drawing in the limitless potential of  Divine energy that consistently moves through you. There are no problems in the Now – only situations that must be dealt with or accepted. Act with integrity and do your best. You are a master in the process of awakening.

Transforming Obstacles Into Empowerment

“The obstacle in the path becomes the path. Never forget, within every obstacle is an opportunity to improve our condition.”
~Ryan Holiday~

When faced with a challenge, observe how quickly you can step into it and examine the possibilities. Rather than wasting time on resistance or complaint, jump into the dance knowing that something far greater than you imagined is in play. The ego loves to weave stories about how something is wrong or should not have happened; however, everything on the path plays a purposeful role in your spiritual development.

Empowerment resides on the other side of fear. The willingness to take one conscious step forward sets powerful energy in motion. With each step, you will discover a new aspect of yourSelf that is ready to shine. Knowing that there is grace to be found within the challenge, instead of asking “Why?” ask “How can I bring the best version of myself to this situation?” This attitude draws in wisdom, insight, conscious action and resolve.

The past doesn’t define us, but it does inform us. Step into empowerment by taking ownership of your life and choices. Honor your path of awakening as sacred. The best is yet to come.

Live Deeply

“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love.”

~Marcus Aurelius~

Stillness is the doorway through which one can access inner wisdom. Choosing to begin each day with consistent practice – gratitude, meditation, prayer, yoga, writing, etc. – generates a movement of energy that will allow you to tap into that same peacefulness more easily whenever needed.

When facing a challenge, see if you can observe any reactivity or defensiveness that arises. These ego-driven surface tensions are meant to distract you from the lesson or healing that is at hand. Live deeply and enter the realm of infinite possibilities contained within the Now. This moment is the point of power and transformation and your state of consciousness absolutely matters.

Live in communion with life. Become one with the experiences that come your way and walk the path with humility. Look deeply into the eyes of another – a loved one, a child, a friend or simply hug a tree and realize that the love is returned. The sacred works through all forms, calling you home. In stillness we can experience the fullness of life. Bring that sacred energy into the present moment.

 

 

Childlike Wonder

“Enlightenment only grows in the soil of innocence. Innocence means childlike wonder, awe. The enlightened person is the one who is continuously wondering.”
~Osho~
For many, the joy of discovery is a forgotten language. They approach life with a seriousness that blocks the possibility of appreciating the wonders that are all around them. The filters of adulthood preclude the experience of wonderment and they look upon those who dance with delight as fools.
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Yet, the fool is closer to enlightenment. Fully present, she brings a playful curiosity to her experiences. She sees the sacredness in the trees, animals and the earth and plays with sparks of Divine energy.
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Unlearn some of your seriousness. Spiritual awakening is finding the innocence of your true nature which lies hidden under layers and layers of conditioning and the weight of expectations.
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A mind that is receptive, playful and relaxed is a mind that is open to inspiration and insight. Don’t try so hard – all you need to know is within you and it will make itself known when you are ready to receive. Set an intention to embrace life’s magic by being playful and open.
 

Creating Change

“It’s only after you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow, and transform.”
~Roy T. Bennett~

Learn how to listen to your inner wisdom by noticing when your body requests small things like drinking more water or making healthier choices. When you’re ready to shift a pattern that has long been part of your experience, just notice when it arises and very gently do something just a little different each time.With no great fanfare a new energy emerges and you realize that those tiny baby steps have sparked permanent change.

Transformation can often feel overwhelming and indecisiveness tends to create procrastination. Just observe. Notice how the ego finds a reason to wait. Remembering that the ego is always prompting the opposite of what is appropriate for your growth, purposely take action. Any conscious action, no matter how small, sets new energy in motion.

The key is to begin now. Simply be the best version of yourself in this moment. Subtle shifts are occurring all around you and it’s time to participate in the dance. Utilize your strengths. Be led by joy, love or enthusiasm and honor this phase of your awakening as sacred. The future will take care of itself.

 

Expansion

Observe when you feel blocked or burdened, when others insult your joy, or when you find yourself trying not to be noticed. These are indicators of ego-driven constriction. Perceived limitation occurs when one fears to stand in their own power. If the fear is internal the souls light is dimmed. Others who reside in fear may try to make you feel small so that they can feel more powerful.

Some pretend to be small so that others in their experience will not feel bad about their own perceived limitation; however, that approach is a decision based upon lack not love. The tendency of lower consciousness is to insult or blame, hoping that others will walk on eggshells around them rather than risk displeasure, disruption or attack. It is actually harder on the one trapped in ego than the one who consciously chooses not to engage in drama.

In this infinite universe, there is ample energy for everyone to thrive. Though not everyone is ready to receive, it is always available. Begin with creating joy in your own experience. Release attachment. Remove yourself from negative situations. Giving, experiencing, loving, celebration and gratitude expand your aura, creating waves of energy that flow outward. Simultaneously gentle and extraordinarily powerful, this flow moves with the rhythm of life. You are a master in the process of awakening. Stop acting so small.

The Patterns of Your Life

You can create the life of your dreams. At any given moment, infinite patterns are developing. You are constantly sending energy out into the Universe, and you are living proof of the miraculous at work. This “behind the scenes” movement of energy  often takes some time to be revealed, recognized and appreciated. Walk forward with the knowledge that life itself is constantly working on your behalf.

When you start paying attention, you’ll discover the threads that weave the tapestry of your life. Learn how to participate by drawing all your attention into the present moment, notice what you hear, feel, smell, touch and see. Turn off the mind and simply notice what is around you. Recognize that whatever you place your attention upon becomes more prominent in your experience.
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Notice coincidences. The more rare the coincidence, the stronger the message for you. Observe your life. Journal about your experiences or replay your day as you fall asleep. Watch it like a movie – no judgment, just be the witness. Your dreams may connect the dots and provide more insight.
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You are a vibrant participant in the dance of existence. There is far more to life than meets the eye. Live with an open heart and create the space in which a miracle can occur.

Stand in Courage

“In these times where it has seemed dark indeed
where integrity appears solely buried in legend and lore,
it is an opportunity in contrast to the shadows,
to create miracles…
by choosing first courage,
then diligence,
standing,
opening our mouth
and speaking the truth that in rare moments,
may ignite the light.”
~Tom Althouse~

To live an authentic life is to be deeply committed to the truth of who you are. There will be moments when you shine with inspiration and conviction, and others when you may miss the mark; however, it is all part of the process of transformation. Reading and study will only get you so far. It’s powerful to watch ideas as they come to life in the world around you. You are far stronger than you know.

Listen deeply to the inner wisdom of your soul. Each of us has a unique purpose and while you might find motivation and insight through others’ works, the message slightly transforms when processed through your filter of interpretation and again as you put new ideas and energy into motion.

Be the change you wish to see. Honor your purpose as sacred and embrace the continuity of your spiritual evolution. Beautiful facets of your soul still await discovery.

Internal Validation

The need for outside validation is an ego-generated journey of frustration and soul crushing compromise. When one constantly tries to determine what others may be seeking, they discover that chasing recognition ultimately leads into the abyss of fear. Many people defer to their inner critic, typically seeking to please others based upon childhood imprinting or societal expectations. The tendency is to put aside their own joy and they walk through life striving to attain outside validation.

Peacefulness comes through internal validation, honoring your strengths and insights, learning from your challenges and knowing that your path is sacred and unique. Once you discover your authentic way of being in the world, everything becomes very simple. You can effortlessly embrace the call of your spirit and consistently demonstrate your level of consciousness, whether or not anyone else is around to witness. Beautiful, vibrant energy flows through you, infusing all that you do with the higher vibrations of love, light and laughter.

As we awaken, we come to understand that life is about being consistent, conscious expression of the Divine. The illusions which surround us become less important as we discover the value of experiencing happiness and fulfillment in the present moment.

The Flow of Energy

“Rage — whether in reaction to social injustice, or to our leaders’ insanity, or to those who threaten or harm us — is a powerful energy that, with diligent practice, can be transformed into fierce compassion.”
~Bonnie Myotai Treace~

When someone is selling you anger or fear, it’s because they have nothing else to offer. Most spiritual seekers understand the powerful practice of paying attention to the energy we put out in the world; however, the practice must also include conscious awareness of the energy that we take in from others.

Many live in fear that is driven by the mechanisms of the ego. Yet others purposely sow fear or righteous anger to absorb energy from another. Psychic vampires are happy to take money, peace of mind, or drive behavior that ultimately benefits them by tricking others into giving away their power.

Be purposeful when choosing where you place your attention. If anger, shame, fear or guilt is ignited, you may benefit from a pivot into conscious awareness rather than allow the energy drain to continue. Each of us is responsible for our own experience. Step into your power and respond in a way that nurtures, heals or teaches.