Know Thyself

“Your own Self-Realization is the greatest service you can render the world.”
~Ramana Maharshi~

One challenge that many spiritual seekers encounter is opposition from those around them. The ego may, for a time, flame the inner struggle between the human desire to be accepted and the souls desire to live in ones truth. Those who oppose you teach you how to be authentic. They will be the first to point out when your actions are hypocritical. They will demand explanations and then pick apart spiritual ideas in a way that may cause the newly awakened to doubt their own experiences and insights; however, this articulation (especially to oneself) is an important aspect of spiritual awakening.

True empowerment resides in humility and enlightenment. When you notice the egos desire to be right, to score points off a frustrating person or even to be recognized as a spiritual master, go within and consciously release the need to speak. Watch how strongly the mind responds… Your authenticity has a greater impact than changing someones mind, performing miracles or receiving temporary adulation from the uninitiated. Life will always present the ideal situation for your growth. The spiritual student will look at a challenge and ask themselves what there is to be learned. A master will look at the ease and joys of life asking the very same question.

The Nature of Change

Something beautiful happens when we embark upon the winds of change. Fresh experiences require greater attention and awareness and break us free from habitual patterns. In the process of discovery, we can explore the magic of new beginnings.

It’s helpful to have a blend of consistent practice and mindful exploration. As you cultivate the understanding that all things work toward your highest good, it’s easier to flow with change when it occurs. The experiences of your life have already shown the depths of your strength, planted seeds for growth and pivoted your direction, when required.

Reside in the fullness of what is. You are consistently engaged in the process of transformation and it’s important to release that which no longer serves your growth. Clinging to the knowns of the past will create discomfort.

When going through a painful transition, losing a loved one or facing uncertainty, the ego will respond through the intellect of the mind saying, “Stop, you are standing on the abyss, it’s not safe, we don’t know what awaits.” Conversely, the soul asks you to trust that you are supported. By gathering your courage and taking one more conscious step forward, you enter the realms of infinite possibility where miracles dwell.

 

Who You Are

“Enlightenment is understanding that there is nowhere to go, nothing to do, and nobody you have to be except exactly who you’re being right now.”

~Neale Donald Walsch~

Our infinite Universe has a limitless supply of all that you desire. There is enough love, abundance, joy, health, radiance and fulfillment for each and every being on the planet. It is our birthright to immerse ourselves in life in such a way that we can simultaneously tap into the depths of understanding and wisdom while enjoying all the beauty that life has to offer.

The wonder of spiritual awakening is learning to balance all these varied aspects of experience while leaving the ego behind. As each layer of blockage or limitation is removed, we discover new realms of contentment. Wholeness allows you to be rich in physical experience, rich in discovery, in meditation and in consciousness.

Courage

“Don’t be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.”

~Rumi~

Enlightenment is taking responsibility for your own state of consciousness in the present moment. Cultivate the courage to see yourself clearly. Blame and judgment send attention and energy outward rather than inward where true healing is possible. The shadows that we carry silently control our lives. They cause us to react, create drama or sabotage our joy and because of this, most people tend to deny the shadow side of their nature rather than take responsibility for it.

In order to transform shadows into empowered aspects of growth, we must turn and face them. They, like everything in the human experience, have lessons to teach and gifts to offer. Integration of our dualistic nature allows us to shine a light in the darkness, and through love, heal whatever is found there.
Higher consciousness allows us to see the world differently. It awakens a deeper understanding of the Self and inspires feelings of safety, compassion, integrity, confidence and courage. The impact on your life will be felt when you open your heart and step into your fullest potential. This moment is your point of power.

Discovery

“The seeker embarks on a journey to find what he wants and discovers, along the way, what he needs.”
~Wally Lamb~

Be drawn by a sense of wonder into the unknown. When you learn to trust the processes of your awakening, it becomes easier to experience life as an adventure. Leaving behind the need for plans and a mapped out future, we explore with the exhilarating freedom which comes from being open and vulnerable.

Discovering your inner truth comes through experience. Nothing is guaranteed, but the search helps us to grow. Allow yourself to be insecure, to face adversity and accept the challenges that the unknown has to offer.

Any limitations in your experience are self-imposed. Life is here to offer whatever is needed in order for you to awaken. Take one step at a time and give your complete attention to the Now. This will bring passion, creativity and clarity to all that you do.

Enlightenment is a process. Layer by layer we dance our way through the spiral of experience and discovery. Within the limitless energy of the Divine, infinite possibilities await. Live from the heart, meet new people and explore the unfamiliar.

We Are One

“The way of the miracle-worker is to see all human behavior as one of two things: either love, or a call for love.”

~Marianne Williamson~

There is no “other” – no enemies or evil to fight against. There is only awakening. Though we experience life from varying levels of consciousness we share the same journey, one that ultimately leads to wisdom, healing and enlightenment.

The ego seeks to create a sense of separation. Casting judgment is divisive and it distracts us from looking within. As long as one perceives the need to fight against another, healing remains elusive.

Seek to find the spark of love in every situation. Compassion opens the doors of perception and allows us to see beyond the roles of this lifetime to the soul. From this space of awareness we have the capability to heal our own wounds; thereby eliminating the spiritual need for that particular conflict in our experience.

Once healing has occurred, a shift in perception allows us to truly be grateful for the lessons, emotional intensity decreases and our knowledge of Oneness reaches new depth and dimension.

All the answers lie within you. Advice from others may point you in one direction or another; however, you must trust your own instincts. Your path is unique.

Contentment

“I don’t mind what happens. That is the essence of inner freedom.
It is a timeless spiritual truth: release attachment to outcomes,
deep inside yourself, you’ll feel good no matter what.”
~Jiddu Krishnamurti~
When you choose to approach the Now with a sense of peacefulness and an inner knowledge that nothing is lacking, you will experience the freedom to be found in the pleasures of existence. Honor this moment as sacred, set expansive energy in motion and life will hold you in its embrace.
Gratitude and appreciation take you more deeply into the present moment. Let contentment and stillness free you from the distractions of the mind. The journey inward is limitless. Close your eyes and listen. Be. Accept the love and energy that rains down upon you from all dimensions. The seeds of your awakening are nurtured by purposeful quiet interludes. In the space of infinite possibility we discover our unique way of being in the world.
Enlightenment can come in many forms. Use whatever life offers as your doorway to greater insight and awareness. Health, relationships, work, the messages of nature – all offer pointers that play a significant role in your awakening. Presence is the gift of contentment.

Authenticity

“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”
~Carl Gustav Jung~
The ego creates traps through anxiety and doubt… worrying what others may think, wondering how to please, get noticed or leave an impression. Many people struggle with indecision, trying to determine what is the “right” thing to do in a given situation; however, the answer lies in navigating the journey with integrity and authenticity. When you live aligned with your inner truth, harmony shines through you and is far more impressive than anything contrived by the mind.
Enlightenment is more than achieving spiritual insight and balancing karma. As you increase in awareness and wisdom, you’ll naturally demonstrate authenticity in every aspect of your life. The goal is to bring consciousness so profoundly into your experience that it remains a foundation for you even when confronted with challenges, unconsciousness or opposition. Your light is transformative.
We need more joyful, authentic souls to help us expand into new dimensions. These beautiful spirits dwell in a space of truth and light and bring that energy to all of their interactions. Life becomes simple when we are joyful, balanced and at ease with ourselves. Love yourself enough to enjoy who you are.

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.

Enlightenment

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
~Rumi~
Enlightenment is ongoing. Layer by layer we release old energy and limiting patterns and step ever closer toward the fullness of who we are. This slow, transformative process is simultaneously both unique and universal. We must each walk our own path.
Trust the processes of your awakening. What you require for your transformation is what is unfolding in this moment. Resist nothing. Instead, turn toward the object of your frustration and embrace it with an open heart and you will be transformed.
As you awaken, you will naturally do things differently. Spiritual maturity arises through consistent practice and one day, you’ll observe that you respond to old triggers in a completely new way.
Your ability to see through the mechanisms of the ego creates opportunities to be less reactive and more mindful in your daily interactions.  This is what is meant by being in the world but not of it. Living at a different level of awareness, we cease to contribute to the dysfunction of our collective experience and can ultimately lead by example. Peace begins within.