Tag Archives: #ezra bayda

Acceptance

Posted on by
“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.

Participation

Posted on by

“There is more than one road to spiritual salvation. We discover a philosophical way of living by encountering the world, culling knowledge from all available resources, and thinking reverently about life.”
~Kilroy J. Oldster~

The goal is to bring higher consciousness into your day-to-day life experiences. As you grow in awareness, you may discover that life will often provide an opportunity to see the new concepts that you have learned in motion. When you express a desire to cultivate your ability to love unconditionally, invariably  someone difficult to love will enter your life. This isn’t an obstacle, it’s a response to the awakening of your soul. Know that you already have the tools you need to navigate your life situations.

Practice allows you to strengthen your spiritual tools. The more you participate in life, the more empowered you become. Allow the give and take of energy to be your guide.

They say when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. This is because everything and everyone is your teacher. The only change is that you now have the ability to recognize the gifts that surround you. The veil that clouded your perception dissipates allowing you to see more clearly.

The World Needs You

Posted on by
“The path to love requires open-hearted attention to the very things that seem to block our way to it.”
~Ezra Bayda~

All change begins within. When we consciously bring the light of awareness to the challenges of our lives, we begin to recognize the illusions from which they arise. Transformation occurs as we dissolve our self-imposed limitations and boundaries, strip away any preferences that have crystallized into demands and enter into the stillness of the Now.

The ego will tell you that you must work with the other in order for things to change. Talk, expectation, desire, compromise, blaming and justification simply tie you in deeper to the egoic mechanisms of the mind.

As a spiritual seeker, it’s important to realize that everything is your path of awakening. Don’t bury the lesson underneath your fear, simply keep bringing the light of awareness to it. This is the slow transformative path to freedom.

The world needs you to be your beautiful, unique self. You bring something imperative to our collective experience. Rather than limiting that unique expression by trying to keep everyone else happy, seeking inner happiness and balance will allow your joy to transform the world around you.

Contrast

Posted on by
“The path to love requires open-hearted attention to the very things that seem to block our way to it.”   
~Ezra Bayda~ 
The richness of various ideas, textures, perceptions and soul expression creates a vast tapestry of exquisite beauty. Contrasts allow us to experience life from several different perspectives as we explore the nuances of wholeness. We must dance within dark and light to fully appreciate the perfection in the imperfection.
Positive and negative, sorrow and bliss, yin and yang teach us of the infinite possibilities inherent within neutrality. Resist nothing and instead, allow yourself the opportunity to fully experience the present moment with an open heart. There is always something new waiting to be discovered.
Life allows us to learn from one another through contrast. Quietly appreciate differing viewpoints and history. There is a sacred unity at the core of your being and it comes to life through being a witness of life’s beauty.

Evolve or Repeat…

Posted on by
“Residing fully in the present moment allows the unconditioned energy of life to flow through the conditioned body and mind. The willingness to simply rest in the physical experience of your life is the key to spiritual transformation.” 
~Ezra Bayda~ 
This planet is a playground of discovery and every moment provides an opportunity to learn something new. No matter how it appears, we are all engaged in the same journey of awakening. Each path is unique. Each soul is expressing the energy of the Divine in the way most appropriate for them. With this in mind, cultivate patience, compassion and acceptance. This moment is filled with infinite possibilities. Evolve or repeat…
Be patient with those who grace your life. Keep planting seeds of kindness and tend them with joy. Any experience could be the catalyst that moves an awakening soul in a new direction. Most suffering is self-created; however, it plays an important role in spiritual development and leads to transformation. While it can be challenging to watch someone you love hurt themselves with unconscious repetition, keep in mind that their challenges are required for their growth.
As we evolve, we are more capable of learning without a catastrophe to push us into new areas of awareness. See yourself as a lifetime student of love. As you continue to awaken, you’ll see more clearly and approach your life experience with grace and empowerment.

Creating a Joyful Life

Posted on by
I believe a joyful life is made up of joyful moments, gracefully strung together by trust, gratitude, inspiration, and faith.
Brené Brown
The littlest things can bring the greatest joy. It is created by the way that we appreciate and approach life. But, as with everything else, the experience of joy is a choice that we make again and again until it becomes our natural way of being.
When life is a mixture of tragedy and comedy, paradoxes and ridiculousness, laughter and love, we’re getting close. Sometimes it feels as if the world is running amok, and yet, in this moment there’s a beautiful kitten purring happily in my lap as I write. She brings a smile to my face as my heart is overwhelmed with joy. There will always be a blend of feeling deeply connected to the Divine in the midst navigating the challenges of life.
Notice all the opportunities to experience moments of joy, bliss, contentment, peace and mindfulness in your daily journey. You may come to realize that they are all around you, all the time. Sometimes, deep in the uncertain cacophony of life, a skyward glance to appreciate the clouds or stars will remind you of the continuity that exists. You are one with this permanence. You are infinite. You are love.

Being at Ease With the Unknown

Posted on by

“Suffering turns into hopelessness when you forget that it’s your teacher.”
~Ezra Bayda~

Sometimes it may feel like you are stuck. You’ve completed one aspect of your journey, the energy there has depleted and you may feel unsure of what your next steps should be. These are the perfect times to practice being present and cultivate the art of patience. The ego wants to pace in frustration – “I need to move now!” and it can be a struggle to remember that you’re exactly where you need to be.

When traveling by train in Europe a few years ago, I discovered that the process was to simply to stand ready and periodically glance at the board to see when the next train was coming and where it would arrive. Being there for the first time, it was a bit unnerving to figure out a new process and trust that all was well. Some trains were right on time and easy to spot while others simply showed a delay and, of course, no amount of angst would hurry it along any faster.

The same concept applies to your spiritual journey. When you’ve completed one aspect of your growth, you must exit the train and wait. This period of stoppage is often necessary while outside factors fall into place for the next steps of your journey. At that moment you have a choice: you can complain or worry, or you can interact with those around you and pass the time in a way that’s open and friendly. When you consciously choose to bring willingness and patience to all the little aspects of your daily walk, your life becomes a peaceful place.

Navigating the Unknown

Posted on by

“Ultimately we need to understand that spiritual life isn’t about being safe, secure or comfortable. It’s not that we won’t sometimes feel secure in the course of our spiritual practice; we surely will. Yet there is a fundamental security that develops from many years of practice – though it is a far cry from the immediate comfort we may now crave.”
~Ezra Bayda~

To quiet the mind is to become comfortable with the unknown. There’s no need to plan out every step of your existence. The awakened soul operates on faith, adventure and discovery while leaving enough space for miracles to unfold.Spiritual awakening requires a willingness to step into the unknown. When you stop playing it safe and move beyond the edge of previous experience, your energy expands. Saying “Yes” to life, welcoming it all – even the moments of discomfort or challenge – allows you to cultivate new aspect of your own strength.

There is great joy in learning how to negotiate the unknown with grace. When we do not limit life by attaching to outcomes, we open ourselves to infinite possibility. This is the path of lasting joy. Imagine a life of mystery and enchantment… it is there waiting for you in the midst of the chaos of human experience.