Awakening

“The breezes at dawn have secrets to tell you
Don’t go back to sleep!
You must ask for what you really want.
Don’t go back to sleep!
People are going back and forth
across the doorsill where the two worlds touch,
The door is round and open
Don’t go back to sleep!”

~Rumi~

You can utilize anything that arises as a doorway to awakening. Seekers of enlightenment find sparks of illumination everywhere because the desire to awaken is ignited within them; therefore, they experience a reflection of that desire.

We choose how we experience the present moment. Teachers are everywhere. Walk with gentle humility and you may discover facets of your soul that are ready to shine.

Your life is a work of art, ever-changing in nuance and expression. Paint your dreams, share your story, become an inspiration and allow yourself to dance in a state of wonder.

Spiritual practice is not about finding the perfect way to meditate or how to manifest the ideal mate, career, living situation or health. It’s about bringing a higher awareness to your experience. Each person you meet is a unique spark of eternal consciousness that ultimately seeks to experience the synergy of awakening.

 

Creating the Momentum of Change

“When stuck in apathy, procrastination, or the morass of depression, choose one small task and complete it mindfully. Momentum will follow.”
~Ezra Bayda~

Sometimes the changes we seek to create in the world (and within ourselves) seem daunting or overwhelming. Discomfort arises when we begin to realize that something needs to shift and, of course, the ego-mind immediately jumps in with momentum to stop dialogue; however, you have the ability to create powerful changes in your experience.

Bring your focus to the end result and celebrate the fact that if you can visualize it with passion, you can draw in what you wish. Rather than fighting what you perceive as “wrong”, purposefully feed your energy into what inspires you as you create positive changes.

Most people do not realize how powerful they are. Making even one small positive change can shift the momentum of your life. Set an intention and speak it out loud in the present tense as you set the tone for the day. Then support your intention by ensuring that your thoughts, words and actions are all in alignment. And finally, be willing to receive with the knowledge that you are a powerful co-creator of your experience.

Live With a Sense of Wonder

“Being truly present allows us to appreciate the sweetness of the moment even when the moment isn’t conventionally sweet, because, at least momentarily, we’re not under the sway of the heaviness of our beliefs. The results are a lightness of being, and a sense of inner freedom.”
~Ezra Bayda~

Have you ever been overwhelmed by a beautiful day? Have you allowed yourself to sit and just be, appreciating the breeze as it touched your skin or loved a moment of stillness in the midst of a busy world? That is reality. That sense of wonder which connects you to life is available in every situation. Underneath the chaos of the mind lies an eternal reservoir of grace that you can drink from anytime you wish.

The light of your consciousness transforms whatever it shines upon. Periodically take a moment to bring your attention to the Now and reside fully within it. Even the most mundane aspects of life will sparkle with brilliance and you will be able to recognize the sacredness of your own divinity.

This moment provides an opportunity to see yourself clearly. Bask in the radiance of your own light. Engage the mystery. Breathe. Be open to wonder.

Find Your Purpose

“When contemplating what our life’s work might be, we are often driven by our attachment to security. Perhaps the one question we don’t ask often enough is ‘What do I have to offer?’”
~Ezra Bayda~

Those who have discovered their unique way of being in the world are an inspiration. For those in the process of discovery, still seeking your purpose or your direction, I salute you. The willingness to embark upon the path of transformation ensures that you will find it. The road may be long. It may cause you to shift as you explore possibilities that call to you, but that is the process of awakening.
Do not be discouraged. Your challenges will temper your abilities. Your disappointments will teach you how to be strong, to rebuild and to step out of limiting patterns. Eventually, you will immerse yourself within that which makes your heart sing as life becomes a melody of joy and celebration.
Enlightened ones teach by example through the sharing of their gifts. Embrace the journey of discovery and know that you are right where you need to be. As you awaken into the fullness of who you are, your purpose will inform your decisions.

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life

“It is only in our thoughts that ideas, beliefs, and problems become solid, dark, and unyielding. Reality itself is moveable, light, ever-changing. In our minds we seem trapped, in reality we are utterly free.”
~Ezra Bayda~

Allow life to be as it is and choose to seek peacefulness in the present moment. Perception changes everything. Have you ever formed an opinion about someone or a something only to completely change position based upon new information that you have received? Awakening consciousness is like that. As we evolve, we naturally have the ability to see with greater depth and dimension.

When we change how we view a situation, the situation begins to change. There is great power in conscious, peaceful silence and learning to allow things to unfold without additional interference.

From a spiritual standpoint, things are often the opposite of how they appear in the physical world. We encounter hatred in order to ignite our capacity to love. We experience lack to discover the true meaning of abundance. Chaos teaches the value of peace. Try looking at any challenges that arise as opportunities to cultivate new skills. Embrace what is. All of life celebrates and supports your growth and expansion.

Conscious Living

“What happens when we slow down and pay attention? Everything! Innumerable delights are right at hand.”
~Ezra Bayda~
We are masters in the process of awakening – all of us. The only difference is where one resides on that journey. It can be hard for some to imagine the spiritual awakening of someone who still resides at a lower level of consciousness; however, it will happen. Lifetime after lifetime we seek enlightenment through experience.
Everything that seems to be an obstruction to your happiness is actually facilitating your spiritual growth. Choose to bring a different point of view to challenging situations. See them as something that your soul has agreed to experience with a specific purpose in mind. Know that you have reached a point in your soul’s development where you can absolutely handle whatever comes your way, and most importantly, consistently ask yourself “What am I trying to learn?” Your primary purpose is to live consciously, to awaken.
As you change, the world around you is transformed. Set yourself free by choosing empowerment and acceptance, and let that wisdom inform how you present yourself to the world. The greatest gift that you have to give is that of your own awakening.

Attachment

At the sacred center of yourself is freedom from the bondage of the mind, from limitation, and from fear. Cultivating the art of non-attachment frees you to live a life of purpose in harmony with all those around you… and because your heart is open, more will be drawn to you.

The Tao teaches that when we shift our energy from acquiring to being a conduit for the Divine (allowing light and energy to flow freely), we realize that there is more than enough.

This same approach can be applied to anything or anyone in your life. The tighter you cling, the more the ego causes you to operate from fear, and the more lack you create in your experience. Conversely, allowing creates a space for fulfillment. Start small. Give away something that matters to you. Share the joy that this object has brought you.  Then observe how you feel. Is there a lightness? A sense of freedom? A lingering regret? Pay attention to your degree of attachment.

Next, focus on a specific belief. Purposely lose your rigidness. Observe when you want to speak up to give an opinion and consciously choose to remain silent. Again, the degree of discomfort shows your attachment to an idea or to being seen as right.

Non-attachment creates a flow of ease and grace in your experience. Call upon the silent knowing of your soul and offer loving compassion in every corner of your life.

Living Without Labels

“When we first meet people, we inevitably see them through the filters of all our associations, expectations, and projections. Over time, as the filters diminish, we may feel betrayed or deceived: ‘You’re not the person you were when we first met!’ Of course they’re not – in fact, they never were.”

~Ezra Bayda~

Observe how often we limit ourselves or others by adhering to narrow roles or archetypes. Often, when discovering one particular aspect of someones experience we will jump to a particular set of conclusions about them without actually discovering their unique expression of life.

The need to label is a by-product of the ego. When we reduce others to one dimensional entities, it’s easier to move into judgment about them. Work consciously to expand your vision. We, as multifaceted beings, have infinite aspects to explore and the willingness to drop limitation is required.

Some people get lost in their identities. They see themselves in a particular role and forget that infinite possibilities are always available. You might notice that you temporarily assume a role based upon the person with whom you’re interacting. Can you be the loving, expansive soul seeker with children as well as adults? With servers as well as billionaires? With someone who attacks you as well as someone who supports you?

Just notice. When you fully accept yourself and act from the heart, you may discover an authentic continuity that is far beyond any human conditioning.

One More Step

“When you reach the point where you think you can go no farther, taking one more step, one more breath into the heart, is all that’s required.”
~Ezra Bayda~

The path of awakening is the process of remembering our true nature. It calls upon us to release old baggage and beliefs and create a space where transformation can occur. Whenever you observe a repetitive pattern in your experience, see it as an opportunity to break free of habitual ideas and responses. Peace can happen in one place only – the present moment.

The more aware you are, the greater your ability to purposely make choices that support your spiritual growth and development. Conscious breathing is a wonderful way to center yourself within the Now. From a place of balance and stillness, new pathways will make themselves known. Gradually you will discover friendships and circumstances that open new doors of understanding and will joyfully celebrate your ever-evolving way of being in the world.

Take one more step forward. Let the momentum of enthusiasm, joy and acceptance inform whatever actions you choose to take. Your intention and mindful approach to the present moment ignites energy in motion that sets the stage for tomorrows experience.

Self Discovery

“Call to mind the deepest, darkest, most negative truth about yourself – and know that this ‘truth’ is a lie.”  
~Ezra Bayda~

Sometimes we have to be who we aren’t in order to discover who we are and everyone faces their own dark night of the soul as part of the quest to awaken. These moments can create feelings of loss and confusion; however, they are a necessary aspect of transformation. The ego will often play a script that says, “If only this person knew [what I’ve seen, been through, done], they’d see me differently.” And thus, we see ourselves as separate from one another because of our perceived deficiencies.

Nothing is further from the truth. Our very human struggles are what allow us to rise above, cultivate compassion and drop judgment. The more we work with our hidden wounds, the more we discover the love and Oneness that bind us together.
Be gentle with yourself. When someone appreciates beauty or courage or tenacity within you, know that it is a loving reminder of things you may have forgotten. You are a work in progress, a master in the process of awakening. And no matter how much you’ve learned so far, know this – you are just getting started.