The Beauty of Acceptance

There’s something inherently beautiful about living in a state of acceptance. When experienced as an authentic state of being, all drama is removed and we can flow through any situation with empowerment and peace.

Last night, my mother and I moved into a new phase of our relationship. I realized that much of my natural Presence was something that I learned from her along with my love of reading, creating a sacred space and the ability to be comfortable in solitude.

For the last few years she’s lived in a cottage in my backyard. After a tumultuous childhood and the weaving of karmic experiences that firmly set me on this path of healing, it was interesting to discover that many of the old wounds would be healed by helping my parents with their end of life work. Having them so close on a daily basis allowed for healthy shifts in our relationship.

During my last session yesterday, I received a simple, calm voice message. “I’m not doing so well and I need help.” I went to her cottage thinking that I could lift something or perform some small task. Immediately, I could see that she was off, and simply sitting in the darkening living room. It turned out that she had had a minor stroke which doubled her vision enough to impact her sense of balance and ability to walk safely.

So we did what many parents and children do – worked with medical care, a lengthy emergency room visit and ultimately appreciating the competence of the workers at a nearby hospital. While not fatal or insurmountable, this moment ushered us into a place of transition where we can both learn new things. I awoke this morning feeling only gratitude for my journey, the people in it, and the ways that we can explore love.

The Celtic Vows of Friendship

“You must love in such a way that the person you love feels free.”
~Thich Nhat Hanh~

Relationships offer fertile ground for spiritual practice. When in doubt as to the appropriate action or response, utilize the Celtic vows of friendship. Ask yourself, “Am I honoring his or her path as sacred?” Often we try to get others to adjust to our path. The key is to allow enough space for each person to thrive while offering love and support. Love is simply discovering who you are in the presence of another.

It’s important to be self-observant. Are you bringing an open heart to your interactions or do you keep protective measures in place? Relating to another is authentic when we feel safe and empowered; therefore, notice when you are closed down and tend to your inner state of consciousness prior to your interactions to ensure that you are open.

Nothing is more important than your state of consciousness in the present moment. Zen calls upon us to reside in the Now without distraction. Practice being fully present with those who grace your life. You’ll discover that time slows as inner joy is awakened. Love creates a space in which a transformation can occur.

Union

When we come together, a synergy is created that shines brilliantly throughout the universe. This is what love looks like. It is fluid and expansive and allows us to explore life as we discover who we are in the presence of another.

In union, watch how your energies merge and change. Relationships reflect our desire for Oneness. Choose to leave enough room for the winds of heaven to dance in between and enjoy the beauty you create during moments of connection.

All relationships ultimately lead us to a greater union with the Divine. As we learn to provide consistent, loving acceptance for those who grace our lives, we experience the joyousness that results from watching them discover their unique way of being in the world.

Acceptance allows those you love the freedom to shine. In the present moment we can choose to give support and affection with a peaceful, open heart, and honor the riches and inspiration the other has to offer as sacred.

Allow compassion, kindness and gratitude to create a foundation for healthy, supportive relationships. Love with a gentle strength. Love in a way that expands your own heart and you’ll discover a well that never runs dry.

Relationships

“Contrary to the romantic fantasies we have about relationships, in actuality they often push us directly into our blind longings, our dark fears, and our unhealed pain.”

~Ezra Bayda~

We wade into relationships as children and begin the process of experiencing egoic desire, often learning through identification with the idea of “Mine!” The ego builds its identity and we watch it play out again and again throughout the various phases of life. Whether challenges comes through family dynamics, friendships, lovers or co-workers, observe the repeating patterns in your experience.

The power of subconscious programming and belief is sometimes hard to see clearly. Our soulmates assist in the process of discovery. As we become self-aware, transformation begins. Once we are no longer enslaved by desire or blindly lost in the mechanisms of the mind, our relationships will then reflect health, balance and peacefulness.

View yourself with love and compassion. Likely, certain beliefs and tendencies were passed down through generational experience. Simply observe and bring loving awareness to your interactions. Spiritual transformation is a subtle process that impacts every area of your life. The illusion of separateness will ultimately lead you to experience Oneness. Honor the processes of your awakening as sacred.