Bless Those Who Challenge You

Other people are not here to validate your worthiness. Nor are they required to accept you as you are, fill the emptiness inside or understand your point of view. In fact, the more we attach to the idea of pleasing others, the more we lose ourselves in the process.

Those that have changed the world have done so in the face of opposition. Their inner sense of confidence and strength propels them ever onward as they live their truth as best they can. Eventually, like-minded individuals are inspired to learn the value of integrity, sometimes joining together, sometimes following behind and aiding in the transformation of consciousness.

Consider the idea that those who oppose you the most on the physical plane support you the most on the spiritual plane. These daring souls are willing to risk losing your love and affection in order to help you to develop a sense of courage and empowerment. Bless those who challenge your point of view for they are actually assisting you in the process of defining, refining and living it to the best of your ability.

When we choose to see everyone as our teacher, it brings freedom and limitless possibilities into our experience. The role of a teacher is to help you to stand on your own two feet and aid you in seeing the one thing you are unwilling to see. Bless those who challenge you and seek the guidance of your heart. Every event provides an opportunity to witness the vastness of your being.

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.

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.

Exploring the Depths of Life

Life, by its very nature, offers no guarantees. Ultimately we walk the Path of Transformation alone – our journey is unique and each of us has our own lessons and destiny. Once you accept this fact, you may be surprised by the beauty in it, by the joy in it. Rejoice in the freedom of your soul’s expression. Seek the adventure which comes from living aligned with your truth.

Observe those to whom you feel drawn. Celebrate the friendships and connections that bring you joy for as long as your paths conjoin. When necessary, send each traveler on their way with gifts and memories knowing that you’ll ultimately arrive at the same destination with incredible stories to share.

With each new cycle, release the things, people and circumstances that no longer serve your growth. Put down your burdens and take only what is needed for a safe and joyful journey. All the experiences, mistakes, adventures and successes of your past have given you plenty of wisdom to draw upon when needed.

Sometimes new places, experiences or exploring the unknown can create anxiety within the personality. Recognize how far you have come, believe in the wisdom of your soul and honor your path by walking it consciously. There are infinite joys waiting to be discovered.

Soul Power

“There’s no greater freedom than the freedom to be yourself. Give yourself that gift, and choose to surround yourself with those who appreciate you exactly as you truly are.”

~Doe Zantamata~

It’s empowering to embrace your unique way of being in the world. All your contrasting ways, beautiful attributes and idiosyncrasies, dreams and passions are part of the journey of your awakening. Those who grace your world need the qualities you carry.

As you awaken into the fullness of who you are, things begin to change. You’ll likely become more conscious of how you utilize your energy, with whom you share your time and the love you discover in your purpose.

Challenging moments prompt us to reassess where we are on the journey. Sometimes they provide opportunities to see wisdom and love in action or at others send us inward in order to bring some new energy or expression out into the light. Whatever you discover, allow yourself the freedom to change, to be yourself, and live a life of joy and intention.

When you honor your path as sacred life becomes a conversation with spirit. The journey takes on greater meaning as you explore, expand and share your gifts.

Inner Presence

“Maturity has nothing to do with your life experiences. It has something to do with you inward journey, experiences of the inner.”
~Osho~  

Presence is achieved by going inward and accessing grace. The ego disappears, roles and life situations become transparent, and only empowered silence remains. When you begin to realize that you far more than the stories of the mind, you plant the seeds of your own spiritual maturity.

What happens when someone breaks free from the restrictive aspects of the fearful self? Everything. A new energy is set in motion which allows us to explore undiscovered facets of the soul. Rather than seek outward validation, go inward and free yourself from the grip of fear. The Divine seeks expression through you – allow it to flow without limitation.

No matter what you wish to experience, begin to attract it by consciously choosing to immerse yourself in that energy. Tired of all the fighting in the world? Remove conflict within yourself. Wish for better communication in your relationships? Slow down and communicate with love and positive intention. Choose your words carefully and be mindful of the energy you add to our collective consciousness. This is the moment of your transformation.

Forgiveness

“Looked at from a spiritual standpoint, our discomfort in any given situation provides a signal that we are out of alignment with spiritual law and are being given an opportunity to heal something.”
~Colin Tipping~

As long as there is one person whom you can’t forgive, there is still work to be done. Every circumstance in our experience has meaning and purpose. The small injustices, the betrayals and lingering disappointments all point to aspects of ourselves that need to be cleared in order for us to be free. 

Those who challenge you the most on the physical plane love you the most on a soul level. They are willing to risk losing your love and your goodwill to assist you in the most profound ways. Healing requires that we become consciously aware of our wounds. What better way than to generate an emotional upset that temporarily clouds your mind and your experience of joy? It grabs your attention and takes over. 

The moment you recognize that you are behaving in a unconscious manner, you become more conscious. Now you have the ability to shift your thoughts and attention toward balance and healing. Bless the challenges of your life for they take you places you would never dare to walk on your own and ultimately lead you to mastery, insight and a deeper experience of love.

Conditioning is Attachment

From earliest childhood we are conditioned to think in a certain way. This varies from family to family or country to country, and the attachment to beliefs and ideas becomes a powerful playground for the ego.

Adulthood adds additional expectations regarding money, possessions, relationships, appearance and the like, and we are bombarded daily by merchandising, manipulation and the story that the next thing we achieve or purchase will bring happiness. Add to that the rampant ego driven judgment and opinion by social media and it can often feel overwhelming.

Awakening compels us to question these rigid sets of rules and we begin to step outside the current set of norms. We expand into new thoughts patterns, practice stillness and shed the old layers of limitation. When you truly understand your own sacredness, there will be no need for outside validation. The inner expression of peace and harmony takes precedence over the trappings of the physical world.

More than ever, it’s imperative to create spaces of Presence in your experience. Disconnect and reside in the fullness of who you are. Your spirit will see through the illusions of this world and sense the vibrant energy which underlies all things. Then, you can be in the world, but not of it.

This Sacred Gift

A man is ethical only when life, as such, is sacred to him, that of plants and animals as that of his fellow men, and when he devotes himself helpfully to all life that is in need of help.

~Albert Schweitzer~

True ethical practice requires reverence for life. Within this concept lies freedom. When we can see everything as One – interconnected, sacred, beautiful, and valuable – we enter the realm of love.

You have been prompted to be here now, reading these words. Are you ready to explore the core of your innate goodness and embrace life as it is? While often messy or frustrating, there is a dance of awakening occurring on a deeper level. Can you feel it?

Sometimes the idea of residing in the frequency of unconditional love and acceptance can seem an impossible task. If we desire to be accepted as we are, we must first demonstrate how that appears in the world of form. Remember, the soul desires connection.

Choose to treat everything and everyone in your experience as sacred. Bring the light of awareness to your interactions, great or small. Be kind  and empowered. At the end of the day your heart will be at peace.

Suppression

When challenges arise, the natural human response is fight or flight. Both greatly impact the body’s immune system, nervous system and state of mental/emotional balance. The ego clings to the idea that something is wrong and that script can replay for years. These highly charged energies can damage the auric field and, left untended, wreck havoc with physical health and well-being.

The suppression of memories, anger, fear or sadness can be triggered by innocuous things later in life. A chance encounter, memory or dream can bring the unhealed aspects to the surface, and often open the old wounds. While overwhelming, these moments arise because your spirit is ready to bring light to the darkness.

Turn toward your shadows and lovingly bring them into the light of consciousness. Your willingness to be present with the process of healing amplifies your ability to transform distress into empowerment. You are absolutely ready to handle what rises to the surface. Keep in mind that the ego will be resistant, seeking to keep you locked into old patterns. This resistance is a true indicator that powerful energies of change are swirling around you.

Place your focus inward, be consistent, gentle, and honest with yourself. Take ownership of your state of consciousness and reclaim your power. Imagine the freedom that awaits when the past is released and you can write a new story.