The Awakened Life

“Looking with a mind that’s awake reveals the shimmering pulse of life. Looking with a mind full of thoughts reveals only your thoughts.”

~Ezra Bayda~

Living an awakened life calls upon us to consistently and purposefully bring the best version of ourselves to our life experience. This daily practice can show us areas where we are stuck as well as how much we have grown over the years.

As we relentlessly observe ourselves, noticing our self-image and ego driven stories, we begin to release the illusions that block us from living authentically. Ultimately, we discover that we are more than our stories or the roles we play in this lifetime. We can step into the freedom of not needing to be defined.

The most powerful aspect of spiritual growth is the ability to Be Here Now. Immerse yourself within the present moment and all that it offers, seeking only to be fully conscious. Your choices, goals and journey will reflect the peace that you are. Living authentically is the highest expression of love and empowerment.

Be Authentic

“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”
~Carl Gustav Jung~

Drop all pretense. Rather than trying to please or seek outside validation, simply bring the best version of yourself to this moment.

The dance of awakening opens new dimensions of life. In them, we are born anew and begin to leave behind the limitations, demands, criticism, doubt and worry of earthbound experience. We taste the gifts of freedom and limitless potential in our exploration and learn to bring this expanded perspective into our life situations.
One of the most important aspects of awakening is self-love. Transcend your own experience by choosing to interpret the perceived flaws of old programming as brilliant facets you can explore this lifetime. The Divine seeks only to express itself through you; therefore, do not hold yourself back out of fear. There has never been, nor will there ever be, someone with your unique way of being in the world.
In your authenticity, you shine like a beacon in the darkness. When you deeply love and accept yourself, it becomes easier to love others just the way they are. Teaching by example, we can demonstrate a new type of experience, one founded in joy.

Emerging Buddha

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

As the veil of illusion is burned away, our true nature emerges. Forms dissolve, attachments cease and we are able to honor the power of the present moment as sacred. Be the loving witness of your own transformation and watch as the Buddha consciousness awaken within you.

The mind is often burdened with regret or fear. Awareness frees us from the weight of thought and invites you to enter the realm of limitless possibility. Each step you take on the path of transformation is important. Small things matter and every insight builds upon the last. When you can see yourself as a traveler on an adventure and be open to discovery, you invite new experiences into your life.

Be patient with the process of growth. Sometimes the changes are slow and subtle and sometimes they transform your life through a whirlwind of destruction, freeing you to enter a new level of consciousness. No matter how you choose to move forward, know that you are right where you need to be. Experiences help you to awaken and you can face whatever comes with greater openness and acceptance.

The Vastness of Being

“There is a presence, a silence, a stillness which is here by itself. There is no doer of it, no creator of this stillness. It is simply here in you, with you. It is the fragrance of your own self. There is nothing to do about this, it is naturally present. This fragrance of peace, this spaciousness, it is the fragrance of your own being.”
~Mooj~

It is here, within the stillness of this moment, that you can immerse yourself within the vastness of your own being. Pay attention to the gaps between words, breaths, or heartbeats, and you will discover a portal. See yourself as Consciousness seeking expression in the world of form and  purposely bring that awareness into the Now.

In the face of the infinite we are humbled, yet liberated from fear. When you can rise above the mechanisms of the mind and see beyond the illusion, any perceived limitations are transformed. Walk through life as a conscious co-creator who can choose to interpret your life experience in a way that is empowering.

There is no end to what you will discover. In the limitless space of stillness, you are completely free.

 

Detachment

“Having preferences is not a problem, nor is enjoying them. But when preferences crystallize into requirements, we suffer.”     
~Ezra Bayda~

Attachment creates suffering. When we utilize daily gratitude and acceptance as the foundation for creating peace in the present moment, we discover that ultimately, everything we experience is transformed. It’s important to enjoy all the various aspects of your unique journey; however, seek to do so with a fluidity that allows room for miracles to unfold.

Part of the human experience is immersing ourselves in life. Rather than seeking to shun the physical aspects of the world and meditate on a mountaintop, we integrate our spirituality into the mundane and learn that detachment is the key to happiness.

When we attach to a specific outcome, item, person, goal or self-concept, we create barriers that disrupt the free flow of energy and experience. The moment the unexpected occurs we have a choice to either accept or reject what is unfolding.

If suffering ensues, realize the amount of distress you feel is an indicator of your level of attachment. Should you notice excessive disappointment or sadness arising, go within and observe how previous expectations have dictated your current emotional reaction. This is the moment to remind yourself to create space in your experience for something new to emerge. Loss teaches us how to live and love with authenticity in the present moment.

Facing Your Shadows

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

~Ezra Bayda~

Consider the many uses of adversity; our challenges often force us to turn inward and face our shadows. When you understand that many problems are self-imposed, you can, with loving intention, transform fear into empowerment. Should you experience inner resistance, see it as an indicator that you are on the right track. The ego-mind will often attempt to divert energy through blame, judgment and anger. Observe the tendency to get lost in discussion or drama rather than taking ownership.

The ego amplifies limiting stories created by the shadow-mind. Perceived problems provide an opportunity to explore new facets of your unique potential. In the midst of depression, anger, fear, doubt or anxiety, revisit old wounds or patterns that are ready to be cleared. You may feel prompted to begin soul-searching, only to discover new teachers, ideas and tools to utilize in your quest for wholeness. Sometimes you may have to traverse the dark corners of your psyche. Do not reject your shadows. Instead, choose to see them as teachers and you will emerge transformed by the light of consciousness.

Strength

“No one can tell what goes on in between the person you were and the person you become. No one can chart that blue and lonely section of hell. There are no maps of the change. You just come out the other side. Or you don’t.”
~Stephen King~
 

When life presents our darkest moments, we have an opportunity to rise above. Know that your soul is ready to face whatever life offers – and realize that challenging situations only come into our experience when we have the tools and ability to handle them.

Beliefs about our own worthiness, strength, ingenuity and vision create internal blockages. Challenges provide the opportunity to leave behind the baggage, take action and break through to new levels of enlightenment.

The Universe has creative ways of propelling us into growth. Life sometimes take a turn into the unknown and we must either face it or give up. Fortunately, our tendency is to evolve. By facing the darkness, we ultimately emerge transformed by the light of consciousness.

Trust the processes of life and know that you have the fortitude to conquer your fear… not only facing it and conquering it, but shattering the old beliefs and patterns that created it in the first place. You are stronger than you know.

Detachment

“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~
Detachment is worlds away from apathy. While apathy says “I don’t care” within a cloak of darkness and despair, detachment allows one to be fully engaged in life without fear or disappointment. This is the secret of happiness and it can only be found within the present moment.
Allow the Divine to express itself through you. In the Now we can participate in life’s dance by choosing to be in harmony with what is. In our free will universe there is always a choice. When in the midst of anger or disruption, we might ask, “Why am I choosing to be angry when I could easily choose to be joyful?” The answer is simple – the stories of the ego have created enough energy to temporarily take over our state of consciousness. The spiritual seeker may be distressed to realize they’ve temporarily dropped to a lower state of consciousness; however, identifying unconsciousness actually indicates that you are awakening.
Step into awareness, breathe deeply and understand that you are free.

Creating Space for Change

The physical world, as we experience it, originates from our thoughts, beliefs and expectations. You are not trapped by the world of form, it responds to you – providing a canvas upon which you can paint your dreams.

Begin by understanding how powerful you are Life is not meant to be a struggle, but in our quest, we’ve forgotten the effect we have on the world around us. Our thoughts determine how we process our experiences; therefore, observe the timbre of your thoughts and ensure that they support the changes you wish to manifest.

Rather than repeating the same old patterns and experiences, be willing to break free from your comfort zone. Trying something different provides new levels of experience. It shifts the energy – perhaps slightly, perhaps a cascade of life changes – and allows you the opportunity to expand into uncharted realms.

All change begins with a vision. Keeping the end result in mind, taking conscious action in the present moment and celebrating the new as it appears is all that is required. Leave enough room for a miracle. Micromanaging from our limited human perspective is way too exhaustive, and it’s much more exciting to watch the Universe in motion.

Levels of Experience

“The principles of abundance, synchronicity detachment, and oneness are operative in the universe. All you have to do is tune in to them and let them work through you.”

~Wayne Dyer~

Untold facets make up the whole of human experience. There may be certain aspects of life that you handle quiet well, demonstrating an ability to approach them from a high level of consciousness and navigating successfully. This is likely the result of many lifetimes of work. As you perfect your ability to handle a particular lesson, it will no longer be needed in your experience.

Conversely, other lines of energy may be quite triggering. Should you notice any reactivity in you, observe it without self-criticism or blame and  take ownership of your state of consciousness around that issue. This is where your work lies. Your awareness begins the process of transformation.

It’s OK to be human. No matter where you reside on the journey of awakening, remember that the soul always seeks to expand and love desires greater expression. Whether sacred or mundane, every experience has something to teach. The ultimate goal is to be a well-rounded, balanced, empowered and joyful being whose energy is transformative.