Inner Stillness

When we cultivate stillness within ourselves, we are less likely to react to the unconsciousness of others. More than ever before, it’s time to trust your inner wisdom and the guidance of your heart. Sometimes this requires being comfortable seeing life through a filter that is far different from those around you while honoring beliefs, lessons and viewpoints that are incongruent with yours.

Everyone with whom you interact wants the same thing – acceptance. Since we are all on a path of constant transformation, acceptance doesn’t mean that change will not happen. Rather, the space of non-judgment ensures that growth is possible.

As your journey takes you deeper into your own spiritual maturity, rest assured that divine guidance is always available. Whatever teachings or new concept make themselves known to you, honor your inner guidance first. The gift of wisdom is yours.

The role of a spiritual teacher is to help you cultivate conscious awareness of your own inner light. First, look inward and transform yourself. When your life is aligned with peace, joy and balance, you have more to give those you love. Your life becomes your message and the seeds of awakening are planted.

Journey to Yourself

“…every path toward self-discovery is a valid one.”
~Efrat Cybulkiewicz~

No matter what path you choose, challenges you face, or friends you discover along the way… all eventually lead you on an amazing journey of discovery. Perceived wrong turns or mistakes can be transformed into adventures. Blockages unlock ingenuity and inner strength. The resilience of your soul is ready to shine.

Rather than getting lost in the stories of old wounds or limited programming, use them as the impetus for change. Consider that your soul set itself upon this journey and that it plays a vital purpose in your development. When you begin utilizing tools at your disposal, you’ll discover the perfection that resides within the foundational energy of your life.

Each piece of wisdom we uncover becomes a stepping-stone to the next, and the next. The journey of awakening is unique and beautiful. Find your passions, walk forward with courage and integrity and see what you discover. The tendency of an old soul is to explore all sorts of belief systems, teachers, experiences and ideas, gathering nuggets of inspiration along the way. Be led by joy. The journey of self discovery is more beautiful than you can possibly imagine.

Explore the Unknown

“Until you step into the unknown, you don’t know what you’re made of.”
~Roy T. Bennett~

There’s something beautiful about consciously walking into unfamiliar circumstances because it prompts one to become more present. In this infinite Universe, there are always new experiences to explore. Don’t allow yourself to become stagnant or too “certain” during the pilgrimage. We are in the midst of a great mystery and the ideas and beliefs that we cling to most are often the ones that require attention. It’s powerful to transform your way of looking at the world.

All the experiences, mistakes and adventures from this and previous lifetimes have built a reservoir from which you can draw wisdom. Challenges create unique opportunities to explore love and tap into your strength.

As an awakening spirit, you are being guided to weave something beautiful within the experiences of your life. Cast off that which is no longer needed and begin a new cycle with the gifts you have discovered. It’s time to test them in the world of form.

When you choose to release old emotional or behavioral patterns, it clears the way for new emotions and higher knowledge that will create peace in your experience.

Freedom

“Inscribe in your mind harmony, health, wholeness, beauty, peace, perfection and right action. These are principles. You do not create these truths, but you activate them and make them effective and functional when you affirm them.”    
~Joseph Murphy~

The path of transformation is a process by which we systematically break free from self-made bondage. As we awaken, we become more aware of what we perceive to be blockages. This awareness begins the process of ruthless observation, authenticity and conscious action (or inaction depending upon the situation).

Give yourself credit for how far you have come. The slow, subtle process of your spiritual evolution is always in play and as we awaken, it’s important to remember that the ego becomes more subtle. It may demand your perfection. It may tell you that you should know better or that if you were really conscious, such mistakes or reactivity would not happen; however, nothing could be further from the truth. We often revisit old triggers and challenges for the express purpose of seeing that we now handle them far differently than we would have in the past.

Create freedom in your experience by treating yourself with compassion and loving-kindness. You are a child of light and nothing matters more than your state of consciousness in this moment. What is more important than your joy?

Transforming Pain into Power

“Beautiful are those whose brokenness gives birth to transformation and wisdom.”
~John Mark Green~

By turning and facing our own darkness, we are transformed. The path of awakening is different for everyone. It is a journey of mystery and wonder, of lessons and learning, heartbreak and breakthrough, all of which lead to shifts in consciousness. It’s important to remember that no matter how far you have come, you have barely scratched the surface of all that waits to be discovered.

Your courage inspires those who grace your world. Continue to approach each day as a sacred gift and be willing to receive the light, love and laughter of the universe. The pain you transcend plays a specific role in your development; therefore, see those who challenge you as healing angels rather than obstacles you may encounter along the way.

In your vulnerability, you will discover strength. You stand at the threshold of a new life… one that has much to offer.

Appreciation

“Let’s trade in all our judging for appreciating. Let’s lay down our righteousness and just be together.”
~Ram Dass~

What if you chose to find one thing to appreciate about each situation or person who has ever been a challenge in your life? What if you chose only to speak about that positive thing when prompted into discussion. How do you think that would impact your overall life experience?

Life is a blend of dark and light. Contrasts provide insight and wisdom we could never discover in a one-dimensional world. Everything is multi-faceted; therefore, there is always an opportunity to find the good, assimilate the lesson, or cultivate new strength – no matter the circumstance. You are a culmination of all that you have experienced.

Layer by layer we transcend the levels of consciousness, incorporating energy and lessons, broadening our vision, and setting ourselves free. For most, this is a subtle transformative process rather than an abrupt shift to a new level. Don’t worry about how fast you can awaken, for the joy is in the journey. Embrace the day and discover the secrets it has to offer. Most importantly, love yourself and appreciate those who walk by your side.

Love Begets Love

When you feel the brunt of someone’s anger, be compassionate instead of defensive.
When you are triggered and the ego wants to withhold, consciously move forward with kindness instead.
When you are judged… Be love.
Acceptance, unconditional love, honoring all life as sacred, being the peace you wish to see, Radical Forgiveness… all these concepts inspire us to be better; however, it’s important to remember that we require opposition in order for us to cultivate these amazing qualities.Be grateful for those who challenge you. Personally or globally, each of us is playing the role that is best for our collective growth. When you choose to drop judgment, limiting beliefs or hatred, and purposely see beyond the physical, everything is love. Life provides the perfect experience needed for our awakening.

Happiness is your own responsibility. Don’t allow yourself to become distracted by the drama or unconscious behavior to which you might be subjected. The moment you view yourself as a victim, you forget how powerful you are. Cultivate the ability to live open-heartedly in spite of the shocks of life. Anything that shakes you up is an opportunity to awaken the most beautiful and empowered aspects of your true nature.

Living With An Open Heart

When entering into relationship with a lover, child, friend, business partner or pet, remember not to collapse yourself into that union. Leave enough room for each of you to be separate and whole so that you retain your unique authenticity. This freedom creates room for growth and discovery. Allow the winds of heaven to dance in between you and choose to experience life with an open heart.

Partnerships provide a reflection of your self love. As you evolve, you are less needy and less likely to attach your happiness to others’ actions or choices. You discover the beauty of creating space in which each person can thrive.

The Universe supports every aspect of your growth and will always provide the perfect situation to assist in your soul’s development and expansion. When you encounter patterns or beliefs that no longer serve you, observe and release them.

As each layer of limitation falls away all that remains is the pure potential of love. You stand at the doorway of infinite possibility. Choose to bring an unprotected heart to your meeting place and you will transcend perceived blockages, ultimately transforming them into ever-evolving aspects of your strength and empowerment.

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 Artscape of Emotion

Whether flashes of joy, celebration, fear, overwhelming passions, or the arduous journey of self-exploration, feelings create an artscape through which we must travel. Emotions add flavor and nuance to the journey of awakening.

When seemingly untenable feelings arise, it’s empowering to turn toward them. The light of your consciousness is transformative and facing your shadows begins the process of deeper self understanding. You are right where you need to be. Whatever is unfolding in your experience contains gifts that will allow you to shine. By honoring your pilgrimage as sacred, you can drop the ego-driven belief that something is wrong.

It’s healthy to observe and feel deeply; however, it’s equally healthy to cultivate the ability to recognize when the voice of ego is in play. It will always jump to ones deepest subconscious fear and amplify it; therefore, feel with understanding. Feel with purpose. Feel to cultivate compassion for all sentient beings who seek fulfillment, peace and balance in their experience.

Earth can be a challenging playground. The paradoxes of humanness are storied, and yet absolutely required for the artscape of your unique adventure. All of life participates in your awakening. Realize how far you have come. You are amazing.