New Levels of Awareness

“It takes a little effort to get our of illusions because we have invested in them very much. They are our hopes; It is through them that we go on living.”  

~Osho~

It’s a powerful practice to see beyond the illusion. Observe how often the word “I” is used when referring to how you see the world. Everything is a projection of our beliefs. We can get trapped by the “I” when pursuing goals and dreams. Remembering this can set the stage for awakening.

Meditation helps us to see through this illusory state of being. Once we strip away the goals, dreams, thoughts of past and future and simply be, the present moment comes alive. To be fully in the present means to be aware of the immense beauty and perfection that is already here. There is nothing for which to strive, nothing is missing.

A different kind of experience waits for you. Your joyousness, when complete, allows you to become fully aligned with the Now. Give up needing to understand the “whys” and “hows” and leave that to your spiritual guidance. Instead, focus on higher awareness, step into Presence and allow a new consciousness to be born in you.

Be Still

The human condition provides lessons through the perception of separation. While the soul seeks to awaken, the ego seeks to distract; therefore, it will constantly plant seeds of division. Those seeds are sown with judgment, hatred and fear and they grow into barriers that block us from seeing the sacredness of another.

Once division occurs, the next level of distraction comes from constant fighting. Whether external or internal, the ego busies the mind with stories of victimhood and blame and the personality (seeking to belong) will find others with similar fears or beliefs in order to reinforce the walls. Brick by brick, layer by layer, the illusion is woven into the fabric of the life experience.

Throughout the process of awakening we begin to dismantle the beliefs that create separation. Stillness cultivates the ability to see through illusions created by the mind. In that space, in the gap of infinite possibility, we can perceive the love that connects us. It’s amazing to observe the change as one moves from fear to enlightenment. Stillness becomes the foundation upon which we build.

Be still. Receive inspiration. Laugh often. Recognize your own sacredness and walk forward accordingly. The way will make itself known.

The Sound of Silence

“When you reach a calm and quiet meditative state, that is when you can hear the sound of silence.”
~Stephen Richards~

Stillness is powerful. Within it, one can walk through life in a way that is empowered, calm, and patient. Create space to lovingly re-connect with the fullness of who you are. This purposeful movement of energy and intention transcends limitation and brings greater balance into your life experience.

Seek to be a conscious expression of love today. Infuse your work, passion, play and spirituality with kindness and compassion and you will discover the deepest truth of who you are. Your soul will rise above and shine through the illusion.

We are engaged in a dance of form. Enjoy it! Spiritual awakening is a conscious blend of the mundane and the mystical, dark and light, intensity and peace. The contrasts we experience teach us the true nature of balance. There is a great depth of spaciousness which resides within you. Step into the silence and see if you can sense the infinite wellspring of potential that is waiting to be discovered.

Awakening From the Dream

Enlightenment is not about being perfect. It’s the process of experiencing a conscious, empowered life as best you can with what you have from where you are. Anyone can experience higher levels of wisdom, awareness and spiritual connection in meditation or on a mountaintop; however, mastery is bringing that same energy down from the mountain and infusing it into your day-to-day experiences.

There are dreams and desires that play scenarios in the mind. The “What ifs?” and “If onlys…” distract us by constantly projecting an imagined future, replaying the past or distorting our perception of the present moment. When we project our desires and attachments, others simply become a screen that reflects our projection to us, for a time. And then we awaken from the dream thinking “This isn’t what I thought it would be…” and of course it isn’t. It never was.

To be aware means that you are shattering the illusion and flaming passion for life as it is rather than an projected image of what it may or may not be in the future. The ego is a by-product of illusion. As we awaken, we begin to recognize this and experience it’s mechanisms less and less. This is the joy of awakening – discovering the beauty of the Divine within ourselves and everything around us and seeing through the dream.

Sammasati:  Remember

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

It is said that the last word uttered by the Buddha was “Sammasati.” There’s something beautiful about the reminder that what we seek lies within. Remember – not discover, change, achieve… just remember. All aspects of spiritual awakening lie dormant within that one word.

Perhaps that’s the reason each journey is unique. One never knows when a flash of illumination will shift perception. Awakening comes from rising above the mechanisms of the mind and illusion.

With limitless energy available, why does one encounter lack? We can choose to view perceived limitations as blessings and consciously use them as aspects of our collective growth. Additionally, they serve as reminders of how easily one can lose sight of inner awareness, prompting us to naturally cultivate greater compassion for those who still stumble in the darkness.

Should you feel off balance, consider which aspect of your life requires loving attention and take conscious action. Spend some time going within and recognize the perfection in your journey. Taste silence, merge with the energy of the planet, and remember what has been forgotten… Sammasati.

Gentle Strength

“Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.”
~Kahlil Gibran~
True strength is measured by authenticity, consistency and compassion. The higher your energetic frequency, the more power you can access. Those who vibrate at lower levels such as anger, pride, apathy or shame must use force in order to feel heard. No matter what change you wish to create in your experience, it must be cultivated within you before you can bring it into the world of form.
When those for whom you care become lost in the illusions of this world, do your best to remain at the highest level of consciousness that you can in your various interactions. We must remain engaged in unconditional love in order to teach: situation by situation, moment by moment. This takes conscious and consistent practice. You are a conduit through which the Divine manifests; therefore, it’s important to clear anything that blocks your ability to love.  View the challenges you face as realms of infinite possibility that deepen your wisdom, cultivate your strength and bring aspects that require attention or healing into the light of awareness. This is the moment of transformation.

The Fog of Illusion

“When you complain, you make yourself into a victim. When you speak out, you are in your power. So change the situation by taking action or by speaking out if necessary or possible; leave the situation or accept it. All else is madness.”

~Eckhart Tolle~

The mind loves to have issues to fix. It keeps life complicated and thus reinforces the fog of illusion in which many reside. There are many paths to wholeness, but the simplest truths are the answer to life’s most challenging questions.

All problems of humankind are created by a lack of consciousness. Resist nothing – what you fight, you strengthen. Rather than criticize, accept. Embrace what is and create inner balance prior to taking action. Begin your day with gratitude and let your actions be led by love.
Humans are paradoxical by nature, a blend of light and dark. Rather than denying one side verses the other, we must integrate all the facets of our humanness and bring them into the light of consciousness. Seeing oneself clearly is an important aspect of enlightenment.
You’ll feel more empowered when you are spiritually healthy and balanced. The world around you will act as a reflection, showing you your grace and progress on the path of transformation.

Interconnectedness

“The deeper interconnectedness of all things and events implies that the mental labels of “good” and “bad” are ultimately illusionary.”
~ Eckhart Tolle~

Now is the time to become aware of the hidden harmony of life. There is a sacredness, a higher order than our limited perception can easily recognize. The spiritual seeker learns how to see beyond what is presented in physical form and becomes a conscious participant. This is the path of wholeness.

Our physical world utilizes the illusion of separation to facilitate the exploration of Oneness. This paradoxical experience ultimately helps us to discover that we all share very common struggles, fears, joys, expansion and compassion.

Become the observer. Notice the inner voice that seeks to opine, judge or label and, in that awareness, discover that you are no longer trapped by it’s limited discourse. Without thought, give something around you your complete attention for a few minutes. Notice every detail of it without commentary. See how often that voice comes in with it’s own conclusions and instead, allow yourself to be fully present.

Underneath the busyness of the mind lies the sacred space of limitless potential. The more you access it, the greater depth you’ll create in your own experience.

Wisdom

“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.”
~Paulo Coelho~

See yourself as a lifetime student of love. There is much yet to discover.

We are on an incredible journey. No matter how many lifetimes you’ve had so far, no matter how high your state of consciousness, remember that earth is simply the beginning. This playground allows us to explore the concepts of separation, contrast and opposites in order to discover the higher truths of balance, compassion and Oneness.

When we have named every star in the sky, counted the grains on every beach, loved through a thousand lifetimes and experienced this world in every possible way, the adventure will then take us to new levels of existence.

Life can sometimes feel quite overwhelming. Our physical senses create a sense of solidity out of illusion, and often we can feel trapped by tunnel vision. The purpose of meditation, stillness or conscious breathing is to briefly allow you to connect with the infinite aspect of who you are. As we learn to see beyond appearances, we can touch eternity. You are far more than the role you are currently playing in this lifetime.

This World is an Illusion

Everything that we experience is an illusion. Many get caught in the world of form and forget our true purpose here. Rather than getting lost in arguments about which interpretation of the world is accurate, recognize the many layers of consciousness in play and understand that levels of truth reside in each.

It really doesn’t matter what you believe. All that matters is your state of consciousness in the present moment and whether you are aligned with integrity, passion and joy. So, enjoy the exploration. Discover what adds a little sparkle into your experience. Create your own reality and live in a way that is inspirational.

Consider how much energy some expend trying to prove their point of view, voicing their opinions, or gathering followers. Imagine how much could change if that same amount of energy went into being happy, appreciative, compassionate and grateful. The mind boggles.

This planet is our playground of awakening. We have created an amazing world that fills our senses, one that is able to provide any type of experience you wish to use as a vehicle of growth. Honor every path as sacred. Tend to your own state of consciousness. Embark on a journey into inner dimensions of awareness.