Tag Archives: #johnodonohue

Your Sacred Space

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A day of gratitude, expansion, healing and growth begins the moment you awaken. If you haven’t properly tended to the energy in the household, layers of emotional sludge begin to build up and it can be challenging to begin the day with a clear heart and mind.

Everything in the home space has a definitive impact upon you. Clutter, broken objects, unfinished projects and unpaid bills emit vibrations that keep you off balance and feeling like you’ll never catch up.

Create a home that is a sacred space of peace, power, growth and transformation. Fill it with loving energy and see it as a place that nurtures your soul. Consider setting an intention that the entryway brings a sense of grace to all who walk through.

Quiet moments tending your garden, reading in the sunshine, doing yoga, playing music, preparing food, meditation, prayer, journaling, residing in conscious breath… anything that soothes your soul is a doorway to peace.

You are the conduit through which the Divine experiences itself in the world of form. With this in mind, look upon life through eyes of wonder, mystery and delight and it will become a sanctuary where your conscious experiences can be honored.

Kindness

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May you allow the wild beauty of the invisible world to gather you, mind you, and embrace you in belonging.
~John O’Donohue~

 

Everything that we put out into the world takes on a life of it’s own and returns to us in amazing ways. Let kindness be your guide. Consciously choose self talk that is supportive, imaginative, expansive and joyful. Know that you can never lose. There will be moments of success and moments where you learn something new about yourself and your infinite potential. Every situation and everyone you encounter plays a specific role in your awakening.
Love is a form of giving that breathes life into your experience. With each new level of discovery, expand your vision and choose to see beyond the illusions of the mind. Layer by layer, as we release things which no longer serve our growth, we step into the realm of limitless possibility. Choose to be one who brings lovely energy to the planet. Whether you rescue a spider, listen to a stranger, hold space for your child or help another to see their own beauty, walk gently upon the earth. Your interpretation of life is a direct reflection of your self love.

The Joyful Heart

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“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”

~Henri Nouwen~

Empowerment, mastery, fulfillment, abundance, freedom… all begin and end with joy. The only thing over which you have any control is how you choose to respond to life. Occasionally, the ego (in its reactive state) will tell you that imbalance is not only necessary, but expected. These are the moments when your intention is transformative.

When you observe yourself getting lost in the stories of the mind, purposely and lovingly seek out something which brings you joy and place your full attention upon it. Your attention determines where energy flows. In the midst of challenge you can choose to stop for a moment, watch the clouds create artistry in the sky, breathe deeply, and reclaim your balance.

You are more powerful than you know. Joy amplifies that power and expands your perception. Imagine how higher level responses can change the trajectory of a chaotic moment. Laughter is the outward sound of a soul that is awakening. It bubbles up, takes over and scatters the heaviness of the mind. Nothing is more important than your state of consciousness in this moment.

Find Your Purpose

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“When contemplating what our life’s work might be, we are often driven by our attachment to security. Perhaps the one question we don’t ask often enough is ‘What do I have to offer?’”
~Ezra Bayda~

Those who have discovered their unique way of being in the world are an inspiration. For those in the process of discovery, still seeking your purpose or your direction, I salute you. The willingness to embark upon the path of transformation ensures that you will find it. The road may be long. It may cause you to shift as you explore possibilities that call to you, but that is the process of awakening.
Do not be discouraged. Your challenges will temper your abilities. Your disappointments will teach you how to be strong, to rebuild and to step out of limiting patterns. Eventually, you will immerse yourself within that which makes your heart sing as life becomes a melody of joy and celebration.
Enlightened ones teach by example through the sharing of their gifts. Embrace the journey of discovery and know that you are right where you need to be. As you awaken into the fullness of who you are, your purpose will inform your decisions.

Creativity and Empowerment

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“True creativity flows only from stillness. When stillness becomes conscious, the spiritual dimension enters your life and you begin to be guided by an intelligence far greater than the human mind.” 
~Eckhart Tolle~ 
Practice getting out of your head and let yourself be totally immersed in whatever you choose to do. When you bring a creative component to your actions, you become a channel for white light and higher consciousness. Imagine the difference between one who agonizes over a recipe, determined to get it totally right, stressing throughout the process and one who tastes and explores, dancing around the kitchen, enjoying the act of creating. What type of energy is being channeled into the food?
Art is your singular expression. Whether writing in a journal, painting, creating music, decorating your home or finding your unique style, releasing ego opens you as a conduit for divine inspiration.
Expression is the basis for transformation. You may wish to create (or renew) a sacred space in your home. Fill it with anything that inspires you and just sit with the energy. Just be… then, bring that higher state of awareness and peacefulness into your day. You add something beautiful to our collective experience.

Engaging Life’s Magic

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“When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love …”
~Marcus Aurelius~

When hardships arise we have choices: complain, be resentful, blame others or face the challenge and grow from it. Passion for life leads us out of darkness and into the light of consciousness. Courage is not the absence of fear, it is the ability to move forward in spite of it… joyfully discovering our own strength in the process.

Nothing is guaranteed and at times we may feel like the “knowns” of the past are safer; however, as we drop perceived security and take risks in the fullness of our own experience, we begin a dance with the unknown and the limitless possibilities which await. On this amazing journey, planning and over-analyzing won’t create a new reality. We must take steps toward our goals each and every day. Show up, expand, do whatever it takes to put yourself in the realm of receptivity. Life’s magic will meet you there.

Present Moment Practice

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“Each of us is an artist of our days; the greater our integrity and awareness, the more original and creative our time will become.”

~John O’ Donohue~

Present Moment Practice is a conscious, mindful approach to life. Within the Now we become the witness – to our inner commentary, to the world around us and to the energy that we bring to our collective journey.

In this moment, you have all that you require. Begin by going deeper into the Now. Notice the physical world, the chair in which you are sitting or the solidness of the earth under your feet. Feel the warmth or coolness of your surroundings. Then pay attention to your thoughts. Are you worried? Do you find yourself constantly reading or watching information about world affairs? How attached are you to your phone? How does your body feel? Are you tense or relaxed, hungry or satisfied? Just observe.

Remind yourself that all you see and experience is a profound illusion that is measured by your physical senses. Close your eyes and take three deep, slow breaths. As you open your eyes, choose to see things differently. Instead of looking at the lamp, notice the light that it casts and the shadows it creates. Observe the unique designs of all that you see. How does your heart respond to a flower or your favorite scent? What pictures do you see in the clouds? This is your practice for today. Be, observe, appreciate.

Friendship

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“Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.”
~R.J. Palacio~

Sometimes we meet others and feel an instant connection. From the moment of ‘hello’ there is a feeling of safety and warmth and this person brings something special to your life experience. These are typically reunions of two souls who have played together in many lifetimes. The ease you feel is the natural result of the many interactions and karmic agreements you two have shared.

Often it seems there are an amazing number of synchronistic occurrences that have to fall into place in order for two souls to cross paths. Then, recognizing a kindred spirit – or perhaps a karmic contract – they choose to embark upon a segment of the journey together.

As an older soul, you may have this feeling often. Your long history on the planet has likely included many members of your soul group. This is why we must be accepting and grateful for those who grace our lives. Whether you share the journey for a moment or for a lifetime, the feeling is always one of coming home.

The extent to which you are willing to be supported is an indication of the love you have for yourself. The supporting characters of your life provide a springboard for the discovery of new experiences, thoughts, opportunities and perceptions. Friendship is the highest form of love.

Courage

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“Know that you are not alone,
And that this darkness has purpose;
Gradually it will school your eyes,
To find the one gift your life requires
Hidden within this night-corner.”
~John O’Donohue~
(From the poem “For Courage”)

When faced with a struggle it’s imperative to understand that your soul needs the challenge in order to grow. Many seek to remove all embattlements from their life experience; however, the spiritual life is not about avoidance. You can transform pain into empowerment. Pay attention to the scripts that run in the mind when perceived disaster occurs. These are the wounds and limited beliefs that are ready to be brought into the light of your consciousness.

Betrayal, accidents, loss, death, financial setbacks and health issues all carry seeds of enlightenment. The greater the challenge, the greater the breakthrough. Unexpected struggles often push us where we would not normally choose to walk, and it is there that your courage begins to shine.

You are far stronger than you know. Take one conscious step at a time and consider that this turning point is the beginning of powerful change. Everything you seek to create and desire to be is on the other side of fear.

Learning Through Contrast

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“May you recognize in your life the presence, power, and light of your soul. May you realize that you are never alone, that your soul in its brightness and belonging connects you intimately with the rhythm of the universe. May you have respect for your own individuality and difference. ”

~John O’Donohue~

When experimenting with different ways of being, new dimensions open within the realms of spiritual awakening. One aspect of discovery is learning through contrast. There will be moments when you shine and others when you learn and it’s powerful to remember that either way, you emerge from the experience richer than before.

You are the bridge between the spiritual and the mundane. Whatever speaks to your soul becomes a unique aspect of your human experience. Navigate the contrasts of your life without judgment (self-directed or otherwise) in order to strengthen the various facets of your spirit that are ready to shine. Remember, shadows make the light more prominent.

Seek only to bring the best version of yourself to the present moment. As you evolve, your perception will expand and your actions will express the light of the Divine differently. We are collectively blessed by your Presence in the world.