Tag Archives: #johnodonohue

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.

Friendship

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“In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.”
~Kahlil Gibran~

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.

Be grateful for those who are kind enough to bring laughter and support into your world. These infinite soul connections create an energy and harmony that creates the soundtrack of your life. I often visualize them as a symphony – every instrument is vital and important, and while the music continues if someone is missing, the energy shifts significantly. The nuances of the whole allow greater depth of experience.

It’s important to accept encouragement from others as you walk the path of transformation. Ultimately, the momentum of change is created from within; however, the supporting characters in your life experience provide a springboard of discovery, inspiration, new opportunities and expanded perception. The extent to which you are willing to be supported is an indication of your self-love.

This Sacred Gift

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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.

Anam Cara (Soul Friend)

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“The one you love, your anam cara, your soul friend, is the truest mirror to reflect your soul. The honesty and clarity of true friendship also brings out the real contour of your spirit. It is beautiful to have such a presence in your life.”
~John O’Donohue~

Our purpose is to learn how to give and receive love. That can only be discovered through the removal of any barriers against love that we have built. As we cultivate independence and self-confidence, we can interact with one another without fear. This freedom allows us to discover who we are in the presence of another.

Most of us have a group of 30-40 souls with whom we incarnate throughout our multiple lifetimes. This soul group works together in various forms, utilizing lessons, drama and unwavering support to help one another evolve. Over time, these beautiful souls demonstrate a seasoned love and steadfastness that can lift us to new heights – even in the midst of our challenges.

Give space to those you love. When your souls meet, consciously bring a gentle recognition to the beauty of the depth of love you have for one another. Your interactions will ultimately awaken a sense of safety, authenticity and support.

What We Create

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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~

You are an artist who is constantly in the process of co-creation, weaving a unique tapestry of exquisite design. Each thought, word and action creates layers of energy that flow from you out into the world of form. Observe what you say. Do your words reflect what you wish to create? Do they support your joy and willingness to receive?

It’s a wonderful practice to set a deliberate intention, focus upon it during your morning rituals and then watch with joy as it manifests in various ways throughout your daily experience. For instance, if your intention is to be a loving reflection of the sacredness in everyone you meet, your interactions will be far different than if your mind was only focused upon the tasks that needed to be accomplished. Instead of a regular day with it’s normal ups and downs, you might experience brief but unique expressions of beauty from each person with whom you interact.

These conscious choices bring a higher level of light into our physical experience. Choose intentions that allow you to explore being the very best version of yourself. The spiritual seekers goal is to merge the sacred with the mundane.