Tag Archives: #joy

Live in Wonder

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Choose to live in a world filled with wonder. Life has tremendous meaning if you look at it as a game and don’t take it too seriously. Bring a childlike innocence and simple joy to all that unfolds in your experience and you will learn many, many things.

Everything and everyone is your teacher. There are never-ending lessons to explore and nuances to discover – each designed in love with the evolution of your consciousness in mind. The more awareness you bring to your journey, the more value you will get from the process.

The playful soul fears nothing. He or she can live authentically and simply accept what unfolds. After a lifetime of dreams, challenges, losses, disappointments, successes and transitions, choosing to be childlike and innocent while trusting the processes of awakening is a form of inner mastery. Only then can you become a living flame of awareness.

Set an intention to look past the illusions created by the mind – the seriousness, judgments and opinions – and allow the love, light and laughter of the Universe to express itself through you.

Sharing Laughter

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“In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things, does the heart find its morning and is refreshed.”
~Kahlil Gibran~
Pure laughter based in love is powerful. It can dispel fear or sadness in an instant or transform strangers into friends. It lightens the stories of the ego and reduces stress while shifting us to higher levels of consciousness. But laughter, like all things of value, must begin within. It’s important not to take yourself too seriously. Under the weight of perceived flaws and lessons, beneath the gravity of life situations, resides an eternal source of joy.
Life is filled with paradoxes and contrasts and it’s helpful to expand your perception to recognize the myriad choices which are available to you. Consciously choose to bring lightness into the patterns of your life. The more balance you create through your interpretation of your various day-to-day experiences, the more magical your journey becomes.
Forgiveness, acceptance, mindfulness and Presence open passageways into a new reality. There we can connect to one another in a manner that is empowered, open and loving. Let laughter be the bridge between the spiritual and the mundane.

The Practice of Detachment

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There is nothing wrong with having preferences nor with voicing them. They make life a little more fun and often spark joy that is both personal and playful. However, when preferences become demands, suffering is created in your experience. Observe how attached you are by measuring the degree of disappointment that arises when things don’t work out as you might have preferred. This can be a rich area of practice.

The practice of detachment begins with conscious acceptance. When we immerse ourselves deeply within the present moment we create space within our life situations. Gratitude is the doorway into objectivity. It raises our vibration to such a degree that we can breathe life into our experiences yet remain detached from limiting perception and reactivity.

Compassionate detachment does not stop us from offering love and kindness to those with whom we interact. It allows us to share our energy in a way that is fulfilling rather than depleting and empowered instead of guilt-ridden. Conscious action is pure.

Like those who plant trees they will never sit under, we sow seeds of loving-kindness even though we may not see the outcome. It’s enough to know that you are bringing the best version of yourself to the present moment. Detach, be here now and allow the future to take care of itself.

Simple Pleasures

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“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.”
~Dalai Lama~

Great beauty can be found in the simple, ordinary things of life. Even the most mundane of tasks take on a sacred quality when approached with awareness, intention and gratitude. It’s important to remember that you dictate how your life unfolds by the energy that you bring to the situations you encounter. When we act out of love, without expectation or attachment, wholly involved in the Now, we become one with life.

Be patient with yourself. Sometimes all that is required is a peaceful alertness as we learn to exist aligned and in tune with the energy of the planet. This is a time full of mystery… like the dawning of a new day, there is a quiet anticipation as the awakening happens all around us. In the silence, limitless possibilities await.

Be aware of your relationship to the world around you. Our interconnectedness is becoming more apparent with each passing moment. As spiritual seekers, we are consciously engaging the truth of Oneness through interactions, gratitude, reflection and exploration.

You Are Worthy

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Occasionally, I observe someone listing all the reasons they cannot be at peace. The ego loves to create a story that happiness is impossible – perhaps because of a past challenge, disappointment, loss, imprints, world events or ongoing struggles. Some expend far more energy  reinforcing old blockages rather than creating a new experience or even expressing the belief that one is possible.

It’s empowering to remember that you are a child of light worthy of joy, fulfillment, laughter and peace. Don’t wait for life to fall into place before you choose to be happy. You have the power to choose how you will experience this moment.

Though there are likely times when existence feels oppressive, remember that far more is happening for your benefit than it may appear on the physical plane. You can consciously choose to recognize your worthiness or continue to reject it.

Dance in the moonlight and embrace the shadows as your teachers. Know your value by seeing the perfection in the imperfection and walk forward with an open heart. You are a divine infinite being on a journey of awakening. Your willingness to accept the gifts that life has to offer is an indicator of your self-love.

Your Level of Consciousness

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“The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness.”

~Lao Tzu~

Challenges arise to assist us in our spiritual growth. They originate from limiting thought patterns, judgment, fear or anger – often growing larger due to others who are willing to participate in the drama. It is often from this space of confusion and dysfunction that we attempt to correct the situation… and therein lies the mental trap. We must first focus on creating inner balance and shifting our awareness to a higher level. From there, perceptions change, new solutions are discovered and the power of love enters.

There is a purpose behind every circumstance. Sometimes clear, sometimes murky, but always, ultimately a beautiful coordinated movement of consciousness which is attempting to manifest in the present moment. Seek to bring the best aspects of yourself to every situation. When you are willing to slow down, become aware and approach the present moment with compassion, everything changes.

Celebration joins us. In joy, how can we harm one another (or ourselves)? As we find ways to create an attitude of laughter, of living and celebrating the present moment, we learn the power of acceptance and personal responsibility.

Passion and Purpose

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“Live the Life of Your Dreams: Be brave enough to live the life of your dreams according to your vision and purpose instead of the expectations and opinions of others.”
~Roy T. Bennett~

 

Passion is the fire that sparks movement, experience, and ultimately, wisdom. Since our only true purpose is to awaken, why not make the journey of discovery playful – a celebration of joy?  Life will always present contrasting experiences. We can choose to approach challenges with an open heart and bring compassion into our expression of being.
The paradox of human experience calls upon us to simultaneously be sympathetic and helpful to those who are in pain while consciously keeping ourselves balanced. Reactivity brings energy to lower vibrations. We simply cannot be as effective in a state of reaction as we are when aligned with our passion, purpose and inner wisdom.
The key is to appreciate the beauty in each moment. To live deeply immersed in the Now brings a sense of joy into the daily activities of your life. Then, whatever actions you choose to take will be infused with the wholeness of your spirit. This is the process of transforming your life into an empowered dance of awakening.

The Heart of Wonder

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“Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.”
~Socrates~

As awareness increases, our ability to participate in the miraculous grows sharper. We become a loving bridge between the mystical and the mundane. Consider the difference in viewpoint between someone who continually gazes down at their phone or is lost in thought, and one who, deeply immersed in Presence, consciously experiences the nuanced world around them.

To break habitual patterns is to shine the light of consciousness upon the road ahead. Purposeful action sparks movement in new directions. When you live with genuine curiosity, you ignite pure energy into your journey. Seek out other viewpoints, learn how to live within the paradox by being authentic and consistent in your approach.

Wonder sparks wisdom which ultimately impacts the journey of discovery in beautiful ways. Drop the need for labels and limiting interpretations. Instead, choose to observe life and your response to it. When you look through the eyes of love, only appreciation remains. With gratitude, we celebrate our friendships, experience the birth of a brand new day, seek enlightenment and ultimately discover peace. No matter what unfolds within your life circumstances, you can choose to bring a conscious, empowered, joyful attitude to your journey.

 

Recognizing the Miraculous Within the Mundane

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“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.”
~Kahlil Gibran~

For me, there is nothing more beautiful than beginning a new day. Gratitude upon awakening, walking the doggies as the world slowly awakens, celebrating birdsong, receiving the gifts of springtime… Each morning I breathe in the miracle of life as a gift filled with promise and potential.

With this foundation in place, the magic of discovery infuses everything I do throughout the day. It creates a sense of patience and ingenuity while navigating life. When you choose to recognize the beauty around you, everything changes. What you place your attention upon grows stronger in your experience. Knowing this, you can choose how to consciously direct your energy.

We walk together through this illusion of contrast. Enlightenment is an ongoing process that brings a new awareness into our interactions. As we awaken, perception expands and we are able to see with greater clarity and compassion. Honor the progress you have made. Should you face a challenge, or feel overwhelmed, seek to find the miraculous within the mundane. Appreciation of life’s little joys can replenish the soul.

 

 

Self-Love

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“All you need is already within you, only you must approach your self with reverence and love. Self-condemnation and self-distrust are grievous errors. Your constant flight from pain and search for pleasure is a sign of love you bear for your self, all I plead with you is this: make love of your self perfect.”

~Nisargadatta Maharaj~

When creating a healthy, balanced, joyful life, remember to be kind and compassionate to yourself. All too often people give and give until they are burnt out, stressed out and overwhelmed. Your kindness must begin within.Remember to allow time to recharge. This can be as simply as employing conscious breath throughout the day, taking a walk in the sunshine, mindful eating or meditation. No matter what you choose to do, approach life with joy, enthusiasm or acceptance. If your energy is too depleted to experience one of those three levels of consciousness, it’s time to stop and tend to yourself before you move forward.

Life is unfolding around you with celebration. Be a pure channel for the love, light and laughter of the Universe. Do what is needed and love yourself enough to bring an open heart to your meeting place.