Be The Change

“Remember, we are all affecting the world every moment, whether we mean to or not. Our actions and states of mind matter, because we’re so deeply interconnected with one another. Working on our own consciousness is the most important thing that we are doing at any moment and being love is the supreme creative act.”
~Ram Dass~

All too often we shake our heads in disbelief, amazed by the lack of consciousness that we witness in the world around us; however, we are all deeply connected and are reflections of one another. In order to make a difference, we must first begin within.

When we release the need for drama or chaos, it ceases to seek us out. As we heal our wounds, we are able to experience one another with open hearts. As we move past judgment into compassion, a new picture emerges… and it is beautiful.

Don’t try to fix others – not your friends, not your family. Simply tend to your own state of consciousness, bringing awareness and kindness to each and every moment. As your vibration increases you may find yourself breaking out of a rut, dropping old ways of being or beginning new aspects of your journey. You don’t have to make dramatic changes to have dramatic effect – choosing to smile more, to be gentler with yourself and others is a great place to start.

Living With Compassion

“There are two things we must raise and evolve if we are to survive and thrive as a species; our consciousness and our compassion. For millennia these have barely shifted.”
~Rasheed Ogunlaru~
All the energy that we send out into the world returns ten-fold. Whether anyone is around to witness our acts of kindness or not, they send powerful reverberations throughout the web of our collective experience. We have the opportunity to live with compassion while consciously planting seeds of growth and awareness.
Recently, I visited the Cascades Raptor Center which specializes in the rehabilitation of birds of prey. With each bird was the story about their past, how they got hurt and information unique to their breed. It was interesting to see the list of companies that contribute to the well-being of the center and I was happy to see my go-to herbal company listed there (Mountain Rose Herbs). There are many people in the world who act quietly, whose lives are statements of compassion and this is where our work lies.
Acts of kindness, no matter how small, are a beautiful use of energy. Seek to leave the world changed for the better because of your sojourn here.

Compassion

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
~Leo Buscaglia~

The transformative power of compassion is awakened when we choose to truly hear one another. Being fully present calls upon us to drop our preconceived ideas, cease out internal commentary and listen with the heart. Spiritual practice calls upon us to cultivate the awareness of the bond we share with all beings. Our role is to care for the earth and all the creatures with whom we share this amazing planet.

Authentic relationships are possible only when we have an awareness of who we truly are. When we can see through the mechanisms of the ego to the true spirit of another, we can dance within the paradox of human compassion and higher awareness while holding space. In this manner, we create space in which transformation can occur.

Holding space is far different from fixing someone else’s problems or seeking to ensure that they avoid pain. By honoring all paths as sacred, we operate from the premise of love and acceptance – allowing the lesson, offering support and sowing seeds of compassion.

Sacred Gifts

“You are on a soulful path that asks you to step into the greatest version of yourself. It is a sacred gift to shine your brightest light, not just in your moments of glory, but each day.”
~Debbie Ford~

Awaken the heart of compassion. Scatter seeds of joy throughout your day, pausing to appreciate the uniqueness of it, the beauty of it. Remind yourself often to be aware of the gifts that are all around you.

It is easy to get caught up in the drama of daily living. We live in a world filled with distraction but also one of inspiration. Each of us has an opportunity to choose how we wish to experience the present moment. When you begin the day with mindfulness and gratitude, you step out of reactivity and into empowerment.

You can create a mindful life by seeing the physical world as a spiritual experience, by experiencing this moment as sacred, by allowing kindness and compassion to guide your decisions.

Be open to change and willing to receive the unexpected. Give up the illusion of control and simply ask, “How can I bring the best version of myself to this situation?” Your awareness is a sacred gift that you can share with the world.

Compassionate Detachment

“What brings understanding is love. When your heart is full, then you will listen to the teacher, to the beggar, to the laughter of children, to the rainbow, and to the sorrow of man.”
~Jiddu Krishnamurti~
Spiritual practice is about residing fully where you are. 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 that 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. Be here now and allow the future to take care of itself.
Our collective consciousness creates a world where it is safe to love one another. Thank you for the light you bring to the world.

Be The Change

“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”
~Albert Einstein~

Transformation begins within and all that we experience is a reflection of our inner state of consciousness. Notice what triggers you, observe the reaction with kindness and non-judgment, and then go inward with loving, ruthless honesty.

We tend to react to attributes that we carry. The reaction is an indication that you are ready for change. That emotional moment is your point of power. Immediately notice what arises. The ego-generated story or interpretation is a distraction that you can choose to use as a spring-board of awakening.

Consciously bring aspects that you wish to see into your own expression of life. If you desire to feel safe, drop all judgment so that others feel safe with you. When tired of gossip, speak with kindness. Should you notice others acting out angrily or with impatience, slow down and be fully present. Your light is where transformation begins.

Make a commitment to yourself to honor your changes as sacred. Each layer of patterning that you remove reveals sparkling aspects of your soul that are ready to shine. Be playful and self-aware as you expand your experiences. You have the ability to create beautiful changes in your experience.

Cycles of Awakening

“Be kind to yourself as you proceed along this journey. This kindness, in itself, is a means of awakening the spark of love within you and helping others to discover that spark within themselves.”
~Tsoknyi Rinpoche~

It has often been said that the only constant in life is change itself. We continually move through cycles of transformation – birth and death, beginnings and endings, love and hate, health and imbalance – flowing through the experience of opposites in a vast, exquisite pattern of movement as part of our evolution. Everything plays a role in this dance of awakening and the more centered we become, the easier it is to reside at the core of this energy, peaceful… knowing that this too shall pass.

Patterns replay until we become mindful enough to shift the paradigm of our belief and expectations. One of the most powerful aspects of spiritual awakening is the joy of finding the flow of ease and joy in the midst of our human experience. This comes from discovering and cultivating trust in your inner guidance. It speaks in whispers, gently reminding you that you can feel more balanced, whole and integrated if you so choose.

In a darkened room any light, no matter how small, will transform everything. Find the source of light within yourself and allow it to guide you through the mazes of the mind into a space of connection with the Divine.

Awakening Intuition

“At times you have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover is yourself.”
~Alan Alda~

In a world filled with overwhelming sensations and distractions, the ego-mind has cultivated a collective script that results in continued conflict and dysfunction. As we awaken, we begin to break free from the overwhelming cacophony to once again enter the stillness of being.

In that space of stillness, we can access our inner wisdom. Rather than being reactive, we can consciously respond to life from a higher level of consciousness. Our ability to slow down and go within creates a secure foundation which supports our journey of awakening.

Strengthen the intuitive aspect of your experience by trusting your instincts. When the voice of ego begins its repetitive mantra of fearful “what ifs?” simply recognize it, observe it and slow down. Ask how you can bring light, kindness or compassion to the situation. Most often you’ll discover that the voice of your heart directs you to do the exact opposite of what the ego insists is the right course of action. Acting on your instincts builds a pathway of energy that grows stronger over time.

The great miracle of awareness is that it transforms the mundane into the sacred. There is much more to life than meets the eye.

 

Peaceful Moments

“When our body, mind and soul are working in balance, we learn to handle any situation without internal or external stress. We learn to live a peaceful life.”
~Purvi Raniga~
In every moment you have a choice: reject or accept. To experience inner peace we must consciously choose to respond to life in a way that is mindful and engaged, yet filled with compassionate detachment. One who walks through the world with mastery and balance brings the gift of higher perception to those who are touched by their presence.
Create peaceful moments in your experience. Periodically enter the gap of ‘no mind’ and cultivate a sacred connection to the Divine that will keep you aligned with the most beautiful aspects of who you are. Stillness holds infinite potential and creates a space where transformation is possible.
Kindness is a way of being. Expanding consciousness calls upon us to purposely see the sacred in all things and all people, even those who cannot yet see it in themselves – especially those who cannot see it within themselves. And therein lies our work: To be the light in a world that is often beset by darkness and a living, thriving example of awareness in motion.

Eternity

“In the external scheme of things, shining moments are as brief as the twinkling of an eye, yet such twinklings are what eternity is made of — moments when we human beings can say “I love you,” “I’m proud of you,” “I forgive you,” “I’m grateful for you.” That’s what eternity is made of: invisible imperishable good stuff.”
~Fred Rogers~

You are a spark of the Divine… infinite, eternal, multi-faceted. With our limited human perception, it’s difficult to process the idea of eternity. Time is a construct of the mind and often it drives us to hurry through the present moment in order to get somewhere else; however, nothing exists but Now.

We are collectively participating in an exploration of separateness. The lifetimes we spend on this planet, the roles we play and the lessons we learn from one another are only the beginning of an incredible journey to rediscover Oneness.

There is enough time. Everyone on the planet will eventually evolve through all earth-based soul ages: Infant, Baby, Young, Mature and Old. Tending to your own state of consciousness will ultimately aid in the awakening of all humanity. Have compassion for yourself and for one another throughout the process.