Standing at the Crossroads

“Each day is a new beginning. You can start fresh, anticipating what today will bring. Or you can just settle for yesterday’s doubts, fears, or worries. Which road will you take? Do you take the path to the clear present or the the shadows of the past?”

~Eve Evangelista~

There are times that we stand at the crossroads from where an infinite number of paths emerge. The higher your level of consciousness, the greater your vision. As you awaken, your choices will be prompted by profound insight and empowerment. Choose to experience your life through adventure and participation and don’t be afraid to venture into new places.

There is only one thing to ask: “Has my life been a celebration or a sadness?” When you find your unique way of expressing yourself you may discover that the world desperately needs what you have to offer. No matter what you choose to do, do it mindfully. Become immersed within the present moment with joy, acceptance and enthusiasm and the way forward will make itself known.

We are engaged in a collective process of awakening; however, there are many paths to enlightenment. Choose the ones fill your soul with inspiration and joy.

Nurture Yourself

Many believe that they need to take care of everyone around them. They struggle and juggle until they get off balance. Usually at the peak of this experience, they’ll get sick or have an accident which forces them to release control, if only for a little while… and even then they worry about everyone they are letting down by not being there.

Nurturing yourself is the greatest gift you can give those you love. Take the time to walk alone, savor the textures of life or read a book. Recharge and renew your beautiful spirit and strength. We can help others much more by allowing them the opportunities to struggle, succeed,  and overcome their challenges. By excessive overdoing, one actually holds another back from learning their own lessons.

The spiritual seeker brings mindfulness to their life situations – sometimes taking action and sometimes choosing to observe. The purposeful soul knows the value of facing challenges and provides support for those around them. Listen to the messages you receive from your body and from the reflections of life around you. Stress and tension are always indicators that we are becoming stuck in the mind and need to reassess how we are approaching the present moment.

Mindfulness and Transformation

The way to elicit positive change and transformation is mindfulness. Make inner peace and balanced health your first priority – quiet the mind, meditate, and spend a few moments completely free of distractions each day.

When we focus on making conscious choices and make an effort to only use words which support our intentions and desires, we set the stage for a shift in consciousness. Everything is energy and has a collective impact upon your personal vibration.

If mindfulness is something which gets lost in the busy and changeable world of your existence, start small. Choose one hour to be completely mindful in all that you do – in your work, while cleaning house, preparing dinner or petting your dog – choose to be fully present. Any activity can be used as part of your spiritual practice. As you become well versed in mindfulness, extend the time longer and longer throughout your day.

There is nothing new you need to add to your store of knowledge. Mindfulness is simply a removal of the distractions and negativity that block you from connecting to your source. You can do this now, there is nothing to be gained by waiting.

Consciousness

“You are an explorer, and you represent our species, and the greatest good you can do is to bring back a new idea, because our world is endangered by the absence of good ideas. Our world is in crisis because of the absence of consciousness.”

~Terence McKenna~

Both collective and personal, all chaos or conflict is caused by a lack of consciousness. Our state of consciousness matters whether anyone bears witness to it or not. The energy that we emit contributes to the whole – always. Understanding this, the awakening master purposely tends to consciousness first, and then acts.

Observe how you choose to respond to life. How often are you reactive rather than composed? Do you notice any patterns that trigger temporary unconsciousness? The most powerful tool to increase consciousness is to consistently set the tone for your day by utilizing meditation, gratitude or mindfulness. Choose to step into empowerment rather than waiting for outside factors to dictate your level of happiness.

Every moment offers opportunities to practice Presence. Use whatever is in front of you and purposefully approach it from the highest level possible. Infuse the Now with compassion, acceptance, love, joy and peace. Your state of consciousness matters.

Mindfulness and Transformation

“Each place is the right place–the place where I now am can be a sacred space.”

~Ravi Ravindra~

The way to create space for transformation is mindfulness. Make inner peace and balanced health your first priority – quiet the mind, meditate, and spend a few moments completely free of distractions each day.

When we focus on making conscious choices and make an effort to only use words which support our intentions and desires, we set the stage for a shift in consciousness. Everything is energy and has a collective impact upon your personal vibration.

If mindfulness is something which gets lost in the busy and changeable world of your existence, start small. Choose one hour to be completely mindful in all that you do – in your work, while cleaning house, preparing dinner or petting your dog – choose to be fully present. Any activity can be used as part of your spiritual practice. As you become well versed in mindfulness, extend the time longer and longer throughout your day.

There is nothing new you need to add to your store of knowledge. Mindfulness is simply a removal of the distractions and negativity that block you from connecting to your source. You can do this now, there is nothing to be gained by waiting.

You Are Joy

“You will arrive at the realization that you are just joy itself, and everything you do arises out of this joy, out of this spaciousness, light, and love.”
~ Mooji~

You are an aspect of the Divine experiencing the illusion of separation. Your loving awareness sparks awakening in those with whom you interact. When you are led by love, when you can step out of the maelstrom and into joy, you become a peaceful haven through turbulent times. Through contrast we discover the Oneness that connects us.

Give those you love space to work through their own lessons. Interact with kindness and integrity, knowing that everything works toward the highest good for all involved. Regardless of how it appears on the physical plane, love ultimately resides at the core of all things. As we each do our work to heal both personal and collective wounds, keep in mind that awareness is the first step of transformation.

Observe without commentary or judgment. Take ownership when necessary and then choose right action. Right action arises through expanded consciousness and mindful choices. Purposely utilize the lessons contained within every situation and you will awaken a version of yourself that is  peaceful, inspiring and empowered.

Mindful Choices

“Open your mind, expand your character to embrace the world. Then you will find guidance along the path.”
~R. L. Wing~
Your life is a garden. Consciousness determines what you will plant there. Intention helps it to flourish. Every thought plants the seeds of what we will experience tomorrow. Discover the value of bringing mindfulness to the present moment. You intention creates an empowered movement of energy.

When we bring gratitude and happiness into our mindful choices, something new begins to move throughout our experience. With each conscious decision we reprogram the mind to recognize the little joys of life. Enough daily joys add up to an overall happy and fulfilling experience – the garden flourishes, becoming more lush and colorful, filled with scent, color and life.

You are far more powerful than you realize. The awareness you bring to your thoughts, words and actions will create space in which transformation can occur. You will know that you are tapped into the infinite energy of the Divine when you are calm and at peace. Commit to creating a life filled with joy and wonder.

Living in the Light

“I understand, better than ever now, that “living in the light” involves traveling into the darker places within ourselves and shining the light of our consciousness into them so that we can truly love and express all that we are.”
~Shakti Gawain~
Each of us has a very simple role in the awakening of collective consciousness. We must shine the light of awareness and be loving witnesses to our own transformation. It’s imperative to observe of our own process of healing rather than getting lost in projection, defensiveness or reactivity.
Once we allow the mechanisms of the ego to take hold, it can be challenging to feel peaceful. Utilize the beauty that shines upon you to bring yourself back into balance. Appreciation and Presence quiets the mental chatter and in the gap we discover other possibilities or interpretations.
Consciously choose to bring the best version of yourself to this moment. That may entail being an attentive listener, avoid spreading gossip or bad news or jumping into the fray to voice an opinion. Notice that all of these actions are actually non-actions. Used mindfully, stillness is transformative. Then, after a purposeful pause and some introspection, your actions and words will naturally be filled with the light of consciousness.

Conscious Awareness

“A monk asks: Is there anything more miraculous than the wonders of nature?
The master answers: Yes, your awareness of the wonders of nature.”
~Angelus Silesius~

Hold yourself to a higher standard. If approached consciously, this can be a time of inspiration and growth. Everything depends upon how we view ourselves, how we conduct ourselves in the world, and our willingness to stand in our integrity. There may be times when you need to step back, observe and take a few moments to breathe prior to taking action – taking mindful pauses allow us to bring a higher level of consciousness to our interactions.

Treat each person you meet as sacred. Offer them dignity and choose to remain mindful and balanced throughout your interaction. Yes, this calls upon you to consistently bring the best version of yourself to your relationships. Most people, expecting dysfunction or judgment, will have to learn to adjust to your loving way of being. After moments of confusion, they will begin to feel the safe atmosphere which promotes growth and awareness. Act with integrity, do your best, accept what is… You are contributing to the awakening collective consciousness of us all.

Breathe, Allow, Be

“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”
~Thich Nhat Hanh~

Mindfulness will guide you through anything that arises. Our relationship to the world around us reflects our true relationship to ourselves; and through that, our connection to the Oneness of all life. When we allow the present moment to be as it is without expectation, we begin to experience the world in all it’s beauty.

Peacefulness is the present moment is needed to become aware of the beauty, the majesty and the sacredness of life. When we become engaged in the discovery of our true nature, the lessons present themselves everywhere we look. Our world is set up to provide constant reminders of the joy of life – so simple, a flower, a tree or a dog could do it.
Empowerment is simply taking full responsibility for your state of consciousness in the present moment. Breathe, allow, be.

As I watch the sun lighten the sky, I am greeted by love. As the birds awaken and sing in the stillness, I am serenaded by love. In the flow of my breath, I am connected to love.