Duck Medicine

Those who are unwilling to change demand that everyone around them change. This is to avoid triggers or the need to self-assess and is deeply rooted in ego. Often they feel enslaved by anxiety and therefore, want to avoid conflict and discomfort at all costs.

Those who are awakened understand that empowerment and freedom come from within. These beautiful souls have to capacity to utilize challenging moments as opportunities to prove their mettle. They actively seek answers and are constantly expanding their perception. Because they are willing to take ownership for their state of consciousness, awakening is accelerated.

Rather than attempting to control life, learn to flow with it. Know that you can handle anything that unfolds in the present moment. Like the duck, release negative energy through movement. A squawk followed by a quick flap often happens after a bit of duck-related conflict… and then he moves on, seemingly over it, once again deeply rooted in the present moment.

There is no need to carry the weight of the past on your shoulders. Be gentle with yourself and others, and simply do your inner work quietly, consistently and intentionally. This is how you create space where transformation can occur.

Awareness, Presence, Transformation

“Whenever you’re stuck in distress, penetrate your confusion with this question: What is my most believed thought right now?” 

~Ezra Bayda~

When we operate from the premise that all things work toward our highest good, we come to discover that inconsolable sadness or frustration is a waste of energy. The mind creates stories which seem to enslave us, and though it takes conscious effort, shifting your thoughts will always shift your perception, and thus, your experience.

The ego loves to feel special. But this life experience is not meant to be one of sadness, frustration or loss; rather, you are meant to break free from self-imposed prisons and find your joy.

Seek to cultivate greater awareness of your own strength and abilities. Its helpful to utilize the energy of gratitude by saying “I am grateful for this situation. Even though I may not yet understand the lesson or be aware of gift, I know one awaits me.”  Your willingness to be open is transformative.

When you choose to bring the best version of yourself to the present moment, the future will take care of itself. These simple, empowering moments of presence and intention will transform your experience in surprising ways.

Forgiveness Empowers

“Anger and blaming others takes a lot of energy away from healing. One of the most powerful emotions that has to be expressed is forgiveness.”
~Candace Pert~

 

Anger and resentment are a waste of your precious energy. They drain vitality and ease from your life experience and harm no one but yourself. This energy can be transformed into strength through gratitude, meditation, mindfulness and a conscious choice to be free from the past.
The spiritual path calls upon us to reside fully in life, as it is in this moment. If there are pains that you carry, do not feel that you must push them down or deny them; rather, bring them to the light of your consciousness and transform them through acceptance and forgiveness. Reinterpret the past through the filters of your current state of awareness and you may discover that freedom is at hand.
Forgiveness is not about the other. It is a gift that you give to yourself. There is no need for physical closure or a meeting of the minds (though these may occur naturally in time), just a quiet peace in the present moment that will open your ability to love, trust and believe once again in the beauty and mystery of life.

Create Space For Something New

“Change can be scary, but you know what’s scarier? Allowing fear to stop you from growing, evolving, and progressing.”
~Mandy Hale~
What happens when you venture into the unknown? You discover aspects of yourself that have long laid dormant, that seek expression. Your soul begins to shine with an inner light. Fear brings your attention to the present moment while courageousness allows you to move forward anyway.
When we work without a road map, we allow room for the Universe to surprise us. The ego’s desire to plan and prepare prior to taking risks only blocks us from the miracles that will inevitably be drawn into our experience. When plans fall apart, when people leave your life, when you’re left standing alone in the midst of upheaval… it means that room is being prepared for something amazing to happen. Resist nothing.
Choose to see everything merely as an opportunity to expand who you are. Never fear failure for it also has great beauty to share, and indeed, failure leads us to levels of potential that can never be discovered when things are flowing effortlessly. Trust the processes of life. You are safe, loved and supported each and every step of the way.
 

Consciousness

“Every act that you do unconsciously, you could also do consciously, and that makes a world of a difference.”

~Sadhguru~

To me, awakening has a very simplistic nature. We often call it a journey or a process; however, it is something that naturally happens to all of us. Consider that you awaken each day, (perhaps from a night filled with dreams or time spent quietly recharging) either gently drifting upward back into consciousness or abruptly from sounds around you. Both ultimately lead to waking.

Now, the mind will often tell you that you’re far away from being a conscious, enlightened being. It will continually lead you to the next thing to try… the next teaching or book or mediation. And they’ll work for a while, until the mind pulls you back into the dream by planting the idea that something is still missing.

I tell you this. You have all that you need. This moment can be approached with consciousness. You can be non-reactive. You can choose to be kind to yourself and others. You can appreciate the scents and sights around you and absolutely thrive in this human experiment. Consider it. Just be here now and you will see.

There is Joy

“Laughter is wine for the soul – laughter soft, or loud and deep, tinged through with seriousness – the hilarious declaration made by man that life is worth living.”

~Sean O’Casey~

Each of us has the capability to create moments of joy throughout our expression of consciousness. In the midst of darkness, there is light. Countless opportunities to spark laughter reside within the various absurdities of life. The weight of expectation or desire dissolves within shared mirth. Celebrate those who bring a lighter point of view to our collective experience. Their unique perceptions open pathways to new areas of the subconscious.

Seek to fill your experience with countless tiny moments of joy rather than seeking to attain one particular goal. When we enter the field of awareness with humility and a sense of adventure, we open floodgates of energy that inspire, amplify and awaken, simplifying our journey.

Joy and peacefulness go and in hand. Approach life with a sense of wonder and for you, life will be transformed into something magical and  extraordinary. One spark of awareness can change everything.

What Bees Teach

“Bees do have a smell, you know, and if they don’t they should, for their feet are dusted with spices from a million flowers.”

~Ray Bradbury~

I enjoy beginning each day in gratitude and laughter, honoring the perfection of the changing seasons… Lately, the blooming trees and flowers tell me that spring has arrived. I often pause throughout my walk to appreciate the colors, listen to the soft drone of bees, delight in the antics of birds and bunnies and squirrels as clouds paint pictures in the sky.

Life is a conversation with the Divine. We can choose to be open and receptive or caught up in thought. It’s interesting to notice how often the ego seeks to distract us from simple pleasures. Bees teach us to love our work, to do what is best for our collective experience and are a consistent reminder that the smallest things are often the most important.

Choose to immerse yourself in wonder. Find your own pathway through life’s magic and deeply engage with the power of the present moment. From there, any action you take will hold powerful intention and passion. You are one with everything.

The Measure of Happiness

“I have had more than half a century of such happiness. A great deal of worry and sorrow, too, but never a worry or a sorrow that was not offset by a purple iris, a lark, a bluebird, or a dewy morning glory.”

~Mary McLeod Bethune~

There are many ways to navigate through life and each journey is unique. Our varied experiences lead us through expanding levels of consciousness and this long, amazing journey weaves through everything that this world has to offer. The point of our sojourn on earth is to facilitate spiritual wisdom that is obtained through the illusion of separation. Throughout our many lifetimes we explore the highs and lows of human experience.

Those who are ready to choose peace often find joy in the simple things while cultivating their innate ability to step into the power of the present moment. If there is any dis-ease in your experience, observe your level of judgment, attachment or the need to fight against what is. In this moment, you can handle what is in front of you. In this moment you can dive deeper in anything that brings you joy.

Enlightenment occurs when we can recognize the contrasting polarities of all experience as sacred. Having compassion and empathy for those still caught in the illusion, we embrace the whole without judgment. This creates space in which transformation can occur.

Willing to Receive

“The true path to happiness requires our openhearted attention to the exact things that seem to block our way to it.”

~Ezra Bayda~

Happiness is a choice. Rather than embracing fear or becoming lost in complacency, purposely seek joy in the present moment and reengage life’s magic.

When you realize that the ego is running old scripts – getting lost in ideas of this will never change or what’s the use? – place all of your attention upon it. Operating from healthy awareness, you may discover how much the ego would rather be right than be happy. Self fulfilling prophesies strengthen the original story, idea or imprint. When others attempt to offer a different perspective, the mind will often reject it out-of-hand rather than risk being wrong.

Happiness exists in the midst of contrast. We can mourn a loss while appreciating the beauty of the sunrise. By taking responsibility for our state of consciousness in the present moment and choosing happiness in the Now, we set the stage for life to rise up and meet us where we are. Be willing to accept healing in wherever form it may arrive. You choose the filter through which you create your perception of life.

Celebrate the Day

“Wisdom is knowing I am nothing, love is knowing that I am everything, and between the two my life moves.”

~Nisargadatta~

You bring something beautiful to the world that will never be seen again.

When you are able to share your gifts with the world, something amazing happens… People respond to your authenticity. They seek to interact because your energy is uplifting and together, you become part of the dance of awakening.

In every moment we have a choice: to participate or to be the observer. Participation allows you to discover the various nuances of life in a way that observation cannot. Taste, see, touch, feel, hear. Immerse yourself in the beautiful experience of rising consciousness. Your loving energy is an integral aspect of our collective awakening.

There will be moments when you choose to rest in the stillness of infinite possibility. These pauses are also necessary and help to keep you balanced. Peacefulness, when combined with a sense of adventure and humor, provides the foundation for your spirit to thrive throughout your human experience.

See yourself as an explorer in the midst of discovery. Rather than wishing others would awaken, help them to awaken. Your life is your message.