Enjoy, Simplify, Love, Be

“If you are simple deeply simple in yourself you will discover something extraordinary.”
~Jiddu Krishnamurti~

Sometimes life’s beauty gets lost in the details of being too busy. We run from one problem to the next, always searching for something to fix. This is not to say that we should ignore life’s challenges, but the key to happiness is in how we approach them.

There are many ways to bring joy into your experience. Appreciation adds flavor and texture to the journey. Within the souls desire to awaken there is a spark of love that seeks expression. Quiet the mind and go deeply into the Now. Be present with what is. In the stillness we can tap into the heartbeat of sacred mother earth.

What you place your focus upon grows stronger in your life; therefore, be mindful of how you utilize your energy. See if you can enjoy the dance within the flow between the sacred and the mundane. Your unique physical experience ultimately facilitates the awareness that is arising within you.

Approach life with a sense of wonder and for you, life will be transformed into something magical, extraordinary. This expanded perception adds something beautiful into the world.

What We Create

This moment is precious. As I stepped outside for my Gratitude Walk, I was greeted by the stillness of a cloudy, quiet morning. I watched as the sky lightened and felt the living texture of infinite possibility that awaits my discovery. This feeling and openness creates a peaceful and powerful flow of energy. It is one that I purposely seek often and it sets the tone for my daily experience.

The only thing that exists is the Now – don’t allow yourself to destroy its potential by the worry created by the shadows of the mind. See yourself walking forward in joy and expectation and simply take one more step. Fear dissipates through conscious action – we discover new things, gain greater clarity and cultivate the discernment which allows us to see through the stories of the ego.

Find your inspiration and in the stillness, connect to the Universe. Seek out people and moments which resonate with this infinite connection and come home to yourself. The energy of the Divine is yours to experience in any way that you wish. In a changeable world filled with limitless nuances to discover, this connection remains constant. Once you quiet the old patterns of thought and release the stories of the past, you may recognize how to create transformation in your life – the answer is often right there in front of you.

The Awakened Life

“Looking with a mind that’s awake reveals the shimmering pulse of life. Looking with a mind full of thoughts reveals only your thoughts.”
~Ezra Bayda~

We are all masters in the process of awakening. Even though we have the same ultimate purpose, our paths to enlightenment are unique. Once you discover what inspires you, find ways to weave it into your daily experience. Create your own mindful rituals that set the stage for greater awareness.

Consciousness seeks to express itself through you. In order to fully experience the present moment, it’s helpful to periodically set aside the mundane and choose to walk in the world with a sense of wonder.

This vision quest offers limitless nuances to explore, infinite facets of light and energy that dance in joy at the prospect of your awakening. All of life conspires to assist you on the journey.

There is nothing more important than your state of consciousness in this moment. Sometimes it’s enough to close the eyes, breathe slowly and deeply and simply go inward. Sense the vastness of possibility within you and visualize an expansion of your energy with each exhale. These little moments of restorative peace can bring you back into balance.

 

 

Messages in the Now

“Spirituality is not adopting more beliefs and assumptions but uncovering the best in you.”
~Amit Ray~
When you choose to really pay attention, you’ll discover that messages are everywhere. It’s an interesting process to observe the flow of experience, see what repeats or leaves a lasting impression, and then research various spiritual interpretations. Inner wisdom subtly seeks to make itself known through reflections that capture our attention.
Your life experience is a loving, constant and evolving conversation with the Divine. Let yourself be inspired. The movement of awakening can take many forms and ultimately you will discover the way that is most appropriate for you.
Likewise, consciously living your truth and being fully present may allow you to be a conduit for messages to come through for other people. We are mirrors for one another, each playing our role to perfection. As we rise above the ego, the messages that come through become more pure.
Others may come to you for advice. Should you notice yourself giving similar encouragement or insight throughout the day, realize that the information is actually for you. The universe will often send the perfect person to provide an opportunity for you to recognize your own wisdom.

Presence

“There is only one perpetrator of evil on the planet: human unconsciousness. That realization is true forgiveness. With forgiveness, your victim identity dissolves, and your true power emerges–the power of Presence. Instead of blaming the darkness, you bring in the light.”
~Eckhart Tolle~
Allow this moment to be the most transformative of your life.

The way to experience life fully is to bring your complete awareness to what is unfolding right now. This is the moment of transformation. Observe your thoughts and actions. Are they allowing you to be fully present with the experience or are they projected toward some future moment or desire?

When you focus your awareness on the Now, you’ll discover that you are right where you need to be. The lessons unfolding are perfect for the souls development and through complete acceptance, joy begins to expand throughout every aspect of your life. Embrace what is. You have chosen these experiences for the express purpose of accelerating your spiritual growth.

Take brief, frequent pauses often throughout the day to check your state of consciousness. 30 seconds of mindful breathing can help to align you with the present moment. Within the ebb and flow of life, you can choose to create a foundation of calmness, peace and empowerment,  the natural by-products of acceptance.

Honoring the Sacred

“Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.”
~Khalil Gibran~
In each life there comes at least one moment which, if recognized and seized, transforms the course of that life forever. The awakening spirit brings a vitality of consciousness into each and every moment. When we approach life with the intention of honoring the sacred, the Divine is able to make itself known in miraculous ways.
Every path is unique. There is no guaranteed road-map to enlightenment; however, as you delve into the infinite, your path will certainly make itself known. Wisdom comes through exploration. Practice generosity, sharing mind, body and spirit without reservation or expectation and you will open portals of new experience.
Bring a sense of inner awareness to this moment and you will discover that the rising of consciousness changes how you view the world. The journey is a sacred place and by honoring the Now, we consciously move through the beautiful landscape of our souls awakening. Whenever you enter periods of movement and change, embrace the experience with a sense of adventure and discovery. This is your pilgrimage.

Explore the Mystery

“Christian, Jew, Muslim, shaman, Zoroastrian, stone, ground, mountain, river, each has a secret way of being with the mystery, unique and not to be judged.”
~Rumi~
Look beyond the role you play. Look beyond the physical appearance you have chosen. See beyond the stories of the mind. Breathe in the breath of life… slowly, mindfully, sacredly… and just be. Bask in the radiance of present moment. When you can quiet the mind, you can begin to tap into the infinite potential of the Divine.
You are an infinite being. There are endless facets for you to explore, worlds to experience, levels of consciousness to discover. The role that you play in this lifetime is simply that – a role that is utilized as just another way for you explore the contrasts and perceived separation this planet has to offer.
When you quiet the mind, it becomes possible to merge with the energies of the sky, a tree, the ocean or music. Allow yourself to enter the realms of limitless possibility, if only for a moment. Visualize that each breath you take draws in the love, light and laughter of the Universe while each exhale causes the barriers of the mind to dissipate.
Just be. Explore Oneness with the world around you. The more expansive your vision, the more able you’ll be to see beyond the roles and limited perception of others.

Imagine

Take a deep slow breath, close your eyes and imagine a life that is filled with loving messages from the Divine.

Imagine that you are safe, that you can feel the healing powers of the earth with each and every step you take.

Imagine that you are surrounded by love and that you can easily recognize and understand the messages from the Divine in the world around you.

Imagine that there are no wrong choices. Each path simply leads to a different type of experience – any of which will lead you exactly where you need to be in order to learn and grow.

Imagine that it is easier than ever before to be present. See yourself basking in the beauty of a day filled with unlimited possibility and discovery and that you can walk forward in faith that all is well.

Imagine that you feel healed, supported, empowered and joyful.

And finally, realize that whatever you have imagined already exists and is available to you. You can live this truth Now.

Your Role in the World

“It’s no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.”
~Jiddu Krishnamurti~

We are all deeply connected. This planet offers a playground of experience and it doesn’t really matter what you choose to believe. Humans tend to adopt ego-driven ideas and then fight to the death to defend them. Contrasting beliefs are a distraction that pull us into conflict with one another. The only thing that ultimately matters is your level of consciousness.

Our role, as souls seeking to awaken, is to do our own work, to rise above the minutia of the mind, free ourselves from limiting beliefs, heal our wounds (both personal and collective) and hold space for those around us so that they can do the same.

Before you speak, ask yourself if what you want to say is loving, beneficial or supportive. Always focus on what you’d like to create rather than what you perceive as wrong. Conscious adjustments in our words and thoughts can initiate transformative energy with laser-like focus.

So, simply pay attention to what you put out into the world. Are you adding to imbalance, anger and dysfunction through reactivity or can you rise above? Your willingness to take ownership of your own state of consciousness allows your light to shine like a beacon in the darkness. You are an inspiration to those who cross your path. Begin Now.

Loving-Kindness Meditation

Loving-Kindness Meditation
(from the book Beyond Happiness by Ezra Bayda)

Using conscious breath, draw your attention to the present moment. Think of someone you have positive feelings for and breathe them in to the heart chakra. This activates your innate loving-kindness. As you continue with slow, conscious breaths stay with each line below for a few breaths each. Visualize radiant energy expanding outward…

To Oneself
Breathing in, dwelling in the heart.
Breathing out, extending loving-kindness to myself, exactly as I am right now.

Breathing in, dwelling in the heart.
Breathing out, there’s no one special to be.

Breathing in, dwelling in the heart.
Breathing out, just being.

To Another
Breathing (name) in,
May you dwell in the heart.

Breathing (name) in,
May you be healed in your difficulties.

Breathing (name) in,
May your heart be open to others.

To Everyone
Breathing everyone in,
May you dwell in the heart.

Breathing everyone in,
May you be healed in your difficulties.

Breathing everyone in,
May your hearts be open to others.

Breathing in, dwelling in the heart.

Nurturing the art of loving-kindness cultivates a foundation of peaceful contentment. You can walk through the world in a way that is empowered and healthy, and this simple mediation is just one way to consciously align yourself with the Now. Realize on the deepest level that you are a channel through which limitless love can flow.