Personal Realization

Life is an adventure to be lived. Sometimes we walk fearfully through the shadows, we face our dragons and push forward with a sense of trust. The light up ahead beckons us and often we are drawn by a sense of wonder into the unknown. In order to live the life of your dreams, you must begin living it now – from where you are, with what you have. The smallest steps forward can become the biggest adventures.

Truth is a personal realization – what’s true for you is a unique by-product of the journey you have chosen to walk. There are no guarantees and while we can sometimes feel lost along the way, it’s the search that helps us to grow. Be willing to take risks and stretch out of your comfort zone – there are no limits to the qualities you will discover within yourself.

Human nature is to cling to what’s familiar, even if it’s painful, restrictive or boring. And what is it that chooses the known over the unknown? The mind. Stories based upon fear cause procrastination or outright stagnation. Life is an adventure. Invite new experiences in, find different things to explore and leave the past behind.

Creativity

“True creativity flows only from stillness. When stillness becomes conscious, the spiritual dimension enters your life and you begin to be guided by an intelligence far greater than the human mind.” 
~Eckhart Tolle~ 
Practice getting out of your head and let yourself be totally immersed in whatever you choose to do. When you bring a creative component to your actions, you become a channel for white light and higher consciousness. Imagine the difference between one who agonizes over a recipe, determined to get it totally right, stressing throughout the process and one who tastes and explores, dancing around the kitchen, enjoying the act of creating. What type of energy is being channeled into the food?
Art is your singular expression. Whether writing in a journal, painting, creating music, decorating your home or finding your unique style, releasing ego opens you as a conduit for divine inspiration.
Expression is the basis for transformation. You may wish to create (or renew) a sacred space in your home. Fill it with anything that inspires you and just sit with the energy. Don’t think – just be… then, bring that higher state of awareness and peacefulness into your day.

Protection

“If you understand it, the world is a great device to make you conscious. Your enemy is your friend, and the curses are blessings, and the misfortunes can be turned into fortunes. It depends only on one thing: if you know the key of awareness.”
~Osho
~

This planet is a playground of discovery. As we journeyed through illusion we came to believe only in what we saw and forgot that there are layers of love and protection all around us. Eventually, challenges prompted the process of self-examination. Seeking greater awareness, we drop the layers of illusion until finally, all that remains is love and joy.

It is safe for you to act from the heart and allow circumstances to unfold as they will. Navigating our way through the unknown cultivates the ability to have faith during times of indecision. We are called upon to act with courage and integrity in the present moment and trust that whatever unfolds is working toward the highest good of all involved.

Remind yourself often that all of life is conspiring on your behalf. Seek only to bring the best version of yourself to your choices and interactions. As you awaken, you’ll discover that the challenges you face seem more manageable. Reactivity will decrease and a sense of safety will be the grounding force for all that you experience.

Celebration

“Celebration is a thankfulness; it is prayer that comes out of gratitude. It is the recognition of the gift that has been given to us… it is understanding. It is overflowing love for the existence that has done so much for us.”

~Osho~

There is no need to wait for a reason to be joyful. Honor this moment through laughter and playfulness and bring a gentle awareness to the perfection of your life. The ego-mind creates heaviness that distracts us from enjoying the present moment. It may tell you that things are not good enough, that you are not yet good enough or that there’s too much to be done… there’s no time to be silly or frivolous. Consider that the ego’s job is to teach through contrast; therefore, choosing to purposely explore the opposite of it’s serious inclination is a good use of your energy.

Those who know how to celebrate life also know the joys of working hard, and loving deeply. They bring an empowered, meditative quality to the present moment rather than being lost in thought. See if you can recognize the sacredness in the ordinary. All that you seek is within you. All of existence responds to the wonder of your light.

Delay

“The journey between what you once were and who you are now becoming is where the dance of life really takes place.”
~Barbara DeAngelis~

There are times when we face obstacles in our path. These moments call upon us to view our challenges in a new way. Whether we pause, think differently or discover a new perspective, the delay transforms into a teacher. Typically, the ego gets impatient, prompting immediate action; however, the best approach often begins with mindfulness and observation.

The challenges, difficulties and delays that we encounter allow us to discover the strength we have within ourselves. Each time we rise above the stories of the mind and take conscious, decisive action, we release a layer of doubt. Over the course of a lifetime, the successes and breakthroughs we experience create new paradigms.

When things are easy we don’t search for answers, seek assistance or take the time to examine limiting beliefs. The gifts that life brings us are often wrapped in challenging situations. Knowing this can shift how you view obstacles – they are not impediments on your journey, they are the journey. As you awaken, you will experience less drama and handle challenges with insight and empowerment.

 

Passion and Courage

“Let your courage be your driver, and let your passion be your road to enjoy this magnificent life to the fullest.”

~Debasish Mridha~

Let your life be a passionate expression of joy. The ego creates stories to convince you that you cannot be at peace now because of unrealized goals or past disappointments. The awakening spirit learns to reside fully in the present moment, discovering that joy is only possible Now.

This moment is the field of energy in which life is experienced. What are you choosing right now? The secret of all success and happiness is being one with life.

The light of awareness within you seeks only to experience this moment – fully, passionately, joyfully. That experience is blocked when one that believes that happiness is dependent upon what happens. This erroneous belief causes us to miss the deeper perfection that lies beyond the world of form.

Joy does not happen to you or come to you… it exists within you and is expressed through you. Your role as a spiritual seeker is to bring passion for life into this moment. No matter what you choose to do, do it mindfully. Approach the present moment with joy, acceptance and enthusiasm and see where you are led.

Be Peace

“If you understand it, the world is a great device to make you more conscious. Your enemy is your friend, and the curses are blessings, and the misfortunes can be turned into fortunes. It depends only on one thing: If you know the key of awareness.”
~Osho~

You have chosen to follow a path of awakening in a time when many still live in darkness and confusion. More than ever before, it’s important to focus on staying balanced – even in the midst of upheaval – so that you can bring light to the world.

A peaceful heart is created by a peaceful mind. Quieting the ego is a life-long process; however, it is one that has the potential to set you free from the turbulence that plagues so many. Since your perception of the world is a reflection of your inner state of consciousness, your experiences will become more peaceful.

All that unfolds happens for you, not to you. Your life situation provides the opportunity to refine and utilize the spiritual tools you have been cultivating. It allows you to apply your inner wisdom in various scenarios until it becomes the integral aspect of your response to life.

Trust

“Trust is yes. Knowing that this existence is our mother, that nature is our source and it can’t be against us. It can’t be inimical to us. Seeing this, understanding this, trust arises.”

~Osho~ 

Life, by it’s very nature, is constantly evolving, transforming and uncontrollable. Our role in this process is to learn how to recognize and step into the flow of energy, rather than fight against it. Our human perception is very narrow and to think that we can plan and rationalize the world around us accurately is laughable.

A higher source of truth moves through you. When the focus is on creating balance in your experience and detachment from the mechanisms of the ego-mind, you can trust the processes of life knowing that you are guided, protected and loved each and every step of the way. This is not to say that challenges won’t arise – it only means that there is always a purpose to the challenges we face and trust keeps us from moving into resistance.

The key is learning how to trust even when you feel doubt. Do not wait for the doubt to disappear; instead, realize that trust absorbs doubt and transforms it into empowerment. Act from the heart and allow life to unfold as it will.

Transforming Impatience

“Patience is very alert, patience is very active, patience is very expectant.”
~Osho~

Impatience is a by-product of our society, a mental construct that says there’s not enough time, I may miss out. It is created by an overactive mind and blocks all enjoyment of the present moment. Very quickly, impatience can turn into martyrdom. When someone feels thwarted, there is often a “Why me?” response.

When you notice impatience rising within you, choose instead to slow down, pay attention and bring your awareness deeply into the Now. Then, breathe, make your decision, take action and create change with a peaceful state of mind. All fear patterns can be transformed into personal power.

It’s important not to rush your spiritual development. This can cause you to pretend that you have advanced without doing the required work. The triggers still lie beneath the surface ready to disrupt your momentum.

We live in an infinite universe. Patience strengthens your capacity to relate to life from the higher levels of consciousness rather than the ego-driven desire of false personality. Practice utilizing silence and moving slowly. There is enough time. Mindful action ensures that the more patient you are, the more you will accomplish.

Awareness

Awareness is awakening within you. Layer by layer you are removing the illusions that hinder your vision. As your inner wisdom becomes more apparent, life becomes simple. When you know yourself, understand your purpose and consciously choose to be less ego-driven, you are evolving into a Buddha.

The picture above was taken during my gratitude walk. It’s amazing how a simple sunrise can amplify the peace within. The daily flow of energy had not quite begun and I was consciously able to appreciate the stillness, bundled up against the chill. In that stillness, I became aware of the inner vitality of my body and quietly expressed my gratitude and appreciation for the vehicle that I am using in this lifetime. That moment of gratitude then led me down several pathways (as it always does) and each step transformed into a loving conversation with the Divine.

No matter how you choose to access your inner awareness, remember that feeling! Revisit it several times throughout the day and reengage with the light that seeks expression through you. Then life can be as it is, with its various joys and challenges, its laughter and tears. And you will walk gently in the world.