What Perception Reveals

“No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.”
~Ansel Adams~
As we awaken, our perceptions are transformed. Consciousness expands and our vision becomes all-encompassing as we benefit from our varied experiences. It doesn’t matter what you believe or where you derive your inspiration. All that matters is your level of consciousness.
Each of us sees the world through our own unique filter. The ego then attaches to a perception, labeling it as “right” and will fight to the death to defend it. When one does not do their own work – healing emotional wounds, addressing their shadow self, accepting responsibility for their life experience – they try to get others to change in order to feel more secure.
Over time, the awakening soul creates a sacred space of balance and empowerment. This inner peace cultivates the ability to accept others unconditionally and feels no fear when faced by those who see the world differently.
Your interpretation of life reveals who you are. For those caught in the lower levels of shame, fear, hatred, pride and judgment, life is a frightening place indeed. The realm of empowerment is expressed through courage, willingness, acceptance, love and joy. Your spirit seeks to explore these beautiful levels of awareness.

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.

Whispers of Wisdom

“Open the bloom of your heart and become a gift of beauty to the world.”
~Bryant McGill~

Simple things matter. Small acts of kindness can change situations in powerful ways. When we choose to live gently, we discover that our sojourn is filled with majestic spaces. Instead of rushing from one thing to another, one person to another, solving problems or acquiring more, we have the capacity to hear the whispers of wisdom.

Consciously create quiet space in your experience. The world is a sanctuary that is overlooked all too often because of our focus on the mundane. Today, seek to bring gentleness to your life situation, whatever it is, and treat yourself well.

In the stillness we can slow down and experience the fullness of life itself. You can step into the inner sanctum of the Divine, drink deeply of peace and bring that sacred energy into the present moment.

Embody Peacefulness

“You find peace not by rearranging the circumstances of your life, but by realizing who you are at the deepest level.”
~Eckhart Tolle~
You have the ability to create peace in your experience right now. Rather than seeking it, embody it. Let peacefulness inform every aspect of your life. When walking, be at peace with the earth, the sunshine and the wind. Appreciate the birdsong, the scents that arise or the feel of your body as it moves through the world. It may sound simple, but it’s amazing how often one can can get caught in up in their thoughts or worries and bemoan the fact that they are unhappy.
When we cultivate the ability to see through the mechanisms of the mind, we discover the myriad distractions that consistently attempt to block awareness of the beauty that surrounds us. Fortunately, this is in your control. Your awareness begins the process of transformation. The expansion of consciousness brings new depth into your experience. Should you notice a tendency to complain, gossip, worry or replay challenging situations in order to create a solution, shift instead to finding peace in the present moment. Then, allow your peacefulness to be the foundation of whatever movement you deem necessary. Operating from a higher perspective ensures that you will see more clearly.

Nurturing the Soul

“A sacred wandering awakens you. It connects you to your authentic self. It can empower you to find your voice. To enlarge your vision. To nurture your soul. To create healthy boundaries. To bravely try something new.”
~Dana Arcuri~

Remember to create space throughout each day to nurture your soul. Little moments of peace, solitude or laughter can transform your experience from reactivity to empowerment. Through trial and error we discover what enriches us. Only we can choose to make self-nurturing a priority. Don’t expect others to instinctively know what your soul needs in order to shine, but do embody it consistently so others can witness the best aspects of who you are.

Sometimes people will come in who mindlessly overstep boundaries. Unconsciousness creates psychic vampirism that may drag down your energy, leaving you tired and head-achy. View these souls as teachers who create situations that allow you to become clear about your needs while providing an opportunity to be concise and consistent with your words and actions.

Utilizing clearly defined, loving boundaries, you can create a unique way of being in the world. Then, the energy and time you share will be pure and have a lasting impact on those around you.

 

 

Stillness

“The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart. The most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace.”
~Carlos Santana~

The gift of stillness is immeasurable. When we can engage life with an open heart, we create space where a transformation can occur. There will always be opportunities to practice being present amidst the cacophony of experience; therefore, it’s helpful to periodically do things that nurture your spirit. Conscious, deep breathing is a wonderful place to begin.

Seek to be an authentic example of the love, light and laughter of the universe. Your expression of the divine is unique and necessary for our collective growth and the greatest gift you can share is your peaceful energy.

Utilize gratitude to open a connection to your inner knowledge and ability to listen. Your appreciation sparks joy and allows wisdom to speak quietly in the stillness. As your consciousness expands, your interactions will become more meaningful and healing.

You bring something beautiful to the world.

 

The Portal

“The way of the miracle-worker is to see all human behavior as one of two things: either love, or a call for love.”
~Marianne Williamson~

Love seeks expression through you. Each of us is a conduit through which Divine energy flows and our task is to create a clear pathway. Within the physical illusion our true spiritual nature becomes convoluted by childhood imprinting, beliefs, expectations and the ego-driven need to identify with the role we play rather than with the essence of the soul.

You will draw in the people, circumstances and experiences that best serve your growth. Acceptance and awareness begin the process of expansion. Your conscious interpretation and willingness to learn opens the doorway to greater insight and development. This process will continue until you are simply a consistent source of love, no matter what unfolds in your experience.

Immerse yourself deeply within the Now. Let your loving heart awaken so that you may see only the soul of the other and learn something extraordinary about life and about yourself. With compassionate detachment we can offer empathy, take right action or be a consistent source of peace. The key is simply to bring loving awareness to the present moment.

Abundance

“Instructions for living a life.
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.”
~Mary Oliver~

Many associate abundance with material wealth or physical items; however, abundance is the feeling of having more than you need. It’s not surprising that the word ‘dance’ is contained within it, for when we feel abundant, on many levels we dance through life with enthusiasm. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Nothing great has ever been achieved without enthusiasm.”

Enthusiasm is deeply aligned with the present moment which is the source of it’s joy and power – it needs nothing because it lacks nothing. Joy is not a result of what we do, but is an energy that flows through us into what we do. This happiness creates expansion and positive change which becomes the motivating factor behind life itself.
Most people misunderstand the purpose of life. They strive and suffer and often die never having lived at all. Miracles are happening all around us – in every moment – and the universe is consistently expanding, evolving, transforming and flowering with incredible speed. The purpose of life is to love, enjoy, share and learn.

Live multi-dimensionally. Appreciate art, nature, one another, yourself and all that has yet to be experienced. Abundance is an expanded state of being.

Inner Freedom

“I don’t mind what happens. That is the essence of inner freedom.
It is a timeless spiritual truth: release attachment to outcomes,
deep inside yourself, you’ll feel good no matter what.”
Jiddu Krishnamurti

Have you ever been overwhelmed by a beautiful day? Have you allowed yourself to sit and just be, appreciated the breeze as it touched your skin or loved a moment of stillness in the midst of a busy world? That is reality. That sense of wonder which connects you to life is available in every situation. Underneath the chaos of the mind lies an eternal reservoir of grace that you can drink from anytime you wish.

The light of your consciousness transforms whatever it shines upon. Periodically take a moment to bring your attention to the Now and reside fully within it. Even the most mundane aspects of life will sparkle with brilliance and you will be able to recognize the sacredness of your own divinity.

This moment provides a wonderful new opportunity to see yourself clearly. Bask in the radiance of the light which shines through you. You are love in motion.

 

Healing Waters

“As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can.”
~John Muir~
Stillness is a wonderful way to bring yourself back into balance. Wherever you are, access Presence by quieting the mind and be attentive to the world around you. Just listen without judgment or interpretation and enter Zen from there. This moment can be transformative if you allow it to be.
The language of life is a vibrant expression of love and possibility. Each of us plays an integral role in our collective symphony and we have much to learn from one another. Empowerment is taking conscious responsibility for how we choose to be in the world – how we respond, participate, create or grow.
There is an aspect of you that quietly waits, a gentleness that knows no limitation. The ancient axiom “Know Thyself” is a reminder to seek peace and potential within. There is a fathomless, inner dimension that awaits discovery. Nothing matters more than your state of consciousness in this moment.