Tag Archives: #Presence

Duck Medicine

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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.

Ego and Gossip

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“If you propose to speak, always ask yourself, is it true, is it necessary, is it kind?”

~Buddha~

Observe how the ego reacts when you find yourself immersed in a story that is unfolding. Likely, the voice of ego will be clamoring to share it with someone. Why? It’s interesting to watch how the mind reacts when you consciously choose to say nothing or remain neutral in situations while others are lost in comparison, blame or schadenfreude.

Keep in mind that triggers or emotional reactivity are typically a result of some sort of reflection, deflection or projection. When one is lost in gossip or accusation, their words often speak volumes about their own struggles and wounds. Focusing energy outward is a powerful distraction. As long as the ego can see something “wrong” in another, it is too busy to look within to do the work of healing.

Presence calls upon us to be mindful. Pay attention to what you choose to say today. Is it helpful, uplifting or supportive? The light of your awareness is transformative and will help you to see through the mechanisms of the mind with greater clarity. Once you remove gossip and opinion from your own narrative, you will enter the realm of empowered presence. It is there that peacefulness resides.

Living in Presence

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“When you go in, you touch a new kind of silence – the presence of silence itself. It is not only an absence of noise, it is something absolutely positive, almost visible, tangible.”  

~Osho~

 

Observe the stillness that exists between thoughts. Throughout the day, pause before you choose to reach for your phone to pass the time. Instead of ‘checking in’ with the world around you, simply go within and be still. Observe the body, slow your breathing and listen. Enter Zen from where you are.

 

The mind’s habitual pattern is to stay busy, jumping from one thought to the next, finding something that needs to be done or filling the gaps with mindless activity such as watching television. It’s healthy to periodically break the pattern and move into stillness. Find the gaps in your experience and utilize those moments of deep connection.

 

Once you step into stillness, you’ll notice that time slows down. As you create a deeper sense of balance and presence, you’ll bring that positive energy into the activities in which you decide to participate. Part of our spiritual journey is to bring the beautiful connection with the Now into our human experience. You are the bridge between the spiritual and the mundane.

Awareness, Presence, Transformation

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“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.

The Nature of Change

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Something beautiful happens when we embark upon the winds of change. Fresh experiences require greater attention and awareness and break us free from habitual patterns. In the process of discovery, we can explore the magic of new beginnings.

It’s helpful to have a blend of consistent practice and mindful exploration. As you cultivate the understanding that all things work toward your highest good, it’s easier to flow with change when it occurs. The experiences of your life have already shown the depths of your strength, planted seeds for growth and pivoted your direction, when required.

Reside in the fullness of what is. You are consistently engaged in the process of transformation and it’s important to release that which no longer serves your growth. Clinging to the knowns of the past will create discomfort.

When going through a painful transition, losing a loved one or facing uncertainty, the ego will respond through the intellect of the mind saying, “Stop, you are standing on the abyss, it’s not safe, we don’t know what awaits.” Conversely, the soul asks you to trust that you are supported. By gathering your courage and taking one more conscious step forward, you enter the realms of infinite possibility where miracles dwell.

Forgiveness Empowers

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“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

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“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

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“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

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“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.

The Beauty of Silence

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“Learn to be silent. Let your quiet mind listen and absorb.”

~Pythagoras~

We do not need to add more knowledge or new beliefs. It’s far more powerful to learn to rise above the antics of the mind into a place where we can commune with the Divine. We need to experience more wonder and more awe at the beauty that surrounds us. The minds’ noise can sometimes become a wall that closes us off from the miracle of the present moment.

There is a great depth of spaciousness which resides within you. Step into the silence and see if you can sense the infinite wellspring of potential that is waiting to be discovered.

Learn to be loving in your silence, otherwise your silence will become filled with closed-off energy that is helpful to no one. Love is only possible when you are fearless and exists in the absence of judgment. Simply breathe in the truth of your light, feel a smile of gratitude and observe. Bring healing and grace into your life situation by falling madly in love with life itself.