Celebrating Our Differences

“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in our philosophy.”

~William Shakespeare~

We have much to learn from one another. While it may feel more comfortable to reinforce beliefs with like-minded people, we achieve far greater strength through understanding various points of view. This calls upon us to cultivate humility and wonder as we boldly engage with life. There is always something new to discover.

Ultimately, understanding leads to greater compassion and acceptance. As we learn to celebrate our differences, we expand our perception and integrate the new. You are a unique, ever-evolving expression of the Divine, seeking to awaken.

Over the course of a life we are impacted by many sources and experiences. As the energies blend, they delicately permeate the whole and something new emerges. The synergy is greater than its parts.

Begin within. When you step into the fullness of who you are you will feel safer while exploring the unknown. Honor each path as sacred. Be a source of Presence and learn what you will. The gift of greater consciousness awaits when you live with an open heart. Contrast leads to discovery. Humility leads to wisdom. Laughter leads to love.

Perfection in the Imperfection

“To become a great teacher, one must become a teaching.”
~Gabrielle Roth~
In the midst of chaos and confusion, all is well. When things fall apart, there is an opportunity to release expectation and focus on doing our best in the present moment. Cultivate the art of being at ease during unexpected circumstances.
Can you see it? Can you look at a seed and see it’s perfection, it’s potential? Encased in a protective shell until it’s ready to sprout, the seed carries the potential of growth – not only of the one sprouting, but of the many, many plants that will evolve from it.
The spiritual seeker can bring this same light to those with whom they interact. Is the person in front of you a seed full of potential, a flower in bloom or decline or ready to nurture the energy of the future? All aspects are natural and part of the perfection of the process of growth.
Choose to find the perfection in the imperfection. See the value of everything and how it may serve our unfolding journey. When we honor all things as sacred, we tend to experience greater peace, compassion and acceptance. What a wonderful place to reside.

Finding Joy in the Little Things

“To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter. To be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird’s nest or a wildflower in spring – these are some of the rewards of the simple life.”

~John Burroughs~

We can choose to engage with the world around us in a way that is immersive and complete. Playfulness and joy are states of being. They cannot be traveled to, purchased or mapped out. They arise from simply being fully present in the Now. Make the conscious choice to find the sacred in the mundane.

Should you find yourself being too serious, go back to basics. Utilize gratitude as a way to shift your energy higher. Enjoy the little things – the way sunlight sparkles through a drop of dew, how the clouds move across the sky making pictures in a constant state of transition, the smile of a dog… it all comes down to what you choose to amplify with your attention.

Your joy creates a state of wholeness. From there, life becomes friendly and playful, a loving reflection of your true infinite nature.

Your State of Consciousness

Yesterday, while walking through a parking lot, a lady in an electric vehicle began to pull out without noticing my husband and me. We stopped, laughed and commented that because her car was so quiet we didn’t realize that she was getting ready to back out. So we stopped for a moment, no big deal.

Just then, another person walked up on our left and began to verbally berate the driver for being oblivious. She was fairly hostile and the driver simply stopped, took the abuse quietly, looked down uncomfortably and paused before going on her way.

This was a quick example of how differing levels of consciousness impact our lives on a daily basis. One event can be experienced in myriad ways by those involved and this seemed a demonstration of several perceptions that were all accurate at varying levels. The facts were these: a driver made a minor error and no one was harmed. The flow of energy that I observed ran the gamut from humor and patience, to outrage and abuse, to shame and embarrassment.

A very basic interpretation would be that Dave and I were vibrating at the level of Neutrality, the abuser at the level of Anger and the driver at the level of Fear. Each level creates a filter through which we interpret our experiences. The lower levels might indicate that some self-karma was briefly at work.

We all seek greater awareness. This brief moment was a good reminder that we are all human. Every experience offers an opportunity to grow and learn from one another.

 

Ego and Gossip

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.

Beyond Illusion

Step into the stillness of the present moment. As awareness expands, consciousness arises. In this space of enlightenment it becomes possible to see through the illusions of this world to the love that connects us. The healing power of the heart is absolutely needed now as we spin down the rabbit hole, mired in opinions and judgment.

Don’t give up on one another. Our collective patterns will continue to repeat until enough of us break free from the illusion to shift the energy into a new cycle of experience. The slow, often subtle changes that we go through (both personal and collective) are part of our spiritual journey.

First, work on seeing yourself with clarity and acceptance. This will improve the filters you use to interpret the world. With your depth of understanding you can demonstrate a different way of being, one that is compassionate, empowered and heart-centered.

Humankind suffers from a denial of spirit and the only thing that will create change is a shift of consciousness. As we re-discover the interconnection of all things, our choices will reflect wisdom and clarity. Honor this moment as sacred by celebrating your journey through illusion to the truth of your heart.

Conscious Detachment

“Disappointment is always a reminder that you’re still attached to something. Take that disappointment as opportunity to investigate and awaken.”
~Ezra Bayda~

Detachment is not apathy. It emerges from a conscious decision to surrender control in a given situation. The trick is to discover how to simultaneously set desires in motion yet maintain detachment regarding how they manifest in your experience. Often, we get too focused on controlling the “hows” and therefore lose sight of the magic that fills our lives.

There’s nothing wrong with having preferences; however, when those preferences crystallize into requirements, we suffer. Love your life. Enjoy the journey and choose to leave room for the Universe to surprise you.

When your energy is no longer utilized in trying to plan and control the future, it frees you to become fully immersed in the present moment. The actions you choose to take will have greater grace and ease as you allow events to unfold.

When things are removed – attachments, ideas, mental demands – all that remains is pure consciousness. Passion is then transformed into compassion. The formless art of detachment teaches us gratitude, joy and wonder.

 

Anger is a Message

When caught in the grip of reactivity, anger or blame, it’s imperative to observe your inner dialogue. There are patterns of limiting behavior or beliefs bubbling up to the surface, ready for profound healing. Conscious awareness provides an opportunity to integrate messages from your higher self. Anger is only healthy when utilized as an springboard for self-transformation.

Whether directed inward or extended outward, anger is a waste of your precious energy. It causes the cells of the body to deteriorate, it creates a filter that taints everything you see and acts as a magnet, drawing in people and circumstances of similar low levels of consciousness.

The mind will tell you that you are right to be angry. It will keep old stories alive through repetition and seek those who strengthen the web around your heart by agreeing with you.

Like anything else, anger can be transformed into a powerful aspect of your spiritual growth. Mindfulness allows you to observe when it arises, recognize ideas and beliefs that need to be faced and pivot you toward a breakthrough.

See reactivity as a barometer which measures attachment. The ultimate goal is to experience the present moment as it is. The conscious observer walks quietly empowered through life, holds space, and uplifts those with whom they interact.

The Now

“When I find harmony and balance in my mind, I find it in my life.”
~Louise Hay~

When you immerse yourself within the Now, experiences take on a sacred quality. Your soul is always in the process of awakening and will naturally draw in the perfect situations and circumstances to fulfill its purpose. Are you able to view those who oppose you as your healing angels? Their job is to aid you on this journey by pushing you into greater awareness.

There are many wonders waiting to be discovered. The facets of your unique expression of the Divine sparkle by reflecting the light around you. Remember to be patient and gentle with yourself and allow the joy of the journey to be your guide.

The mental patterns and frustration of the human condition are nothing more than outmoded conditioning. The spiritual seeker breaks free from societal imprinting and chooses to live at a higher level of consciousness.

Loving yourself creates miracles in your life. Self-criticism has absolutely no value. When deeply rooted in the present moment, positive self-talk is extraordinarily powerful. Your thoughts dictate the energy you send out into the world. Create experiences that amplify connection, compassion and breakthrough.

The Sacred Quest

“When you enter a place of stillness, you awaken the divinity within you.”

~Peggy Sealfon~

To walk a conscious path is to live with greater purpose. Most people take the leap toward the unknown when life presents a challenge that forces them to grow; however, as an awakening soul, you can do this intentionally without waiting for life circumstances to force it upon you.

It’s time to rediscover your grace. In stillness, you can ask your angels, spirit guides, healing masters and helpers how to live in alignment with that sacred contract.

This world can be overwhelming. Our relationships, work, dramas and commitments often take center stage, distracting us from our calling. And there it resides, the calling – a pull toward something greater – waiting for us to recognize our purpose.

Explore the mystery. There is no end to what you will discover.

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. In stillness, you can begin to tap into the infinite potential of the Divine.