Strength in Solitude

The more powerful and original a mind, the more it will incline towards the religion of solitude.
~Aldous Huxley~

Stillness opens the possibility of transformation, creativity and empowered solutions. Busyness is a form of avoidance. When one runs non-stop from the moment they awaken, they block the peace and presence that is found in the stillness of the present moment. So in your solitude, be still. Don’t think of the next task that needs to be done, replay past events in your mind or worry about the future. Just be. Know. Honor yourself, your space and the present moment as sacred.

Become the observer rather than the doer. In the silence of stillness we can explore the gifts of the soul. The human condition prompts us to seek out one another – to engage in lessons, contrasts, support, connection and communion – periodic moments of solitude help to create balance within our interactions. Nurture that silent space within you where love can reside. Let it be filled with innocence and wonder, awe and clarity. In that space, the concept of “I” disappears and we become more aware of the spark of the Divine within us.

Flow

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
~Alan Wilson Watts~

There is a flow to life. Observe what opens for you and trust your ability to navigate unfamiliar waters. As consciousness expands the way forward makes itself known. Rather than fighting against the flow, move with it.

Often the ego wants to push its own agenda. It will create attachment to an outcome and this perpetuates struggle in our experience. Blockages or missed connections can be indicators that you need to look in a different direction. Begin by looking within. Notice where tension arises and then purposely examine where life is asking you to go.

Awareness is the first step of transformation. The key is to learn how to trust that your soul knows exactly what it is doing. All experiences play a vital role in your awakening and ultimately cultivate the skills you need to proceed.

When you choose to take a risk or try something new, pay attention to what piques your interest. Can you immerse yourself within the present moment and experience it differently? Trust the processes of awakening and take one conscious step forward.

 

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.

 

 

Compassion and Enlightenment

Kindness and awareness work together. Through awareness we understand the underlying beauty of everything and every being”
~Amit Ray~

Imagine having the ability to walk through the world untroubled, to tend to those in need while holding a higher frequency of love. Compassion sows the seeds of enlightenment and enlightenment brings greater compassion. The amplification of energy between these two forces allows us to explore life in a unique, empowered, and loving way.

The mantra Oṃ maṇi padme hūṃ is used to transform and awaken. It is said that this chant holds all the elements of Buddhist teaching. When you’re ready to release limitation and expand your awareness, this is a wonderful tool.

Awaken the love that is your infinite, true nature. Visualize it expanding outward with each breath. Allow it to create an atmosphere of peacefulness and harmony in your experience. Your Presence awakens the Presence in others.

We are the bridge between the mundane and the sacred. As we cultivate the ability to see through the illusions of separation we come to recognize the Oneness that connects us. Practice being aware of your state of consciousness and consciously send love outward whenever possible. It is always possible.

 

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.

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.

Stillness

“Go deeply into the urge to be silent and not the mental interference of how, where and when. If you follow silence to its source you can be taken by it in a moment.”
~Jean Klein~
This moment contains infinite seeds of possibility. When we remember to pause, breathe, immerse and receive, we draw inward and connect with the Now in a way that heals the soul. Cultivating the ability to find peace in the midst of chaos brings grace to our life situations, no matter how challenging they may be.
In the stillness we can remember our true purpose. In the stillness we can send out waves of loving energy. In the stillness we can become one with everything.
The point of power is in the present moment. Seek out that which nurtures your soul and give yourself the gift of connection. Your consciousness seeks to expand and anything in your experience can be transformed into a powerful aspect of your awakening.
You have the ability to rise above the mind and experience freedom. As you become more proficient at creating moments of stillness, life will reflect this peaceful energy throughout your varied interactions.

This Step

“What may look like a small act of courage is courage nevertheless. The important thing is to be willing to take a step forward.”
~Daisaku Ikeda~

No matter what you wish to accomplish, it can be achieved by taking action in the present moment. Baby steps spark miracles and send energy in motion that sets the stage for tomorrows experience. Just for today, ensure that all of your actions support your intention. Some things before you may seem small and inconsequential; however, that is where profound change begins.

Don’t worry about the end result. Do your best here and now and the future will take care of itself. Know that you are capable of creating a life that is remarkable. Taking action when things are small helps them seem more manageable and doesn’t allow any imbalance or perceived problem to become overwhelming.
When in doubt, take one conscious step forward. By recognizing the need for movement and setting energy in motion, you will discover that one baby step leads to another, and another. Typically, there is no great fanfare at the beginning of new ideas or dreams, just a desire to move and a quiet wisdom that simply says “yes”.

All You Need

“When you realize nothing is lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”
~Lao Tzu~

When you bring your awareness fully into the Now, you’ll discover that it is filled with wonder. Seek to embrace the present moment just as it is and you’ll discover that all you require is already here. Hidden within every moment is a seed of tranquility and peace. No matter what unfolds in your life, choose to end on love. Send kindness to those with whom you disagree and leave the ego behind.

Spirituality is not about denying the world and it’s pleasures. The abundance of life awaits. When you live with an open heart, you’ll discover how to celebrate the journey of your awakening while simultaneously enjoying the depths of understanding and wisdom available to you. Every moment is a gateway to infinite possibility.

Love resides at the core of your being. As you drop the layers of illusion that block your ability to see clearly, the light will begin to sparkle through. Look within. Slow down and breathe – observe the breath, and become the loving witness of your own awakening.

Simple Joy

“The mind can go in a thousand directions, but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms.”
~Thich Nhat Hanh~
The mind will often tell us that life must fall into place before we can relax and enjoy it; however, the opposite is true. When we relax and enjoy, life falls into place. Rather than chasing a thousand solutions or achieving something of value to leave behind, we discover that the true point of power is in the present moment. Bringing conscious peace into the Now is transformative.
When you are mindful, any choices or actions taken have incredible vitality. It sounds simple because it is. Life is what it is. We can choose how to respond to whatever unfolds in our experience and utilize it as a gateway to higher consciousness. The old saying to be in the world but not of it points to this. We create our own reality, and in doing so, walk gently upon the earth.
Consider being consciously playful and accepting today. Approach each moment without expectation and immerse yourself within it. Operate from love. Observe the antics of the mind. You may discover that everything gets accomplished with greater ease and grace.