Enlightenment

“…the past gives you an identity and the future holds the promise of salvation, of fulfillment in whatever form. Both are illusions.”
~Eckhart Tolle~

The greatest gift that we can give is our Presence. In every situation we have the opportunity to bring light where there is darkness, give kindness rather than turn away and teach by example. In order to be consistent in our approach, one must never stop learning.

Turn your attention inward by asking, “How may I be of service in this situation?” As we examine our motivations we discover that helping others helps us to achieve enlightenment. This double helix of energy thus creates a space where transformation can happen.

View this planet as a playground that teaches through contrast. Every moment offers an opportunity to become a little more aware, a little more empowered, a little more free from limitation.

Some lessons are presented in several different forms before we truly understand the patterns that have silently controlled our lives. Your awareness of moments of unconsciousness is actually an indicator that you are becoming more enlightened. Celebrate your humanness as well as your true infinite nature. Delve into the delight of consciousness, for once you explore the mysteries of life with an awakened heart, you will never be the same.

Be Kind

“The place to improve the world is first in one’s own heart and head and hands.”
~Robert M. Pirsig~

Everything begins with you… how you choose to start your day, what gets your attention, the things you choose to read or watch or what you put into your body. Bring kindness to every choice. Let your life be a loving conversation with the Divine.

Our universe is designed to provide experiences that accelerate growth, inner wisdom and awareness. When we understand our relationship to the whole, we participate more fully in the evolution of our collective consciousness. Enlightenment is a state of awareness that we ultimately bring into our physical experience.
We are called upon to be pure channels for Divine energy. Release the need to blame anyone and instead, choose to accept people as they are. There are no enemies – simply souls playing various roles in our collective awakening. Those who are still asleep need your love, not your judgment.
Cultivate a greater understanding of yourself and others. When you create inner balance and peace, you’ll discover that joy expands when it is shared. Let your unique expression of life spark joy in others by extending kindness whenever possible.

The Spiritual Experience

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”
~Eleanor Roosevelt~

There are times when we are transformed by new perceptions. Miracles unfold and we witness the Divine plan in operation all around us. These spiritual experiences are sprinkled throughout a lifetime, often filed away in journals or carried in memory.

But “experiencing” is learning to consistently live a life filled with wonder, to recognize the sacredness of the moment and recognize the Oneness that connects us. Let nature be your guide. Watch how it unfolds in majestic splendor – without fanfare – and hear the whispers of love that call us home.

All my healing work begins with this silent invocation: Sacred Mother, I come in honor of this person, this moment and this space as sacred. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service. In love we create a space where transformation can occur. What would your daily interactions be like if you chose to bring an attitude of reverence to each situation? Set your intention step into empowerment by experiencing the sacredness of the present moment.

Simply Present

“There is no greatness where there is not simplicity, goodness, and truth.”
~Leo Tolstoy~
Awareness is the removal of distractions. The human condition is to complicate; however, the role of the spiritual seeker is to see through the distractions to the simplicity of a joyful life. All that you seek is already within you. There is no need for outside validation.
Our society is primarily made up of young and mature souls. Young souls seek power, fame, money and control. Mature souls seek to redress the imbalances from previous selfish young soul lives through healing, family and community, using excessive drama as a tool of learning. It can be challenging, as old souls, to stay true to oneself in the face of such limited perception but that is a powerful aspect of our journey.
See if you can simplify your life, expectations and desires. Find joy in the little things. Give when you can. Love with all your heart. Allow your presence to make a difference by planting seeds of kindness and giving them time and space to grow.
The mind may want you to believe that such an approach to life is boring, but you’ll discover that it is a vibrant, inclusive, limitless, empowered existence… beautiful in its simplicity.

Expressions of the Divine

“To the poet, to the philosopher, to the saint, all things are friendly and sacred, all events profitable, all days holy, all men divine.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson~
When I behold beauty I often pause a moment in wonderment and gratitude. The energy is fleeting, constantly in motion. What captures my eye and my camera one day may be completely gone the next. This realization has reinforced my desire to be fully present, aware and appreciative. As life changes form, I celebrate infinite potential in motion.
Granted, it’s far easier to recognize divine energy in a flower or the laughter of a child than it is when faced with anger or dysfunction; however, as awakening souls, we are called upon to cultivate the ability to embrace what is, honoring the Oneness that connects us.
Each of us is a sacred work in progress. Pay attention to the numerable delights at hand and immerse yourself in the Now. Rather than seeking to possess, appreciate. Rather than seeking to win, interact. Instead of clinging, allow. Ultimately, your soul wants nothing more than to be a source of love and transformation. Each step of the process is necessary and beautiful in its own way

Creating a Joyful Life

I believe a joyful life is made up of joyful moments, gracefully strung together by trust, gratitude, inspiration, and faith.
Brené Brown
The littlest things can bring the greatest joy. It is created by the way that we appreciate and approach life. But, as with everything else, the experience of joy is a choice that we make again and again until it becomes our natural way of being.
When life is a mixture of tragedy and comedy, paradoxes and ridiculousness, laughter and love, we’re getting close. Sometimes it feels as if the world is running amok, and yet, in this moment there’s a beautiful kitten purring happily in my lap as I write. She brings a smile to my face as my heart is overwhelmed with joy. There will always be a blend of feeling deeply connected to the Divine in the midst navigating the challenges of life.
Notice all the opportunities to experience moments of joy, bliss, contentment, peace and mindfulness in your daily journey. You may come to realize that they are all around you, all the time. Sometimes, deep in the uncertain cacophony of life, a skyward glance to appreciate the clouds or stars will remind you of the continuity that exists. You are one with this permanence. You are infinite. You are love.

Going Within

“May you realize that the shape of your soul is unique,
that you have a special destiny here,
that behind the facade of your life
there is something beautiful and eternal happening.”
~John O’Donohue~

It’s important to create moments of quietude in order to go inward to connect with Presence. An immense stillness resides within you that is simultaneously filled with everything and nothing. Stillness is the key to self-discovery.

The cacophony of daily experience can be overwhelming and distracting. When you cultivate the ability to quiet the mind and reside peacefully within life’s chaos, you create a space of connection that allows you to access the strength of your soul.

Choose to be in the world but not of it. Rather than following the crowd, find your unique way to contribute to global consciousness and expansion. Just by being yourself, you add something beautiful to the world that has never been experienced before and because of your presence here, we are all transformed.

Even if you feel you do not consciously know your purpose, simply be the best version of yourself that you can in this moment. The rest will make itself known in the perfect way at the perfect time.

 

The Spiritual Practice of Listening

“Listening is about being present, not just about being quiet.”
~Krista Tippett~

Many people often feel unheard and misunderstood. Consciously choose to be receptive today, offering advice only when it is specifically requested. Being an open presence of non-judgment and an active, present-moment listener is a sincere expression of love and respect. Every moment provides an opportunity to learn from one another.

The next time you find yourself in conversation, observe the thoughts that run through the mind and purposely choose to become present. You may be surprised at the busyness of the ego. Authentic listening demands that we forget ourselves completely (not an easy task) and become the Divine feminine – open and receptive, a conduit for energy, light and love. We cannot achieve communion by being aggressive. Open the door and wait.

Each time another piece of the puzzle falls into place we develop a greater understanding of the whole. True silence exists within you – and in within it, the ego cannot flourish. More than the absence of thought, it is the deep and profound stillness that holds the seeds of infinite possibility. Active listening puts you in touch with the present moment in way that is profound, almost magical.

This Moment

The Inspiration You Seek
Is Already Within You.
Be Silent And Listen.
~Rumi~
This moment is the gateway to infinite possibility and whatever arises is exactly what is needed for your soul’s growth and development. Bring a sense of awareness to all that you do, seeking to observe the ego rather than becoming trapped by it.

The mind is conditioned to stay in reactive patterns and a habitual survival mode. Beneath this activity is the stillness of Presence, a timeless dimension of limitless possibility. The more you recognize your unconsciousness, the more conscious you are becoming.

Your life’s journey is an adventure – be aware of the miracles that unfold around you. This choice brings a sense of vibrancy and wonder into even the most mundane circumstances.

The joy of being a spirit having a temporary physical experience is expressed through our five senses. Take the time to look at life through the eyes of love. Listen without judgement to the sounds around you, but more importantly, listen to the silence beneath the sound. Touch something and feel the energy of the Divine flowing through it. When you allow everything to be as it is this moment becomes the key to freedom.

Acceptance and Friendship

“A friend is one to whom one may pour out the contents of one’s heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that gentle hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.”
~Dinah Maria Craik~
Over many lifetimes we cultivate intimate relationships that have seen all the highs and lows that life has to offer. Those with whom we have the most history seem to bring out the greatest compassion within us. No matter what time or distance separates us, the love remains. The ancient term for these soul friends is Anam Cara.
Our sense of worthiness determines our willingness to receive the gifts that these friendships have to offer. Cultivate healthy soul connections by first being comfortable in your own solitude. Take the time to create balance and peace in  your experience until you are at ease within the mystery of awakening. Then your friendships will be playgrounds of enlightenment, discovery and adventure.
Each of us walks the journey of transformation, sometimes in solitary splendor, sometimes with companions… but always homeward bound.  Faust once said, “Linger awhile, for you are so beautiful.” Celebrate life by being fully present with those you love.