Yes

“The magic in this world seems to work in whispers and small kindnesses.”
~Charles de Lint~

Yesterday I stepped outside into a gentle rain. Breathing slowly, I attuned myself to the world around me – birds singing, the scent of jasmine, dogs playing and the sound of cars in the distance. In that moment all time seemed to stop. I felt loved and supported by mother earth and grateful for the ability to tap into that healing energy whenever I need a moment to recharge.

Periodically savor the peace of the present moment. Even in the midst of movement and chaos, it is there waiting for you. The easiest point of access is conscious breath. You are right where you need to be. In Presence, celebrate all the miracles that surround you.

Joy is your true nature and awakening is your purpose. The key is to focus upon creating a life filled with small moments of happiness and fulfillment. When we release attachment to the “hows” we create space in which transformation can occur. 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.

Your Divine Nature

“Gradually we’ll learn from one another what we forgot. That we’re all one. Our relationships will enable us. The law of karma will teach us. Our challenges will focus us. Love will remind us.”
~Jose Stevens~
With our limited human perception, it’s difficult to process the idea of eternity. Time is a construct of the mind and often it drives us to hurry through the present moment in order to get somewhere else; however, the present moment is all there is. 

We are all participating in an exploration of separateness. The lifetimes we spend on this planet, the roles we play and the lessons we learn from one another are only the beginning of an incredible journey to rediscover Oneness. You are a spark of the Divine – infinite, eternal, and multi-faceted. When challenges arise, understand that a breakthrough is possible. The movement into awareness transforms your life experience.
 

There is enough time. Everyone on the planet will eventually evolve through all earth-based soul ages: Infant, Baby, Young, Mature and Old to finally discover that we are all One. Tending to your own state of consciousness will ultimately aid in the awakening of all humanity. Have compassion for yourself and for one another.

Simplify

“A simple life is not seeing how little we can get by with—that’s poverty—but how efficiently we can put first things first. When you’re clear about your purpose and your priorities, you can painlessly discard whatever does not support these, whether it’s clutter in your cabinets or commitments on your calendar.”

~Victoria Moran~

Something beautiful is ready to be born from the silence within you. Will you replace the intensity and busyness to which our species has become accustomed, or will you take advantage of these moments to explore the depths of your soul?

The ego fears change. It seeks distraction. Some may become avid tv watchers, some may self-medicate, others may find solace in food. But what if you turned everything off for a time? What if you choose to immerse yourself in the world around you and simply observe your response to it? You may discover that you are surrounded by subtle miracles that have long been overlooked.

Simplify. Take a pause and purposely be fully present with whatever you are experiencing. Breathe. Enjoy. Expand. This moment contains all the energy and insight you require. This may be a wonderful opportunity to gently send your light out into the world.

 

The Circle of Compassion

Throughout the journey of awakening we discover how deeply connected we are. Compassion arises when we recognize our shared humanity and see our reflections revealed through interactions with others. We experience the contrasts that lead us ever onward in our quest to evolve and remove the layers of illusion that once created blockages and the perception of separation.

In the higher planes of consciousness, awareness expands to include all living things as we feel even more profoundly entwined. We begin to consider our impact on the planet and those with whom we share it. Spiritual awakened choices naturally demonstrate kindness and empathy. Throughout this process; however, many forget to honor themselves as sacred. Remember to also direct compassion inward.

Self-love creates a foundation from which to express your unique gifts. The more balanced you are, the more you have to offer those who grace your life. Through acceptance we create space where others can explore and reveal the best in themselves. And thus, the circle of compassion turns, expands, embraces and receives us as we enter through the doorway of Presence.

This moment is your point of power. Breathe deeply and feel your heartbeat connect with the heartbeat of the Universe.

Self Approval

“Our self-images define our own boundaries, limiting us to the narrow ideas of who we believe ourselves to be.”
~Ezra Bayda~

If you’ve ever spent time with someone who criticized your every move, always found fault with your choices or nit-picked the decisions you’ve made, you’d likely consider that person to be toxic, and would probably limit your interactions.

Yet, the unkindness perpetrated by others often pales in comparison to the dialogue of our inner critic. Many people place impossible demands upon themselves and carry the mental weight of perceived mistakes, lost opportunities, guilt or shame.

Should you observe negative self-talk, stop and change the momentum of your thoughts. Affirmations, gratitude and self-love can shift the energy into a more productive direction. Instead of demanding that you be perfect, seek to transform your experience through conscious acceptance. Don’t hate your way to change. Let love open you to the transformative energy that is all around you.

Ultimately, since the world is our reflection, we can actively practice kindness on every level: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. As your self-love increases, you’ll notice that you complain less. Acceptance, compassion, balance and harmony are the by-products of of a person who is at ease in the present moment.

Commonality of Spirit

When we seek magic in unexpected places, get inspired by coincidence, feel the goosebumps or spontaneous tears that signal truth has been spoken, healing and evolution are accelerated. Enthusiasm in the present moment creates an openness that is unparalleled. It facilitates action and commitment as new energy flows through our experience.

Small things often begin to take on greater meaning. I love perusing the bookshelves and decor of new acquaintances only to discover a bond  through shared authors, teachers, art, music and ideas. Little signs spark greater connection. Something beautiful happens when people acknowledge commonality of spirit and, together, consciously enter Presence.

What if, instead of amplifying differences between people, cultures, belief systems or interpretations of experience, we chose instead to see the Other as sacred and interesting? And instead of feeling separate, we begin to recognize how the sharing of perception and events transform all those involved into multi-dimensional expressions of spirit?

The threads that connect us are many, some years in the making. Through openness and exploration we often gain a new perspective about the perfection of life and the events that connect souls together. No matter how it appears, love is ultimately at the core of everything.

Find Your Zen

“To stay present in everyday life, it helps to be deeply rooted within yourself; otherwise, the mind, which has incredible momentum, will drag you along like a wild river.”
~Eckhart Tolle~

It’s easy to be Zen when sitting in meditation, spending quiet moments in nature or surrounding yourself with people whose beliefs completely align with yours. It’s a bit more challenging to remain in a state of peace when facing someone in the grip of anger, dealing with the intensity of modern life or when finding yourself triggered by things you had thought long healed.Our spiritual journey is accelerated when we bring a sense of inner awareness and consciousness into whatever the present moment has to offer. Rather than only setting aside specific moments for your enlightenment, scatter them all throughout your day. View consciousness as important as breathing until it becomes second nature. These moments of deep connection align you with the miraculous beauty of life.

Periodically look around you and choose to fall in love. Honor yourself and your expression of the Divine as sacred. Open the crown chakra to receive the love, light and laughter of the Universe.  You are the bridge between the sacred and the mundane. Seeing this clearly is enlightenment.

A New Dawn

“It’s as though, knowing that everything is possible, suddenly nothing is necessary.”
~Diana Gabaldon~
There are moments when life goes quiet. In the gap between what is and what could be lies a world of infinite possibility. There is nothing quite so beautiful as immersing oneself within the embrace of stillness.
We humans can cause ourselves so much pain. Excessive thought fills these spaces of pure potential with clutter that is then carried into day to day life. Everything becomes too much and the overload causes reactivity, which leads to additional conflict and drama.
Each journey is unique; therefore, there isn’t one “right time” to enter stillness. Those seeking to expand their consciousness must experiment with different ways of engaging the mystery. One thing to remember: it exists for everyone. We can access stillness in the midst of chaos and be at peace, even within the cacophony of experience.
When you discover your own way of going deeper into the present moment, make it a priority in your life. Find ways to work it into your daily routine until it becomes your natural way of being the world. There will come a time when this magnificence, this expanded vision is simply who you are.

Nothing to Excess

“Your hand opens and closes, opens and closes. If it were always a fist or always stretched open, you would be paralyzed. Your deepest presence is in every small contracting and expanding, the two as beautifully balanced and coordinated as birds’ wings.”
~Rumi~

In a world filled with contrast we learn by experiencing the highs and lows, gleaning wisdom from both sides of the equation. Within karma too, there is a delicate balance that teaches compassion and understanding through exposure to opposites. Every action, pursuit, emotion, passion or grief can swing the personality wildly into extremes and it can sometimes be challenging to follow our bliss while remaining firmly grounded.

As an “all or nothing” personality, I’ve discovered that it easier to be completely immersed or completely detached; however, the road to enlightenment calls upon us to be mindful of our choices, to listen to our bodies, to pause and to be deeply aligned with our true nature, yet forgiving of the moments when we may miss the mark.

Simply notice when excess becomes a distraction and use that, too, as a tool for growth. Gently move with the energy at hand. Without extremes, enjoy the balancing power of Presence.

Authenticity

“Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood? Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther, and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton, and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh. To be great is to be misunderstood.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson~
In a world filled with expectation, opinion and judgment, it’s often challenging to consistently be vulnerable and authentic. Should you experience stress, anxiety, frustration or disappointment, it’s likely that you are out of your integrity in a given situation. Take a moment to self-assess and adjust when necessary. Once realigned with your integrity, live it to the best of your ability.
All of existence celebrates your journey and contributions. Cultivate the ability to be totally present. Take one step at a time, giving the Now your full attention and energy. This authenticity and Presence will bring a wonderful new dimension into your life experience.

Those who have drawn you into their lives need to experience your unique way of looking at the world. Authenticity inspires expansion into higher levels of consciousness. When you have learned to embrace who you are with calm confidence, your spirit will dwell in truth and light and that energy will be infused into every aspect of your life.