Appreciation

“Let’s trade in all our judging for appreciating. Let’s lay down our righteousness and just be together.”
~Ram Dass~

What if you chose to find one thing to appreciate about each situation or person who has ever been a challenge in your life? What if you chose only to speak about that positive thing when prompted into discussion. How do you think that would impact your overall life experience?

Life is a blend of dark and light. Contrasts provide insight and wisdom we could never discover in a one-dimensional world. Everything is multi-faceted; therefore, there is always an opportunity to find the good, assimilate the lesson, or cultivate new strength – no matter the circumstance. You are a culmination of all that you have experienced.

Layer by layer we transcend the levels of consciousness, incorporating energy and lessons, broadening our vision, and setting ourselves free. For most, this is a subtle transformative process rather than an abrupt shift to a new level. Don’t worry about how fast you can awaken, for the joy is in the journey. Embrace the day and discover the secrets it has to offer. Most importantly, love yourself and appreciate those who walk by your side.

See Yourself Bathed in Love

I awoke from a vision of the energy of love streaming down upon us from the higher dimensions. One concept blazed through my mind – see yourself bathed in love. This directive seemed so imperative that I simply remained still and allowed images from my spiritual guidance to flow.

In certain aspects this is easy to visualize, of course. The light from the sun is a beautiful example of unconditional love – shining down on everyone equally, holding back nothing, demanding nothing. Easier still, we discover the energy of love within a kind word, laughter among friends, the smile of a dog, the art of creation, music, meditation, the peace of a mountain hike, or by hugging a tree.

But what about man’s inhumanity to man? How can we find love in the desolation of once beautiful places, the destruction of the resources of our sacred mother earth or the poisoning of the mind with hatred? This is where spiritual practice and higher frequencies of awareness come in. If we hold the concept that all things have love at the core and we are the recipients of whatever is needed for our souls growth, we begin to look for love, even in the unlikeliest of places… and by looking for love, we are assured that it will be found.

From the higher perspectives – love, joy, peace, enlightenment – this is more easily perceived. We can appreciate the weaving of the tapestry of our existence together in a new way and thus, cease being reactive or falling into judgment. In this way, we become active participants in our collective awakening.

Love and Compassion

“For me, I am driven by two main philosophies: know more today about the world than I knew yesterday and lessen the suffering of others. You’d be surprised how far that gets you.”
~Neil deGrasse Tyson~
Awareness transforms the way that we walk in the world. Collectively and uniquely, we fumble our way towards enlightenment and as our consciousness expands, we gain a greater understanding of one another and view life from a broader perspective. This dance of awakening calls upon us to give greater consideration to how our actions impact one another as we move forward. Integrity is found in the choices that we make when we’re alone.
I feel honored when I am witness to loving behavior. I see people picking up trash as they walk their dogs, opening doors for another as they enter the store, working in community gardens, helping those whose voices are not heard and countless other demonstrations of love and compassion. These kindnesses are the by-product of awareness. Rather than being lost in the world of illusion or trapped in their own problems, they reach out – simply and quietly, fulfilling the souls purpose to awaken.
Open your heart today. Hear someone’s story. Understand a different point of view. Research a new topic. This world is filled with many opportunities to learn from one another, to love one another and to honor each path as sacred.

Expanding Consciousness

There’s no great trick to expanding one’s consciousness; however, the ego will often distract with excessive thought, perpetuating a belief that one needs a particular type of spiritual experience or insight in order to achieve enlightenment. Many run from one spiritual fad to another never realizing the beauty and simplicity of becoming deeply immersed within the present moment.

Books, teachers and experiences are all pointers to truths that reside within each of us. We tend to get inspired when we discover someone with whom we harmonize at the deepest level. Utilize these insights by immediately putting them into practice as much as possible.

Challenges offer opportunities to expand consciousness. First, become aware of any imbalance. Awareness allows a moment of observation of the antics of the ego-mind. Our initial response will be either reactive or conscious. Simply notice. Reactivity prolongs the discomfort while a conscious response takes ownership and expresses itself in a healthy way. Rather than using the mind to understand consciousness, use life as a vehicle to experience it.

Presence

“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.”
~Eckhart Tolle~

When you bring the best version of yourself to this moment, the future will take care of itself. Plans are best utilized to set a new energy in motion, for they encompass expanded vision, desire, expression and joy. Many falter when attachment to the initial concept and plan supersedes the original inspiration. When faced with a blockage or unexpected transition, if you observe the ego becoming more active, ask “Is _____ more important than my state of consciousness?” The answer is likely going to be no.

Energy is fluid, ever-changing and light. Dance within the vibrancy of this moment knowing that something beautiful is in motion. It is our nature to be limited in perception and vision; therefore, trust that your soul knows exactly what it is doing. As we awaken, we release layers of outmoded beliefs, energetic blockages and attachments. With each conscious step forward we discover that the joy is in the doing. This is the moment of your transformation.

Express yourself, find your flow and step into the fullness of who you are. Life will respond accordingly.

A Statement of Love

“I would like my life to be a statement of love and compassion–and where it isn’t, that’s where my work lies.”
~Ram Dass~

To live in the frequency of love is to honor all that you see as sacred. As you expand in consciousness, it becomes easier to see through the mechanisms of the ego and the roles that people play. Old souls often view the world differently and must learn to walk in their truth, even in the face of ridicule.

The Tao te Ching says that the laughter of the unawakened is a necessary aspect of our collective experience. Rather than trying to change their minds, seek to find a way to love the soul that teaches through adversity. From them we learn self control, confidence, non-reactivity and patience.

We all walk the same path. Though we may be at differing levels of consciousness, love is the goal. Find your way by recognizing and honoring the potential within you, and there will come a time when the light of love shines so brightly that all shadows will be dispelled.

Recognize the Sacred

“I would like my life to be a statement of love and compassion — and where it isn’t, that’s where my work lies.”

~Ram Dass~

 

Seek to recognize and respond to the sacred in everyone you meet.

When we get caught up in the ego-driven role that someone may be playing in this life, it is easier to judge them, see them as “wrong” or something to fight against. This is the trap of the human experience; however, there is far more to life than meets the eye.

Spiritual seekers have the opportunity to see beyond the mundane. Those who challenge you are willing to play an antagonistic role (sometimes at the expense of your love and good-will in this lifetime) in order to fulfill a sacred promise: to assist in your spiritual awakening.

While it may initially be challenging to be objective in the midst of drama; you may discover that you get there more and more quickly as time goes by. What once took weeks, months or even years to heal will eventually move through your experience in minutes. Ultimately, we will cultivate mastery, compassion and unwavering love.

This Moment

“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~

When you bring the best version of yourself to the present moment, the future takes care of itself. Mastery comes from cultivating the ability to remain conscious as you address the tasks of the day. Each has the ability to awaken greater insight and awareness. Even something as simple as taking a walk can be done consciously or unconsciously. If you’re only trying to get to the next place, looking down at the phone or lost in thought, an opportunity is missed. Thankfully, there’s another. And another.

Slow down and choose to fully experience the Now. The key to your awakening lies within it. As present moment awareness becomes a habit, your life will sparkle with limitless possibility. As you change, the world around you is transformed.

You can participate without getting caught up in the drama. With awareness, passion evolves into compassion. Judgment dissolves into love and the world explodes into life. This vibrant flow of energy moves through you to play in the world of form.

Teacher-Student Karmic Monad

A karmic monad is an agreement between two souls. This is widely used to help one another progress on the journey of awakening. The dance can last for years or be as brief as a conversation on an elevator. When this energy is play, one may feel compelled to literally teach another – perhaps by imparting information or acting in a way that compels the other to cultivate an important aspect that is ready to shine.

In the midst of challenging situations, seek the lesson. It’s a quick mental shift, but is one that can take you from victim-hood into empowerment. Once you have mastered that aspect of your growth, you will no longer need that particular pattern in your experience. Honor the people in your life as teachers. Every moment offers an opportunity to awaken.

Rather than taking on too much at once, consider working on one issue at a time. Bring your awareness to what is required in this moment. How can you bring peace into your experience? What conscious action will shift the energy? Keep in mind that the ego is often resistant. See this resistance as an indicator that profound change is at hand.

Consciousness

“As we grow in our consciousness.. there will be more compassion and more love. And then… the barriers between people.. between religions.. and between nations will begin to fall.”
~Ram Dass~

There’s no great trick to expanding one’s consciousness; however, the ego will often distract with excessive thought, perpetuating a belief that one needs a particular type of spiritual experience or insight in order to achieve enlightenment. Many run from one spiritual fad to another never realizing the beauty and simplicity of becoming deeply immersed within the present moment.

Books, teachers and experiences are all pointers to truths that reside within each of us. We tend to get inspired when we discover someone with whom we harmonize at the deepest level. Utilize these insights by immediately putting them into practice as much as possible.

Challenges offer opportunities to expand consciousness. First, become aware of any imbalance. Awareness allows a moment of observation of the antics of the ego-mind. Our initial response will be either reactive or conscious. Simply notice. Reactivity prolongs the discomfort while a conscious response takes ownership and expresses itself in a healthy way. Rather than using the mind to understand consciousness, use life as a vehicle to experience it.