Reflection

“The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind.”
~Wayne Dyer~
Sometimes it can be challenging to see ourselves clearly. One of the most beautiful aspects of the human condition is our ability to reflect truth to one another. You can choose to be an authentic, loving reflection of the Presence in others. Consider the impact your interactions would have if you consciously sought to discover and reflect the most positive aspects of the person in front of you.
When you enjoy someone’s integrity, compassion, kindness or sense of humor, it’s because they are reflecting some of your wonderful qualities. Likewise, when you see patterns of behavior that frustrate you, it’s important to look within. By simply taking personal responsibility it becomes easier to release limiting patterns of your own.
Pay attention to the words you use to describe the people you encounter throughout the day – they will provide tremendous insight. Each of us views life through the filters of our own perception. If there are things you wish to shift or heal, simply do so without any self-judgment or recrimination. Otherwise, honor and own your beautiful qualities and allow them to shine.

Finding Peace in Presence

As you develop inner richness and maturity, you’ll find that others will be drawn to you. In a world filled with busyness, opinion, drama and  the various games people play, the advanced spiritual seeker provides a calm space of respite.

The quest for love is actually a desire to achieve wholeness. Initially, we look outside ourselves for someone to make us feel complete. This distracts us from the true work of discovering our inner divinity and balance. Relationships offer a beautiful opportunity to practice finding that inner balance, and as we expand more fully into love, those who grace our lives will surely transform as well.

When we bring a sense of wholeness and peace into our interactions, it becomes easier to remain aware and present within the Now. We can connect with one another from the level of spirit.

Old souls typically break the chains of society’s repressive conditioning and opinions. They rise above unconsciousness and begin to live aligned with their true nature. Those who have yet to awaken find this upsetting… so used to misery, they see the enlightened person as unique and mysterious. In a space of love, consciously allow those with whom you interact to witness their own infinite potential.

The Divine Practice

“Until we have seen someone’s darkness, we don’t really know who they are. Until we have forgiven someone’s darkness, we don’t really know what love is.”
~Marianne Williamson~

Hatred and love cannot coexist in the same space; they are at opposite ends of the energetic spectrum. Yet here we are, collectively watching hatred unfold in it’s various forms – sometimes subtle, sometimes egregious. The Divine Practice is using hatred when it arises within you, and purposely choosing to see through the ego-driven behavior to the unlimited potential that resides within.

When you create healing in your life, you’ll see it reflected in the world around you. Many years ago, a particular woman in politics used to trigger me a great deal. She was reflecting unhealed aspects of myself (judgment, opinion, righteous anger and the need to be right). Noticing this, I honored her as a teacher and immediately utilized those emotions as part of my Divine Practice.

  • Observe, see what elicits a repetitive or reactive response from you
  • Take ownership – “I’m reactive right now because I, too, have that tendency.”
  • Utilize your tools – affirmations, meditation, gratitude, listening to the ego and then doing the opposite are great places to begin.
  • Force yourself to face the darkness within you. This can be done by purposely watching the person if they are not part of your personal life. Little by little your awareness lessens the trigger response (in my case it turned into humor) and you can be more in control of the energy you put out into the world.

Now when I see this lady, I smile to myself and honor her role in helping me to heal something that hid from my conscious awareness. Behind the veil of enlightenment, there is only love.

Reflections

Sometimes it can be challenging to see ourselves clearly. One of the most beautiful aspects of the human condition is our ability to reflect truth to one another. Consider setting an intention is to be an authentic, loving reflection of the Presence in others.
When you enjoy someone’s integrity, compassion, kindness or sense of humor, it’s because they are reflecting your own wonderful qualities to you. Likewise, when you see patterns of behavior that frustrate you, it’s important to look within. Turning and facing your shadows makes it easier to release limiting patterns as they arise.
Pay attention to the words you use to describe the people you encounter throughout the day – they will provide tremendous insight. Each of us views life through the filters of our own perception. If there are things you wish to shift or heal, simply do so without any self-judgment or recrimination. Otherwise, honor and own your beautiful qualities and allow them to shine.

Life’s Gifts

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” 

~Albert Einstein~

We have the opportunity for expansive growth in this moment. By choosing not to be offended by anyone or anything, by releasing hurt and resentment, by rising above the mechanisms of the mind, we create space in which a transformation can occur.

Set yourself free from all fear and limitation. Recognize that your interpretation of the world is a reflection of your own level of consciousness and be willing to learn from any challenges that arise. Everything serves a specific purpose on your journey of discovery.

I am forever grateful and humbled when circumstances show me ways in which I limit myself. As a lifetime student of love, I am willing to explore its nuances no matter how they are presented. The willingness to release judgment and move into acceptance is a lifelong process.

The more consciousness you bring to a situation, the more you’ll be able to recognize the inherent possibilities it contains. The awakening spirit is willing to explore the unknown rather than continuing to repeat old patterns. Observe your interpretation of the world and choose to celebrate the many gifts that you are offered.

The Art of Reflection

“And then, when you shine, I’ll hold a mirror for you so you can see yourself within myself.”

~Petra Poje~

Everyone in your life acts as a mirror which reflects your innermost beliefs and attributes – both wonderful and limiting. What you recognize in another, you carry within. Surround yourself with those who inspire you, who respond to life with optimism and courage and offer support for your souls’ growth. Your path is to recognize and explore qualities that are ready to shine.

If you react strongly to someone when they are in the midst of dysfunction – being greedy, self-absorbed, driven by ego, angry, depressed or judgmental – love yourself enough to see that you also carry that attribute to some degree within yourself. Appreciate the other for helping you to see more clearly, then begin the process of self-observation. Awareness is the first step of transformation.

As you change, the world around you is transformed. When you no longer require a particular reflection, it will either leave your life or you’ll notice less reactivity in it’s presence. Spiritual awakening is simply a process of releasing things that no longer serve you, eventually creating a life filled with peace, clarity, joy and compassion.

Conscious Parenting

“Your most important job as a parent, or as a friend to a child, is to mentor children in a field of unconditional love and acceptance. Your gift is to see the rightness in them and reflect it back. You are the witness of the Divine in them.”
~Tara Bianca~

Conscious parenting calls upon us to see the very best in one another. Every soul who chooses to come to this planet seeks to become more aware, and each relationship we have provides an opportunity to set the stage for that awakening.

Lower levels of awareness teach that life is something to be conquered, controlled or won. When parents seek to shield their children from hardship or intervene immediately when challenges arise, they rob those in their care of the ability to cultivate personal empowerment. It’s healthy to allow those we love to experiment while providing support, safety and gentle reminders to seek out one’s own potential.

Likewise, children can teach the adults around them. It’s powerful to remember that they are mirrors. Laughter can allow a family to grow together in consciousness. Experiment, observe, love, and remember (in the words of Ram Dass) that we are simply walking one another home.

Celebrate Friendship

“It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it has been reflected back to him in the mirror of another loving, caring human being.”
~John Joseph Powell~

Share your joy, your dance and your light with those who are ready to receive your beautiful energy. The art of friendship begins with gratitude and it must be a sharing. When you demonstrate love and friendliness toward all of life, it is reflected back to you in myriad ways.

The light of your consciousness transforms all that it shines upon. Rather than being trapped by neediness or desire, you become love and your love transforms the energy of those with whom you come in contact. We are merely reflections of one another.

In every relationship, allow enough room for the winds of heaven to dance in between you for these soul mates will cross your path again and again. When you come together, enjoy discovering who you are in the presence of the other and when you have time apart, celebrate the fact that your friendship is an expression of trust, harmony, innocence and sharing.

Self-Love

“Stand up for who you are. Respect your Self and ignite the divine sparks in you. Access your powers. Choose your rights and work together with others to bring blessings into the lives.”
~Amit Ray~
There is nothing more beautiful than someone who shines from within…

Everyone who has manifested you into their life, has done so because of the unique light and energy that you possess. When you can be yourself, love yourself and occasionally laugh at yourself, you are providing them with the perfect experience.

It’s that lightness of non-expectation that is so appealing. When you first meet someone, the attraction begins because you are simply being you. When we load ourselves up with the weight of expectation, fear and desire, that beautiful, original and carefree spirit gets buried underneath layers of thought.

Love yourself. Reward yourself with thoughts of praise. Know that others respect you and appreciate all that you do. With our loving attitudes, we help to create a world where it is safe to love one another.