Integrating the Self

This is the moment of tremendous healing and transformation. The only moment that truly exists is the Now and there is no need to delay the evolution of your spirit. There is great power in honoring the awakenings which have sprung from walking in darkness and we find that sometimes we need to be who we aren’t in order to discover who we are; thus, all paths are sacred journeys which lead us to the light of awareness.

Judgment of others is the quickest way to bring our attention to something within us which is ready to be healed. Since we all act as mirrors for one another, utilize those moments of ego related thought and response to address the shadows aspects of the Self that are ready to be integrated and expressed in positive ways. Often, the result is an expansion of compassion and acceptance.

There are many wonders within you waiting to be discovered. The myriad facets of your unique expression of life sparkle by reflecting the light around you. Remember to be patient and gentle with yourself and allow the joy of the journey to be your guide. There is much more to life than meets the eye and the best is yet to come.

Be True

“Open your eyes to the beauty around you, open your mind to the wonders of life, open your heart to those who love you, and always be true to yourself.”
~Maya Angelou~

Our relationship to the world reflects our true relationship to ourselves; and through that, awareness of our connection to the Oneness of all life. When we allow the present moment to be as it is without expectation or resistance, we begin to experience the world in all its beauty.
If you encounter conflict in any area of your life – relationships, body image, traffic jams, drama, etc. – understand that it is meant to alert you to the fact that you are out of alignment with your true nature.
Peacefulness in the present moment is needed to become aware of the beauty, the majesty and the sacredness of life. When we become engaged in the discovery of the Self, lessons present themselves everywhere we look. The art of stillness connects us to love. As you watch the sun lighten the sky, you are greeted by love. As the birds awaken and sing in the stillness, you are serenaded by love. In the flow of breath, you are connected to love.

Nurturing Your Energy

We all have moments when we feel depleted. This is somewhat paradoxical when one considers the fact that the energy that runs through us is infinite; however, the physical body can typically only process a particular amount of energy at one time.

The energy centers that regulate how the life-force flows are called chakras. Seven major chakras govern how the body functions and when one gets closed down or over-used, it can block this vital chi from operating in a balanced manner. If this blockage remains in place too long, the body will often manifest ailments in the area governed by that chakra as a means of alerting you that attention is needed.

There are many ways to nurture your energy: mindfulness, meditation, moments of stillness, conscious breath, music, utilizing crystals, essential oils, connecting with nature, Prana or Reiki are all extremely helpful. It’s powerful too, to make choices that keep the mind, body and spirit in harmony. The food we eat, our level of physical activity, and those with whom we spend our time also have a huge impact.

Should you notice that a particular person or circumstance leaves you feeling tired or drained, consider limiting your engagement. It’s possible that physical vampirism is in play (meaning that someone, knowingly or unknowingly, is draining your lifeforce) and you must ensure that you are in balance prior to any interactions. Neutrality is a powerful tool.

Listen to your body. If you nurture yourself first, you’ll have more to give those you love. You are a channel for the light of consciousness.

Conscious Non-reactivity

“When I say it’s you I like, I’m talking about that part of you that knows that life is far more than anything you can ever see or hear or touch. That deep part of you that allows you to stand for those things without which humankind cannot survive. Love that conquers hate, peace that rises triumphant over war, and justice that proves more powerful than greed.”

~Fred Rogers~

You don’t have to be a master to be peaceful and non-reactive. Just do your best to be conscious. When faced with someone angry or offensive, your greatest weapon is neutrality. Rather than lowering your vibration to meet them where they are, seek instead to pause, check your own state of consciousness, and then respond.

This slight gap between noticing and reacting allows you to connect with your higher self rather than the ego-driven personality. To be moderate and mindful is a powerful way to interact. One can still speak truth or take right action without moving into judgement. Your integrity, wisdom and awareness can be a powerful example.

We can weave higher consciousness into the mundane aspects of our life situations. Your spiritual practice is in the here and Now.

Surrender

“When we bring a gentle awareness to the layers of our conditioning, and to the struggles that arise out of our conditioning, the power of that conditioning slowly dissolves. Life then moves toward the unconditioned – where the vastness, or love, just flows through.”    

~Ezra Bayda~

The ego often seeks to fight, prove oneself right, defend beliefs or struggle against life. Whenever you observe this happening, consciously move into surrender. Allow the energy around you to flow unimpeded. You’ll access the strength and peace that reside underneath the mechanisms of the mind.

When we choose to surrender to what is, we demonstrate faith in the process of awakening. Things often flow better when we get ourselves out of the way. The enlightened understand that surrender is a sign of empowerment.

Trust the wisdom of your higher self. Place your focus upon how you are responding to life, rather than trying to control how it unfolds. Are you operating from a space of joy, enthusiasm or acceptance? Are you seeing your experiences as opportunities to awaken?

The present moment is your point of power. How are you choosing to experience it? Life’s wonder and mystery can only be discovered where you are.

Courage

“Don’t be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.”

~Rumi~

Enlightenment is taking responsibility for your own state of consciousness in the present moment. Cultivate the courage to see yourself clearly. Blame and judgment send attention and energy outward rather than inward where true healing is possible. The shadows that we carry silently control our lives. They cause us to react, create drama or sabotage our joy and because of this, most people tend to deny the shadow side of their nature rather than take responsibility for it.

In order to transform shadows into empowered aspects of growth, we must turn and face them. They, like everything in the human experience, have lessons to teach and gifts to offer. Integration of our dualistic nature allows us to shine a light in the darkness, and through love, heal whatever is found there.
Higher consciousness allows us to see the world differently. It awakens a deeper understanding of the Self and inspires feelings of safety, compassion, integrity, confidence and courage. The impact on your life will be felt when you open your heart and step into your fullest potential. This moment is your point of power.

Be Still

“Be still. Stillness reveals the secrets of eternity”
~Lao Tzu~

Quiet the mind and go within. No matter what is unfolding in your life situation, you have the ability to be at peace. Use all that you are experiencing to facilitate the next phase of your spiritual awakening. Silence is the key.

We are so conditioned to think our way through challenges that we can momentarily forget we are divine beings who are guided, loved and supported each and every step of the way. In those moments of feeling lost or overwhelmed, the first instinct is to dwell on the “coulda/woulda/shoulda” of regret.

Go within and simply be. Open to the light of the universe, and there you will discover the insight and peace you desire. Know that you are right where you need to be and the experience you are having holds the key to enlightenment. Periodically, spread your arms wide, open the heart chakra, and visualize energy flowing into you from the Sun. Just be and receive and breathe. Let this light infuse your entire being.

Honor the sacredness of your journey. Gratitude and appreciation open your heart to receive the many blessings that life has to offer.

The Journey

“The only journey is the one within.”
~Rainer Maria Rilke~
We are on a journey of awakening. Life, in all its various expressions, provides the opportunity to evolve through experience and introspection. Our interactions provide endless opportunities for us to delve deeper into the Self, the I Am within.
There is a very human-based tendency to get lost in the drama and miss the lessons. Some can remain mired in the intensity of the story for years or even lifetimes, and yet, awakening will ultimately happen. The journey inward takes us to an expansive place of awareness, and our task is to bring that awareness into the world of form.
Love connects us to one another. As awakening masters, our role is simply to remove anything that blocks the flow of love. Our judgments, and the fear out of which they arise, are distractions. The only thing that truly matters is the energy we share with one another. See if you can purposely leave every interaction with a lingering spark of your beautiful light.
Bless the moments that bring you greater insight. Honor each path as sacred. Do your best, act with integrity and accept what is. You are loved.

Your Unique Self

Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.
~Eckhart Tolle~
This moment, whatever it contains, is the perfect opportunity for you to shine. Think of everything that had to fall in place for you to be here now and realize that you are right where you need to be. Your exploration through life has likely taken you through all the highs and lows of experience for the sole purpose of discovering who you are.
Your unique journey of awakening is a beautiful and creative expression of the Divine in human form. As we move through our experiences, new pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place. It’s empowering to honor the process as sacred.
Everything plays a role in your spiritual growth. Moment to moment, choose to bring the highest version of yourself to the circumstances of your life experience. Rather than seeking for meaning, bring meaning to the joys and challenges you encounter. This approach will always send you on a journey inward to touch the wisdom of the heart.