Beginnings

“Celtic mysticism recognizes that rather than trying to expose the soul or offer it our fragile care, we should let the soul find us and care for us.”
~John O’Donohue~
Consider that any changes in your experience are preparing you for expansion into a new playground of consciousness. Every shake-up provides an opportunity to break us free from limiting patterns and beliefs that are no longer necessary.
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The resilience of the soul has no limitation. Once you truly see through the mechanisms of the ego, you’ll discover potential that is ready to shine. Yet, how would you know where your blockages lie without them first rising to the surface? When we’re ready to clear a particular issue, the soul requests assistance. That assistance often presents itself in the form of a challenge or ending. Life will always offer the perfect experience for your personal awakening.
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When faced with the shadow we have a choice… get lost in the story or forge a new way forward. The former will lull you back to sleep until the next upset occurs, while the latter creates a fresh, dynamic journey that ultimately expands your consciousness. As you awaken, the world around you is transformed.

Precision and Patience

“Patience is not sitting and waiting, it is foreseeing. It is looking at the thorn and seeing the rose, looking at the night and seeing the day. Lovers are patient and know that the moon needs time to become full.”

~Rumi~

No matter what you wish to create in your experience, it begins with a vision, dream or desire. The image sparks energy and enthusiasm into motion and leads us forward into new aspects of awakening. It’s important to be mindful about where you choose to place your focus. Baby steps spark miracles.

As we walk incrementally toward our goals, we discover that true power lies in consistency, precision and patience. Each action builds upon the next while one remains deeply rooted in the present moment. When an action is done well for its own sake, Presence transforms the work into a masterpiece.

Many need instant gratification and have not learned the joy of completion. There’s something powerful about seeing a body of work, intention and joy come together in ways that may be far more beautiful than that of the original vision. The purpose of inspiration is to send us on the road of discovery. From there, anything is possible.

Stillness and Sanctuary

“Learning how to be still, to really be still and let life happen – that stillness becomes a radiance.”

~Morgan Freeman~

There is a quiet sense of being that holds the deepest truth of who you are. It resides underneath the mechanisms of the ego – the calmness beneath the turbulence – accessible at any moment.

The inner strength that comes from quieting the mind is unfathomable. All anger, stress, anxiety or discomfort can be traced back to a thought that has taken up residence; therefore, observing thought is a powerful tool of transformation.

Many speak of waking from the dream or seeing through the illusion as part of the process of awakening. To forget ones-Self is to become lost in the dream. Whether one wakes from the dream gently, rising to the surface of consciousness, or abruptly due the shock of an intense challenge or unexpected life transition, waking still ultimately occurs.

Rather than avoiding the obstacle in the path, address it head on and you will discover a great deal about the strength, wisdom, peacefulness and love of your soul in the process. The vastness of the universe resides within you. Without distraction, what might you discover?

Spiritual Liberation

“The heart that seeks to awaken, to live genuinely, is more real than anything. That nameless drive calls you to be who you most truly are.”

~ Ezra Bayda~

Everything plays a role in your spiritual development. The awakened person lives in gratitude and joy, content within whatever the present moment offers. This peaceful sense of connectedness comes through spiritual maturity and is not tied to any desired outcome or reliant upon the actions of others.

Liberation from ones challenges is not about reaching a point where life flows without problems. We discover empowerment when we learn how to transform stumbling blocks into stepping stones. Be willing to let go of any deep feelings of unworthiness and step into a position of empowerment and personal responsibility. Only then will your life be transformed into an expression of pure love.
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Once awakened, everything becomes an opportunity to rise above. Even the mundane challenges of daily life are integrated into our spiritual work. The next time you feel frustrated, annoyed, impatient or blocked, stop and ask yourself how the moment can be transformed through a shift in perception or conscious action.

Mastering the small, seemingly insignificant things cultivates the tools required to handle anything that may come your way.

Stand in Courage

“In these times where it has seemed dark indeed
where integrity appears solely buried in legend and lore,
it is an opportunity in contrast to the shadows,
to create miracles…
by choosing first courage,
then diligence,
standing,
opening our mouth
and speaking the truth that in rare moments,
may ignite the light.”
~Tom Althouse~

To live an authentic life is to be deeply committed to the truth of who you are. There will be moments when you shine with inspiration and conviction, and others when you may miss the mark; however, it is all part of the process of transformation. Reading and study will only get you so far. It’s powerful to watch ideas as they come to life in the world around you. You are far stronger than you know.

Listen deeply to the inner wisdom of your soul. Each of us has a unique purpose and while you might find motivation and insight through others’ works, the message slightly transforms when processed through your filter of interpretation and again as you put new ideas and energy into motion.

Be the change you wish to see. Honor your purpose as sacred and embrace the continuity of your spiritual evolution. Beautiful facets of your soul still await discovery.

Love’s Gifts

Love, given freely, is extraordinarily powerful. It transforms both the giver and the receiver. It awakens desire that is beyond the ego-driven self and weaves the threads that bind us together. These inter-connective threads are simultaneously both our weakness and our strength. What harms one, harms all. What heals one, heals all.

When you consider how your dreams, words and actions impact the whole, it transforms your perception of self-interest. The awakened soul views life through the filters of expanded consciousness and contemplates the whole when seeking right action.

Love must be included in all that we do. Communication without love is condescending. Action without love is destructive. Listening without love is selfish. Work without love is drudgery. Conversely, love transforms service into joy, kindness into healthy expression and enthusiasm into artistic expression.

Your purpose is to love. When you choose to live with an open heart, you create space in which transformation can occur. Sparks of joy and inspiration shine like beacons in the darkness. Whether recognized or unrecognized, energy flows along the threads that bind us together. Never doubt the impact you have on those around you. Love seeks to express itself through you.

Forgiveness Empowers

“Anger and blaming others takes a lot of energy away from healing. One of the most powerful emotions that has to be expressed is forgiveness.”
~Candace Pert~

 

Anger and resentment are a waste of your precious energy. They drain vitality and ease from your life experience and harm no one but yourself. This energy can be transformed into strength through gratitude, meditation, mindfulness and a conscious choice to be free from the past.
The spiritual path calls upon us to reside fully in life, as it is in this moment. If there are pains that you carry, do not feel that you must push them down or deny them; rather, bring them to the light of your consciousness and transform them through acceptance and forgiveness. Reinterpret the past through the filters of your current state of awareness and you may discover that freedom is at hand.
Forgiveness is not about the other. It is a gift that you give to yourself. There is no need for physical closure or a meeting of the minds (though these may occur naturally in time), just a quiet peace in the present moment that will open your ability to love, trust and believe once again in the beauty and mystery of life.

Explore the Unknown

“Until you step into the unknown, you don’t know what you’re made of.”
~Roy T. Bennett~

There’s something beautiful about consciously walking into unfamiliar circumstances because it prompts one to become more present. In this infinite Universe, there are always new experiences to explore. Don’t allow yourself to become stagnant or too “certain” during the pilgrimage. We are in the midst of a great mystery and the ideas and beliefs that we cling to most are often the ones that require attention. It’s powerful to transform your way of looking at the world.

All the experiences, mistakes and adventures from this and previous lifetimes have built a reservoir from which you can draw wisdom. Challenges create unique opportunities to explore love and tap into your strength.

As an awakening spirit, you are being guided to weave something beautiful within the experiences of your life. Cast off that which is no longer needed and begin a new cycle with the gifts you have discovered. It’s time to test them in the world of form.

When you choose to release old emotional or behavioral patterns, it clears the way for new emotions and higher knowledge that will create peace in your experience.

Transforming Pain into Power

“Beautiful are those whose brokenness gives birth to transformation and wisdom.”
~John Mark Green~

By turning and facing our own darkness, we are transformed. The path of awakening is different for everyone. It is a journey of mystery and wonder, of lessons and learning, heartbreak and breakthrough, all of which lead to shifts in consciousness. It’s important to remember that no matter how far you have come, you have barely scratched the surface of all that waits to be discovered.

Your courage inspires those who grace your world. Continue to approach each day as a sacred gift and be willing to receive the light, love and laughter of the universe. The pain you transcend plays a specific role in your development; therefore, see those who challenge you as healing angels rather than obstacles you may encounter along the way.

In your vulnerability, you will discover strength. You stand at the threshold of a new life… one that has much to offer.

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.