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.

Sacred Flame

“Awareness is the greatest alchemy there is. Just go on becoming more and more aware, and you will find your life changing for the better in every possible dimension. It will bring great fulfillment.”
~Osho~

Let your life be guided by the sacred flame of awareness. Layer by layer the veils of illusion are burned away and we open to receive the gifts of enlightenment. It may be hard to imagine the beauty that awaits, but truly that is the one and only reason for this sojourn in space and time – discovery. There is nothing specific that you need to do, only drop that which blocks your vision.

Bring greater awareness to your experience. Choose just an hour today and approach every task fully present – no multitasking, slow and conscious, grateful and alert. This will teach you how to become the observer and recognize the sacredness of the Now.

One indicator of awakening is that you will feel whole, peaceful, balanced and integrated, even when facing adversity. Inner guidance speaks in whispers – the more you trust it, the stronger it becomes and the more attuned you will be to the wisdom which emanates from the very core of your being.

The Intuitive Mind

“The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honours the servant and has forgotten the gift.”

~Albert Einstein~

In a world filled with overwhelming sensations and distractions, the ego-mind has cultivated a collective script that results in continued conflict and dysfunction. As we awaken, we begin to break free from the overwhelming cacophony to once again enter the stillness of being.

In that space of stillness, we can access inner wisdom. Rather than being reactive, we are able to consciously respond to life from a higher level of consciousness. The ability to slow down and go within creates a secure foundation which supports the journey of awakening.

Strengthen the intuitive aspect of your experience by trusting your instincts. When the voice of ego begins its repetitive mantra of fearful “what ifs?” simply recognize it, observe it and slow down. Ask how you can bring Presence, mindfulness or love to the situation. Most often you’ll discover that the voice of your heart directs you to do the exact opposite of what the ego insists is the right course of action.

Acting on your instincts builds a pathway of energy that grows stronger over time. The great miracle of awareness is that it transforms the mundane into the sacred.

Your True Nature

“You find peace not by rearranging the circumstances of your life, but by realizing who you are at the deepest level.”

~Eckhart Tolle~

Once you understand who you are and what you’re here to do, the world takes on new meaning. There is no longer any need to be defined by outward appearances or possessions. There is no seeking validation from others. There is no desire to fight or stress; instead, one starts accepting life as it is.

This acceptance allows us to step into gratitude more easily. We recognize the symphonic blend of energies that merge to support us on the journey of awakening. The stages of enlightenment that we reach do not ensure a life without challenges; however, they do build a foundation of peace in our experience so that we no longer get so lost within the story.

Evolution is a pilgrimage. There is no end to the journey of awakening – just the rejoicing of discovery, healing, loving, being, sharing and walking with one another.

The Untroubled Spirit

“The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are.”
~Marcus Aurelius~

When you can see beyond the mechanisms of the ego, you are well on your way to a life unencumbered by drama. The actions of others always demonstrate their the filter through which they view the world. Since you cannot please all the people all the time, you are free to live in your integrity.

Nothing matters more than your state of consciousness in the present moment. The awakening soul learns to be non-reactive in intense situations and waits for the appropriate time to take action. As we drop reactivity, our energy becomes more focused and succinct. The way forward makes itself known and we can act while remaining detached from the outcome.

In a world beset with judgment, intensity and blame, we have the opportunity to demonstrate a different way of being. Create spaces that are peaceful for you. Fill your life experience with things that bring you joy, but remain content. Through the wisdom born of experience, one can see clearly yet still choose to walk through life with an untroubled spirit.

Write Your Own Story

“Looking with a mind that’s awake reveals the shimmering pulse of life. Looking with a mind full of thoughts reveals only your thoughts. ”
~Ezra Bayda
~

When you notice yourself speaking often of the past, make a conscious effort to bring yourself fully into the present moment. Spiritual maturity has little to do with past experiences or achievements. The depth of your awakening is discovered by journeying inward and expressed by how you choose to merge the insights you have had into the present moment. The Now is your true point of power and it is here your story resides.
Honor the past as a teacher while allowing the emotional intensity to fade. See everything as an integral aspect of your spiritual growth, the fulfillment of soul contracts or nurturing the seeds of consciousness.
With that in mind, walk in the present moment with a sense of innocence and trust. Know that you have infinite potential while you transform the lessons of the past into new experiences and understanding. You can choose to bring optimistic, vibrant energy into the story you are writing. Awareness will continue to expand your consciousness and inspire you, opening a world of mastery, wisdom and empowerment.

Passion and Purpose

“Live the Life of Your Dreams: Be brave enough to live the life of your dreams according to your vision and purpose instead of the expectations and opinions of others.”
~Roy T. Bennett~

 

Passion is the fire that sparks movement, experience, and ultimately, wisdom. Since our only true purpose is to awaken, why not make the journey of discovery playful – a celebration of joy?  Life will always present contrasting experiences. We can choose to approach challenges with an open heart and bring compassion into our expression of being.
The paradox of human experience calls upon us to simultaneously be sympathetic and helpful to those who are in pain while consciously keeping ourselves balanced. Reactivity brings energy to lower vibrations. We simply cannot be as effective in a state of reaction as we are when aligned with our passion, purpose and inner wisdom.
The key is to appreciate the beauty in each moment. To live deeply immersed in the Now brings a sense of joy into the daily activities of your life. Then, whatever actions you choose to take will be infused with the wholeness of your spirit. This is the process of transforming your life into an empowered dance of awakening.

The Heart of Wonder

“Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.”
~Socrates~

As awareness increases, our ability to participate in the miraculous grows sharper. We become a loving bridge between the mystical and the mundane. Consider the difference in viewpoint between someone who continually gazes down at their phone or is lost in thought, and one who, deeply immersed in Presence, consciously experiences the nuanced world around them.

To break habitual patterns is to shine the light of consciousness upon the road ahead. Purposeful action sparks movement in new directions. When you live with genuine curiosity, you ignite pure energy into your journey. Seek out other viewpoints, learn how to live within the paradox by being authentic and consistent in your approach.

Wonder sparks wisdom which ultimately impacts the journey of discovery in beautiful ways. Drop the need for labels and limiting interpretations. Instead, choose to observe life and your response to it. When you look through the eyes of love, only appreciation remains. With gratitude, we celebrate our friendships, experience the birth of a brand new day, seek enlightenment and ultimately discover peace. No matter what unfolds within your life circumstances, you can choose to bring a conscious, empowered, joyful attitude to your journey.

 

The Infinite Facets of Love

“Traditional Sufi wisdom teaches that we are the creation and manifestation of Infinite Love, and that every event and circumstance of our lives serves to awaken us and remind us that true happiness and security is to be found in the deepest center of ourselves where we are closest to that Infinite Love, where our true needs will be met.”

~Shaikh Kabir Helminski~

Think of all that you understand about love – love of life, appreciation of nature, the depths of lifelong friendships, the intensity of infatuation and attraction, the nuanced layers of commitment and kindness, caring for those in need, the desire to alleviate suffering, the warmth of a long hug, the loneliness of loss… and everything in between. Now realize that love is our only true purpose and with all that we’ve discovered, we’re still at the beginning of true wisdom.

Consider that your purpose is to infuse love into everything that you do. Love gives. Love receives. Love expands. This world is nothing but an opportunity to see what love can do when, in it’s authentic form, it is set into motion and given the freedom to move. If there is any space in your life where love does not seem to reside, it is there your work lies.

Aging Consciously

“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”
~Sophia Loren~

One of the benefits of conscious aging is to experience and share the wisdom of a life well lived. The explorations through youth and power lead us to discover our passions and talents. Around age 54, we enter the cycle of wisdom. Here we begin to explore the various life lessons we have faced and cultivate a better understanding of the structure of the soul.

For those unable or unwilling to do the work, aging can be frustrating. Any dysfunction becomes even more deeply entrenched and the missed lessons intensify. Life becomes a burden and often impacts others. Lost in and controlled by stories of the ego, they are unable to value and work with the power of change.

Aging can be extraordinary for those who have awakened. Moving consciously through the stages of life, they still continue to learn, adjust when needed and are less controlled by outside factors. These beautiful souls have incredible wisdom to share.