Awakening From the Dream

Enlightenment is not about being perfect. It’s the process of experiencing a conscious, empowered life as best you can with what you have from where you are. Anyone can experience higher levels of wisdom, awareness and spiritual connection in meditation or on a mountaintop; however, mastery is bringing that same energy down from the mountain and infusing it into your day-to-day experiences.

There are dreams and desires that play scenarios in the mind. The “What ifs?” and “If onlys…” distract us by constantly projecting an imagined future, replaying the past or distorting our perception of the present moment. When we project our desires and attachments, others simply become a screen that reflects our projection to us, for a time. And then we awaken from the dream thinking “This isn’t what I thought it would be…” and of course it isn’t. It never was.

To be aware means that you are shattering the illusion and flaming passion for life as it is rather than an projected image of what it may or may not be in the future. The ego is a by-product of illusion. As we awaken, we begin to recognize this and experience it’s mechanisms less and less. This is the joy of awakening – discovering the beauty of the Divine within ourselves and everything around us and seeing through the dream.

Expansion

As we enter higher levels of consciousness, our energetic frequency changes. We respond differently to life and see the world around us through new filters. Growth always elicits a response. Sometimes it is met with resistance and fear by those who have not yet awakened, while others are inspired to join us in the delight of freedom, new perception and the joy of expansion.

When you encounter push back or ridicule, it is simply the arising of wounds that require healing in the other person. In that moment, you become a catalyst in their awakening and you can choose to see that as a gift. Allow your light to shine, see through the fear and honor the process of transformation.

Do not turn away from the challenges in your life. They provide opportunities to put your newfound knowledge, beliefs and talents to the test. When the soul is ready to expand, it goes through a deep cleansing and purification process which prepares it to receive new levels of wisdom. This is why profound change often follows moments of breakdown or confusion. The structures have been shaken and one will ultimately emerge with a greater sense of peace and inner strength.

Disruption

“…something very beautiful happens to people when their world has fallen apart: a humility, a nobility, a higher intelligence emerges at just the point where our knees hit the floor.”
~Marianne Williamson~

Acceptance is saying “Yes” to life. It is not dependent upon liking what is unfolding, rather, it is an inner awareness that releases the ingrained habit of struggle and allows you to step into the present moment with power and grace. Life’s disruptions reveal your strengths.
You are much more than this body or this experience. You are a vast, infinite energy that is in the process of discovery. Simultaneously unique and part of the Oneness that connects us, we are here to discover how to live from the heart.
The purpose of the human existence is to experience every facet of life. So, lifetime after lifetime we play in the world of form. We interact with one another as lovers, enemies, teachers, family and friends in order to discover compassion. Our challenges send us on new roads of adventure and discovery. When you are ready to learn, you’ll find that everyone and everything is your teacher. Living in alignment with your unique way of being in the world will help you to access your inner wisdom.

Understanding

“I have been and still am a seeker, but I have ceased to question stars and books; I have begun to listen to the teaching my blood whispers to me.”
~Hermann Hesse~
Experience creates understanding. Those who walk through challenges emerge transformed. They have a compassion and depth of knowledge unknown to those who have played it safe. Think of the difference between someone who has studied honey extensively – it’s molecular compounds, how it’s made, uses for it – and someone who has simply paused to taste and enjoy its sweetness. While one may have more time invested and learned complex words to describe it, the second has personal experience and greater clarity.
The mind, pretending to be important, will often ask questions that delay (how? why? when?) as a form of procrastination. The heart will prompt you to conscious action based upon your newfound wisdom.
Understanding will ultimately set you free. With each experience your perception of life broadens. Immerse yourself in possibility and choose to see beyond good and bad to the love that resides at the core of everything. Armed with depth and nuance, you can trust the whispers of your heart. Taste life. Allow its sweetness to inform you. No matter what arises, your compassion will continue to expand until it encompasses all that you see.

Compassion

It can be difficult to watch those you love harm themselves through self-sabotage, limiting thought patterns or repetitive behavior. The natural instinct of love is the desire to take away another’s pain; however, attempting to do so before the soul has truly learned the lesson involved merely prolongs the challenge. The same type of situation will manifest again in various forms until it is no longer needed. It’s healthier for all involved to raise someone’s consciousness (by raising yours) and detach from expectation.

Detached compassion is utilizing the wisdom of love in order to create a space of comfortable silence and well-being – the coming together of kindred spirits. In this manner, one can detach from the ego and move past blocks of perception into the realm of new possibility.

For everyone, this is a period of discovery. Not every pathway will lead to a definitive answer, but the joy is in the journey. Be supportive, kind and authentic. When someone comes to you and specifically asks for direction or advice, share your ideas without attachment – everyone processes new information in their own way and time.

Honor all paths as sacred by allowing the lesson, offering support and sowing seeds of compassion.

Openness and Acceptance

“Let go of certainty. The opposite isn’t uncertainty. It’s openness, curiosity and a willingness to embrace paradox, rather than choose up sides. The ultimate challenge is to accept ourselves exactly as we are, but never stop trying to learn and grow.”
~Tony Schwartz~

Consider the uses of adversity. Challenges push us places we would rarely choose to go, yet we emerge wholly enriched by the experience. Understand deeply that all pain is self-imposed. Bring conscious awareness to your discomfort and you will discover ways to transform the energy into empowerment. This may look different from situation to situation but it always begins with openness and acceptance.

When you can face the mechanisms of the ego – old scripting, others’ fears, limiting patterns – you cultivate the courage that can only be found by one who has made the arduous journey. Each breakthrough builds upon the last and teaches that you are strong enough to weather the storm.

Wisdom seeks to express itself through you. With each step, honor your path as sacred and simply bring the best version of yourself to the present moment. This is the pathway of realization. You are enough and all will unfold in the perfect way at the perfect time.

The Paradigm of Wisdom

“…sometimes you can feel that you’ve lost something… but, then at the same time you can discover you’ve actually found or gained something. Life’s untold adventures… the adventure within & without… will often begin here… in this paradigm.”
~AshRawAr~

Planet earth is merely the first stop in a greater journey of discovery. This is where we explore the concept of separation and contrast. Differences spark lessons that allow us to explore the various facets of being human. You are a spiritual being having a human experience… Many people think it’s the other way around and strive to reject or deny themselves joy in the human experience as part of their spiritual awakening.

The present moment is the portal to greater wisdom and understanding. Seek to explore all that it has to offer. The joy that awaits is your spiritual journey. When you accept what is with an open heart, there is a greater possibility that you will be open to new experiences, a paradigm shift or simple grace in the Now.

You are perfect. As you evolve and change you will continue to discover layers of energy that connect us through the commonality of experience. Let love guide the way.

Bless Those Who Challenge You

Other people are not here to validate your worthiness. Nor are they required to accept you as you are, fill the emptiness inside or understand your point of view. In fact, the more we attach to the idea of pleasing others, the more we lose ourselves in the process.

Those that have changed the world have done so in the face of opposition. Their inner sense of confidence and strength propels them ever onward as they live their truth as best they can. Eventually, like-minded individuals are inspired to learn the value of integrity, sometimes joining together, sometimes following behind and aiding in the transformation of consciousness.

Consider the idea that those who oppose you the most on the physical plane support you the most on the spiritual plane. These daring souls are willing to risk losing your love and affection in order to help you to develop a sense of courage and empowerment. Bless those who challenge your point of view for they are actually assisting you in the process of defining, refining and living it to the best of your ability.

When we choose to see everyone as our teacher, it brings freedom and limitless possibilities into our experience. The role of a teacher is to help you to stand on your own two feet and aid you in seeing the one thing you are unwilling to see. Bless those who challenge you and seek the guidance of your heart. Every event provides an opportunity to witness the vastness of your being.

Wisdom

“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.”
~Paulo Coelho~

See yourself as a lifetime student of love. There is much yet to discover.

We are on an incredible journey. No matter how many lifetimes you’ve had so far, no matter how high your state of consciousness, remember that earth is simply the beginning. This playground allows us to explore the concepts of separation, contrast and opposites in order to discover the higher truths of balance, compassion and Oneness.

When we have named every star in the sky, counted the grains on every beach, loved through a thousand lifetimes and experienced this world in every possible way, the adventure will then take us to new levels of existence.

Life can sometimes feel quite overwhelming. Our physical senses create a sense of solidity out of illusion, and often we can feel trapped by tunnel vision. The purpose of meditation, stillness or conscious breathing is to briefly allow you to connect with the infinite aspect of who you are. As we learn to see beyond appearances, we can touch eternity. You are far more than the role you are currently playing in this lifetime.

Inner Strength

“Self discovery is the most empowering time of your life, you remember who you are and you become the best version of yourself but what they forget to tell you is, to get to a point of pleasure you must face the pain.”

~Nikki Rowe~

The challenges that you have faced have forged aspects of your personality that are ready to shine. In times of uncertainty, you can tap into these inner strengths to give you fortitude to face whatever unfolds in your experience. Resilience of character is often a silent wisdom and competence that underlies your actions while providing a firm foundation throughout the journey.

Remember to give yourself credit for how far you have come. The weight of the past is nothing compared to the power of the present moment. Allow the light of your soul to guide you home. The story of your awakening is unique, and all the supporting characters have played their roles to perfection.

You are ready to thrive. All that is required is one more conscious step forward, and then one more. Pay attention to the calling of your spirit and choose to be open to discovery and adventure. You’ve got this.