Self-Knowledge

“The more you know yourself, the more clarity there is. Self-knowledge has no end – you don’t come to an achievement, you don’t come to a conclusion. It is an endless river.”
~Jiddu Krishnamurti~
The challenges that we face ultimately bring out the best in us. Through trial and error we learn to face our shadows and incrementally awaken. This is a never-ending process. The journey is not only long, but vast as we wander the playground of experience.
The point of power is always in the present moment. When we can consciously approach the Now with a sense of awareness and balance, we can trust that the future will tend to itself. Seeing yourself clearly, it becomes possible to combine the wisdom borne of experience with self-awareness and transcend the mundane. No one can walk this journey for you, it is personal and unique.
Everything offers an opportunity to awaken. Look into yourself with love and patience and know that there will be times when you miss the mark and others when you shine with the brilliance of a thousand suns. Trust the processes of your awakening. There is far more to life than meets the eye.

This Step

“What may look like a small act of courage is courage nevertheless. The important thing is to be willing to take a step forward.”
~Daisaku Ikeda~

No matter what you wish to accomplish, it can be achieved by taking action in the present moment. Baby steps spark miracles and send energy in motion that sets the stage for tomorrows experience. Just for today, ensure that all of your actions support your intention. Some things before you may seem small and inconsequential; however, that is where profound change begins.

Don’t worry about the end result. Do your best here and now and the future will take care of itself. Know that you are capable of creating a life that is remarkable. Taking action when things are small helps them seem more manageable and doesn’t allow any imbalance or perceived problem to become overwhelming.
When in doubt, take one conscious step forward. By recognizing the need for movement and setting energy in motion, you will discover that one baby step leads to another, and another. Typically, there is no great fanfare at the beginning of new ideas or dreams, just a desire to move and a quiet wisdom that simply says “yes”.

All You Need

“When you realize nothing is lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”
~Lao Tzu~

When you bring your awareness fully into the Now, you’ll discover that it is filled with wonder. Seek to embrace the present moment just as it is and you’ll discover that all you require is already here. Hidden within every moment is a seed of tranquility and peace. No matter what unfolds in your life, choose to end on love. Send kindness to those with whom you disagree and leave the ego behind.

Spirituality is not about denying the world and it’s pleasures. The abundance of life awaits. When you live with an open heart, you’ll discover how to celebrate the journey of your awakening while simultaneously enjoying the depths of understanding and wisdom available to you. Every moment is a gateway to infinite possibility.

Love resides at the core of your being. As you drop the layers of illusion that block your ability to see clearly, the light will begin to sparkle through. Look within. Slow down and breathe – observe the breath, and become the loving witness of your own awakening.

Your Story

“There is more than enough time,
to weave strands of the ordinary
into your own holy text.
You are more than you know
less lost than you feel
and whole in your center.”
~Molly Remer~

Your story is still being written. With each step, your experiences and wisdom create a unique tale of struggle and success, sorrow and laughter, and insights born of a life well-lived. Upon review you’ll discover the necessity of each plot twist and character in the richness of your journey.

Celebrate your ingenuity. It’s powerful to observe yourself and to witness how far you’ve come. Likely, the challenges you have faced have allowed your many facets to shine and have transformed simplistic ideas into the layered, complex understanding of a sage.

Live your unique truths to the best of your ability. With humility, continue to honor everything and everyone you encounter as a teacher. Your purpose is to awaken, and all of life supports you in this endeavor.

Live consciously. You can choose to fill your life experiences with meaning and joy while perfecting your role as an ever-evolving character who is cultivating self-awareness and empowerment.

 

Paradox, Humor, Change

“Life has three rules: Paradox, Humor, and Change.
– Paradox: Life is a mystery; don’t waste your time trying to figure it out.
– Humor: Keep a sense of humor, especially about yourself. It is a strength beyond all measure
– Change: Know that nothing ever stays the same.”
~Dan Millman~

It can take great courage to learn to trust your inner wisdom. Teachers and circumstances point the way to the inner awareness, but until one is willing to see, there it patiently waits. Trust yourself and be open to the potential that joy brings. No matter what you encounter, operate from a space of truth and integrity. Give yourself permission to reside within the paradox without dissecting or analyzing it.

Consciously practice moving quickly to acceptance instead of getting lost within the why. When we allow our experiences to be a celebration, we can live joyfully within life’s mystery while remaining grateful for the love, lessons and laughter.

Miracles happen with you create space and allow the divine to surprise you. New people, changes in perception and conscious interactions can alter your life in amazing ways. The soul longs for growth, for dramatic expansion. There is nothing to fear but fear itself.

Embody Grace

“Life is a gift, and I try to respond with grace and courtesy.”
~Maya Angelou~

Creating harmony in your life experience is imperative. It softens the voice of ego and allows you to engage with others in a way that is healthy, supportive and patient. Honor those who grace your life by nurturing them. Release attachment and hold space as they explore and learn and grow.

This dance of awakening is ever-evolving. As we enter new playgrounds of experience we support one another and joyfully discover unexplored aspects of ourselves in the process.

Mastery calls upon us to be conscious of our state of consciousness in the present moment. Your peacefulness creates peaceful experiences. Your love creates loving experiences. Embody grace and acceptance and your life will be easier.

When you approach your life experience with humility, humor, non-attachment and compassion, greater access to your inner wisdom is assured. From this place of empowerment it becomes easier to recognize the limitless possibilities that are available. Allow the gentle whispers of love and wisdom to guide your way.

 

Be Still

“The quieter you become, the more you can hear.”  
~Ram Dass~ 
You are the stillness in which life happens.
In stillness we can begin to sense the infinite. As a spiritual seeker, it’s important to learn how to quiet the mind. Within this space of infinite possibility, the quiet truth of your inner wisdom can make itself known.
The mind seeks to create a constant flow of thoughts, ideas and opinions. It fears the silence and fills that space with meaningless garble as a distraction. You are much more than your thoughts. You are a spark of the Divine which desires only to awaken to its infinite nature through the momentary illusion of human experience. As you learn to rise above thought, you will discover a lightheartedness and freedom that is astounding.
Enlightenment is learning to reside in the present moment as it is. Be still and listen to the wisdom of your soul.

Whispers of Wisdom

“Open the bloom of your heart and become a gift of beauty to the world.”
~Bryant McGill~

Simple things matter. Small acts of kindness can change situations in powerful ways. When we choose to live gently, we discover that our sojourn is filled with majestic spaces. Instead of rushing from one thing to another, one person to another, solving problems or acquiring more, we have the capacity to hear the whispers of wisdom.

Consciously create quiet space in your experience. The world is a sanctuary that is overlooked all too often because of our focus on the mundane. Today, seek to bring gentleness to your life situation, whatever it is, and treat yourself well.

In the stillness we can slow down and experience the fullness of life itself. You can step into the inner sanctum of the Divine, drink deeply of peace and bring that sacred energy into the present moment.

Wisdom

“Turn your wounds into wisdom.”
~Oprah Winfrey~

Challenges are a necessary aspect of enlightenment. They allow us to cultivate the tools of trust, patience, insight and empowerment. Don’t shy away from these moments of apparent darkness; instead, turn and shine the light of consciousness upon them.

Shamanic traditions utilize the energy and lessons of Jaguar to assist with transformation. This power animal represents sudden and intense change. When we call upon her for guidance, inspiration or assistance, she walks by our side and helps us find the strength to address adversity in such a way that we are changed by the experience. Having faced the dark night of the soul, we emerge transformed.

You can face any interaction consciously. Even those who are challenging may be bearers of wisdom, bringing messages from the Divine. Seek to examine your own shadow when confronted with unconscious behavior. Every encounter you face brings greater understanding and plays a specific role in your development.

Life will always provide the perfect circumstances to facilitate your evolution. You have the tools to navigate whatever unfolds in your experience and when you recognize these moments as opportunities, you will discover your true sacred nature.

Rising Above Thought

“Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry, the philosophy which does not laugh and the greatness which does not bow before children.”
~Khalil Gibran~

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 simply willing to explore the unknown rather than continuing to repeat old patterns.