The Maelstrom of Our Lives

We are living in early parts of 2020. Our world is changed forever. There will be a new normal but we first will have to learn our lessons as we survive, in some form or another, the Maelstrom created by our world’s response to Covid-19. You can ask, Are we victims of this virus or just actors in the play which has lessons for our planet Earth and the humanity who appears to be the main characters in this Reality Show? Brutal like the “reality” TV show “Naked and Afraid.”

Many of us are in fear or controlled by our anxiety. Some of us pretend to be in control and oppositional to this world-wide crisis. Some of us are looking for the right prayers or meditations to neutralize this virus and its rampage on our “regular” lives. Some of us are oblivious or under the influence of our medications of choice. Some of us stare death defiantly in the eyes. We have heroes. We have victims. We have heroes who are victims. We have drama and a set of circumstances never before seen in the age of instantaneous world-wide communications.

Perhaps there are even a few people of consciousness who maintain equanimity in the face of raging media, stupidity in leadership, and personal concerns to their lives, their health, their wealth, their lifestyles, their communities, and their belief systems. Some day in the future, all this may be explained or understood better than it is today in the midst of this craziness. BUT, do not miss the opportunity to view these travails through the filter of “what can we learn from this situation and how can we serve by sharing any wisdom which comes our way.”

Trust me (but why would you trust me???…) things will get worse for our world before they get better. (Written on April 5th, 2020.) Health will be jeopardized. Finances will be crushed for most of us. Lifestyles will be forced into unfamiliar territory. Our emotions, our thoughts and our spirits will be tested because this is Big, as big as a world-wide transition can be, for our modern world. And, my hope is that humanity will learn new lessons of interdependence and support for humanity which will go far beyond our national borders. We are all in this together. We are in this for the long haul. And, we will need each other as never before. Even our Earth will be healed or it will take out the human civilizations as we have known these to be.

I am trying to think beyond a “Doomsday” scenario. We have an opportunity to expand our consciousness and take steps closer to an enlightenment on this Earthly plane. But, much testing and difficult challenges will be experienced. Political and economic structures will be altered or we will be headed for extinction. And, I do not say this to be an alarmist or as a negative prognosticator. We have an opportunity to learn in consciousness and to grow. There will be desperate, angry, fearful and anxious people who will fight to maintain our old institutions even if this means “mutual assured destruction.” (MAD)

This will be GREAT! Be aware. Be “Present!” Meditate and listen to the deeper wisdom of “Guidance.” Be willing to serve. And, do not fear death because this can get in your way and make the Joys of life more difficult to find. May you find the Divine Spirit within you to give you confidence and solace. Face and love the maelstrom. It can be the miracle we are looking for. (Where possible resist the fear mongering of the media and crazy self-serving leadership…)

You are a Blessing! Thank you for being you.

Thanks for your time and consideration. Your insights and experiences are unique and a blessing, so please share these…

If you are READY and looking for a supportive community where you can share your story, your wisdom, and grow spiritually in a non-religious environment, consider Masters of the Journey.
You are a Blessing! You are a Master! Your wisdom from your life experience can have great value to other pilgrims on the path toward awakening and enlightenment.

The Masters of the Journey has events which are updated on our Facebook page which is found at: www.facebook.com/mastersofthejourney Please comment on this blog and share, if appropriate. More of our blogs are based on spiritual consciousness and can be found at www.dstress.com/blog

Dancing in the Light

Yes. It is that time again in the Northern Hemisphere to begin to search for those ways to get yourself “Dancing in the Light” once again. Well, everyone on this planet, Earth, can search for ways to be “Dancing in the Light.” It is not just about the starting of the Spring season, this is about being challenged to look for Joy and Gratitude in each and every moment. Sure, this can be challenging when you are not feeling well or your life lessons seem overwhelming, but, if you are “Present” (in this moment) and can set aside your fear or anxiety or your “drama,” you can take a breath and find the Joy and Wisdom from the miracle of life you are!

I have said this before and will continue to remind you, YOU are a Miracle! You are so much greater than the human life drama you find yourself acting out on this Earthly plane. But, I acknowledge that YOU are Perfect in playing the role you have been birthed to play. No one can do you better than you are doing you. You are unique and special, AND, needed in the role you are playing. Now, remember that you want to do your very best at being who you are. You must continue growing in awareness and consciousness to be the very best “YOU.” We are counting on you to be the most conscious person you can be. You have refined your character so many times in this life. With every new relationship, or job, or role you take on in your family or your community, you have adapted and grown your character. You are in the spotlight and everyone must play off of the character you have chosen to play.

Now, as for you “Dancing in the Light,” that spotlight never fades. Your drama may intensify and sometimes you are the hero or the villain but you are always at the very center of the stage. So, why not be the beacon of Love and Light that you are. Let your Spirit burn with the fires of Joy and Loving Kindness. Shine brightly to be a beacon of Light to those characters who seem to hide in the shadows or are concealed in the dark corners of your stage. Sometimes, we are the flame of brightness and love so we attract the seemingly damaged souls, like moths fly to the light. We attract those people who seem to be needy or “injured.” You can not assist everyone, especially those who wish to carry their injuries for others to learn from, they teach us what not to do or what not to be… You can not control or take credit or blame for another person’s life’s path. But, you can be of service by being sincere and shining brightly as an act of service and support.

YOU have a Choice!

Be the most Perfect YOU that you can be. Look to grow in consciousness and to support any of the pilgrims who cross your path in this life. When given the opportunity, look them in the eyes and honor the deep perfection of their soul. Honor the role they are playing even if you find it challenging. AND, learn your lesson from every interaction in the Dance of Life.

You are a Blessing! Thank you for being you.

Thanks for your time and consideration. Your insights and experiences are unique and a blessing, so please share these…

If you are READY and looking for a supportive community where you can share your story, your wisdom, and grow spiritually in a non-religious environment, consider Masters of the Journey.
You are a Blessing! You are a Master! Your wisdom from your life experience can have great value to other pilgrims on the path toward awakening and enlightenment.

The Masters of the Journey has events which are updated on our Facebook page which is found at: www.facebook.com/mastersofthejourney Please comment on this blog and share, if appropriate. More of our blogs are based on spiritual consciousness and can be found at www.dstress.com/blog

There Are Times In Your Life

There are times in your life when you need to pay attention! There are times in your life when you can easily find happiness and joy. And, there are times in your life when you have to look very deeply to find the “Joy” when you can easily judge this life event as challenging and even painful.

When you were young, you would look at certain events and embrace the expectation of impending happiness. You might look forward to your birthday or to Christmas or to Summer vacation expecting the fun and the happiness of what would come. Perhaps there was a graduation or a certain trip which would trigger expectations of happiness. Perhaps, a “knowing” that a certain gift was coming and your joyful anticipation left you excited and full of happiness. Certainly, there have been major transitions on your calendar which created assumptions of joyful happiness like: family gatherings, weddings, births of your children, and anniversaries of your treasured relationships.

Happiness is different than Joy! Happiness is an emotional response. What triggers happiness is often superficial compared to what might trigger Joy. Joy is the deepest level of celebration in the soul.

There is always a flip side. Not to be viewed or assumed to be dark or negative but major events that challenge you. These events challenge you to find the “Joy,” though maybe bittersweet, in the transition you find yourself. Highly conscious people will search for, and find, the “Joy” in even the most difficult life situation. Consideration of the Joy in the unfortunate times is more than a simple art form, it is critical in learning from the arduous life experiences we survive.

Yes, there is a flip side to most every life experience. Lonely Birthday’s or Birthday’s celebrated late in life can be bittersweet. Reflecting back on the more innocent early times can be a reflection of what constantly changes in our lives. Christmas or holiday times when missing a loved one can be filled with pressured expectations of the happiness which may be more difficult to achieve. As we age, Summer vacations may be more a test for us as we control our anxiety and work to control some of the negative expectations which may haunt us. Even weddings and anniversaries can cause us to pause and reflect on what has changed in our innocence and the way we view our past youthful naivety.

However, even the most difficult life experiences can be viewed with the discovery of “Joy.” Even in the vacuum created by the loss of relationships or even the death of a life partner or friend, you can find the life message that grows out of these challenges and celebrate this difficult lesson for the “Joy” that can come. The appreciation of life and the memories of past experiences are given perspective which can become “teaching moments” and so wisdom to share. Your purpose in coming to this life is to learn and to grow and to serve other souls you meet along the way. If you have survived a challenging time, even of great loss of relationship, there is a message to share. AND, you are here, in this life, to share your wisdom born out the drama you have survived. Find the “Joy” in every moment, even the seemingly “darker” moments and you walk the path of consciousness and “Enlightenment.”

An example from my life… After marriage of nearly 28 years, my life partner transitioned after living with her terminal Ovarian cancer diagnosis for 8+ years. Difficult times for us, our families, our children, and our friends. I would NOT wish this experience on anyone. I would not trade this experience, in retrospect, for some other possible fantasy ending. My wife and I became so much closer. Our love was tested and not only survived, but grew. My lessons as the “survivor” have changed my life and my appreciation of living, and dying. The wisdoms I was forced to learn have been shared with many people AND these acts of service have created a burning light which leads the way for many other souls who have been touched by our story. This is the JOY which is born from life’s challenges. This is the Joy you must seek from the difficult experiences you are surviving.

These challenges are the times in Your life that are there to teach you. By expanding your consciousness and learning, you can find your Joy in sharing your hard earned wisdom…

Do not get me wrong, every moment, yes, every moment is Joyful! You have to sometimes work a bit harder to find the meaning and the Joy in the lesson you are learning. Finding the Joy in the more difficult dramas is the act of Enlightened Living. It is time to “Wake UP!”

May the Blessings of Insights in Consciousness blossom most freely for you and find ways of manifesting in your sweet lives! (A message from Guidance.)

Thanks for your time and consideration. Your insights and experiences are unique and a blessing, so please share these…

If you are READY and looking for a supportive community where you can share your story, your wisdom, and grow spiritually in a non-religious environment, consider Masters of the Journey.
You are a Blessing! You are a Master! Your wisdom from your life experience can have great value to other pilgrims on the path toward awakening and enlightenment.

The Masters of the Journey has events which are updated on our Facebook page which is found at: www.facebook.com/mastersofthejourney Please comment on this blog and share, if appropriate. More of our blogs are based on spiritual consciousness and can be found at www.dstress.com/blog

Attract Positive: Be Happy!

Be Happy! Easier said than done, BUT…. Your positivity and Happiness will attract positive energy and loving support from the Divine Spirit. No matter what you choose to do or to be, the Divine Spirit will still Love and Support You AND it is an easier task to feel this Love and Support if you are positive and happy. “Like attracts like…” How you choose to be “Happy” in difficult times dealing with difficult challenges is up to you! You choose how YOU respond. You need to take responsibility for your actions, reactions, and the way you perceive your situation. Some people have chosen to respond to difficulties by finding the good, even the Joy, in the lesson they are confronted by. You CAN choose Joy and Happiness.

When you “Ruminate” in a negative or depressed state, you may tend to see life through this filter. You may then find the energy that you are emanating as “Like attracts like…” When you are angry and frustrated, it is difficult to find Joy. It is easier to find more anger and frustration. There is a person who sometimes floats into my activities who rants anger and frustration every chance possible. This attracts more anger and hostile responses which tends to prove this person’s belief. AND, there is no personal responsibility by this individual for their own angry presentation…

There is the distinction in living in higher consciousness. Seeing the positive in a difficult lesson can be very challenging. Taking responsibility for what is happening and how you respond is demanding. This, however, is a test which leads to higher consciousness and moves you toward your “Enlightenment.” What is the direction you choose to take?

Living in Joy is a goal of the Enlightened spirit. We come into our Earthly incarnation to be tested, challenged, and to face the pain of being a human. We come to experience the “Drama” of our role in Earthly life. We learn from these challenges. We grow when tested. Life was not meant to be 24/7 fun. However, for those of us who live in Joy and Happiness a “fun” life can be more consistently lived. When you meditate and begin to remember where you have come from, you can be guided in the most positive direction to accomplish your “learnings.” Sharing your wisdom, experiences, and Joy is a step toward offering the positive support which attracts positivity to you. If you can share with humility, you may prove to be the guiding light for your witnesses.

Hint which may assist you: the practice of Smiling will engage a happier mindset. Just Smile! Smile when you are alone. Smile when you interact with other people in the world. Smile as you look for the Joy or Positive lesson you can learn even in challenging situations. Smiling will trigger a physical response in your brain and stimulate some unconscious responses in your central nervous system. Practice this. Smile when you meditate. My friend Robert discovered how well this has worked for him and I know this is true for me as well. What have you got to lose? So spend some time and energy with extra smiling.

Live in the “Light.” Radiate and reflect the Joy you experience. Expect the positive even in the dark times. (Again, easier said than done.) Example, when grief seemed to limit my expression of joy after the passing of my wife, I was still celebrating her freedom from the traumas of cancer. I was still able to know that our story would serve others. I still found appreciation for all the learning I had been forced to experience as a partner in this difficult shared experience. I experienced the love and support of many friends. Today, even with grief and my pain not far from the surface, I know that I would not wish this on anyone else but I would not trade this experience for a different path.

You are a Miracle! You are a beacon of Love and Light! Whenever possible, bask in the Joy and the Happiness which the lessons of life can offer to you. AND, allow your growth in consciousness to be a bright guiding force you can share with the pilgrims you meet on your path!

Thanks for your time and consideration. Your insights and experiences are unique and a blessing, so please share these…

If you are READY and looking for a supportive community where you can share your story, your wisdom, and grow spiritually in a non-religious environment, consider Masters of the Journey.
You are a Blessing! You are a Master! Your wisdom from your life experience can have great value to other pilgrims on the path toward awakening and enlightenment.

The Masters of the Journey has events which are updated on our Facebook page which is found at: www.facebook.com/mastersofthejourney Please comment on this blog and share, if appropriate. More of our blogs are based on spiritual consciousness and can be found at www.dstress.com/blog

Happy Birthday Mr Milo

If you are reading this blog, then YOU were born, more than one year ago, this message applies to YOU as well! My grandson, Mr. Milo, had his first birthday recently. What do you say to assist in the spiritual development of a person with whom you interact? In this case, what do you say to a relatively new soul who is cruising on this Earth in 2019? I am struggling to find the words which will convey the spiritual learnings I have encountered. For my life may not afford me the opportunity to say these things directly to Mr Milo when he is of an age where these discoveries will register at a conscious level. And, I may never get the chance to meet YOU or say these things directly to YOU so you can consider my stories of consciousness raising experiences and the perspective these may trigger for YOU.

Let me first say to YOU, and to Mr Milo, I LOVE YOU! YOU are a miracle! YOU are amazing and Perfect! YOU are essential to all consciousness in our Universe (and beyond.) Your “choice” to become incarnated into your family and into this world is an incredible act which deserves celebration and the highest level of acknowledgement. The lessons YOU came to this life to learn will be challenging and from these your knowledge and wisdom will be increased. Your ability to “Serve” by sharing of yourself will benefit all consciousness. Mr. Milo, your ancestors have been healers and educators and guides. YOU will add to this linage and create your own legacy by your actions, your interactions, and your life’s experiences.

When YOU transition out of this current incarnation, your experiences will be a piece of many other souls’ learnings and remembrances. One of my goals is to assist YOU and your developing consciousness by asking YOU to “Remember” where YOU, as a spirit, came from and where YOU will return. “Remember” the Divine Source with its Unconditional Love, Acceptance (and lack of Judgement,) Wisdom, Freedom from time and space (limitations of 3 dimensions,) and your Connection with all other souls (and their Spirits.) YOU are a Beacon of Light and Love here to guide and to embrace the Wisdom of the Divine. Your mind and ego will be battered by the egos of those people around YOU who are here to test your fortitude and resolve. Separateness of egos and defensiveness will look to create divides between YOU and the Divine Spirit which is within each of us, but this act of division and separation will not win.

To assist YOU, there will be guides, and mentors, and angels, and every person YOU bump into is there for a reason. Look into the eyes of each person. When YOU are most conscious, YOU will see and “Know” the perfection, the beauty, and the struggles of each life. YOU will have a role in their development and they exist for your development, as well. Namaste!

There are books, ceremonies, meditations, trips into nature, interactions and relationships which are part of your learnings (and challenges.) YOU will learn and celebrate your successes. YOU will learn even more from your, seeming, failures. YOU will learn to find the perfection and the “Joy” in even the most challenging of life’s experiences. These will afford YOU the possibilities of Growth and expansion of your consciousness. When YOU are “ready,” these words will resonate with YOU in ways which will open the floodgates of Wisdom and Joy. It will assist YOU greatly if YOU take responsibility for the choices YOU make and the experiences YOU find in your life.

Pain can not be avoided. Fears and anxieties may be a part of your experiences. Find the kernel of wisdom and Joy in these challenges as a part of the lessons YOU are here to experience. Easier said than done, but, do not fear or avoid change. For change is what YOU are here to experience. Your metamorphosis will offer YOU the wings of wisdom to assist YOU to fly to your highest levels of consciousness…

Thank YOU for choosing to appear and to follow your path of Consciousness and Service. Your radiant beauty and love will support all the people YOU encounter. There is no way to fail! The role YOU fill in this drama called life can not be done better. There is no way to step out of the light and the Love of the Divine!

I Bless YOU! I celebrate YOU and all that you have come here to do! YOU are a miracle which can not be fully understood by the 3 dimensional Mind but is fully appreciated by the consciousness of the soul within the heart! Share your light!

If we are meant to share more experiences together I will celebrate the parallel path we will travel. The Joy of meeting YOU fills my heart…

As YOU have guessed, when the word “YOU” is used, it is meant for you the reader.

The Joy in Life’s Challenges

Have you ever set a difficult challenge for yourself and celebrated when you accomplished your goal? Perhaps you wanted to run a 10K footrace. Or, you wanted to lose 20 lbs. Or, you want to master a piece of music and perform it for an audience. What if you set a very difficult challenge and you did NOT succeed or meet your goal? Was the effort and attempting to push your limits worthwhile and a “stretch” which made this effort worth your time and energy? Testing yourself and attempting to “stretch” your limitations is often the most important learning you can have. Life, yes your life, is full of challenges which can ask you to “stretch” and can feel difficult, even painful. The most painful challenges are often the most satisfying when you can achieve your goal. Even when you fail, you can learn, and grow, a lot.

Living can have its painful lessons. We can find the lessons useful and these can broaden our confidence or experience, at the very least. The challenge is to find “Joy” in each experience, even the most difficult. Life is about taking risks and “Stretching” ourselves. Safely sitting on the couch doing familiar activities does not create the learning experiences which can move us forward. When we learn and “grow” we have more to share and stories which, when shared, makes our lives more interesting. Sure, the successes may be more fun to retell but the difficult experiences can have great, if not greater, value to our witnesses. (Perhaps of what NOT to do…)

Everyday is a miracle! You can wake up in a mundane life and have the possibility of stretching yourself and having a most unusual experience or learning opportunity. Look for the Joy in each day, each moment, each interaction so you can celebrate at the end of your day and bask in these treasures at the end of this life. No regrets, live each day…

Pain is something that happens in living. Your “suffering” is optional and your creation. You CAN make the best of any, and every, difficult situation. You can find the Joy in each experience and celebrate the learning and growth you can find in life’s experiences, particularly in life’s challenges. One personal example, after 19 years of marriage, my wife, and my life’s partner, was diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. Though I would NOT wish this on anyone, our experience for 8.5 years made us closer and taught me so many important lessons that I cherish these days. It had traumatic moments and incredibly loving moments. The experience made us closer. When my wife finally transitioned from our life together, I discovered a void that I could not have ever known before and learned valuable information which I share when the situation presents itself. My ability to serve has increased tremendously.

I challenge YOU to find the Joy in each experience you are lucky enough to experience. Ask each experience and each interaction, what have I come here to learn and how can I be of service to others from the message I have received?

You are a Miracle! You are a Unique Blessing! Thank you for being you and traveling this path to higher consciousness!

If you are READY and looking for a supportive community where you can share your story, your wisdom, and grow spiritually in a non-religious environment, consider Masters of the Journey.
You are a Blessing! You are a Master! Your wisdom from your life experience can have great value to other pilgrims on the path toward awakening and enlightenment.

The Masters of the Journey has events which are updated on our Facebook page which is found at: www.facebook.com/mastersofthejourney Please comment on this blog and share, if appropriate. More of our blogs are based on spiritual consciousness and can be found at www.dstress.com/blog

Do YOU Need a Spiritual Teacher?

A Teacher, a Guide, a Guru, a Spiritual Leader? Are any of these “right” or needed by you? We all need teachers. In fact, in my mind, every person and experience I bump into is a “Teacher.” But, do I need to sign up for a special person or persons to train me in spiritual consciousness development? Some days I wake up and say “Yes.” Some days I wake up from a night of dreams which were offered to me by my guidance and I say “No” I do not need an external teacher.

Recently, I join in an internet debate regarding the appropriate need or use of external teachers. Some spiritual “practices” request, even demand, that you search for and find the Guru or “Spiritually Developed” person to give you the initiation and practices to join them in their belief system. This often seems like a religious mind-control practice to me, but I am often oppositional in behavior and thought. I have had some of the most profound spiritual awakenings up in the mountains above timber line and as close to “God” as I have been able to get and not a single spiritual “leader” in sight. Maybe due to low oxygen levels or the Zen meditation I performed as I marched high up the trail leaving human chaos far below, I found “insights” and awakening on my own (if you are ever on your own.)

However, I have also sought out people whom I know have held spiritual practices for decades longer than me in my attempt to have some of their knowledge, experience, and wisdom rub off on me. In conversation or just witnessing their stories, my perspective has been stretched and the sparks of consciousness fanned into a bright glow. The causal encounters with people or situations which fill me with Joy have also triggered, not the corrupt thought, but the delightful energy of unconditionally shared love. There is one such “Earth Angel” That I am blessed to get a hug and a smile from, weekly. Her name is Ellen. She is the personification of LOVE and a survivor of Nazi held Norway in the second world war. I hope your life is blessed with the occasional encounters with your own “Earth Angels.”

My Rant: Every person is a miracle. Your interactions with other “Miracles” can produce insights you may be blessed to have, if you are paying attention. Are you fully present and available to this insight? YOU are a Blessing and Perfect the way you are! Your spiritual teaching comes from each interaction you have. Sometimes it brings you amazement and Joy. Sometimes it “triggers you” and you are learning what you would NOT want to do (or to demonstrate to others.)

Living without Judgement and being “open” to the fellow Miracles who cross your path demonstrates your growth in consciousness. (Even if you do not always agree with certain behaviors, these interactions are here for a reason.) Look to be of service as you support your fellow travelers. Every person is a composite of what they bring into this life and the experiences they have found. How they use these foundational backgrounds becomes their unique set of “gifts” they have to offer. Every moment is your teacher!!! Like in school, if you are paying attention you may receive the gift you have been awaiting (maybe more quickly than if you were not paying attention.)

Being available and “in the moment” (mindful) allows necessary learning to occur. For some individuals, at certain times, life learning is enhanced by time and interaction with a highly developed spiritual master who can assist with raising your vibrational patterns. But consider your unique path to avoid the eddy of a cult doctrine which may not be the best learning experience for you. Since we are all “Masters” and have the ingrained wisdom from the Divine within, life experience can help us to “Remember” and can serve as a model for how we can behave in the world in this incarnation.

No matter whether you seek a “teacher” or not, allow your Divine Guidance to create the interactions that raise consciousness and spiritual vibrations throughout our Universe. (And beyond.)

If you are READY and looking for a supportive community where you can share your story, your wisdom, and grow spiritually in a non-religious environment, consider Masters of the Journey.

You are a Blessing! You are a Master! Your wisdom from your life experience can have great value to other pilgrims on the path toward awakening and enlightenment.

The Masters of the Journey has events which are updated on our Facebook page which is found at: www.facebook.com/mastersofthejourney Please comment on this blog and share, if appropriate. More of our blogs are based on spiritual consciousness and can be found at www.dstress.com/blog

Who Builds the Walls?

Walls are built to protect you from scary or dangerous things. Your protection seems like a really good idea because you might get hurt or killed by forces beyond your control and that would seriously jeopardize your life. But can protection from challenging things be a “good” thing, all the time? And, who builds the walls which protect you? What are these walls actually protecting?

This blog is inspired by guidance and a recent reading of chapter 12 of Michael Singer’s book, “Untethered Soul.” The chapter title is “Taking Down the Walls.” If you have not read Michael Singer’s first book, I recommend it for many reasons. Thanks again to my mentor and Michael Singer student, Paula Forget.

The point of putting up walls for protection can isolate you from “outside” influence and potential pain from the changes that interaction with the Divine Universe can provide. It is safer to be insulated in a world where you are comfortable because you think you know it from its familiarity. Because it has been this way for a while, perhaps a long time, it feels safer and must be protected at all cost. The “hoards” are coming at you from all directions and it feels “good (???),” to build that wall so you are locked in the prison of your own building. Wow, did I say “prison of your own building?” Our fragile self-image or our “dated” opinions have powerful history which can make these seem friendly and familiar but actually can hold us back and imprison us in self-limiting beliefs and attitudes.

Michael Singer’s definition of “Enlightenment” includes the recognition of these self-limiting, historically safe, beliefs and then the willingness to “let go” and to move through the painful challenges of non-judgement guiding you into equanimity with the dramas that may surround you. The “Enlightened” soul observes and does not get “triggered” by the experiences and insights which present themselves. The walls you build to protect your ego or self-image are actually YOUR barrier to awareness and your own accepting the state of “Enlightenment.”

This said, there are risks to breaking the barriers to your own “Enlightenment.” The risks include facing the challenges of changing your self-image, placing the Universal Divine ahead of your self protected ego, and expanding into the unconditional connectedness we have with all the energy of the Universe, and beyond. No guarded “Self” and no need for walls as barriers, release your self-imprisoned definition which “protects” you from true “Joy” and your Divine purpose. Walls are used to protect YOUR Fears and are not really the long term solution. They protect you from the inevitable path you must follow, at some point in your developing consciousness, into the “Light” of Unconditional Love, Connection, and Universal Wisdom. These lead you to true Freedom and Joy!

And, what is the “worst” that can happen? You will transition from this incarnation sooner than your ego wants. The ego’s self-preservation builds judgements and walls which dissolve when you die. And, we all die. No way out. Death is NOT the enemy except for the ego… Your Joy is based on the willingness to not take your life too seriously so you have the freedom to really live, untethered…

Your path will lead you to this realization at some auspicious point in your developing consciousness. Ponder these words and thoughts. Do your own research. Find your own awareness of your self-constructed walls and the process you will use to “let go!” No matter where your search leads you, YOU are not alone! You are greater and more powerful than your ego allows you to realize. You are a Miracle. You are a Blessing! And, whether you know this or not, YOU are a Master!

If you are READY and looking for a supportive community where you can share your story, your wisdom, and grow spiritually in a non-religious environment, consider Masters of the Journey.

You are a Blessing! You are a Master! Your wisdom from your life experience can have great value to other pilgrims on the path toward awakening and enlightenment.

The Masters of the Journey has events which are updated on our Facebook page which is found at: www.facebook.com/mastersofthejourney Please comment on this blog and share, if appropriate. More of our blogs are based on spiritual consciousness and can be found at www.dstress.com/blog

Live in Joy!

How many times have you heard that you should live in Joy? The “should” part makes this a challenging expectation. From external sources, there are very few “shoulds” you “should” do, but “Living in Joy” does sound good…

When life is a bit “rocky” or even worse, how can you find the mindset to Live in Joy? The “mind” in mindset can make this a real test. So let me rephrase the life quest to find and then to live in Joy. How can you find the “perfection” and adventure in every moment and every activity? When the Divine Spirit allows you to create a difficult life challenge it does not rush in like a “helicopter parent” to fix things for you. The Divine Spirit celebrates the challenge, your learning process, and the lesson you get to acquire. That IS why we are here, in this present incarnation, to push our limits and gain in consciousness. Even if this lesson is about what you do NOT want to do again, you have learned.

The most conscious people we bump into, and who you are striving to become, know that EVERY opportunity to bump up against the difficult challenges leads to the JOY of discovery and expansion. Yes, your moment of insight into the blessing of living a life with risks and pitfalls is a spectacular opportunity to engage in situations which will test you and assist you to grow.

A tip: if you do NOT take yourself or life TOO seriously and you remember your infinite, perfect soul, you realize that you are just playing YOUR character in a play. Life is a play and everyone you bump into are fellow characters playing their roles. No one can play you better than you. And, you can enjoy the excellent performances you see if an actor you interact with gets sick and dies. They will do it in their own unique way and they serve you by the life performance that they offer. Yes, there is sadness, and fear, and grief, and sometimes, unbridled laughter and Joy. Look for YOUR lesson in the darkest of life’s interactions. What are YOU supposed to learn or experience AND how will this make you a better and more conscious spirit? How will you use this challenging experience to move forward and serve other souls you meet on the your/our path?

It is fun to learn and to grow even from un-fun experiences. Smile and celebrate the Joy of your new learnings. AND, do not miss the opportunity to share your love and your wisdom and joy. Do not be afraid to make mistakes. Learn from these. Do avoid the risks or you may be forced to live in the “what if I had done this (or that) mindset which often leads to regrets.

Never forget that YOU are a Miracle! You are perfect, even in your imperfections! And, you are much greater than you allow yourself to realize. You are a manifestation of the Divine Spirit. You are a Blessing! You are Loved!

When a person can be most fully conscious, there is a realization that we are all living in paradise and the perfection of the Divine Spirit which we have chosen to participate within. This realization allows us to find the “Joy” of every moment we have in the miracle life we are living. (It can be a stretch to “know” this but it is a step toward full consciousness. Please, celebrate the Joy of every perfect moment and every perfect soul you meet.

If you are READY and looking for a supportive community where you can share your story, your wisdom, and grow spiritually in a non-religious environment, consider Masters of the Journey.

You are a Blessing! You are a Master! Your wisdom from your life experience can have great value to other pilgrims on the path toward awakening and enlightenment.

The Masters of the Journey has events which are updated on our Facebook page which is found at: www.facebook.com/mastersofthejourney Please comment on this blog and share, if appropriate. More of our blogs are based on spiritual consciousness and can be found at www.dstress.com/blog

It’s the Journey

It’s the Journey not the Destination. Google and “Quote Investigator” seem to credit Ralph Waldo Emerson for saying, “Life is a Journey, not a Destination.” Whoever and where ever this comes from, today I was triggered by the thought that accomplishing a “Goal” and possibly feeling success is NOT the point of the “exercise.” The point of living your life is experiencing the lessons, the challenges, the people, and the “stretching by doing something new” along the way. Success or failure are NOT the end judgements which offer the most energy. The “energy” comes from the “doing” and the Journey. The adventure is Living life and not simply talking about it. Acting in service or enlightenment instead of just wishing for this highest form of living in our 3 dimensional world.

The Masters of the Journey community was built from Guidance and the appreciation that each of us has much to share. Though spiritually connected, we have lived our unique lives in our unique ways and learned our unique lessons in the process. By sharing YOUR stories you offer the “witness” (the person who listens to your story) a chance to learn from you and your gained wisdom. It offers a unique perspective which can be supportive, perhaps even, life changing. SO, YOUR Journey has value. Not just to you but to the people you “touch.” The real Joy in Life is sharing your story with the wisdom you have gained as a Service to the people you come into contact with and then, “touch.”

An expected or planned success is GREAT but in my life I have learned much more from my failures and painful challenges when things did not go as planned. I am not saying that “whining” about mistakes or hard times is always a beautiful way of sharing. Taking responsibility and acknowledging the role you have played as you expanded your knowledge, wisdom and perspective is the deeper value, for me. You pushed yourself to try something new. You stretched to get out o your comfort zone. You tested new limits and found you have fewer boundaries and self-imposed limitations. This seems to me to be the true journey through the new learnings in this life.

And, the Journey through life IS the main show. Pay attention! You never know what miraculous learning can come from the smallest step or seemingly less important interaction. Besides, appreciation each moment and finding Joy in every amazing connection is so very important. It requires you to be fully present and available to look for and to find the miracles. And, along the way, listen to and learn to trust the small voice of “Guidance” (or your intuition.) It may lead you into important learning experiences. It also helps to keep your head up and your eyes toward the horizon, unless you are very uneven ground. Tread more slowly if your road seems too rocky…

No matter what, consider how amazing and miraculous life is! Feel the Joy even if you find yourself walking on the “dark side of the road.” My mentor, Paula Forget, reminds me that every moment, walking in this current incarnation, is spectacular and offers learnings to celebrate. Attempt to not get caught in the quagmire of the “Drama” in your life and to know that each experience is amazing, even if it can feel challenging or painful. You are here to be challenged, to learn and to grow… You are a Blessing! Nobody can do YOU better than YOU! The Universe needs you and your interpretation of the Divine Spirit manifest!

If you are READY and looking for a supportive community where you can share your story, your wisdom, and grow spiritually in a non-religious environment, consider Masters of the Journey.
You are a Blessing! You are a Master! Your wisdom from your life experience can have great value to other pilgrims on the path toward awakening and enlightenment.

The Masters of the Journey has events which are updated on our Facebook page which is found at: www.facebook.com/mastersofthejourney Please comment on this blog and share, if appropriate. More of our blogs are based on spiritual consciousness and can be found at www.dstress.com/blog