Flying free

There are times when being who you are goes against the expectations of all around you, sometimes even your own. Recognizing that those expectations do not really have anything to do with you can help put things into perspective. Ultimately, the only person you can answer to is yourself. Once that realization settles into your being, you are set free to live life without limitations.... the way we were meant to live.

I write this as a reminder to myself to recognize that there are no expectations to be met. I have set myself some goals to do certain things at certain times, but my soul seems to have a different time frame to follow. This journey I am on has been one filled with discovery and progressive enlightenment. Getting to the point of Allowing has been a rollercoaster of experience. My gratitude for these experiences expands daily. It amazes me at times the changes a shift in thought can bring about in your life. It also baffles me how easily one can revert to old ways of thinking and acting in a millisecond.

Life is such a gift. It makes you appreciate the divine design to experience one's self in all manner of circumstances. I finally realize the purpose in experiencing the low's in order to truly appreciate the wonder of the high's. Its amazing how we take things for granted until we experience the opposite condition.

But labeling these experiences in such a manner only perpetuates the judgements we place upon them. Experiencing without judging the circumstance provides an indescribable freedom. We humans seem to have a need to label and judge everything. Our cultures have trained us to be so. Think about that the next time you decide to chastise your child for acting or thinking in a manner that is contrary to 'expected' norms. Are we repeating teachings that have been perpetuated for the past decade, century, millenia? Twenty years ago the Internet was an academic exercise. Now we are in the beginnings of true global awareness and this awareness is accelerating despite the "old guard" efforts to hold things to the same ol same ol. Are you perpetuating this type of thinking?

The limitations we place upon ourselves are the only things truly holding us back. I am discovering this on a daily basis and have been working to get out of my own way. The path is clear for everyone who makes an inspired effort. It is that in-spiration that helps to show the way. It is only when we connect with our inner spirit that the way to true freedom becomes apparent. Realization that we are connected in spirit and are reflections of the divine gives the knowledge, the knowing, that we are more than the perpetuated illusion that is modern life. Each of us has the ability to choose how our life progresses, or not. Therein lies the free-will given to us, we get to choose. Be aware that you CAN choose, that you have chosen to this point. But now you can be aware of the choices that you make. I've chosen to see all things in my life as the gifts that they are. Everything I am and will be stems from the choices I have made and am making. This awareness gives me the freedom to live in this MOMENT and appreciate it. You can fly free as well.

Namaste

Following "The Way"

This shot was taken Oct 2nd as the sun began its journey from the east. It is looking toward Cuyamaca Peak which is northeast of the San Diego area. I've been listening to Dr Wayne Dyer's Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life: Living The Wisdom Of The Tao audio book on my treks up Cowles Mountain in the mornings to capture the sun's appearance over the eastern mountains. The Tao Te Ching is a classic Chinese text written by Lao Tzu which provides a road-map, of sorts, to living the inspired life. I will share some the teachings and perceptions I receive as I go along. A majority of the verses point towards water as an example of how to live life. The patience and the flow of water provide a great metaphor for how to deal with life's perceived troubles. Grasping and holding onto water does you no good, you can't do it. The only way to experience water is to place your hands in it and allow it to flow. Life is the same way; the more you try to force things to happen, the more resistance you encounter. The saying, Going with the flow, takes on more meaning when viewed in this light. I'm learning the difficulty of actually practicing this. It's not easy to just let things happen. The ego wants things to happen NOW. It wants to be in control. But there is a divine timing and rhythm to life. The key is to allow and surrender, understanding that everything is taken care of already.

Here's a shot of me taken this morning at the summit on my 49th b-day after the trek up Cowles mountain trail. The trail up is 1.5 miles long with an elevation gain of about 900 ft. Alot of people run up and down the trail. In the early morning, you'll see a number of people on the trail that make me feel young (looking anyways). The thing we all have in common is being in the moment as we hike up the mountain. That's another way of being in the flow. I'm fairly slow going up compared to most folks and even slower going down. That's okay by me. Sometimes its difficult to let go of comparisons to the other hikers when they are speeding past you. It's just another opportunity for me to allow myself to be me and not worry about other's perceptions.

So much to absorb and chronicle in the next year. One thing I know I'll be doing is learning and growing. So by the time next year's b-day comes along, I'm looking forward to all of us being another year wiser. I'll end here with a quote provided by Dr. Dyer:

"There is no way to happiness, happiness IS the way."

Namaste

Beginning a new journey with appreciation

When I quit my job as an engineer in March this year, I was driven by an urge to express my creativity and discover my spirituality. Here it is October 1st and I've manifested my desires. Granted, appearances to some may seem like I've taken a few steps backward. That's where the illusion of this existence can come into play. I haven't bought into the illusions of this physical realm and have surrendered to the Divine to show me the way. By surrendering, I have allowed circumstances to show me how things fall into place when you follow your dreams and desires. I offer my appreciation daily for the support I've received through my friendships and the synchronicities that show up constantly. Its amazing how things line up when you change you mindset and focus on the positive. I'll expound more on that in future posts.

So now I begin the journey of creating a book which will chronicle my transition into my 5th decade of physical existence. My intention is to capture sunrises and sunsets daily for the next year. This morning's sunrise was greeted atop Cowles Mountain in Santee, CA. I currently reside about 1 mile away from Cowles, so a majority of the initial day breaks will more than likely be from there; but ya never know what the Universe has in store for me. So from here on out, I'll be showing samples of what I've shot and share some of my thoughts along the way.

Why is this guy smiling???

He's broke, virtually homeless, and now without a car.... So why's he smiling?

Because all his creations are coming into fruition. Yes, that statement may seem out of sorts... however, if you look at things from a different perspective from what is considered the "norm" it makes perfect sense.

Taking responsibility for all of my actions is the start. Realizing that what can seem like 'darkness' is actually the chaos that precedes the light at dawn gives one the joy of anticipation. I know that everything works out in divine timing and I am taken care of. That has been self-evident from my journey thus far. I am truly appreciative of my friends and family who have supported me (even while holding back on their misgivings). My gratitude for everything in my life, helps give me the needed perspective to keep looking forward. I focus on being joyful and happy, knowing in my heart that is the natural state for this existence. Anything contrary to that is illusion and something that isn't in congruence with true purpose.

You might be shaking your head about now... well, that's the normal programming. We all have the choice to judge or not judge everything that comes our way. No, I didn't intend to be in the situation I am currently in. These results are due to choices I made while still unconscious and unaware of my negative thoughts. However, I was (and am now) following my intuition and now realize that I am receiving the lessons that I needed to grow. To realize who I really am. A creator of his life. Now I focus on where I am headed, not where I've been. Secure in the knowledge that I can create anything I desire. My focus is on my intention and part of that intention is to assist folks by sharing my journey. By assisting you, I help myself. Maybe my story will resonate with you, maybe not. At the very least, I will be putting some positive energy out into the world. Stick with me as I grow. Maybe I'll show you a way to grow too.

Namaste

The Light is Always Shining

Life is wonderful. How do you feel when you read that statement? For me, the truth is always shining through as I journey along on my path. Everyday is a blessing, a gift, and an opportunity for discovery. I was at a friend's home in the Escondido, CA area when I took this picture in the middle of what passes for a rain "storm" in SoCal. I was struck by the areas of light shining through the rain clouds. It brought to mind that darkness can only hide the light, not abolish it. Light is always there. There are situations in life where it can seem like there is nothing but darkness. But we have the choice to see beyond the darkness. Remembering that the light is always shining somewhere can assist us in seeing the truth of the situation. It's made a big difference in my attitude and Being to see all situations from this perspective. Everything is a gift and a learning experience that allows us to fulfill our purpose. You do believe you have a purpose, dontcha? There's much more to this existence than showing up for work everyday and living for the weekend (IMHO). If that is what you are experiencing, are you at least grateful for it? Your gratitude allows your light to shine through. The light of your gratitude will also bring more of what you are grateful for into your life. Interesting thought, eh? There are so many paths up the mountain. There is no wrong or right way, just your way. And You get to shine your light in any direction you choose. Just remember to allow it to shine through.... Namaste

The Comfort Zone

I've recently made some (more) big changes in my life. I have let go of the majority of 'things' I had been holding onto and moved out of the home I had been living in for the past 7 years. Many of the items I have let go of, had been in my possession for over 20 years. Why would I make such a change?? If you have been reading my posts, you'll note that I've been focused on personal development. My hope is that sharing my experiences will help you on your journey and reinforce the lessons I am learning on my path. Now, it isn't easy to make changes that take you beyond your comfort zone. You know that familiar place that we all live in.... that place where we know what will/should happen as we go about our daily routine. Well as I've become more aware and conscious of my day to day actions, my intuition has gotten sharper and more insistent about doing things out of the normal routine. Once I determined what my purpose and desire to do in life is, I've begun making decisions that reflect the person who I want to be. Part of that included the realization of the things that were holding me back. This required me to depart my comfort zone. One of the things emphasized early in James Ray's Harmonic Wealth Weekend is: "When we encounter something new, we either retreat or we take a leap of faith and push out of our Comfort Zone. Your Comfort Zone either holds you back or expands with power and opportunity. The person of power views change as an opportunity for adventure and growth." I've chosen to view all my challenges as opportunities for growth. That viewpoint gives freedom from stress and worry. It also allows you to realize that YOU have the power of creation. Expanding your comfort zone is not easy; nor is it meant to be. Resistance comes from all angles and even from those who support you the most. It is at those times that you reinforce the lesson that everyone in your life is a reflection of your inner state (more on that in the future). So what's holding you back? Are your things keeping you in the comfort zone? What opportunities are you missing out on? These are the questions that have lead me to release and move on from old habits and attachments. You can't imagine how good it feels to let go of things that you've held onto for a long time. The energy contained in the attachments can be transformed into something better. By releasing my attachments, I am allowing the universe to replace them with something more in alignment with my greater good and purpose. I can't wait to see what comes my way and I'll share my experiences with ya. Namaste.

An Amazing Experience...

I attended James Ray's Harmonic Wealth Weekend event held here in San Diego this past weekend. What an inspiring, exhilarating, and enlightening experience James facilitated. I came out of this intensive experience with so much its hard to encapsulate in this space. I will be sharing many of the principals and teachings over time. I will use this entry to provide a foundation for follow-up subjects. James teaches the Universal Laws from a practical level (MY perspective). During the weekend he teaches, walks us through various interesting experiential exercises, and tells stories that illustrate and amplify teaching points. He is a very dynamic, engaging, and powerful speaker who was able to keep the attention of the audience through many hours. James teaches how to create practical real world results using spiritual principles. Click here to learn more. There were many "aha" type of lines that were provided during the event. One of my favorites is: "If you aren't growing, you're dying". That is so profound on so many levels. To me, it reinforces my need to continue to learn, study, and practice spiritual principals to enable me to experience a deeper level of connection to the source of creation. This enables and assists me to continue the discovery of Who I Really Am in this human existence. I hope I can help you on your journey as well. Namaste.