" Growth ... "

The only thing constant in the world is change

That's why I stay, I take life as it comes

~ India Arie ~ Growth ~ 

***

For those of us that are involved in personal and spiritual development work, the path can be rough and challenge us in different ways ... especially when it comes to relationships.

Inevitably there will be people in our lives that are not interested in this sort of thing.  They would rather go out late and party, sit around and gossip, or procrastinate about their career or do anything else but.  

You see, once you plunge headfirst into finding out about your life, your intentions, your motivations, your thoughts ... you begin to face what you need to heal and then you have a chance to release and let it go ... you change as a human being ... you are not the same as you were.  You see the illusions, you attempt to lift the veil ... and those around you that are not on the same path may find you just plain ... odd?!

Why ... well you engage in different kinds of conversations, where it seems impossible to pretend any more ... no matter who long you’ve “known” each other.  You are more comfortable with space, silence, introspection ... others feel awkward, uncomfortable and anxious.  

So, no one said this was going to be easy ... 

if you find yourself in a similar scenario there are some ways to cope.

Start by stopping ... the urge to convert your loved ones.  And this is a tough one, because personally speaking, this path has enriched my life and I want to share it.  I want everyone to come along for the ride.  But pushing does more harm than good by pushing them away.

Second, not everyone is interested.  Interested in your experiences that is.  I have found that those that aren’t are looking for the quick spiritual fix because they don’t have much time.  That is not to say that the thirst for inner peace is not present ... just not everyone is interested in what you have to say.

Last but most important ... don’t let other’s choices define your experience.  In embarking on the path of spiritual and personal development you have made a choice.  A choice that freedom matters to you.   That you are tired of the crap ... the one you carry around and also that others so graciously bring into your life.  Respect each others paths.

Staying true to your choices and what best for you is what matters.  You are worth the investment ... trust me.  You will find a whole new group of people who are willing to meet you exactly where you are, in this moment.  Go ahead and surround yourself with a community of people who are "awake, conscious, inspiring, and changing the world in their own unique and extraordinary ways".  

These people make a choice that lead them to a life full of gratitude ... 

And send blessings to those who choose a different path and adventure.  Their view of security, safety and reliability will match your embrace for freedom and the unknown.  Both are beautiful in their own way.

... Loving with an open palm is the way you bless others ...

www.walkstrong.ca

" It Is What It Is ... "

It is what it is 

I don’t know what to call it (don’t know what to call it) 

‘Cause I’m feelin’ something else (I’m feeling something else) 

It is what it is (what it is) 

Just don’t let yourself get caught up (aww girl) 

When it’s really something else (yeah, yeah

Take it to the bridge ...

I'm not saying that two wrongs can make it right 

It ain’t too late for us to try (yeah) 

Do we put back together 

Or we say goodbye? (ha) ...

~ Usher ~ It Is What It Is ~ 

***

“It is what it is ... a phrase that shows no sign of tiring.  Similar to what’s done is done, boys will be boys and that was then and this is now.  Sounds familiar right?  Most either personally have used these expressions or know people who do.  

So what does it actually mean?  Well according to the infinite dictionaries, the definition is “this thing has it’s own distinct nature, this thing is itself .... this circumstance is simply a fact and must be accepted or dealt with as it exists”.  

Yet could "It is what it is” also be a way of expressing philosophical resignation over a disappointment, of saying that the situation just has to be put up with.   But do you have to put up with it?

Simply put, life constantly presents us choices ... we can choice to accept things the way they are OR we can believe that “it is not what it is, it is what you make of it”.  

If you accept reality as it is, you end your suffering ... and your present moment is all you have.  What you do in this moment will determine what will happen in the next and so on ... Perhaps in how it is defined, but for me it is a lot more hopeful to make the choice for change.  If I don’t like my reality as it is, I need to change the present moment so that my next moment reflect what I truly want.  Yes, easier said than done.  Because it is super easy to say accept things the way they are AND decide nothing will change.  The funny thing is, if you open you mind to the possibilities, your brain won’t fall out ...

So you get to decide ... is it what it is or is it what you what you make of it ... but while you are trying to figure that one out, make sure you ask yourself, what IT really is?

" Transformation ... "

Come with me, I'll take you there

To a place where you'll see

Everything you need to be the one

you need to be

And all of those things that you feared

Will disappear from you in time

Everything will become clear to you

When you see things through

another's eyes

Everything will become clear to you

Whatever's meant for you, you will find

~ Phil Collins ~ Transformation ~

***

Do you believe that transformation must happen in a grand way?  Do you underestimate the influence you have?  Do you believe that change happens with you?

Putting hopes into action can be a catalyst ... a powerful way to enhance and transform your world.  But having an idealistic view on things can be a hindrance.  I always thought that I needed to contribute in a massive way to have a massive transformation.  That perhaps if goals were to small and trivial, it wouldn't matter.  And I have always questioned my life purpose ... what am I here to do, to be and to provide?  

You see, most of us get stuck with the idea of perfection ... “it has to be big and perfect to be worth it”.  Yet what we know is that mistakes will be made and directions will be flawed.  So instead of questioning your goals, activities, pathways and commitments when things don’t work out the way you planned for, change your strategy and move on.  As I have read ... it is "simply course correction".  Accept that perfection is hard to attain and appreciate that you are motivated to make things better. 

What I have realized is that a simple and gradual process of awareness can lead to change that has profound effects.  Like a tiny drop in an ocean creating a ripple that is felt far beyond what I could imagine.  And this applies to all of us.  We all have the ability to have this effect.  Just trying to make a change, transforms you and ultimately transforms those around you.

Finding others on a similar journey can help 

you create your own desired environment... 

Sharing your vision leads to natural transformations...

We are guaranteed only one thing, that change is inevitable.  So adapt and move on with no anxiety or shame.  Know that you are always transforming ... and believe you were not the same person yesterday as you are today.  Your intentions to be better and do better, will manifest transformations ... and regardless if they are big or small, flawed or perfect, they'll be just right.