Spring is the perfect time of year to cleanse and purify the home.  Many of us will have the windows open, clearing the stale air, shaking out carpets and washing windows.  House cleaning is a way for us all to feel our lives are in order.  We take the time to clean our homes, our cars, our clothes, intricately groom our bodies,  but what about our mind, our spirit?

With the focus on the material world, there is a natural tendency to believe that when we check each item off on the list, our inner world becomes more organized.  Once things are organized, there's a tendency to create more distractions for ourselves, and more lists to write.  In this state we are essentially sleepwalking through life, doing what we feel should be done to keep up inner and outer appearances.  We become like sheep all doing the same things with little sense of purpose.  The mind prefers to be busy with surface duties so that it doesn't have to work out the deeper problems.  


It can feel uncomfortable directing ourselves to the inner workings of the mind, and to delve into deeper states of consciousness.  These are the states where we are connected within,  and where the mind can weed itself of the 'baggage' that is weighing down our vital force.  When this happens we seek out the 'high's' such as food, alcohol, drugs,  and the craving of the day.  There is a temporary satisfaction leading towards a dip. The cycle of highs and lows continues until we fill the mind with more 'smurf' duties, as I like to call them.  'Smurf' duties comes from papa smurf (I'm definitely dating myself here) who always likes to get things done methodically, and once that thing is done, it's on to the next duty.  The ability to laugh at ourselves is of utmost importance on the path to self realization and inner peace!


The heavy 'baggage' we carry around are like shackles burdening the mind. There are layers upon layers of years of emotions built up within us.  They affect our daily habits and cause [seemingly uncontrollable] reactions. Over time the weight becomes cumbersome, causing us to feel out of balance with grief, depression, loneliness, or addiction. The more time spent exploring thoughts and how they connect to the engine of the body, the more dust is brushed away, unveiling clarity and peace in its richest form. A shining truth comes to the foreground - as it really is, not as you would like it to be.

 
A simple exercise is to become aware of any reactive emotion as it pops up.  Any reaction due to what someone says or does causing anger, fear, frustration, sadness, nervousness, etc.  Pay attention, and instead of allowing the emotion to overcome you, take the reigns of your mind by simply observing it.  Step back from the drama, breathe, and realize that you have control over these emotions.  Every reaction you have is your choice when you realize the reaction is not who you really are.  There is a deeper You who knows this is all 'small stuff' and don't sweat the small stuff, as the popular book says. 


The more energy spent denying the truth inside, the less time we have to cherish the positive elements of our life, and the potential for what can be.  This doesn't mean problems or issues are solved so easily, it means a newfound understanding is expounded that did not exist before. You are able to see where you once stood, which makes where you are standing much clearer, and the changes required are then tolerable. A solid step in a different direction, while no longer standing in a well of ignorance. By taking the step to see, and observe a newfound clarity, a choice is rendered onto a canvas within the mind. Is the choice to carve the doorway leading to more negative effects on our spirit, or the one which cultivates more wisdom and increased vitality? 


Ask yourself: what is required to travel onto the path to your personal growth? If the tools to make this happen are available to you, will you recognize them? How will you wield them, and when?

 
A wise man named James Oppenheim once said:  "The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise one grows it under his feet."  It takes a great deal of courage to step onto the path toward a healthier life.  Once this step has been taken, the fruits of the efforts will speak for themselves.  This is by no means an easy task!  It takes a great deal of effort and dedication.  This is why it's of utmost importance to surround yourself with those who support your goals.  Be open to the cues that come into your life that point you in the direction you need to go.  Will it be Meditation, Yoga, Reiki, Tai Chi, Qi gong, Raw food, being conscious while washing the dishes or vacuuming, etc.?  Find what works for you and make it your daily discipline.  Grooming the mind through connection with the body can bring a profound sense of inner peace and joy . The key is to be in the moment and be mindful of what you are doing. Tune in to the body and become a witness to the movements of the mind.  Find pleasure in the daily tasks, and allow them to bring you closer to your true essence.


For years I set out to find this 'thing' I felt was missing. I was searching for the answers to what this life means and why we were all in so much pain. I realized it was not actually something that I needed to find, because it was always right here under the layers. I needed to shed myself the burden of the heavy load I have been carting - a sort of exfoliation of the mind. A refurbishing of the soul that animates this body, revealing glowing vibrations of pure and simple happiness and joy.  Not because of any perfection, but because of the acceptance of the imperfect. In this acceptance lies a purity of effort. The journey now becomes a challenging path toward inner peace.  The path is ongoing and the effort is ambitious.  With perseverance, the fruits are well worth the passionate pursuit.  


Harnessing love, kindness and empowerment, dance to the rhythmic force of life! Bearing an army of courage, fly into the reflection of your vision within our world.


"Everything you see has its roots in the unseen world.
The forms may change, yet the essence remains the same.
Every wonderful sight will vanish; every sweet word will fade,
But do not be disheartened,
The source they come from is eternal, growing,
Branching out, giving new life and new joy.
Why do you weep?
The source is within you
And this whole world is springing up from it."


- Jelaluddin Rumi - 13th Century Poet
  

 

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