Integrity means doing the right thing (even when no one is looking) - when we don't do whats right we steal from ourselves or others. Non-stealing is one of the primary principles of a peaceful life -- not stealing money, objects, ideas, time, peace, happiness, growth, etc. And it also includes only doing honest work that does rob people of their money, health, and happiness. Ask yourself, 'what is the right thing to do in this moment?' --- if you don't follow what you know is right you are stealing from yourself or someone else in some way, shape, or form. How is your relationship with Integrity? Can you hear the guidance?

The Truth cannot be put into words. It can only be experienced directly in quiet observation. "You cannot see Reality with your mind." -- Zen The mind is filter that you (the observer) experiences life through -- it is a collection of perceptions, beliefs, concepts, narratives, and words conditioned by one's personal and ancestral past. We get attached to the mind and can only see life through its limited perspective -- duality, ego, craving, aversion, and fear of death. According to the 8-limbed Path of Yoga to see the Truth one must purify the mind with meditation. Through the practice of meditation (awareness and non-attachment) the mind becomes purified of all conditioned perceptions, beliefs, etc. and all that remains is the experience of the Truth. Do you meditate?

This week we are focusing on living in TRUTH Truthfulness (satya) is the 2nd external action (yamas) -- "when one is firmly established in Truthfulness, then all actions and their results become subservient." (Yoga Sutras of Patanjali). The Truth will set you free, but the Truth can be painful to look at. Usually we act unconsciously from untruth (delusions and ego) making us slaves to our actions and their consequences. However, when you choose to be established in Truth then you become free from unconscious actions, free from delusion, and free from the idea of a separate self. Each day this week observe a Truth about your life without attachment. The Truth is always right in front of you, you just have to choose to see it. What Truth are facing right now? Can you observe this Truth with detachment?

A life is an expression of Nature & Consciousness. Each individual life is a unique formation that will never occur in exactly the same way again. The expression that is called “you” is AMAZING! You are completely unique and nothing just like you will ever occur again…. Let that sink in. Never again will this exact same expression happen for the rest of eternity. So often we think that our life is worthless, but once you start to look at your life in this way you may come to cherish this temporary expression and bring it to its fullest potential. What are your unique qualities? Are you honoring, nurturing, and caring for them?

From my work over the last decade I have found that many people struggle to be caring, kind, and attentive to themselves. Generally we struggle with self love because we felt unlovable or not good enough in our childhood. A HUGE part of the journey is to learn how to love yourself by remembering and honoring the true value of your Being. We can only love others to the degree that we love ourselves. So start with you!! Do you struggle with self love? What ways can you show love, care, kindness, and attention to yourself today?