The Heart is all about love, passion, and emotion Sometimes our love can be so intense that it turns into passionate anger or hatred -- we have seen throughout history how love for one's self, family, community, country, religion, or creed can become so passionate that it leads to anger, violence, and destruction. For example, wanting world peace or peace for one's country too passionately may lead one to violence in the name of peace -- this seems rational in the heat of the moment but it only causes more chaos and hatred that will have to dealt with in the future -- and around and around we go... When we remain balanced in our love and wanting for peace, then we can make decisions that ensure more love and peace are the result. How is your heart today? Is it peaceful, passionate, or cold?

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?

I had a sudden insight today on Raja Yoga group discussion and meditation today. Zach was discussing spiritual power and how whether we have intention to notice and apply it or not the energy of that reality for all humans is as natural as blinking one’s eyes. My mind wondered to how I “intentionally” place positive energy and love into the preparation of meals for my friends and family. I then considered that the unaware cooks and servers at my favorite restaurant are likely allowing the cares and concerns of “their” life to land in my meal. Perhaps this is why most religious traditions practice a blessing of the food. As we moved from lecture to meditation this thought expanded to the items in my pantry and refrigerator and the entire supply chain from planting, harvesting, packaging, shipping, and stocking shelves for our convenience. Many hands are involved. This not a threat to us—so much as it is an opportunity for us to be proactive as a spiritual community focused on expanded peace, harmony, and love. Perhaps if we add intention around even one meal per day—not just to being grateful for the food and that it be energetically balanced for the most benefit to our body…but a step further a blessing to the hands that touch it in the complete logistical journey to our plate. “May everyone who made my meal possible—and still unaware of the love available to them and within them be filled with joy as their burdens lift and their awakening begins.”

“If a man crosses a river and an empty boat collides with his own skiff, Even though he be bad tempered man, he will not become very angry. But if he sees a man in the boat, he will shout at him to steer clear. If the shout is not heard, he will shout again, and yet again, and begin cursing. And all because someone is in the boat. Yet if the boat were empty, he would not be shouting, and not angry.” ― Chuang-Tzu The reaction to an empty boat, is that of 'there is no one to be mad at.' When we realize that all situations can be seen in this way, we begin to feel far less angry (in my experience).

I realized my triggers are showing me where I still need healing.As conscious warriors, maybe the real work isn’t avoiding triggers but becoming aware in the moment.What triggered you this week, and what did it reveal about you?