​What a powerful and humble reminder on the path of spiritual awakening. When we are surrounded by like-minded people, it can be easy to remain calm, peaceful and hopeful. Lived consciously, these uplifting relationships can serve to reflect, clarify and inspire our own thoughts, words, and actions to live in the highest way. But most of us don't live in a world where everyone agrees with us. Most of us live in the hot blessings of friends, neighbors, co-workers, and even family whose beliefs may be very different from our own.

In the face of criticism or disagreement, what do we do? Do we emotionally defend our position? If we fear confrontation, do we react in the paralyzed silence of implied consent? While these reactions may provide a sense of temporary relief, or even victory, they are, in truth, neither. As spiritual practice, instead of emotionally reacting, we can choose to use these uncomfortable moments as opportunities to practice consciously responding from a deeper peace and integrity.

The practice of equanimity, or even-mindedness helps us refrain from reacting to the ego's discomfort. Instead, we can STOP, and take as many breaths as needed to apply the inner brakes of our habitual reactions. Focusing on our breath can open us into the inner peace and wholeness that resides within us. From our inner wholeness, we stop seeking validation outside ourselves and inwardly celebrate the inner integrity that exists within us now. We can silently offer a blessing of peace to ourselves and another, as we calmly listen from a deeper integrity strong enough to hear a different perspective. When we remember and live from the essential wholeness that we all are, then that which seems like a threat to the ego, can actually be a blessing that opens us into our inner soul freedom. 

Blue Lotus Kriya Yoga Meditation Center welcomes sincere seekers from all backgrounds. Beginning and experienced meditators from all traditions are welcome at all gatherings. 

How do we recognize and open to the ever-present grace that fills our lives? We slow down and look for it within and around us right now. Grace is present in every moment and circumstance in our lives. It is present in the situations that we like, and in those that scare us. Grace is present in relationships that meet our needs, and in those that seem out of control. It is present in those moments we expect, and in those we did not see coming at all. Divine grace is present even when we deny its presence. 

Grace is divine Wholeness freely expressing in our lives, supporting us always. It is a gift that we can unwrap at any moment when we choose to open into its expansive presence. Consciously living in divine grace, we learn to listen, follow, and flow in a deeper, more wisdom-guided, more loving, more peace-filled way of being. Grace continually blesses our lives as a steady stream of divine possibilities, deep healing, and inner peace, moment by holy moment. All we need to do is cooperate with it and step into its flow.

Blue Lotus Kriya Yoga Meditation Center welcomes sincere seekers from all backgrounds. Beginning and experienced meditators from all traditions are welcome at all gatherings. 

​​​