I AM SAM reporting from a new awareness. Several years ago, while surfing the Internet, I found “Twelve Signs of Spiritual Awakening” by Geoffrey Hoppe and Tobias. I was experiencing many life and body changes at the time.

Withdrawing from family and friends seemed easy for I no longer fit in the same unhealthy mold. The feeling of loneliness, even when in the company of others, accompanied an ever-present, deep, longing for 'home'. It was challenging, for I found it difficult to get anything done. Unusual sleep patterns continue even now as physical disorientation and “self talk” increases.

I've now come to realize ascension is only a change in thinking, which makes it possible to adapt to a higher way of being. All the sudden changes in my life reflected a changing consciousness. This change in perception helped me to view the world differently. I then began to experience the world in more life-affirming ways. After opening fully to the reality of our true being, I experienced peace regardless of appearances.

In my experience, the process of realizing who we really are starts with the need for change because life is no longer comfortable. There’s a strong desire to improve living conditions. Assessment of lifestyle comes next. This results in changing bad habits to more life-giving modes of living. This may mean changing nutritional habits; omitting harmful practices such as substance abuse, smoking, or drinking; reading self-help materials instead of newspapers or magazines; avoiding negative people; listening to positive, nurturing music; or watching inspiring movies instead of watching TV.

We create a better life by opening the mind to greater possibilities and thinking out-of-the-box. Learning to consciously control emotions, thoughts, words, and deeds puts us closer to freedom. The next step is to dispel illusions that no longer serve us, such as ill health, limitation, etc. It is vital to take responsibility for what happens in our life, instead of blaming others. It’s also important to stop trying to control other people.

The reality of our true nature as spiritual beings, having a human experience, often takes time to recognize. We achieve greater things by focusing on positivity and gratefulness. Focusing on spiritual growth through journaling; affirmations; meditation; prayer; gratefulness; spiritual classes; volunteer work; and blessing others helps a great deal.

The Lightworker's Log Website offers a wealth of life-affirming resources. You'll find “Twelve Signs of Spiritual Awakening”, and many other resources, at the Crimson Circle Website.

Shine on Bright Light :-)

The Awakening Process - Lightworker's Log :-) Transformation - Podcast Fifteen

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Many years ago, as I relished in the luxury of depression, it seemed impossible to meet the day with any energy or enthusiasm. I spent most of my time blaming others, always pretending I had no control over what happened.

The depression spiraled out of control every time I tapped into the memory of what used to be. Absolutely nothing seemed worthwhile as I spiraled toward a total loss of direction and purpose.

My mind carried me further into a state of despair, seemingly controlled by outside forces, as everything I held dear fell away. This experience was not new to me, but this time, it was very different because absolutely everything changed. There was not a morsel of my old life to cling to. My old comfortable life quickly disappeared while experiencing health crises, job losses, financial stresses, and relationship breakups.

These changes really motivated me to change my life for the better. I began to realize that my ego ruled, for whenever I experienced a lack of love, my mood was depressed and anxious, anything but wholly joyous. And then I was reminded of the power within. It is the power to change every aspect of life. I acknowledged this power and knew it was finally time to change the way I thought and behaved.

It was time to trust in the process of growth, to have faith that I held the key to life within me. I reviewed past experiences, recognized my role in them, and decided my old way of thinking and feeling no longer served me. It was clear that the world was changing quickly and past feelings of , discord, anxiety, turmoil, depression, and futility, no longer suited me. They helped me to learn my lessons, but now that their purpose was served, there was no room for them in my new life.

My focus rested on positive things as I did my best to ignore a fear-based reality. I put the past aside and took responsibility for every aspect of my life. I cleaned the slate by forgiving everyone who I thought might have harmed me. Eventually, I asked them to forgive me for thinking out of line with the Self within. My life began to improve as I lived in the moment appreciating what I had.

After forcing myself to walk though the doors of a spiritual living center, I recognized that the only time I felt whole was when I connected with what many people refer to as God or Spirit. This powerful presence is within all living things. I quickly recognized it's the power I feel within.

Throughout the past few years, I've realized that we are playing a game here on earth. We just agreed to forget for awhile. In Reality we are all the same. We are parts of each other, parts of one perfect, loving, Whole. Feel into that essence for it is the reality of the One within.

A variety of things helped me to change depression into joy. I placed potted and flowering plants, pets and positive signs (such as "Life is Good") around me. No matter where I am I fill my space with life-affirming music, read positive books, paint, garden, build or create something, sing, dance, walk or do other exercise, write about my experiences, meditate or sit still, while listening to soft music without words. I've found it very helpful to avoid television and news and to fall asleep to life-affirming music. Visit the Links section on the Lightworker's Log Website for life-affirming ideas.

Find more inspiring articles in Bits of Wisdom.

Shine on Bright Light :-)

Depression is Old Energy - Podcast Sixteen