We move in and out of consciousness.  We re-member who we are, then promptly forget.  No big deal.  Yet, when we remember, we find and feel a sense of purpose and Oneness as well as an order to the chaos.  This feels good to our bodies and souls.   

“How did this happen?” we wonder.  Then, with intention and desire we begin to seek this experience again and again.  Perhaps we find this through meditation, in our connections with nature, or interacting with children.  Maybe we read books that “make sense” to our spiritual selves, or we have someone see something “divine” in us and we want to tap into that something in clear and direct ways.  

Our awakening is personal, yet cosmic.  We are individuals making individual choices about our lives on all kinds of levels/planes/realms.  Sometimes we are acutely aware of our choices and how they affect us.  Other times we simply react to life and fall into old patterns.  

The interesting piece is this cosmic, or collective, consciousness.  When we re-member who we truly are – a divine expression of “God” (or however else it feels to you) – we understand we are part of something bigger and it includes everyone and everything.  We realize that we are interconnected at such profound levels that no words can actually capture this truth.  

Awakening can be quite exciting and, conversely, quite frightening.  There is nothing “wrong” with you if you feel fear during your expansion.  Do you remember being born?  Although parents try to be more aware of the affects of childbirth these days – perhaps they create a quiet, sacred space with low lighting and soft music, etc. – it can still be a frightening experience.  New, unfamiliar experiences can make us feel insecure.  

Right now, we are experiencing such a rapid shift in consciousness that we are constantly having new, unfamiliar experiences.  Unfortunately, these experiences are not being broadcasted on the news or explained by your doctor or discussed at work during your coffee break.  Or are they?   

As an individual, you are probably going through a lot of major changes in your life.  And we can all see that the greater collective is experiencing some pretty big shifts as well.  These experiences – major financial upsets, home foreclosures, instabilities, etc. – are happening to the masses and are all part of our collective awakening!  Thus, you are awakening individually as well as with the collective and each of these areas of awakening will affect you.    

For those who are less conscious (aware), they may be thinking, “Geez, the market sucks right now, but it’s going to turn around.” Or even, “Oh, my God, I’m going to lose my house!  Where will I live?  What will I do?  Oh, no!”  Even those who are more conscious (aware) can experience similar thoughts, including the primal fears that can arise from such thoughts.   

The awareness that you are both a human and a spiritual being can help alleviate the self-judgment for your fears and fear-based thoughts; your spiritual self can find compassion for your human self.  Plus, this spiritual side can keep the light of hope lit – allowing your own light within to keep shining.  It helps you remember that all is truly well and enables you to drop into trust and find a sense of peace.   

During these times of “crashing and fading” our egos (fearful states) are dying and we are giving birth to our greater, more heart-centered selves.  Although both death and birth are part of the natural cycle of life, they can be painful, frightening experiences for the human being and ego.   

So, what do you do for others who are experiencing these aspects of life?  How would you comfort a friend who is losing a parent to cancer?  What do you do for a woman in the midst of labor?  Contemplate the offerings you would bring and consider blessing yourself with the same loving care.  Although this kind of support cannot always stop the emotional or physical pain, it can bring great comfort.  Allow yourself to feel what you feel, seek comfort from a friend or loved one (or offer it to yourself), know these transitions are intensely happening in our lives right now, and trust they will pass.   

No matter what the outward situation looks like, or how you feel, think or react to it all, know that you are worthy and lovable – always.  Whenever possible, allow yourself to feel this Love, breathe into this Love, and let it awaken your Heart!