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The word "consciousness" can be looked at in many different ways. On a very basic level, it denotes being awake and responsive to your environment, versus being asleep or in a coma. On a deeper level, it relates to the characteristic of the mind which allows us to not just be awake, but self-aware – to perceive the relationship between ourselves and our surroundings. This human ability opens the door to transformation. Unfortunately, many people are physically awake but effectively unconscious. They are operating on autopilot and have forgotten what instructions they have given their subconscious. They are reinforcing – through their thought patterns – the very things they fear.

For example, I have a successful male client who was constantly complaining about attracting women who were after his money. He talked about how hard he had worked and the fear of someone taking the rewards. He couldn't understand why he kept on encountering the same situation. After a number of coaching sessions, he realized that he was operating from fear versus faith – fear in what he didn't want versus faith in what he wanted. Underlying this perspective was unbelief – he had come to believe that he didn't deserve a trustworthy woman because he had been very superficial in the past. This unbelief was driving his fear which was affecting his consciousness, causing him to project energy which attracted unreliable dates. Once he was aware of his own patterns and spent time choosing a new set of core values, he was able to shift his perspective and envision the type of partner he actually wanted. Now he is married to a beautiful woman who has all of the qualities on his wish list – spiritual, nurturing, funny, intelligent – and she makes more money than he does!

Every person is surrounded by a thought atmosphere – a set of vibrations which attract equivalent energy. This mental atmosphere is the direct result of one's conscious and unconscious thought. In other words, life is a mirror and will reflect back to you what you think into it. Cause and effect are two sides of the same thing. Your thoughts direct your behavior, and every time you perform an action – whether positive or negative, you leave an imprint on your subconscious. This cycle creates your primary operating mode. To change your consciousness, therefore, requires an understanding and managing of your thoughts so that you can deliberately create new patterns. These patterns will become the dominant attitude of your mind. Positive thinking is not enough; belief is necessary. According to many of the world's spiritual traditions, as well as the science of quantum physics, there is something in the Universe which responds and corresponds to our mental states. No matter what you call It - Creative Energy, Consciousness, Mind, God - this Universal Intelligence may be tapped into through our individual consciousness using a variety of techniques, such as prayer, affirmation, meditation, visualization, and spiritual mental treatment.

We each have an amazing capacity to manifest and evolve. In yoga philosophy, it's the ability to tap into your "Third Eye" - your inner vision, or 6th chakra - leading you towards higher levels of consciousness. No matter what your current circumstance, your "inside" dream can be your new "outside" reality. Your primary task is to allow power to flow through you, creating a receptive atmosphere. This is the foundation of The Power Living® Practice – removing the spiritual, mental, physical, emotional and environmental blocks, and being specific in your thoughts, words and actions. Consistency of thought and strength in belief is important. Starting right now, become a witness to your Self. Be still. Take time to become aware of your thoughts and patterns. Replace negative with positive. Know that the power of the Universe is with you. It doesn't mean that your days will always be sunny; but when the fog comes you will be able to navigate more effectively. Focus on what you want and claim it as real. Be patient and grateful. As Matthew 9:29 states, "It is done unto you as you believe." If you mentally see it and fully believe it, then you have already received it. Be thankful and trust the process. Gratitude will guarantee the Gift.