“To be free in this moment is to be free from our patterns of the past and our expectations of the future. That which is unbounded is poised in all directions.”
~Robert Wolfe

And then there are actions that stick to us like glue. We have a sinking feeling before we do them as we justify them in our minds…and their shadow stays with us no matter what we do. Consider these examples:

• Not telling the whole truth, lying
• Gossiping
• Criticizing, judging
• Manipulating, controlling
• Avoiding
• Addictive or compulsive behaviors

These behaviors feed confusion and inner agitation. They come from fear, desire, lack, and pressure. And by doing them, we’re strategizing to avoid discomfort, make ourselves look good, get what we think we need, and do what we think we should.

They leave us in an endless loop trying to figure things out and struggling to find peace. In my experience, it’s not a satisfying way to be.

Let's explore more deeply actions that arise from inner knowing and love. We receive the circumstances we find ourselves in through a clear mind and open heart, then trust the response that arises.

Grounded within, we tune into what is true for us and let that be our guide. We’re open to all possibilities, with the fierce commitment to putting the needs of the separate self aside and letting ourselves be moved by life.

We unhook from stressful actions so we can live freely. We make space for creativity and flow. We have the courage to follow our deepest yearnings even if they’re outside our comfort zone.

Clean actions arise in the moment as we surrender our personal dramas and allow the truth to appear. We ask: what is this moment calling for? And listen for the answer.

Even in the bigger decisions in life—to leave a job, to get married or divorced, to have children—these appear in their own time and not from the mind.

When deep listening was becoming a way of life for me years ago, I felt life’s movement inside and sometimes questioned it. My thought was, “You really want me to say (or do) that??” 

Yet, I trusted and followed it—and continue to with great surrender in every aspect of my life. Why? Because what flows is intimacy, love, and peace.

Sometimes the action that’s called for is no action. Rather than propelling ourselves forward into our habits once again, we realize that we’re being invited into stillness…and silence. And that’s a beautiful way to be.

If you’re drawn to acting from wisdom and love, be aware, open, and receptive. Sidestep the pull of your conditioning and let each action be lived fully through you. With no trace and no residue, you’re available to celebrate whatever comes—awake, clear, and fully alive.