This week, I had one of those moments.

It occurred while talking with a dear friend. That’s the awesome thing about our heartfelt connection with good friends. You feel comfortable and at ease and things naturally flow in a real connected way. Anyhow, in the midst of our discussion, all of a sudden the conversation became more than me, more than both of us. The words and thoughts flowed from my mouth, yet the insight and wisdom came from someplace else. It felt more expanded, more knowing, definitely more divinely connected.

Many of our most dynamic teachers also admit to this phenomenon. When they are on a stage and presenting material they are passionate about and very connected with, something happens. They become the material and the information flows effortlessly while they take on the roll of observer.

Robin Williams is a great example of this. The spontaneity he demonstrates while being in the creative flow is evident in all of his performances. When James Lipton interviewed him for the Actors Studio, he was totally in that expanded place the whole time, keeping the audience in stitches. A student asked him how comedy actually happens… was it by design or by instinct? He, in usual fashion, dropped into a professor-like character to answer. The answer that formed from his comedic expression is that comedy is sometimes done by design but many times it just comes over a person and they “become” funny. No scripts, no special preparation, you feel it, become it and people end up rolling in the aisles with tears running down their cheeks.

Would that be a kick to have your life orchestrated from that expanded place? Well, you DO have that! The only reason you are not experiencing it is because you are not opening the door (i.e., releasing resistance) to allow that expansion to happen.

So, how do you get to that door and open it? I believe the quickest, most effective way is through gratitude. If you look around your world and express thankfulness, continually seeking those things to be grateful for, you will find yourself easily and effortlessly moving toward more good things. It’s the Law of Attraction, like attracts like. The more good things you see, the more good you will continue to attract into your life. Even if you are having a not-so-great day, there is something that you can be grateful for. Once you make it a habit to look for things to appreciate, it becomes easier and easier. And the stuff that used to “bug” you just seems to disappear. It’s impossible to be grumpy and grateful at the same time.

That expanded self, that fuller expression of who you really are is limitless, exuberant, joyous and eager for the next wonderful experience. This expanded self sees with clearer eyes and the heart opens with more love and compassion for all people. This is alignment, this is connection, this is creativity, this is joy. You are a human “being.”

Now this expanded self can go out into the world and manifest magnificence because that is all you see. Everything is perfect exactly as it is. You “become” the tree, the earth, the air you breathe. You become the baby, the dog, the rainbow. When you “know” this sensation, you are there! Congratulations, you have reached your expanded place, you have connected with your Higher Self.

From this point on, your life will change and move in most magical ways. If you are a musician, you will go past performing; you will become the music. An artist will move beyond the mechanics and techniques into becoming the piece of art. However you express yourself and whatever path you are on will continue to grow exponentially. Oprah knows this. One of my favorite quotes of hers is on my desk, “I believe that you are here to become more of yourself and live your best life.” Right on, Oprah!

So, now you know. And this knowing brings a responsibility along with it. You are now being called forth to be the best you that you can be. In doing so, you serve as an example to others who are ready for more. This really serves all for, “As you do unto others, you do unto yourself.”

Let the expansion begin!