One of the best statements I have heard and taken to heart is — live with no regrets, ALL experiences are valuable life lessons. How many times have you said to yourself, “I wish I would have, could have, or should have ___________________________?

Take in this poem by Shel Silverstein.

Woulda-Coulda-Shoulda
All the Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
Layin’ in the sun
Talkin’ ‘bout the things
They woulda-coulda-shoulda done…
But those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
All ran away and hid
From one little did.

This “woulda-coulda-shoulda” thinking resides in the past, in the yesterdays, and continually replays the same old stories. The practice of yoga helps us to focus on the present moment, embracing the fullness of NOW, and guides us to take the right action at the right time, gracefully leading us forward. Let’s all be the “one little did.” 😊 “We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. The old skin has to shed before the new one can come.” ~ Joseph Campbell

Reflection Questions:

✭ What “woulda-coulda-shouldas” replay in your mind? Begin to let them go. Imagine filling a huge helium balloon inside your heart space as you inhale deeply. Now, exhale completely, releasing all that is no longer serving you. Witness this large balloon flying away into the sky, becoming smaller and smaller as it reaches higher into the atmosphere. As you shift your thoughts from the past into the present, remember these three great guidelines — no blaming, no shaming, no judgement.

✭ What valuable life lessons have you learned along the way? Embrace them all, and be grateful for each experience.

✭ In the quiet and stillness listen to the still small voice inside. Tune into your heart space. What is your heart drawn to? What radiates? Observe and listen. Remain present. Taking the right action at the right time gracefully guides you forward.

✭ Now, is there another voice in your mind interfering, criticizing, stifling? Observe and listen. Allow this voice to dim, to soften. Honor the truth within your soul. No blaming, no shaming, no judgement.

Point of Radiance by Danna Faulds
Find the point of radiance
in your heart. Whether
that be passion, pleasure,
or pain so deep it’s etched
in blood, follow where
your true heart leads.
When it seems there is no
light, look carefully,
for it is always there,
that ember of the God-force.
It may be hidden in a dim
corner or buried beneath
a pile of regrets, but it’s
there nonetheless, that
spark of divine essence,
illuminating your next step. ❤️

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May you live with no regrets. ALL of your experiences are valuable life lessons. May you gracefully take the right action at the right time, and be the “one little did.” 😊

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. ~ Romans 12:1-2, The Message

 

What is at the forefront of your mind and heart today? ❤️

Let’s dedicate this time to connecting within, receiving what we truly need. Is that wisdom for a particular situation? An answer to a deep seeded question? A need for deep refreshment and renewal? Physical or emotional healing? Take a moment to seek your true heart, your deepest longings. Connect deeply within and without, sensing a sweet embrace, an unconditional love like no other. “At the very moment I called out to you, you answered me! You strengthened me deep within my soul and breathed fresh courage into me” (Psalms 138:3 TPT). As Brennan Manning stated, “I have been seized by the power of a great affection.” Allow yourself to be seized by a great, Divine affection, our True Connection. Love is the secret password for every soul. ❤️

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Leaning Into Darkness, lyrics by Macrina Wiederkehr and Velma Frye

Draw me into the depths.
Take me down to the holy darkness to Love’s roots.
I lean into that darkness,
The darkness that surrounds me,
This nurturing room for my restless spirit.

Let me borrow your eyes, Beloved.
Then I shall see in the dark, though for answers I do not look.
It is enough to wait,
To wait in the holy darkness,
This nurturing womb for Love’s yearning.

Listening to the sound of silence,
And leaning into the song of darkness, I wait for You.
Waiting with purpose for who I will become,
Waiting without agenda for things I can not change,
I become one with the One I love,

For I have seen too many stars,
Too many stars to let the darkness overwhelm me.

I keep vigil:
with my heart’s eternal questions, and with my deep longings.
with those places in my being where the light has grown dim.
with those whose hearts are tired, and with those whose hope is lost.
for those who sleep and for those who can not rest.
for those with fearful hearts, and for those whose hearts are angry.
for those whose courage is waning and for those whose strength is growing.
for those who suffer, and for those who keep vigil.

I keep vigil. I keep vigil. I keep vigil. I keep vigil,

For I have seen too many stars,
Too many stars to let the darkness overwhelm me.

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“Sometimes, the road ahead is blocked, but clearing the way becomes part of our journey. Learn to tell when it’s time to let go, to surrender, to search for another road, a different path, another dream. But also learn to tell when it’s time to move forward, through obstacles if need be, because the dream is electric, charged by Divine energy and love.” ~ Melody Beattie, Journey to the Heart

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Altar Meditation

Imagine a beautiful body of water before you.

You begin to walk close to this refreshing, relaxing, healing place. It may be the ocean, a stream, a lake, or river. Hear its sounds and smell the fresh air around you. Soak in its awe and wonder. As you approach the shoreline, you notice a unique altar — it may be a large rock, a wood log, or a man made altar. Envision this sacred place.

You feel drawn to release something at the altar, something that is no longer serving you.

As you let go of what no longer serves, a beautifully wrapped gift appears on the altar with your name on it. You gently take hold of the gift, open it, and look inside.

What is it?

How does it make you feel?

A trusted Guide, a Spirit figure, softly appears before you and you speak to them about the gift.

With welcoming eyes and a receptive heart, accept their words of love.

I am always here for you.
I love you unconditionally.
You can come to Me at anytime, anywhere, dropping immediately into My Presence.
Treasure this gift created just for you.

Now, listen closely, and receive their words of wisdom for your situation or deep seeded question.

You express gratitude for their embracing Presence, and for the special gift.

Their wisdom directs your path.

You feel secure.

Your heart is encouraged and filled with love and hope. ❤️

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May you continue to be seized by the power of a great affection. Love is the secret password for every soul. ✨

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“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique.” ~ Martha Graham

Are you aware of your actions as they are happening? Have you ever practiced being your own silent, compassionate witness — looking from the outside and observing your whole self? When we are open and honest with ourselves, and listen to the spirit of truth deep within, we receive genuine insight. In yoga, this is called SVADHYAYA, self study or self awareness. Observation and awareness are the first steps toward change. Pause between your breath, thoughts, feelings, and actions — listen and receive from them. Let yourself learn from each experience and receive compassionate insight. Be the best version of you! 🌟

If a situation keeps repeating itself, ask what can I learn? Instead of resisting or trying to power your way through challenges, consider a more compassionate approach and ask yourself these key questions for personal reflection and growth.

What lessons am I learning right now?
What do I need to say that has been unspoken?
What skills or talents am I not utilizing?
What signs have I been misinterpreting or ignoring?
How is life asking me to grow right now?
What have I been avoiding out of fear?
What part of me have I been afraid to express and show the world?
What do I really want or need?
How do I want to feel?
What am I committed to changing?

(Adapted from 10 Essential Questions To Ask When You Feel Stuck by Shannon Kaiser)

“One new perception,
One fresh thought,
One act of surrender,
One change of heart,
One leap of faith…
Can change your life forever.”
~ Robert Holden

Open 
Nothing to wall out
or hold in.
Open like the
wide sky at twilight.
Open as the ocean
or the reach of
the unknown.
Open as a heart
that chooses
not to close.
~ Danna Faulds

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Remind yourself to practice compassionate self observation and self study in your daily living. Before retiring each night, ask yourself, “What did I learn today?” and be grateful for the insights. Be the best version of you. 🌟

“The best I have to bring, I’ll throw it all into the fire as the fragrance of my sacrifice ascends unto You. Pause in His presence.” ~ Psalms 66:15 The Passion Translation