Month: May 2023

Thank You 🙏🏻

On By Heather Wiest

Have you said thank you lately? by Amy K. Nichols

There’s someone you need to thank.

Someone who believes in you.

Someone who listens to you.

Someone who puts up with you when you’re in your foulest mood.

Someone who doesn’t mind the little things. Someone who celebrates the big things.

Someone who opens doors for you, both physical and metaphorical.

Someone who gives you creative space. Someone who holds down the fort while you’re away.

Someone who inspires you. Someone who spurs you on to better and better.

Someone who believes in the impossible, too.

Maybe you’ve thanked this person before, but maybe it’s been a while since you’ve thanked them lately. Take a minute and thank them.

No, really. Take a minute and thank them. Yes, you’re busy and they’re busy and we’re all busy. But do it anyway. Don’t wait. You’ve waited long enough.

Tell them thank you. It’ll do both of you a world of good.

“Life-changing gratitude does not fasten to a life unless nailed through with one very specific nail at a time.” ~Ann Voskamp

Let our thanks be LOVING, THOUGHTFUL, GENUINE, and SPECIFIC.

“Place everything you’ve ever learned or yet to discover in a box labeled THANK YOU. What would go in your box?” ~ Jennifer Pastiloff

Dare To Be by Steve Maraboli

When a new day begins, dare to smile gratefully.
When there is darkness, dare to be the first to shine a light.
When there is injustice, dare to be the first to condemn it.
When something seems difficult, dare to do it anyway.
When life seems to beat you down, dare to fight back.
When there seems to be no hope, dare to find some.
When you’re feeling tired, dare to keep going.
When times are tough, dare to be tougher.
When love hurts you, dare to love again.
When someone is hurting, dare to help them heal.
When another is lost, dare to help them find the way.
When a friend falls, dare to be the first to extend a hand.
When you cross paths with another, dare to make them smile.
When you feel great, dare to help someone else feel great too.
When the day has ended, dare to feel as you’ve done your best.
Dare to be the best you can–
At all times, Dare To Be!

✨A Gift of Light Meditation✨

Breath easily and deeply and bring yourself into a centered, peaceful place. Imagine a magnificent light above your head and ask that it come down into your heart. An endless supply of warm, beautiful and supportive light now fills your heart. You may see it as a fireplace with burning logs, a beautiful room with many candles, or a sphere of glowing light. Visualize tremendous vitality, beauty and warmth within you. You have an unending supply of this energy and light. Acknowledge its power, majesty and expansiveness. Fill yourself with this light; every cell, every bone, thought and emotion is saturated with this eternal energy. See it. Feel it. Let it fill you. It is love. It is peace. And it is joy. Take as long as you’d like swimming in this amazing luster. When you are ready, prepare to offer your gift of abundant light to your loved ones. Visualize and feel the light from above you connecting into your heart and to your hands. Open your palms softly and outwardly. Your hands may feel warm. Offer light to your loved ones. Visualize them clearly. Offer light from your heart to theirs. As the light from your heart pours through them, notice that light begins to come down into the top of their head from someplace else. You are creating a magnet for more light with your intention of giving. See them surrounded by you, surrounded by and filled with light and love. Their bodies are healthy, vibrant and beautiful. Their minds are expansive and calm. Peace flows through them offering them ease of heart. Wish them joy. Wish them good health. Wish them courage and abundance. Tell them whatever comes to you that is important to convey. Continue your blessings for them until you feel it is the right time to stop. Now release them gently. Leave them light-filled.✨

“One grateful thought is a ray of sunshine. A hundred such thoughts paint a sunrise. A thousand will rival the glowing sky at noonday — for gratitude is light against the darkness.” ~ Richelle E. Goodrich

Remember to live out LOVE—an attitude of gratitude. Express your thanks. Give away love, encouragement, and acceptance. “So encourage each other and build each other up.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)

Who are you going to encourage today?  💛

Hold The Vision. Trust The Process.

On By Heather Wiest

“LET YOUR VISIONS GUIDE YOU. Visions are different from dreams. A vision is a picture that comes from the soul and comes out through the heart. A vision is a small glimpse of light that shines and shows us our path.” ~ Melody Beattie, Journey to the Heart, March 9

Trust the vision in your heart and soul — let it guide you home.

What do you want?

What would feel right?

What do you see yourself doing?

What are you willing to do to make this happen?

Is this in the best interest for yourself and everyone involved?

Hold the vision. Trust the process. ❤️

“If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want and all that is left is compromise.” ~ Robert Fritz

“The first step toward creating an improved future is developing the ability to envision it. Vision will ignite the fire of passion that fuels our commitment to do whatever it takes to achieve excellence. Only vision allows us to transform dreams of greatness into the reality of achievement through human action. Vision has no boundaries and knows no limits. Our vision is what we become in life.” ~ Tony Dungy

“Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” ~ Jonathan Swift

Guided Meditation: The Forest Speaks (modified from Meg Colby)

I invite you to join me on a journey. 

Imagine that you are standing on a path at the edge of a small forest. The bright sun warms your back as you face the opening in the trees. The cool breeze from the forest is inviting you to enter. The path is clear and broad. It is easy to follow. And so you step into the forest.

All around you, you can hear birds calling to one another. Their sounds are gentle and sweet. It is as if they are encouraging you to take a few more steps into their home, and so you do.

The peace in the forest is embracing. You are aware of small animals around you. You see rabbits and squirrels romping and playing. You can hear the sounds of more birds hidden in the dense canopy of the forest. As you walk on, you begin to hear the sound of running water. You can tell that the water is gentle, and you walk in the direction of the sound. As you walk, you can feel the leaves under your feet and the small branches and roots on the ground. It feels good to have your feet touching the earth. And you let the gentle voice of the water call you on.

Shortly, in front of you opens a little clearing in the forest, and in the middle of the clearing is a small pool. The pool is being fed from a stream cascading down a small rocky slope. As the pool is filled to overflowing, the water leaves the pool on the other side and continues its journey back into the forest. Here in the clearing, there are some rocks where you can sit. The rocks are warm from the sun as its rays make their way down from the opening in treetops. You walk to the largest of the rocks and take a seat on it. It is as if the rock was just made for you to sit on. It cradles your body and holds you steady. And you just sit here for a few minutes in silence, listening to the sounds of the forest and the water all around you. Your eyes are closed and your heart is full of joy.

In a few moments, you begin to sense the gentle presence of another being in front of you. You open your eyes, and standing about 6 feet from you is a beautiful doe, her limpid brown eyes resting on you. She is completely at ease and so are you. For some minutes you sit enthralled by this gentle creature just looking at you as if she loves you. She is so calm and assured in your presence that even her ears are still. And you are so in awe of her presence that your gaze cannot leave hers. It seems that she has brought a message for you, and across the space between the two of you she is sending you that message. Somehow you become aware of the message and are ready to receive it from her. Open your heart now and receive her message.

Your heart is filled to overflowing with the love and encouragement you are feeling in her message. She stands there for a few moments longer. Then she gently closes her eyes, opens them again for one last look at you, turns around and slowly walks back into the forest. You sit for a moment longer simply integrating into your being the message she brought you.

And then you rise from your spot on the rock, move gently back onto the path, and walk slowly and calmly back to the edge of the forest where you first stepped upon the path. Your message from the forest has been integrated into your being. And you will take that message with you back into your daily life. ❤️

I embrace the vision in my heart. I know it will manifest according to Divine will and timing. 

I pray for the highest good for myself and everyone involved.

I drop all anxiety and fear and replace it with bold faith and trust. 

My body is light, my mind at peace, and my heart is unconditionally open. 

What do you want? What would feel right? What do you see yourself doing? What are you willing to do to make this happen? Is this in the best interest for yourself and everyone involved?

Create an open, positive, affirmative intention around your vision.

Let this be your personal intention or prayer now.

Waiting, trusting, and hoping are intricately connected, like golden strands interwoven to form a strong chain. Trusting is the central strand. Waiting and hoping embellish the central strand and strengthen the chain that connects you to Source. Hope is future-directed, however, the benefits of hope fall fully on you in the present. (Modified from Sarah Young,  Jesus Calling, March 12)

Trust the vision in your heart and soul — let it guide you home. Hold the vision. Trust the process. ❤️

Live Life With No Regrets.

On By Heather Wiest

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. ❤️

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

True Connection ✨

On By Heather Wiest

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. ❤️

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.

“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

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. ❤️

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

IMG_9287

Best Version Of You 🌟

On By Heather Wiest

“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

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. 🌟