Simplify

On August 10, 2026 By Heather Wiest

Today we practice SIMPLIFYING — looking at our daily life, our priorities, possessions, activities, commitments, habits, thoughts and actions — and taking the time to reevaluate, gracefully letting go of what no longer serves us and establishing new intentions. When we simplify, we release unwanted expectations and stress and open up to increased freedom, joy, and inner peace. As Steve Maraboli states, “The greatest step towards a life of simplicity is to learn to let go.” What, where and how can you simplify? What would make your life lighter and easier? What can you get rid of? Where can you make adjustments to allow for more breathing room?

Take a minute to personally reflect.

Here are 3 practical tips to help prioritize and simplify:

❦ Look for soul stops. Even on your busiest days, set aside several 5 minute breaks to pause, tune-in, pray, and meditate. This helps redirect thoughts, feelings, and actions — even in the midst of the craziest schedule. Try bookending your day with longer spirit-filling stops.

❦ Be keenly aware. Ask God to get your attention. Look for Divine appointments — a text from a friend at just the right time, a song that speaks directly to your heart, a random opportunity to help someone, a funny situation that turns your day around for the best.

❦ Set limits. Pick a time your distractions begin, and tell them when they end. During those hours, do the phone thing, and computer thing, and every other thing you pour your soul into, but when that time comes to an end, shut it down. Disconnect to connect personally and spiritually.

How will these changes add to your freedom, joy, and inner peace?

“Beloved Spirit of God: Teach me the way of simplicity and surrender so that in this world of consumption, noise, and endless choices I might model joy, peace, and freedom. Amen.” ~ Peter Traben Haas

The Weight of Objects, Clearing a Space for Change, by Madisyn Taylor

In life, we tend to have an easier time acquiring possessions than we do getting rid of them. Just as we harbor emotional baggage that is difficult to let go of, our lives can tend to be filled with material objects that we may feel compelled to hold on to. Most people are not conscious of how much they own and how many of their possessions are no longer adding value to their life. They fiercely hold on to material objects because this makes them feel secure or comfortable. While it’s true that the ownership of “stuff” can make you feel good for awhile, it seldom satisfies the deep inner longings that nearly everyone has for fulfillment and satisfaction. It is only when we are ready to let go of our baggage and be vulnerable that it becomes possible to recognize the emotional hold that our possessions can have on us.

It’s not uncommon to hold on to material objects because we are attached to them or fear the empty spaces that will remain if we get rid of them. Giving away the souvenirs from a beloved voyage may feel like we are erasing the memory of that time in our life. We may also worry that our loved ones will feel hurt if we don’t keep the gifts they’ve given us. It’s easy to convince ourselves that unused possessions might come in handy someday or that parting with them will cause you emotional pain. However, when your personal space is filled with objects, there is no room for anything new to enter and stay in your life. Your collection of belongings may “protect” you from the uncertainties of an unknown future while keeping you stuck in the past. Holding on to unnecessary possessions often goes hand in hand with holding on to pain, anger, and resentment, and letting go of your material possessions may help you release emotional baggage.

When you make a conscious decision to fill your personal space with only the objects that you need or bring you joy, your energy level will soar. Clearing your personal space can lead to mental clarity and an improved memory. As you learn to have a more practical and temporary relationship to objects, positive changes will happen, and you’ll have space to create the life that you desire.

“Each of us has favorite items and places that help to calm and quiet us. What stills our mind? A walk in the park, a special place in the city, a quiet room? A rock, a cross, a picture, a lit candle? Use these places and things to find that place of stillness in yourself. Find the power in stillness. It’s a power that comes gently like the morning sunrise or the evening stars. Take time each day to seek out stillness, to find that sacred spot.
Let your mind and soul be at ease. Don’t grasp and grab for the magic and miracles. When you reside in that place of stillness, the joy, miracles, and magic you’re seeking will find you.” ❤︎ ~ Melody Beattie

“Let go of something, somewhere. Use yoga to become aware, to touch what lies beneath the surface of the skin. Is there tension longing for release, a knot of fear so deep and familiar that you believe its part of who you are? Ease into dark corners, locked rooms, unexplored hallways. Gain entry not by force of will, but only by softness. Enter on the wings of breath, and turn the key of self-acceptance to let go of something, somewhere.” ~ Danna Faulds

To simplify life I am___________.

There is freedom in letting go. ❤︎

Thank You 🙏🏻

On August 4, 2026 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? 💛

Let Us H.E.A.L ♡

On July 28, 2026 By Heather Wiest

This week’s theme and intention for yoga classes is to encourage healing and harmony within our bodies. A quote from B.K.S. Iyengar, “Yoga is like music. The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.” Think for just a minute. What is troubling you about your physical, emotional, or spiritual health? See it. Feel it. Now begin to create a positive, healing intention around your concern. May today’s guidance invite the healing and harmony you desire.

Let us H.E.A.L. ♡
H = Heed: pay attention to—tune into body, mind & spirit
E = Experience: encounter, undergo—allow everything to surface without judgement
A = Awaken: evoke, kindle—what do I need to sense, feel, and know in this moment?
L = Life: the ability to grow and change, the experience of being alive—awareness of, and openness to personal transformation

“Some of us don’t know how tired we are until we try to relax. Then we realize we’re exhausted. We may have lived with exhaustion and stress so long it’s become habitual. That doesn’t mean we’re bad or wrong, or even off track. Many of us are deeply involved in activities, work, projects, and relationships we enjoy. We like our lives and the things we’re doing. But sometimes we’ve pushed too hard or too long. Sometimes we haven’t given our bodies adequate time to relax, to rest, to really let go. It’s all right to take time out. Relax. Refresh. Regroup. It’s all right to rest even if we’re busy, rest often enough to keep ourselves replenished. Get in touch with your body, then stay in touch with yourself. Find out how tired you are. Then let your body tell you what it needs to come back to life and love.” ~ Melody Beattie

As I gradually learned to be true to myself and succeeded in admitting my own feelings, the language of my body spoke out more and more clearly and guided me toward decisions that did it good and helped it to express its natural needs…repressed, disassociated emotions can make us ill but not conscious feelings that we can give expression to. ~ Alice Miller, The Body Never Lies

“Our bellies can be wonderful monitors of our emotional health and the truth can always be found there. So often, emotions that we long to express get stored in our bodies instead. The space where this most often happens is in our bellies. Rather than telling people, or even ourselves, the way we truly feel, we may stuff our true feelings deep inside of us, where they take up space until we are ready to let them go. Stuffing our feelings in our bellies may feel like the safe response, since we then don’t really have to deal with our emotions. Yet, doing so can actually be detrimental to our emotional well-being and physical health. One way to connect with and release your emotions is to do a focused exercise with your stomach area. Take a moment to center yourself with some deep breathing and quiet meditation, relaxing your body fully and turning off the chatter in your brain. With your right hand on your stomach, tell yourself three times: Please reveal to me my true emotions. Listen for the answers. Repeat the exercise as many times as you would like, allowing yourself to drop deeper into your body each time. Notice any physical response in the stomach area, whether you have a warm, relaxed feeling in the middle of your body or if you feel tight knots in response to any emotions that do come up. You may even want to write down any answers that come to you. Remember that the body doesn’t lie.” ~ Madisyn Taylor, DailyOM: In Touch with True Emotions

Witness the elemental motion of emotion:
Fire burning, illuminating
Water gushing, cleansing
Air inspiring, soothing
Earth supporting, holding
Space expanding, embracing
~ Radiance Sutras, Yukti Verse 101

You Can’t Rush Your Healing
Darkness has its teachings
Love is never leaving
You can’t rush your healing
Your healing

Mama, well she told me time
is such a wonderful gift
You’re not running out
You’re really running in
Confusion clouds the heart
but it also points the way
Quiet down the mind
The more the song will play
So
You can’t rush your healing
Darkness has its teachings
Love is never leaving
You can’t rush your healing
Your healing
~ Trevor Hall

“A breath of desire and My Spirit is there—to replenish and renew. Sometimes weariness and exhaustion are not signs of lack of spirit but of the guiding of the Spirit.” ♡ ~ God Calling, Exhaustion

No Mistake
Holding my tension close is exhausting. I don’t know why I do it–
habit I guess–but when I let it go, the sense of relaxation and release
is immediate. My whole body sighs as ease and healing bathe
each cell in light. Once the truth of me has space and energy
to shine forth, it’s clear that the alchemy of humanity and divinity
is no mistake. ~ Danna Faulds

Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG) 5 Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. 6 Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track.

Beach Therapy 🌊

On July 20, 2026July 20, 2026 By Heather Wiest

“All of us have in our veins the same exact percentage of salt in our blood that exists in the ocean, and therefore, we have salt in our blood, in our sweat, in our tears. We are tied to the ocean.” ~ John F. Kennedy

There is much we can learn from the ocean as we have a similar inner landscape within us as well.

Like us, the sea is ever-changing. And, like us, the earth’s vast oceans appear at a distance to be stable and homogenous. But beneath the mask of solidity that both we and the sea wear, there lies unpredictability, sensitivity, and power. There is much we can learn from the ocean, representative as it is of our inner landscapes. The rough sounds of the sea’s waves are spiritually soothing, and its salt can purify our physical selves. Yet not everyone has the luxury of living by the shore or even visiting the coastlines where water and land meet. The ocean, however, exists in our conscious minds, put there by images we have seen and descriptions we have read. Wherever we are, we can access that mental image and use it as the starting point from which we can help to heal our emotions by meditating on the sea.

To begin, gather together any ocean artifacts you may have on hand. Seashells, a vial of sand, beach glass, stones rubbed smooth by the pounding surf, or a recording of ocean sounds can help you slip more deeply into this meditation, but they are not necessary. Sit quietly and visualize the ocean in your mind’s eye. Allow all of your senses to participate in your mental journey. Feel the tiny grains of sand beneath your feet and the cool spray of mist. Hear the sea’s rhythmic roar as the waves meet the beach and retreat. Smell the tang of salt in the air. Watch the sun’s rays play over the ocean’s surface, creating shifting spots of teal, cerulean, cobalt, and green. Don’t be surprised if you see dolphins or whales frolicking in the waves — they are there to assist you. Spend a few minutes drinking in the ocean’s beauty and appreciating its vast splendor.

Once you are fully engaged with the setting before you, visualize yourself sitting on the beach, facing the ocean, and watching the waves advance and retreat. As each new wave of seawater approaches, imagine it carrying healing energy toward you. Just as the ocean’s tides sweep the shores free of detritus [debris], restoring balance, so can the waves in our mind’s eye cleanse our souls of what no longer serves us. ~ Waves of Healing, by Madisyn Taylor

Our intention for this week is to feel more peaceful, centered, light, and carefree — renewed in our body, mind, and spirit — as if we have spent the day at a beautiful beach. In Yoga Nidra we practice the fifth limb of yoga, PRATYAHARA, which means sense withdrawal. It is the ability to turn our attention inward, so we are focusing on our center, internalizing the benefits of our yoga practice. It can also be described as drawing the senses closer internally. Feeling our senses, observing them, and gazing at the mystery of everything inside ourselves — with love and compassion — rather than with lack and judgement. As we touch that open presence, we touch our deepest source of strength, and are renewed.

What helps you feel peaceful, renewed, and balanced?

Make this a priority, and create a personal intention around this idea.

Cease striving, and know ALL things are working together for good. Allow yourself to trust, have faith, and fully let go of stress, tension, and anxiety. Everything is happening exactly as it is supposed to, with hidden blessings you will soon understand.

Imagery Script: The Beach

For a few moments allow yourself to take several nice, long, deep breaths. Notice the cool air coming in, filling your lungs, and the soothing warm air going out. Just let all your thoughts float away as you bring your attention to your breathing… in and out.

You might mentally scan your body and notice if you’re holding any tension in your muscles. If you are, just gently let all that tension melt away with every out breath. Bring your attention to your breathing, in and out… in and out… let yourself feel more and more comfortable right where you are.

In your mind’s eye you see yourself descending down a long, narrow, wooden stairway towards a beautiful, inviting beach. Your bare feet feel the rough weathered steps, and with each step, you feel more and more tension gently melting away from your body.

As you continue down the stairway, you notice how the bright white sand stretches down the shoreline as far as you can see. The ocean is a deep shade of blue with the fine white crests of the waves sweeping towards the shore. You reach the end of the stairway and step down, sinking into the warm soothing sand. As you rub the sand lightly between your toes, a soothing sensation of relaxation gently melts through your entire body. The roaring sounds of the sea’s surf, the waves crashing over each other, calms your mind and allows you to feel even more relaxed.

You begin walking slowly towards the edge of the water and notice the warm sun on your face and shoulders. The salty smell of the sea air invigorates you, and you take in a deep breath… breathe slowly out… and feel more relaxed and refreshed. Finally, you reach the water’s edge and you gladly invite the waves to flow over your toes and ankles. You watch the waves glide smoothly towards you, gently sweeping around your feet, and the trails of sea water that flow slowly back out again. The cool water feels soft and comforting as you enjoy a few moments allowing yourself to gaze out on the far reaching horizon. Overhead, you notice two seagulls gracefully soaring high above the ocean waters, and you can hear their soft cries becoming faint as they glide away. And all of these sights, sounds, and sensations allow you to let go and relax more and more.

After a moment, you begin strolling down the beach at the water’s edge. You feel a cool gentle breeze pressing lightly against your back, and with every step you feel yourself relaxing more and more. As you walk down the beach you notice the details of sights and sounds around you, and soothing sensations of the sun, the breeze, and the sand below your feet.

As you continue your leisurely walk down the beach, you notice a colorful beach chair resting in a nice peaceful spot where the powdery soft sand lies undisturbed. You approach this comfortable looking beach chair, then you sit down, lie back, and settle in. No one to be. Nothing to do.

Your heart, soul, and intuition are illuminated…
The sun (Son) reflects deep truths…
Listen now to the messages within…

Whole-heartedly trust this inner guidance.
Be encouraged and inspired.

You take in a long deep breath, breathe slowly out, and feel even more relaxed and comfortable resting in your chair. For a few moments more, let yourself enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful day on the beach. And, when you feel ready, you can gently bring your attention back to the room, still letting yourself feel nice and comfortable right where you are.

(Adapted from American Holistic Nurses Association: Guided Imagery)

Heaven by C. JoyBell C.

The sun has an ocean.
An ocean so deep, vast and blue.
And on these eternal waters I float.
And while I float, I can hear the seagulls nearby.
Heaven has come down to earth for me.

Resilience ❤︎

On July 6, 2026 By Heather Wiest

10% of life is what happens to you, and 90% is how you react or respond to it! ~ Charles R. Swindoll

What an honor to share about my resilience journey in The Trailblazers: Rewriting the Narrative section of Voyage Phoenix, Life and Work with Heather Wiest. ❤︎

RESILIENCE is the deep seeded quality that allows some people to be knocked down by life and come back stronger than ever. Rather than letting failure overcome them and drain their resolve, they find a way to rise from the ashes. Psychologists have identified some of the factors that make someone resilient, among them a positive attitude, optimism, the ability to regulate emotions, and the ability to see failure as a form of helpful feedback. Even after a misfortune, blessed with such an outlook, resilient people are able to change course and soldier on.

“Resilience may be an art, the ultimate art of living. At the heart of resilience is a belief in oneself — yet also a belief in something larger than oneself. Resilient people do not let adversity define them. They find resilience by moving towards a goal beyond themselves, transcending pain and grief by perceiving challenging times as a temporary state.” ~ Hara Estroff Marano, The Art of Resilience, Psychology Today

Autobiography In Five Short Chapters

Chapter I
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost… I am hopeless.
It isn’t my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter II
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in this same place.
But it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter III
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it there.
I still fall in… it’s a habit… but,
my eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

Chapter IV
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

Chapter V
I walk down another street.

REFRAMING is at the heart of resilience. It is a way of shifting focus from the cup half empty to the cup half full. Resilient people cultivate insight, the mental habit of asking themselves penetrating questions, and expressing honest answers. They also take the initiative. They take charge of problems, stretching and testing themselves.

RELATIONSHIPS foster resilience. One of the cardinal findings of resilience research is those who lack strong support systems seek and receive help from others. They are not afraid to talk about the hard times they are having to someone who cares for their well-being.

❤︎ Who has carried you on their shoulders, supporting you through this life journey? Send some love and gratitude their way.

❤︎ And, who do YOU want to carry? Support them through their life journey. Send some love and encouragement their way.

❤︎ We are here for each other. Be LOVE.

Pain Meditation & Mantra Visualization:

Think of a time you experienced PAIN. It may be a recent happening, or from the past. Picture it clearly in your body, mind and soul.
Witness the emotions.
Now turn these emotions into a sensation.
Where do you feel this sensation?
Now bring the sensation outside of the body, RELEASE it with the OUT BREATH.
Now witness it outside of your body. BREATHE.
Notice the sensation has weakened. Feel your RESILIENCE.

“As you inhale, think to yourself: I am strong [resilient]. As you exhale: I am healing. Continue this mantra for another minute. Next, as you say to yourself, I am strong, envision an outer casing shattering off your body. This is the residual buildup of opinions, experiences, hurtful words, or anything that may have added to your duress. See it combust into a million pieces and flutter off into the wind. As you use the statement, I am healing, envision a flowering vine wrapping around the ailment on, or in your body. This gorgeous plant is drawing up healing energy deep from within it’s roots and transporting it toward you. See the plant blossom as it makes contact with your skin, because you are ripe with healing and fertile with potential.” ~ Kathryn Budig, Healing Meditation for Yoga Injuries, Yoga Journal

“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

Be stronger than your pain. Use your pain for your platform — to bring healing and wholeness to yourself, and others. ♡