Köszönöm (kuh-suh-nuhm), Budapest! 🇭🇺

On By Heather Wiest

We recently returned from our beautiful Breathe In Budapest Yoga Retreat in collaboration with the incredible Green Yogi Traveler, and I am still lingering in the moments… a sweet balance of yoga and breathwork practices, our serene Margaret Island location, the relaxing effects of the thermal baths, a week of walking and exploring such a historically rich city and its outskirts, and the contagious laughter and joyous community of our retreaters. ❤️ Thank you (Köszönöm in Hungarian), Budapest, you truly exceeded our expectations!

Here are my top 12 things to see and do in and around Budapest:

1. Shoes on the Danube

A must see in Budapest are the Shoes on the Danube Bank. This is a moving and profound experience. Along the river are 60 pairs of bronze shoes anchored to the ground in memory of the 20,000 Jews who between December 1944 and January 1945 were forced to take off their shoes and line up on the bank of the river to be shot and killed by the Arrow Cross Militiamen, subsequently falling into the Danube which carried their bodies away.

The shoes are a chilling reminder of the horrors of the Nazi regime.

2. The Parliament Building

The Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest has to be one of my favorite sites. You will want to view it up close, from across the river, and from all sides. You can also go inside for a tour. Take an evening Danube River Cruise to view the stunning night views.

3. Fisherman’s Bastion

Also known as, Halászbástya, this beautiful monument rises up adjacent to the Danube river and provides a spectacular panoramic view of the Pest side of Budapest (the part of Budapest on the East side of the river). The Fisherman’s Bastion is right next to the gorgeous Matthias Church and a short walk to the Buda Castle.

4. Buda Castle

Within walking distance from the Fisherman’s Bastion is the Buda Castle. We didn’t pay to go inside but walked through and courtyards and around the periphery.

From the castle, you can ride the Buda Hill Funicular down to the chain bridge.

5. Szechenyi Chain Bridge

At the bottom of the funicular, walk across the beautiful chain bridge and find yourself back on the Pest side of Budapest. Walk about 10 minutes East from the Chain Bridge and view or tour the St. Stephen’s Basilica.

6. Heroes’ Square

Heroes’ Square is about 2 miles from the river. Walk down Andrassy Avenue and take in the stunning architecture and shops that line this famous street. Many say that Andrassy Avenue reminds them of the Champs Elysees in Paris. 

At the end of the street, you will find the larger than life Heroes’ Square. After enjoying the monument, walk through Varosliget Park to Vajdahunyad Castle. We enjoyed our farewell dinner at the stunning Varosliget Cafe.

8. Szechenyi Thermal Baths

This is the largest medicinal bath in Europe and it is fed by two thermal springs. The water is warm and healing – the perfect way to unwind and relax. The architecture is lovely as well.

9. Take a Cave Tour

Budapest is the capital of caves. It is the only capital in the world which has caves of significant size and length underneath its buildings and streets. More than two hundred caves are known under the Buda side of the town. However these caves also have a special place in the world because of their unusual thermal water based development. The hydrothermal caves of Budapest were created by the same thermal springs that supply the famous spas of the capital and the entire area is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

We toured the Buda Castle Caves and the Pal-Voigyi and Szemlo-Hegyi Caves.

10. Visit the scenic Visegrad (the original capital of Hungary) and Szentendre (an artsy town with fun shops), just outside of Budapest.

11. Stroll through Margaret Island

We were blessed to stay on Margaret Island during our stay in Budapest. Margit-sziget is located in the middle of Budapest on the Danube River, a beautiful park island 2.5 km long (1.6 miles) and 500 meters wide. Formerly known as Nyulak-sziget, its name originates from Saint Margaret of the Árpád dynasty, who lived here in the 13th century. Today, the island is a green oasis offering opportunities for sports and relaxation, historical monuments – such as medieval ruins – and unique flora and fauna. It is not accessible by car, but easily reachable via the Margit and Árpád bridges.

12. Eat Traditional Hungarian Food

Traditional Hungarian food is hearty, comforting, and deeply flavored with sweet red paprika, garlic, onions, and sour cream. We enjoyed Goulash Soup, Chicken Paprikash, Porkolt (beef or pork stew), grilled river fish, and duck. Lángos were a favorite – a deep fried flatbread, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, traditionally rubbed with garlic and topped with sour cream and grated cheese. Desserts included Chimney Cake, Drummer Cake (Dobos Torte), Studel, and Palacsinta (a thin crepe-like pancake rolled up with sweet fillings like walnut cream, fruit jam, and cocoa).

Every one of our retreats is such a blessing to pray over, plan, orchestrate, and experience with a collective group of amazing humans! We will continue to explore and create new offerings as long as the Lord guides and provides.

Will you be joining us for our next adventure, Aim Higher in Argentina Yoga Retreat in March 2027?

We are not guaranteed tomorrow. Live each day to the fullest! Take the trip and explore the world. 🌎

Survivor Story

On By Heather Wiest

In 2013, 2017, and 2022 I was blessed to visit the 9/11 Memorial in New York City — all incredibly moving experiences. One of the amazing stories to come out of the 9/11 tragedy is that of the Survivor Tree. A poem written by Faith A. Johnson describes it well:

The Survivor Tree

A miracle of botany, human spirit, and community,
In face of great adversity,
Back to life and breathing free,
It is known as the Survivor Tree.

Buried under twisted steel,
Determined branches hands could feel
Its blackened trunk, leaves no more,
And yet some life inside its core.

Where once its blossoms did embrace,
A Callery Pear showcased this place,
Where towers stood and life was loud,
A city and a country proud.

October day, the tree was found,
Amidst confusion, sadness sounds,
Came hopeful plans to nurse the tree,
Back to vibrant life, healthy.

And so it was that Callery Pear,
Moved to the Bronx, now home was there,
Cleaned of ash, cushioned in soil,
Human hands would gently toil.

To bring the tree back its life,
Overcoming hurts and strife,
Just as our country proving strong,
The tree grew tall, with branches long.

And next to it, a flag did fly,
Reminding all that dreams don’t die,
Our roots of freedom running deep,
Our nation’s strong, and memories keep.

Of loved ones lost, forever gone,
Yet, in our hearts, love carries on.
A Callery Pear, Survivor Tree,
Came back to where it used to be.

It reaches high into the sky,
And to the heavens leads our eyes,
Grow strong, our dear Survivor Tree,
For our America, Land of the Free.

Oftentimes, stories like this hit a heart string. We all have a survivor story. What have you overcome? Are you currently in the midst of a struggle or a change? Choose persistence, choose peace, choose strength, choose faith, hope, and love. You are a survivor and will come out thriving! Cultivate the seed that was placed in you until the last small twig has grown.

Bamboo lives underground for five years before it is seen by anyone. It spends five years cultivating a complicated weave of roots in the dirt, until it knows, without a doubt, it is strong enough to sustain the elements of the world. It knows it’s bamboo from the moment the seed plants in the earthly womb, yet is patient as it develops slowly and steadily. One day, when the preparation is complete, the bamboo sprouts — and swiftly shoots up in the air 82 feet! We are like bamboo — strong and resilient — rising beautifully in time.

Be inspired by a piece of my survivor story, The Door Knocker. ❤️

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” ~ Kahil Gibran

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I Believe In You.💫

On By Heather Wiest

It is important we all find people that believe in us just as we believe in others.

There are times in our lives when we may find ourselves facing challenges that can seem overwhelming. The situation or task we are struggling with seems hopeless, and it is easy to stop believing in ourselves, our goals, and our dreams. It is during these moments that it can be reassuring and reaffirming to turn to the people in our lives who do believe in us, especially when we are finding it hard to believe in ourselves. An encouraging word, a reassuring look, or hearing the words “I believe in you” from someone who matters can help us turn our situation around in an instant.

Everybody has someone who believes in them, whether this person is a teacher, parent, friend, loved one, or an employer. Often their belief can wrap us in warmth, bolster us, and offer us a supportive hand to grab onto until we can regain our own support. Having that special person who believes in our abilities and our worth is a wonderful gift. But when we are feeling unworthy, it may be difficult to take in something so precious. We may even feel like we need to do it all on our own and that we shouldn’t be asking for help. However, in letting their belief and support impact you, you are acknowledging the part of yourself that knows you are worthy of trust and esteem. By allowing them to believe in you, your own belief in yourself and your abilities will start to emerge again. Borrow their vision, and you can make it your own.

If your special someone is not there to spur you on, you also can lift yourself up with the gift of a positive image. When you feel uncertain, you can create a vision of the future you desire that will serve as a beacon of light. To do so, simply imagine a future that is exactly as you’d like it to be. Imagine in detail how you feel, what you are doing, and how others are responding to you. Make your vision as real as possible, and allow your doubts to recede so you can focus solely on the goal you seek. The more intently you focus on the image of what you want, your belief in yourself will step to the forefront, making it easier for the universe [the Divine] to open up a path and guide you. ~ Madisyn Taylor, The Gift of a Positive Image: Voicing Faith in Another 

Reflection & Intention: What parts of this reading resonated with you in this moment? This week’s theme revolves around the power of belief and loving encouragement — being willing to let go of discouragement, doubt and fear, and fully embrace faith, hope, love and support — believing in yourself and authentically encouraging those around you as well.

✨Intensify your imagination and envision a neon sign in all your favorite colors. It spells out a phrase, sentence, or slogan that has special meaning for you. It bears a message that is important for you to remember during this current time in your life. Fully soak in all it expresses. If you wish, tuck this sign away in your heart, where you can retrieve it and switch it on whenever needed.✨

The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can. ~ Neil Gaiman

How to live a wholehearted life by Brene Brown: Let ourselves be seen—deeply seen. Vulnerably seen. To love with our hearts even though there is no guarantee. To practice gratitude and joy. To believe that we are enough.

There is Love Here by Danna Faulds
I feel the warm embrace of spirit
flowing into me from somewhere I can’t see.
There is love here, arising inside me as naturally
as the sky brightens before dawn—
love enough to fill all of us, and more besides.
The spontaneous grace of the divine is moving
through the universe, unfazed by fear or obstacles of any kind.
Yes, it’s clear there is love here.

May you believe in yourself and voice FAITH and LOVE in others. 💜

You. Wow! ✨Switch on your neon sign and let it shine bright!✨

I believe in you.💫 And I am praying for you! 🙏🏻 Colossians 1:9

Cultivate Joy! 😊

On By Heather Wiest

Life is a constant ebb and flow. Challenges attempt to disrupt our ease and peace, but as we intentionally cultivate joy, our energy steadies and positively shifts.

JOY = A source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something exceptionally festive or satisfying.

What brings you joy in this moment?

What are you looking forward to that makes you smile? 😊

Take a minute to daydream and plan for joy. Allow yourself to be light and free.

“Let go of heaviness. Seek that which is light. Gravitate toward joy. Your soul and body will lead you, if only you will listen. Walk lightly. Speak and laugh lightly, as much as possible. Go lightly along your way.” ~ Melody Beattie

“…when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-4 New Living Translation

I ______ to cultivate more joy into my life.
No matter my circumstances, I choose to be joyful.
Divine joy fills my soul.

JOY Meditation

Think of a time you experienced COMPLETE JOY. It may be a recent happening, or from the past. Picture it clearly in your heart and mind.

Feel all the emotions.

What sensations do you feel in the body?

Where do you feel these sensations?

Label your emotions with one word.

Label the sensations felt with one word.

Tuck these words deep into your memory account of joy.

Be filled with wonder, be touched by peace.

Spark to Flame, by Danna Faulds

May the peace of your being
leap from heart to heart
and mind to mind like a 
wildfire in dry grass.
Through the simple act of
being present here and now,
may the peace that passes all
understanding be fanned 
from spark to flame to 
true illumination.

“Wait quietly in my presence while My thoughts form silently in the depths of your being. Do not rush this process, because hurry keeps your heart earthbound. I am the Creator of the entire universe, yet I choose to make my humble home in your heart. It is there where you know me most intimately; it is there where I speak to you in holy whispers. Ask My Spirit to quiet your mind so that you can hear my still small voice within you. I am speaking to you continually. . . words of JOY. Tune your heart to receive these messages of abundant blessing. Lay your requests before Me, and wait in expectation.”
(Adapted from Jesus Calling, September 21, by Sarah Young)

Allow ❦

On By Heather Wiest

This week’s theme is simply the word ALLOW — very open-ended, very individual. What am I allowing in? Who am I allowing into my life? What am I allowing for? Am I allowing myself to be inspired? To embrace change and grow? What do you want to show up in your life? Allow for that. What you allow is what will continue. Pick something today, make it positive and encouraging. Today I’m allowing myself to be fully present. Today I am allowing myself to create and explore. Today I am allowing for a healthy change. Today I am allowing myself to just be and relax. Today I allow love in, and let fear go. Whatever it is, ALLOW it in. As Oprah Winfrey states, “Even the wildest dreams have to start somewhere. Allow yourself the time and space to let your mind wander, and your imagination fly.” So what will it be? What are you allowing for? Allow for what seems impossible. Allow for miracles. Be open to whatever comes next. ❦

Oftentimes, to allow something new in, we need to let something go. What do you need to let go of? Inhale, inviting something new in…exhale, letting something go, creating space.

“Behind every fear, there is a miracle waiting to happen.” ~ Marianne Williamson

I let go in order to move forward.

“So here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Leave all your cares and anxieties at the feet of the Lord, and measureless grace with strengthen you.”  

Psalm 55:22 TPT

“You’re free now, free to take the journey of a lifetime. Free to experience life, in its newness, its freshness, its magic — in a way you never have before. The only limitations on you are the ones you’ve placed on yourself.” ~ Melody Beattie

When I let go of all control and expectation, the experience becomes ALIVE!

A Life Map (Vision Board) helps you discover what you want for yourself and your life. Follow the steps below to create your own Life Map.

Step One:
Gather magazines and catalogues.
Step Two:
Go through the magazines and catalogues and pull out images, words and phrases that speak to you or evoke feelings.
Step Three:
Cut out these images and words.
Step Four:
Place your words and images on a large board in an way that feels right to you.
Step Five:
Paste the images on the board.
Step Six:
Review your Life Map and ask yourself the following questions:
What have I learned about myself from looking at my Life Map?
Do I see any patterns?
Does anything on my Life Map surprise me?
If I knew that all of the images and this Life Map would come in to my life, would I be OK with that?
Who do I need to become in order to fulfill the intentions on my Life Map?
Based on my Life Map, what quality will I commit to developing this year?
Step Seven:
Find support for changing your life. Share your findings with a friend. You can even create Life Maps together.

One Embrace by Danna Faulds

I breathe in blessings,
bird song, the light of
stars dimming in the 
dawn. I breathe in
mystery and mountain
streams, equanimity
and the audacity to live
boldly, freely, willingly
in service to the whole.
My open hands rest lightly on my knees.
They vibrate with energy,
filled with possibility and 
grace. I breathe out 
judgment, expectations, 
doubt, and everything 
that handcuffs me
and holds me back.
Breath completes the
circle of ebb and flow,
highs and lows, form
and formless joined
in one embrace.

I am open to whatever comes next. ❦

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