Reverse Bucket List — 50 Years of Reflection & Gratitude

On October 2, 2020October 2, 2020 By Heather Wiest

Do you have a bucket list of all the things you’d love to try, do, or experience? Maybe consider a reverse bucket list. Reflecting upon your life—remembering all of the things you have accomplished, honoring special memories, and recalling life lessons learned along the way. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, so here is my reverse bucket list of reflection and gratitude for my 50th birthday. May this be a sweet memoir of fun facts and treasured memories for my precious family and dear friends. #loveserveinspire #50thbirthday

Became a Yuman! Born in Yuma, Arizona on October 2, 1970. I’m Heather Taylor Wiest, and I am a miracle. A testament of God’s unrelenting love and grace, a chosen instrument (Jeremiah 1:15). I am the youngest of five biological siblings, and the only one to live past infancy. Every breath of life has a purpose. Read more in The Door Knocker.
Heart of Exploration —1970’s — I learned my love of exploring from my Dad as we hiked the arroyos and canyons of Arizona when I was a little girl, as well as traveling through the Ozarks of Arkansas visiting my paternal grandparents’ 200 acre farm during summer and winter vacations.
Love of Flying —1974 & 1978 — Flew across the pond with my Mom to visit family in England and the Highlands of Scotland, her native country. Ask me about our emergency landing at London Heathrow Airport without landing gear! Fearlessly, I still love to fly and travel.
Physical Healing —1976 — Developed Tuberculosis and completely recovered a year later. Thank you, God, for early detection, modern medicine, and healing.
Spiritual Salvation — I asked Jesus into my heart July 9, 1978 (age 7) during a children’s Sunday School class in Mansfield, Arkansas. I was visiting my paternal grandparents during the summer while my parents were going through a divorce. I am forever grateful for my grandparents’ prayers and influence on my life. Read more in Making A Difference—The Power of One about the influence of my late paternal grandfather, Samuel M. Taylor.
The Bunk Window —1978-1980 — My pet cat, Lady, was my best friend as life became chaotically transient with my Mom and step-dad. We moved every few months throughout Arizona, living in a 30-foot travel trailer, and I even spent time in a Child Protective Services shelter. I remember often crying as I gazed out my small bunk window, praying to God, as Lady purred to comfort me. God was faithful to answer my prayers over time. I am grateful for so many cleansing and healing tears over the years. “You’ve kept track of all my wandering and my weeping. You’ve stored my many tears in your bottle—not one will be lost. For they are all recorded in your book of remembrance.” Psalm 56:8 TPT
Culture Shock —1980-1982 — Living in Nogales and Yuma, Arizona with my Dad and blended family. I’m grateful for this time of bonding with my step-family, learning Spanish, and being immersed into the Hispanic community and culture. Reflecting back, childhood depression continued to present itself due to all the traumatic events I had experienced.
Many Firsts — Jr. High 1982-1984 — I found a bit of stability as I moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1982 with my Mom and step-dad. I met my first best friend, Jenny, became involved in school (pom line), and fell in love for the first time—thank you, Jody, for being such a great neighbor and boyfriend—sharing all of life’s highs and lows with me.
Rededication — During junior high, I began attending church with my best friend and her family, rededicating my life to the Lord. Thank you, Jenny, for caring so deeply, and loving quirky me! I began reading the Bible and learned more about Jesus, His Love for me, His character, and the power of the Holy Spirit within me. I was transforming from the inside out! The Bible still is the tender voice of God to my soul.
The Door Knocker — At the age of 15, with the support of my Dad and dear friends, I left home and began life as an independent teen. Tough love encouraged me to establish safer boundaries. I cautiously tapped another door knocker—one of release, hope, and opportunity (Matthew 7:7).
Some of the BEST years! — High School 1984-1988 — One of the best seasons of my life, filled with JOY moments! I lived with two amazing families, the Rundio’s and Rehfeldt’s, as an independent teen. I loved being a part of marching band/color guard, dated Charlie for three fun, healing years—all the laughter, tears, long talks, dreams, day trips, dates, dances, proms, and wonderful lifelong friendships—thank you, Chaz. I also held jobs at a medical office and at Sunrise Preschool to save money for a car.
Top 1% — During my senior year at Greenway High School, I placed in the top 1% of my class. I remember working so hard for this. With the help of my guidance counselor and mentor, Mr. Sheets, I was awarded a full tuition scholarship to Grand Canyon University (Grand Canyon College at the time). Fun fact: During my last month of high school I contracted mononucleosis, strep throat, and chickenpox all at the same time! I had to take my finals at home, and graduate with chickenpox marks all over me. A lesson learned in the importance of getting rest and keeping your immune system strong.
Lopes Up! — GCU 1988-1992 — So many amazing memories of living on-campus in the apartments with dear friends and roommates, buying my first car (1981 green Honda Accord), began dating Jon in 1989, and working for Washington Elementary School District, as well as for a group home for sexually abused children and teens.
Baptized May 19, 1991 (20 years old) at Calvary Community Church in Phoenix, Arizona. A public declaration of faith in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Continental Singers Tour — Summer 1991— I traveled the U.S. and throughout France, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, and Germany as a light technician for the Continental Singers. Three months of unique experiences, memories, and growth as a 20 year old. Diana, thank you for being by my side, and getting lost with me in Paris!
Washington High School — After graduating GCU in 1992, I landed an epic job as a high school Social Worker. I worked for Glendale Union High School District for 11 school years. I treasure this season of my life so much, and still stay in contact with many previous students, families, and staff. I’m beyond grateful that every experience I personally went through as a child and teen helped me effectively relate to and counsel clients.
Marriage Proposals — I was proposed to twice—ask Jon! May 1992 on a beach in California, and December 1992 in snowy Munds Park, Arizona — and I said “YES!”
Just Married! — Joyfully married my forever love, Jon Wiest, on July 9, 1993 at Calvary Community Church in Phoenix, Arizona. I just recently realized this was 15 years to the date after I was saved…see #5. I love this God blessing! We honeymooned for a week traveling up the Pacific Coast Highway…ahhh…a little bit of heaven on earth.
First Home — Purchased and moved into our first home in Glendale, Arizona in January 1994.
Summer Vacation 1995 Tour — Traveled with Jon’s band, Michelangelo & The Difference, across the U.S., and then Jon & I flew to London and drove throughout England and Scotland to visit family and site see. What a blessing to see my Grannie (maternal grandmother) one last time before she passed.
Rock Bottom — On my bed one evening in March 1997, crying alone before God in my dark wilderness (disordered eating behaviors for almost 17 years), I experienced the most frightening chest pain. Was I having a heart attack? What this the end? 911? I entreated the Lord for grace and audibly heard these words OUT OF NOWHERE: “Be anxious for nothing. My peace, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Find Me wholeheartedly.” Immediately a beautiful light, a glowing embrace, tenderly dissipated the gripping pain. In awe, I rested. Read more in The Illusion of Control.
Master’s in Social Work 1997— Earned my MSW Degree from Arizona State University after four long years of part-time study, 60 credit hours, and two 500-hour internships.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker 2000 —I will never let this license lapse after 3200 clinical supervision hours (thank you, Jackie), plus ongoing continuing education and license fees!
Havasupai Falls 2000 — I hiked and camped in glorious Havasupai Falls, Arizona with a group of Washington High School students. What an amazing experience being in this beautiful area of God’s creation! Pictures do not do it justice.
Victoria B.C. 2000 — Jon and I enjoyed a fun, relaxing vacation in Western Canada.
Savasana Shifts — In 2001, at 30 years old, I stepped into my first yoga class at a local gym. I was faithful at working out to stay in shape, and to relieve stress from my social work career, but something about the dim lit yoga room drew me. It was love at first savasana!
Became a Momma! — Madeline Ayr arrived December 4, 2002 and Mackenzie Skye later came April 21, 2005. Notice the reverse sister birth dates…12-4 and 4-21…this is too cool!
Moved into our current home — January 2006 — So many cherished memories here.
Mom Life Loves — MOPS (Mother’s of Preschoolers), MIP (Mom’s In Prayer), Women’s Bible Studies, school volunteering, playdates, and field trips. Amazing support networks! Thank you, sweet Auburn, for continuing to pray with me for our children weekly.
Two of the TOUGHEST years 2007-2008 — My step-dad, George, went from independent living to dying, and our daughters had 4 combined major surgeries. Read more about my relationship with George in Answer the Call and Veteran’s Day 2007. Forgiveness set me free from resentment and bitterness. All the trauma, hurt, and challenges were worth it. 30 years of my life invested in his life mattered.
15th Wedding Anniversary in Maui, Hawaii 2008 — Our first big trip without the kids!
Another TOUGH year 2009 — Jon’s grandmother and father passed away within six weeks of each other. We learned that an extended family vacation to Florida with grieving loved ones was not the best idea. I learned more about “giving space” and letting loved ones heal in their own way and time. This year reinforced, once again, to never take life for granted.
Our Favorite Family Vacation EVER! — 2011 Kauai, Hawaii — Snorkeling in sunny Poipu, kayaking Wailua River to Secret Falls, and hiking the scenic Napali Coast. Witnessing our children having the time of their lives in nature. Priceless.
Life Changing Moments —Yoga Teacher Trainings and Healing Arts Journey began in 2012.
Epic 20th Wedding Anniversary Trip! — 2013 — Two weeks exploring New York City, London, Paris, and Rome. Created a life time of sweet memories with my forever love (and yoga photos!)
Created a website — 2015 —Started Love Serve Inspire website and blog. I began sharing my life story via writing. Share Your Shift.
Crete R.E.T.R.E.A.T. — May 2016 — Completed my 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in stunning Crete, Greece! Once a year go someplace you’ve never been before.
Boundless In Bulgaria — August 2016 — Filmed in yoga class videos with Udaya Entertainment and participated in the Udaya Live Yoga and Music Festival at a beautiful ski resort area of Bulgaria. I am boundless. I am indeed firmly grounded, yet free!
Answer The Call — 2016 — Became a published contributing author.
Present Moment R.E.T.R.E.A.T. — April 2017 — Collaborated with my dear friend, Hanan, to create amazing yoga retreat experiences. Reconnect. Explore. Tune In. Relax. Engage. Appreciate. Take Away. Our first yoga retreat was in Troncones, Mexico.
Another Amazing Family Vacation! — July 2017 — One tremendous week of site seeing in New York City. We even watched Fourth of July fireworks in a boat on the Hudson River!
EXPANSION — My word for 2018 — Our family traveled together to Columbia for a Mission Trip with Compassion International. Read more in Capturing Columbia.
It’s All About The Little Things — Belize August 2018 — Life is about the unexpected details, those present moments, the little things that often become the big things.
I Love You, Mom — May 2, 2018 — The night after my Mom, Joyce, suddenly passed, her overwhelming presence energetically blanketed me with love. She gently stroked my hair and whispered, “All is well. I’m with Jesus.” Oh, how I thank God for this sweet assurance. Amazing grace runs deep. Read more in Joyce Moments.
25 Drops Of Glue For Sticking Together in Marriage — July 9, 2018 — Jon and I celebrated our Silver Anniversary in stunning Sedona, Arizona. How do we continue to live happily ever after? Some great tips in the blog! We are blessed to be SYMBIS Assessment Facilitators and Marriage Mentors. Find ways to invest in others.
Snorkeling in Belize — May 2, 2019, on my Mom’s one year death anniversary. I knew she would be proud of me. She always said, “You are so brave, Heather!”
Santa Fe with Papa — September 2019 — We drove Gil, my mom’s third husband, to visit his family for the last time before he passed away November 4, 2019. We are grateful for God’s timing in all things.
Fierce Faith France Yoga Retreat — September 2019 — This vacation was extra-special as my niece, Brittanie, joined me in exploring Paris and Southern France. A trip of a lifetime!
Created Love Serve Inspire YouTube Channel — March 26, 2020 — Read more in How Quarantine Stretched Me.
Embrace Change — the only constant. I’ve learned to allow, and give space for change. I am wiser from mistakes made in relationships, and grateful for the opportunities to seek and extend forgiveness. I’ve accepted friendships that were ready to end, and I’m open to those just beginning or rekindling. I am not the same person I was 20 years ago—or even 5 years ago. I intend to keep moving forward by God’s grace and divine guidance. “Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” Philippians 3:13-14 MSG

What will my next 50 years be like? God only knows, but I’m going to totally enjoy today and all the present moments made. Cherish yesterday. Dream tomorrow. Live today. Thank you, God, for the miracle of life!

No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus by Steffany Gretzinger

No one ever cared for me like Jesus
His faithful hand has held me all this way
And when I'm old and grey
And all my days are numbered on the earth
Let it be known in you alone
My joy was found
Oh my joy, my joy

Let my children tell their children
Let this be their memory
That all my treasure was in heaven
And you were everything to me

Autumn Aspirations 🍁

On September 22, 2020September 20, 2021 By Heather Wiest

The Autumn equinox is the moment where our days and nights find equilibrium, marking the start of a seasonal shift. We take this time to reflect upon the past few months and the lessons learned along the way.

A new season is a great time to set some new intentions for your life.

❦ What has been coming up for you in the last days, weeks, months?

❦ What isn’t serving you, what do you want to let go of?

❦ What new intentions do you want to bring forth and cultivate?

You don’t have to fear change. What you need to fear, a friend once told me, is things remaining the same. When that happens, life has stopped. Your life is constantly, quietly evolving each moment into something new, something different, something that adds gracefully, beautifully, and perfectly to what was.
Melody Beattie

Autumn is referred to as a Vata (air) season, which means the presence of air and space is more noticeable in and around us. You may feel more light, carefree, creative, or even spacey and scattered. We harmonize this by learning to go with the flow more — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As we practice letting things come and go, it is a particularly good time to remind ourselves to breathe deeply. The heart and lungs are a focus of this season, and the breath flowing through helps make space for the release of whatever the heart is holding to tightly, or resisting. Autumn is a very special time to make space around and in the heart. Step out of your tension, out of your fear. Laugh. Lighten up. Loosen up. Change your energy. Relax until you find the flow. Relax until you find your rhythm, until you feel life’s rhythm again.

In order to protect ourselves from taking on any negative energy from other people or situations; we can learn to SHIELD. There are times when you may find that being around certain individuals or groups of people leaves you with feelings of discomfort. It may be that spending time with a particular friend feels draining or that dealing with a specific coworker exhausts you. Being around toxic or angry people is also draining. And you may even find that being surrounded by a crowd of people lowers your energy levels rather than perks you up. This is not that unusual. Each of us radiates energy and is capable of being influenced by the energy of other people. It is important to learn how to shield yourself, so you don’t unknowingly take on someone else’s energy.

There are a number of ways to avoid being affected by people’s energy. SHIELDING is one preventative technique you can use. Center yourself and envision being enveloped in a cocoon of loving and protective light. This protective layer should allow you to consciously regulate the energy around you. The intent to shield oneself is all you need for this technique to work. You can even create a TRIGGER WORD to assist you in quickly creating a shield. Say this word each time you create a new shield, until the word and the shield become automatically associated in your mind.

While it is important to know how to shield yourself from energy, there are those energies that you may not want to shut out. The energy of laughter from a newborn baby, the feeling of joy radiating from someone in love, and the frequency of calm emanating from a mentor are just some of the energies coming from others that you may want to have around you.

Adapted from Taking on the Energy of Others, by Madison Taylor

Maybe Not by Danna Faulds

Begin somewhere. Take one deep breath and dive. Plunge into the core of your most persistent fear or your greatest joy. Grow comfortable with the act of exploration. Well, maybe not comfortable, but confident of your ability to be sure footed on slick rocks, steady while the winds gust. Well, maybe not entirely confident, but willing to set out despite persistent doubts, breathing your way into whatever you are facing. Well, maybe not even all that willing, but you take it anyway, that first step into the unknown. Courage is starting where there is no secure outcome, no sure result. The secret is you can begin again at any time. Take one deep breath and dive.

God, I invite your searching gaze into my heart. Examine me through and through; find out everything that may be hidden within me. Put me to the test and sift through all my anxious cares. See if there is any path of pain I’m walking on, and lead me back to your glorious, everlasting ways—the path that brings me back to you. ~ Psalm 139: 23-24 TPT

I am at peace in the midst of change. I am listening to my heart and soul — creating space for new intentions — breathing deep and diving in. I remain completely relaxed and receptive regardless of the end result. My body is light, my mind is at peace, and my heart is unconditionally open.

Shine On ☆

On September 18, 2020August 30, 2021 By Heather Wiest

Be all you can be.

“Step out into the night air. Look at the stars. See how they shine. Know that it is okay for you to shine too. Who told you you had to hold back? Who told you your gifts, your talents, your beauty—your natural, beautiful, loving, delightful self—was wrong? Who told you not to be all you could be? Maybe, as some suggest, we’ve gotten too comfortable focusing on our flaws, our errors, our dark side. Perhaps it’s not our dark side we fear. Perhaps we’re really afraid of our gifts, our brilliance, our light. Now is a time of light. It’s time for us to shine. We’ve worked hard on ourselves, dealt with our issues, gone back to the past. We’ve learned our lessons well. The reasons to hold back and hide away are no longer there. Enjoy the fruits of your labors. Be all you can be, and enjoy being that. Don’t hold back. Use your gifts with joy. Use your talents. Let your light shine for all the world to see. Finally, you are free to be all that you are and can be.” ~Melody Beattie, Journey to The Heart

Shine Lyrics by Jason Mraz

Once upon a time there was a meeting of minds
The sun and the moon made a deal with the sky
One would take the morning and the other the night
Together they would blanket the world with light
But the moon had a shadow, he felt like a liar
The sun was the only one who carried the fire
The sun saw this, she kept on glowing
Bound to the moon, never saying, “you owe me”

She said I’ll shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine on you

I keep a lamp over you, glowing in my heart
To keep from tripping over troublesome thoughts in the dark
We ain’t that different, we huddle underneath the same stars
I see who you really are
You’re every creature, every man, every woman and child
You’re the closest thing I’ll ever get to knowing God
Like the sun to the moon, I’ll send my love and light
A love like ours, it’ll fill the whole sky

I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine on you
I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine, shine, shine on you

Think of the people that you love the most
Send them your light and hold them close
Say I will shine on you, I will shine on you
No matter the distance, the space, or the time
Love travels in the speed of light
I will shine on you, I will shine on you
I will shine on you, I will shine on you

And if we forget we are the chosen ones
Turn your eyes to the attention of the morning sun
Wherever you go, however you move
The light is gonna shine directly to you
Let it shine on you (shine on you)
Let it shine on you (shine on you)
Let it shine on you (shine on you)
Yes I’m gonna shine on you
I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine on you (shine on you)
I will shine, shine, shine on you

Light Meditation

Visualize a tiny light somewhere in the distance. The light may take any form you can imagine. It could be the glowing aura of a candle, a light bulb, a flashlight, a streetlight, any light that enters your awareness. Begin to move toward that light. It may be clear, or obscured by a misty fog that creates an aura around it. As you get closer and closer, the light becomes more significant and more brilliant. Keep your mind focused on the light and feel it growing brighter as you approach nearer and nearer to it, now surrounding you entirely.

Imagine that the Spirit is at the center of the light, and so, all of the Wisdom and Holiness of God are also in that light, which is presently glowing intense and white. Now move into the center of the light and feel it enter your being, moving all around and through you. Feel the presence of Divine Love within it, and realize it is your love. Feel the embrace of the Spirit all around and through you. Surrender to the Love, and become one with it. Savor the presence and the warm embrace as you connect with Love. Understand it will always be with you. Relax, knowing you are one.

Now, feel all the light that was surrounding you, and flooding through you, begin to gather inside your being, as if you are a magnet, pulling all that light inside, so that you become the light itself. You are a being of pure light. You contain God, the Spirit, and the entire essence of Love. Now, collect all the light together, allowing it to focus in the center of your heart space where it settles and glows with the same intensity. You deeply rest, renew, recharge, and radiate.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ~ Marianne Williamson

Survivor Story

On September 11, 2020September 11, 2021 By Heather Wiest

In 2013 and 2017, I was blessed to visit the 9/11 Memorial in New York City — both 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

Beach Therapy 🌊

On August 28, 2020August 29, 2020 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.