Quest by Susan FrybortTake me pastthe guarded placein youwhere confusioncovers itselfin unrelenting confidencethen marches onIn lively stepsTake off the facadelet it fall awayinto nowhereTurn around and face meI search the infinite depthwhere beyond all entrenchmentsI find your thirstto be met and understoodthe sadness in your bones,the want of your silent criesto be heardand be known—abiding within those unseen landscapesis a world of preciousdreamsLet me touch wherethe battle woundslie quietly healing—Buried beneathan armored sheathrests a lifetime of loveand loneliness,blame and triumph, honor and defeatWithin this blended webof scars and treasures,glistening with honesty,there you are—I FOUND YOU,beneath the soldier’s plated heartSo loosen the knots around my ownsee all its agony bared and mendingand in between each open spacewe’ll breathe upon the frailtyAll the wishful longings to be hadbring to me yoursas I meet you there with mine.
This week we focus on TRUTH and INTEGRITY — aligning our thoughts, words and actions. In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, SATYA, or truthfulness, is identified as the second yama (observance, social behavior) on the path of yoga. The guiding principle in adhering to satya is removing what the yogis refer to as the “veil of self deception.” When body, mind, and spirit are in sync, truth rises to the top. In Hebrew, integrity means whole or complete. Be motivated by the truth in your innermost being. Create the space and time to listen for inner truth, heeding any wisdom received. “Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.” ~ Psalm 51:6
❤︎ I connect to the truth deep within. ❤︎ I listen with an open heart. ❤︎ I am safe to make changes and move forward.
Value your connection to truth…We often know the truth long before we let ourselves see and believe it, long before we’re ready to acknowledge it. For many reasons — fear, timing, and a myriad of issues too long to list — we ignore and discount what we know in our heart. But the truth doesn’t go away. And even if we try to run from that truth, our experiences will ultimately lead us back to it.”
Remember a time when you listened to the voice of your own conscience and experienced the power of embracing your truth. What did it feel like in your body and inner being?
Now be open to any ways you are not acting with integrity at this time in your life — not living your truth. When is your behavior clouded by desire or aversion, or influenced by someone else’s expectations? How does this feel in your body and mental self? Experience without judgement, observe and just be aware.
Observation and awareness are the first steps toward change.
Quest to find the true you. You are safe to make changes and move forward. Integrity is your legacy.
“No more running, no more hiding, no more hurting, no more crying, no more trouble, no more sighing, no more falling, no more striving, no more heartache, no more fighting, no more fears, only FLYING!” ~ Lifehouse, lyrics from Flight
What truth do you need to hear or speak this week? ❤️
Challenging times build our inner strength. They develop our faith, refine our character, and GIVE US A UNIQUE STORY. It is always enjoyable to have the mountaintop experiences in life, but we learn the most during the valley times. Challenging times are often the gifts we do not want. As Hellen Keller stated, “character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” Three things to remember and ask yourself: (1) What you go through, you grow through. (2) It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish. (3) We all have a story: How are you using your unique story to help others? (4) Are there some new avenues to explore?
“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. If a side trip is beckoning, perhaps there’s a lesson there: an old feeling to be felt, healed and cleared; a new attitude or belief to be acquired; a revelation, a surprise. Remember this: a side trip, with all it’s emotions, isn’t about another person. It’s about you and your journey to healing, freedom, and joy. Ignoring a situation that can take you off center won’t take you to the next place. Going more deeply into your own growth process, going more deeply into your soul is what will further your journey. Everything that happens to you can be used, felt, shaped and transformed to further your journey. This process of growth, of side trips and healing, is your destiny, the magical journey of your soul.” ~ Melody Beattie
“My scars tell a story. They are a reminder of times when life tried to break me, but failed. They are markings of where the structure of my character is welded.” ~ Steve Maraboli
What voice from your past, yours or someone else’s, do you need to silence today? Reflect upon the challenges in your life and be thankful for them. Three great rules to live by: no blaming, no shaming, no judgement. In gratitude, focus on those qualities in yourself and others that inspire you and spur you on!
WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU?
Let’s journey together through a motivating meditation… Take a few deep, centering breaths… Now, reflect upon your ELEMENTARY SCHOOL YEARS and think of your FAVORITE TEACHER. Notice who comes to mind first. Visualize this special person. Did they have a unique voice, smell, distinguishing feature or mannerism? What did they say or do that was memorable and inspiring? How did you feel in their presence? What qualities did/do you respect about this teacher?
And now, fast forward into your HIGH SCHOOL YEARS and choose one YOUTH LEADER, COACH, COUNSELOR or TEACHER who positively influenced your life path. Visualize this individual: their smile, their gaze, their listening ear. What did they say or do that was motivating and encouraging? How did you feel in their presence? What qualities did/do you respect about this leader?
Now dwell upon a CURRENT MENTOR, COACH, TEACHER who challenges and lovingly spurs you on to the next level. Visualize their whole being, their essence—body, mind and spirit. What do they say and do that is heart-felt and wise? How do you feel in their presence? What qualities do you treasure about this respected guide?
Encompass now these three influential people. Are there any common themes or threads in your teachers, coaches, and mentors? Can you choose ONE QUALITY, ONE WORD that describes them all? Notice what arises first.
Looking at your own life, does this ONE QUALITY, ONE WORD represent you and how you desire to inspire and influence others?
WHO DO YOU INSPIRE?
How do others feel in your presence? What do you say and do that is motivating and memorable? Allow yourself to smile in gratitude and joy for those who have inspired you and for those you inspire.
Never underestimate the POWER OF ONE. ONE PERSON. ONE SMILE. ONE WORD. ONE CHALLENGE. ONE INSPIRATION.
Remember, it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish. We all have a story, now use your story to help others.
“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.
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.
Quest by Susan FrybortTake me pastthe guarded placein youwhere confusioncovers itselfin unrelenting confidencethen marches onIn lively stepsTake off the facadelet it fall awayinto nowhereTurn around and face meI search the infinite depthwhere beyond all entrenchmentsI find your thirstto be met and understoodthe sadness in your bones,the want of your silent criesto be heardand be known—abiding within those unseen landscapesis a world of preciousdreamsLet me touch wherethe battle woundslie quietly healing—Buried beneathan armored sheathrests a lifetime of loveand loneliness,blame and triumph, honor and defeatWithin this blended webof scars and treasures,glistening with honesty,there you are—I FOUND YOU,beneath the soldier’s plated heartSo loosen the knots around my ownsee all its agony bared and mendingand in between each open spacewe’ll breathe upon the frailtyAll the wishful longings to be hadbring to me yoursas I meet you there with mine.
This week we focus on TRUTH and INTEGRITY — aligning our thoughts, words and actions. In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, SATYA, or truthfulness, is identified as the second yama (observance, social behavior) on the path of yoga. The guiding principle in adhering to satya is removing what the yogis refer to as the “veil of self deception.” When body, mind, and spirit are in sync, truth rises to the top. In Hebrew, integrity means whole or complete. Be motivated by the truth in your innermost being. Create the space and time to listen for inner truth, heeding any wisdom received. “Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.” ~ Psalm 51:6
❤︎ I connect to the truth deep within. ❤︎ I listen with an open heart. ❤︎ I am safe to make changes and move forward.
Value your connection to truth…We often know the truth long before we let ourselves see and believe it, long before we’re ready to acknowledge it. For many reasons — fear, timing, and a myriad of issues too long to list — we ignore and discount what we know in our heart. But the truth doesn’t go away. And even if we try to run from that truth, our experiences will ultimately lead us back to it.”
Remember a time when you listened to the voice of your own conscience and experienced the power of embracing your truth. What did it feel like in your body and inner being?
Now be open to any ways you are not acting with integrity at this time in your life — not living your truth. When is your behavior clouded by desire or aversion, or influenced by someone else’s expectations? How does this feel in your body and mental self? Experience without judgement, observe and just be aware.
Observation and awareness are the first steps toward change.
Quest to find the true you. You are safe to make changes and move forward. Integrity is your legacy.
“No more running, no more hiding, no more hurting, no more crying, no more trouble, no more sighing, no more falling, no more striving, no more heartache, no more fighting, no more fears, only FLYING!” ~ Lifehouse, lyrics from Flight
What truth do you need to hear or speak this week? ❤️
Challenging times build our inner strength. They develop our faith, refine our character, and GIVE US A UNIQUE STORY. It is always enjoyable to have the mountaintop experiences in life, but we learn the most during the valley times. Challenging times are often the gifts we do not want. As Hellen Keller stated, “character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” Three things to remember and ask yourself: (1) What you go through, you grow through. (2) It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish. (3) We all have a story: How are you using your unique story to help others? (4) Are there some new avenues to explore?
“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. If a side trip is beckoning, perhaps there’s a lesson there: an old feeling to be felt, healed and cleared; a new attitude or belief to be acquired; a revelation, a surprise. Remember this: a side trip, with all it’s emotions, isn’t about another person. It’s about you and your journey to healing, freedom, and joy. Ignoring a situation that can take you off center won’t take you to the next place. Going more deeply into your own growth process, going more deeply into your soul is what will further your journey. Everything that happens to you can be used, felt, shaped and transformed to further your journey. This process of growth, of side trips and healing, is your destiny, the magical journey of your soul.” ~ Melody Beattie
“My scars tell a story. They are a reminder of times when life tried to break me, but failed. They are markings of where the structure of my character is welded.” ~ Steve Maraboli
What voice from your past, yours or someone else’s, do you need to silence today? Reflect upon the challenges in your life and be thankful for them. Three great rules to live by: no blaming, no shaming, no judgement. In gratitude, focus on those qualities in yourself and others that inspire you and spur you on!
WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU?
Let’s journey together through a motivating meditation… Take a few deep, centering breaths… Now, reflect upon your ELEMENTARY SCHOOL YEARS and think of your FAVORITE TEACHER. Notice who comes to mind first. Visualize this special person. Did they have a unique voice, smell, distinguishing feature or mannerism? What did they say or do that was memorable and inspiring? How did you feel in their presence? What qualities did/do you respect about this teacher?
And now, fast forward into your HIGH SCHOOL YEARS and choose one YOUTH LEADER, COACH, COUNSELOR or TEACHER who positively influenced your life path. Visualize this individual: their smile, their gaze, their listening ear. What did they say or do that was motivating and encouraging? How did you feel in their presence? What qualities did/do you respect about this leader?
Now dwell upon a CURRENT MENTOR, COACH, TEACHER who challenges and lovingly spurs you on to the next level. Visualize their whole being, their essence—body, mind and spirit. What do they say and do that is heart-felt and wise? How do you feel in their presence? What qualities do you treasure about this respected guide?
Encompass now these three influential people. Are there any common themes or threads in your teachers, coaches, and mentors? Can you choose ONE QUALITY, ONE WORD that describes them all? Notice what arises first.
Looking at your own life, does this ONE QUALITY, ONE WORD represent you and how you desire to inspire and influence others?
WHO DO YOU INSPIRE?
How do others feel in your presence? What do you say and do that is motivating and memorable? Allow yourself to smile in gratitude and joy for those who have inspired you and for those you inspire.
Never underestimate the POWER OF ONE. ONE PERSON. ONE SMILE. ONE WORD. ONE CHALLENGE. ONE INSPIRATION.
Remember, it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish. We all have a story, now use your story to help others.
✨Love ~ Serve ~ Inspire✨ 