Tag: loveserveinspire

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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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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Simplify

On 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. ❤︎