Tag: loveserveinspire

Retreat in 2023 ✓

On By Heather Wiest

Have you dreamed of vacationing to a far away land? Does it seem overwhelming to plan all by yourself? Heather & Hanan are here to help! We are combining our love of traveling, community, yoga, adventure, rest and relaxation into two retreat offerings for 2023. Refresh your body, mind and spirit as you embark on an adventure (or two!) of a lifetime. We’d love to have you join us in Greece and/or Africa. It’s time.

Selah in the Sun

7 Day Island Yoga Retreat with Hanan & Heather

July 1-8, 2023 in Paros, Greece

We are so excited to offer this “off the mat” experience in Paros, one of the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea just southeast of mainland Greece!

We will be resting (SELAH) and soaking up the sun at the lovely boutique Aliki Panorama Hotel which is a a small family run hotel with just 13 rooms. It is situated in the quiet fishing village of Aliki and just a 5 minute walk to the beach on the beautiful southern coast of Paros.

Come alone and make lifelong friendships or bring a special someone(s) to share this immersion in Greek culture. 

There are no expectations for your yoga practice and all levels are welcome. Come with an open heart and be prepared to have an amazing time as you adventure with us.

5 available Seaview Rooms with Private Bathroom and Balcony: Single $2,400 or Shared $1,800 pp

5 available Poolview Rooms with Private Bathroom: Single $2,000 or Shared $1,600 pp

1 available Seaview Family Apartment that sleeps 4 with Private Bathroom and Balcony $1,400 pp

CHOOSE YOUR ROOM AND RECEIVE ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

·      7 Nights in Air Conditioned Accommodations

·     Delicious Daily Breakfasts at the Hotel

·     Authentic Fresh Greek Cuisine for all Dinners at the Aliki Restaurant (gratuity included)

– Except 1 Dinner which will be on your own in Parikia –

·      Daily yoga classes to include, Slow Flow, Restorative and Nidra — We will take our practice either outside or inside a beautiful yoga shala equipped with mats and props.

·     Group Boat and Snorkel Trip 

·      Group Hiking Excursion

·      Group Shopping Day in Parikia (dinner not included)

·      2x Transfers from either the port (if coming by Ferry) or Airport

 Excluded:

·      Travel insurance, Airfare, Ferry Rides, Gratuity, Items of personal use, Laundry, All lunches, dinner in Parikia, alcoholic beverages. All optional activities and spa treatments.

**Fly into either Athens or Mykonos and take a Ferry or connecting flight to Paros. Flight Suggestions and Daily Agenda will be provided via email in January 2023.**

A $250 NON REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT HOLDS YOUR SPOT

Take Me To Greece! Complete Details & Booking

SEEK & SAFARI

10 Day African Yoga Retreat with Hanan & Heather

September 4-13, 2023

Namibia, nicknamed the Gem of Africa, got its name from the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world. Namibia boasts remarkable natural attractions such as the Namib Desert, Etosha National Park and the Skeleton Coast (where the desert meets the ocean)… and we are going to explore them and more!

The lovingly curated itinerary allows you to see so much of the country and wildlife while being pampered at stunning resorts. The yoga comes in to help you unwind and disconnect without any expectations of where you are in your practice.

The vastness and beauty of the Namibian landscape is a place that is inspirational and that gets into your soul. It brings peace, stillness and healing to your spirit. Its energy and magic are hard to explain and must be experienced. 

Come alone and make lifelong friendships or bring a special someone to share this once in a lifetime experience.

10 DAY NAMIBIA HIGHLIGHTS

PRIVATE ROOM: $5500 – ONLY 2 ROOMS AVAILABLE

SHARED ROOM $4900 PP (2 GUESTS PER ROOM) – ONLY 5 ROOMS AVAILABLE

We are flying into Windhoek, Namibia (Hosea Kutako International Airport)

Day 1: Windhoek surrounds – Naankuse

Day 2: Etosha East – Onguma Tented Camp

Day 3: Etosha South – Etosha Village

Day 4: Etosha South – Etosha Village

Day 5: Swakopmund – Desert Breeze

Day 6: Swakopmund – Desert Breeze

Day 7: Sossusvlei – Desert Quiver Camp

Day 8: Sossusvlei – Desert Quiver Camp

Day 9: Windhoek surrounds – Gocheganas Private Game Reserve & Spa

Day 10: End of retreat – transfer to airport for return home or optional add on packages

OPTIONAL PRE & POST PACKAGES AVAILABLE

These additional 4-night/5day trips are highly recommended before or after your 10-Day Yoga Retreat in Namibia. Since you have already come such a long way from home, why not add another country or 2 for a very different experience all together. Detailed itineraries will be sent upon bookings, but if you are curious, follow the below links for more information:

1). 4-Night Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe & Chobe National Park, Botswana Safari Adventure

2). 5-Days of exploring Cape Town, South Africa

**Detailed itineraries & flight suggestions will be sent upon confirmed booking.**

10 Day Retreat Includes:

·      Professional guides

·      9 night’s accommodation at 6 different lodges (Mid/Luxury)

·      All breakfasts and dinners with all special dietary requirements accommodated (except in Swakopmund where you will have an opportunity to explore and sample local cuisine)

·      10 yoga classes guided by Hanan and Heather to include, Slow Flow, Restorative and Nidra

·      1x Sossusvlei Nature Drive to visit the Iconic Deadvlei, Big Daddy Dune, Dune 45 and Sesriem Canyon 

·      1x Sossusvlei sunset drive + private desert dinner

·      2x Game Drives in Etosha National Park (1x Full day, 1x half day)

·      1x Visit to Cape Cross Seal Reserve

·      Road transport with 9 seater Safari Converted Vehicle + vehicle insurance and fuel

·      Passenger liability insurance

·      2x Airport Transfers 

·      All Park fees

·      VAT & Tourism Levy

·      Welcoming gift

 10 Day Retreat Excludes:

·      Travel insurance, International flights *We are flying into Windhoek, Namibia (Hosea Kutako International Airport), Gratuity, Items of personal use, Laundry, All lunches, all dinners in Swakopmund, All alcoholic beverages, soft drinks & bottled water, All optional activities and spa treatments.

WE CAN ONLY TAKE 12 GUESTS ON THIS TRIP OF A LIFETIME SO SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY WITH A $500 NON REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT.

Take Me To Africa! Complete Details & Booking

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13 ESV

Walking Meditation

On By Heather Wiest

There goes my crazy wife
With her cinnamon eyes
And her simple life

On a sunny day she’d rather
     walk than ride
With her hair pulled up
And her lengthy stride

The clouds of the north
And the clouds of the south
Are separated by her
     seldom ceasing smile

Her heart beats slow and steady
Pumping praises to her
     Prince of Peace

“Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Intercede Jesus, Jesus
Plant a seed Jesus”

She tears for the searching souls
     that surround her
She walks on her knees

My husband wrote this sweet poem during our early married years. Walking was my moving meditation and prayer time, connecting me to nature and the Divine. Many years later, yoga opened my heart wide open and became my favorite form of moving meditation and connection! ❤️ Urban trekking, desert hiking, and downward dog-ing are all amazing ways to tune into Spirit, discern truth, heed wisdom, and fully integrate body, mind, and soul.

❤︎ What do YOU need today?

❤︎ Are you seeking wisdom, or direction, or an answer to a deep seeded question? 

❤︎ Is there something you would like to release, creating space for the new?

Walking Meditation Instructions by Tara Brach

Meditation is a practice of presence that you can bring alive in all settings and activities. The formal training in walking meditation can be particularly valuable for helping you to cultivate an awareness of your embodied experience in each moment, allowing you to bring your body, heart, and mind together as you move through life.
Begin by choosing a place – an indoor or outside walking path about 10-30 paces long. Start by standing still and sensing the weight of your body at your feet, feeling your muscles supporting and stabilizing you. Your hands can be in whatever position is most comfortable – resting easily at your sides, folded gently in front of you, or at your back. In the stillness, remain relaxed and alert.
As you begin walking, start at a slower pace than usual, paying particular attention to the sensations in your feet and legs: heaviness, lightness, pressure, tingling, energy, even pain if it’s present. For the walking practice, this play of sensations – rather than the breath or another anchor – is often the home base for our attention.
Be mindful of the sensations of lifting your feet and of placing them back down on the floor or earth. Sense each step fully as you walk in a relaxed and natural way to the end of your chosen path. When you arrive, stop and pause for a moment. Feel your whole body standing, allowing all your senses be awake, then slowly and mindfully – with intention – turn to face in the other direction. Before you begin walking, pause again to collect and center yourself. If it helps, you can even close your eyes during these standing pauses, often called “standing meditation.”
As you’re walking, it’s quite natural for your mind to wander. Whenever it does, you might mentally pause, perhaps noting inwardly the fact of thinking, or even where your mind went: planning, worrying, fantasizing, judging. Then, gently return your attention to the sensations of the next step. No matter how long you’ve spent lost in thought, you can always arrive right here, bringing presence and care to the moment-to-moment sensations of walking.
During the walking period you might alter your pace, seeking a speed that allows you to be most mindful of your experience. In this way, you’ll move back and forth on your pathway, discovering that you are not really going anywhere, but are arriving again and again in the aliveness that is right here.

Reflection & Insight:
How did this experience feel in the body? Sensations? Body temperature? What happened in the mind? Did thoughts arise from the past, present, or future? Were you planning, worrying, fantasizing, or judging? How did this meditation feel in your spirit? Write down any insights, any information received.

“The LABYRINTH is receiving an amazing amount of attention, because walking the calming, circuitous path addresses many psycho-spiritual needs. Whoever you are, walking the labyrinth has something to offer. If a project is challenging you, walking can get your creative juices flowing. When struggling with grief or anger, or a physical challenge or illness, walking the labyrinth can point the way to healing and wholeness. If you’re looking for a way to meditate or pray that engages your body as well as your soul, the labyrinth provides such a path. When you just want reflective time away from a busy life, the labyrinth can offer you time out.” ~ Melissa Gayle West, Exploring The Labyrinth

Find a labyrinth near you! 😊 labyrinthlocator.com

Wherever you are at, be all there. ~ Jim Elliot

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All Is Well.

On By Heather Wiest

Have you hoped, wished and prayed with the best intentions for guidance or certain answers, and nothing seems to be happening? Sometimes what appears to be a problem or inaction is actually an answered prayer in disguise. When we ask for help, God may dismantle the old to make room for the new. Or maybe it is just not the right time to proceed with deep seeded longings. Always ask for divine will and timing, and for guidance as you act upon wisdom given to your heart and soul. Ask the Spirit to make transitions smooth and harmonious for yourself and everyone involved. Pray for the highest good for everyone, always and in all ways.

Four Types of Answered Prayers

  1. If the request is off target — God says “NO.” You’ve got to be kidding!
  2. If the timing is wrong — God says “SLOW.” Wait…
  3. If you are not ready — God says “GROW.”
  4. If the request is on target, the timing is right, and you are ready — God says “It’s a GO!”

Sometimes delay has to be. Our lives are so interconnected, so bound by circumstances that to let our desire have instant fulfillment might, in many cases, cause another to go unanswered.

But think for a moment of the divine love and thoughtful care that seek to harmonize and reconcile all of our desires and longings and prayers; delay is not denial, not even withholding. It is the opportunity for God to work out our unique purposes and accomplish our desires in the most wonderful way possible for all of us. Yes, all is well.

Is your deepest longing and prayer currently a NO, a SLOW, a GROW, or a GO? Trust divine timing and will always and in all ways. Be still and seek God’s presence; listen and receive wisdom and guidance for your prayers and petitions.

  • Pour out your heart.
  • Realize God hears.
  • Always believe.
  • Yield to what God says to you.

Rely on My leading. Nothing is impossible to Me. Unlimited expectancy yours. Unlimited power Mine.

God at Eventide, May 2

Mandala of Compassion 💮

On By Heather Wiest

Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning circle or spirit. The mandala appears in all aspects of life: the celestial circles we call earth, sun, and moon, as well as conceptual circles of friends, family, and community. “Each person’s life is like a mandala, a vast limitless circle. We stand in the center of our own circle, and everything we see, hear and think forms the mandala of our life. Everything that shows up in your mandala is a vehicle for your awakening. From this point of view, awakening is right at your fingertips continually. But it’s up to you whether your life is a mandala of neurosis or a mandala of sanity.” ~Pema Chodran

Our intention for this week is to invite more interconnectedness, compassion and wholeness into our lives. Yoga Sutra lll.24 (maitryadisu balani) teaches the cultivation of friendliness creates inner strength. Experiencing healthy compassion and lovingkindness toward ourselves and others strengthens our interconnectedness and sense of well-being. I love this passage from The Message, “So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.” (Colossians 3:12-14, MSG)

“We typically think of our emotional range as something that is fixed and unchanging, a reflection of the personality we’re born with. But research is revealing the possibility that we may be able to cultivate and increase our ability to feel the emotional state of compassion. Researchers have found that feeling connected to others is as learnable as any other skill.” ~ Kelly McGonigal

💮 Where and with whom in your life can you experience more interconnectedness and wholeness, lovingkindness and compassion? 

💮 Personal transformation occurs in circles, not rows. Who’s in your inner circle, supporting you, yet challenging you to grow?

Awakening Compassion Guided Meditation

Gently close your eyes. Roll the shoulders up, back and down. Take 3 deep breaths. Place your hands in a comfortable position. Settle in.

Imagine the horizon spanning through your chest with a radiant sun rising in your innermost center—your heart. As though being melted by the solar warmth, release tension in your shoulders and across your throat. Soften your forehead and rest your attention inward on the light deep within. Take 3 smooth, even breaths. As you inhale, invite the glow from your heart to expand toward the inner surface of the body. With each exhale, let the light recede. Take another 3 peaceful breaths.

Attuning deeply to your heart center, offer compassion to yourself, honoring your journey wholeheartedly, dissolving all self-judgment, shame and guilt naturally.

As you embrace yourself compassionately, you enhance your ability to offer lovingkindness to those you care for deeply, embracing both their positive and challenging qualities.

Bring into your heart the image of someone you care for deeply, releasing any expectation of how they should be, creating a space of openness in which their transformation, and yours, can occur more easily. Take a full, deep breath.

As you offer compassion to yourself and to those you care for deeply, you gradually develop the ability to offer compassion to those with whom you experience separation or difficulty.

Bring into your heart the image of someone you find challenging, perceiving their authentic being rather than focusing on their actions and beliefs. Take a full, deep breath.

As you hold this person within your heart of compassion, clearly see that all of their actions are based on a need for love, support and security, even if those needs are expressed inappropriately.

By seeing this person compassionately, your feelings of judgment, anger and resentment are released more easily, allowing you to see this person and yourself more objectively, while creating safe and appropriate boundaries. Take a deep, cleansing breath.

Now, open your heart of compassion to all beings, honoring each person’s journey, recognizing that all of us are moving, within the limits our our understanding, toward a vision of love, peace, freedom and joy.

Affirm your growing compassion, repeating the following intention 3 times, aloud or silently: With a heart of compassion, I clearly see that we all share a journey toward love, peace, freedom and joy.

Take a full, deep breath. When you are ready, open your eyes, returning slowly and gently, sensing your heart of compassion guiding your journey.

~ Adapted from Mudras for Healing and Transformation by Joseph and Lilian Le Page

💮 Continue to radiate love and compassion, expanding your life mandala. 💮

Always Into Love by Danna Faulds

On this voyage of
the soul, may we be
bridge builders,
our common ground
visible beneath the
surface differences.

May we braid the
threads of reconciliation
into a chain of possibility
that joins, heals, and
includes what once 
seemed separate.

May our shared prayer
be answered: to grow
so open that there is
no “them” or “us,”
only the One, moving
always into love.

photo

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)