“There is a voice inside of you that whispers all day long, “I feel this is right for me, I know that this is wrong.” No teacher, preacher, parent, friend or wise man can decide What’s right for you—just listen to the voice that speaks inside.”  -Shel Silverstein

Much of my life I have spent searching for what spiritually felt right for me, the voice inside that spoke my needed truth. I spent many years debating others views, fighting words that were said, feeling hurt and alone. It was when I began to listen within for what was right for me that many doors opened to teachers that I needed in my life.  Many of the following people left imprints within my heart. They shared a thought that sang to my soul, they sparked something that lit me up, they were the spiritual & self-improvement mentors that I have gained much guidance from. I wanted to share some of these amazing people with you–they hold depths of wisdom and light. I am still finding more every day….but that is what life is about…a true journey for the soul.

John Kabat-Zinn, a great teacher, author of Mindfulness, Professor of Medicine & Director of the Stress Reduction Clinic & the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine

He shares a beautiful metaphor for meditation—he says it is like the ocean, the ocean has waves, a current, just like your mind has chatter. It is when you are able to get below the surface that there is calm.

“Perhaps ultimately, spiritual simply means experiencing wholeness and interconnectedness directly, a seeing that individuality and the totality are interwoven, that nothing is separate or extraneous. If you see in this way, then everything becomes spiritual in its deepest sense.” -John Kabat-Zinn

Elizabeth Lesser, Author and cofounder of the Omega Institute

“How strange that the nature of life is change, yet the nature of human beings is to resist change. And how ironic that the difficult times we fear might ruin us are the very ones that can break us open and help us blossom into who we were meant to be.”  -Elizabeth Lesser

“If we can stay awake when our lives are changing, secrets will be revealed to us–secrets about ourselves, about the nature of life, and about the eternal source of happiness and peace that is always available, always renewable, already within us.”  -Elizabeth Lesser

Dr. Wayne Dyer, Self-Help author of 30+ books & motivational speaker, father of 8

“Stop acting as if life is a rehearsal. Live this day as if it were your last. The past is over and gone. The future is not guaranteed.”  -Dr. Wayne Dyer

“Your children will see what you’re all about by what you live rather than what you say.” -Dr. Wayne Dyer

Cheryl Richardson, best-selling author and Life coach

“Your best teacher is the person offering you your greatest challenge.” -Cheryl Richardson

“There is nothing heavier than the burden of potential.” -Cheryl Richardson

Sarah Ban Breathnach, Best-selling author of the Simple Abundance Series

“Whatever we are waiting for–peace of mind, contentment, grace, the inner awareness of simple abundance–it will surely come to us, but only when we are ready to receive it with an open and grateful heart.”  -Sarah Ban Breathnach

“The authentic self is the soul made visible.”  -Sarah Ban Breathnach

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, brain scientist, author of My Stroke of Insight

“Just like children, emotions heal when they are heard and validated.” -Jill Bolte Taylor

“Peace is only a thought away.” -Jill Bolte Taylor

“Emotion only lasts in our bodies for about 90 seconds. After that, the physical reaction dissipates, UNLESS our cognitive brain kicks in and starts connecting our anger with past events.”  -Jill Bolte Taylor [This can be around any emotion. So what she is saying is your emotion of anger…can only last for 90 seconds and then its gone UNLESS we re-trigger it by thinking about things or events over and over—something to seriously think about]

I would highly suggest watching her interview with Oprah on Youtube–amazing story.

Marianne Williamson, spiritual teacher, author and lecturer.

One of my favorite quotes of all time. [I am sure it is loved by many of you.]

“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.”  -Marianne Williamson

“Love is what we were born with. Fear is what we have learned here.” -Marianne Williamson

Well, that is all for today. I will share some other great teachers another day. I hope these thoughts will open a door for you to learn a little more about these amazing people. Maybe they will crack open a needed change within your heart, maybe they will guide you to the possibility within. The lessons are endless and ongoing, the teachers are gifts delivered in a daily podcast. Enjoy every moment. Learn every day & Find Happiness in everything you do!!  -Heather

Fyi–you can hear most of these people on Oprah’s spiritual podcast shows. They are great to listen to while you are out walking, driving, just need to be inspired. There is always so much to learn.