Trusting Your Guidance

An inspiring practice that will help you trust your path and connect with your inner and outer mentor. In the beginning of the meditation you will work on deepening the connection you feel towards others.You will then be guided on a journey to help you overcome fears and transcend a barrier you may be coming across. The intention is for you to feel empowered and supported. Please note: There is a 6-minute talk/introduction that shares the inspiration for the practice.

Transcript

Hello,

My name is Lou Redmond and I'm excited to share today's practice and especially to share the inspiration for today's practice.

Recently I returned from a backpacking retreat that I,

Alongside three others,

Led in the Yosemite wilderness.

This wasn't the first retreat experience I was leading but it was the first backpacking retreat experience that I was co-facilitating.

And so much to distill from this experience and I'm sure there's so much that I can talk about now it relates to our journey and our path.

However,

There's just two things that I really want to note which is going to influence and inspire the practice that we go through.

The first is if you've ever been on a retreat experience you probably already have this understanding but when we get a group of people outside of their element and especially a group of people that maybe don't all know each other,

Maybe some people do but some people don't,

And also when these group of people are there with a similar mindset or having a similar intention and a lot of the people's intention that we're going on this trip are to get out of their comfort zone.

And especially if you're attracted to a retreat,

Like a mindfulness and backpacking retreat,

It's not going to necessarily attract a certain amount of,

A certain type of person.

And the community and the bonding with other people and the human connection that we make on retreat is really quite powerful and it's one of,

If not my favorite part of both going on retreats and now being at a point where I can facilitate retreats for other people and that connections and these lifelong friends and really the family bond that is made throughout that experience.

So so much love within that group and that circle.

And the next part which made this retreat even more special is that not only were we a family but we were a family that was going on a journey together.

So the backpacking portion,

It was a 10 day retreat but the backpacking portion was only five days of those 10 days or five or six.

And so we were really basing this journey on the hero's journey.

We had a lot of symbolism as we went through our experiences and we did a lot of different practices as we went through our days.

And the third day was really the peak physically and mentally of this trip.

And for those of you that have not been to Yosemite,

California is one of the most gorgeous places in the world.

And on this day we were heading up to a place called Clouds Rest where you have a 360 view of everything in Yosemite,

In the valley and in Tuolumne Meadows.

And it's really quite quite a spectacular scene.

Also to get up there we are going very very steep with 40 pound bags on our back.

And it was really,

The first part was extremely physically challenging for people so there was a lot of emotions that were coming up throughout that process.

And then finally we get to a point where we can set up camp and then go on to this last part of our journey where we can actually come back down to our camp.

So we don't have to bring our packs.

And going up to this part you'd think that it was going to be easy like we're going on this last part.

We don't have weight on our backs but we come up to the last peak of the mountain and it is psychologically one of the most scary things that you could see as far as what it does to the mind.

And basically although there was a lot of room to walk it looks like you're walking up like a four foot wide space where the cliff just drops off each side.

And a few people lost it.

A few people really really lost it.

We had someone that had a panic attack and was like on the ground wouldn't move.

We have someone that started going on it and they had to stop and they couldn't move and it was bringing up all of these other things that were happening in their life.

It was this really really wild experience.

So some of us we had to we went to the to the top to lead people that were okay going through first and then we had to see what are we going to do.

Are we going to get people up?

What should we do?

We can't just leave them back there.

We have to all experience this together.

So a couple of us go back and really have to guide and support these few people to moving forward and really just take it one step at a time and just look down follow follow our feet and you will get to the top and also showing them that it's not that scary.

And to finish the story we did this and everyone somehow got to the top and we shared this beautiful beautiful experience.

But bringing this all together the symbolism of this is really that so often we don't see what we're capable of right.

We see something in our life that's super super scary.

We're asked to do something that seems outside of our comfort zone outside of our abilities and we often hesitate.

We often panic.

We often shut down and that's why it's so important to have people in our life that have walked that path already that have walked the path and that can come and show you and say hey I know it seems scary in the mind but I promise you I got you.

I've been through this.

I've seen what it takes and I know that you can do it.

And I'm hoping that in some way that in doing my practices on here I can act as a guide in your life to show you that it's not as scary and as you walk through.

And I also hope that you have other mentors and guides in your life that do the same.

So we're always in this place of giving and receiving and looking for our inspiration.

So with that very long inspiration I thank you for listening and let's get into our practice.

So go ahead and close down your eyes and then relax and settle in for a bit.

And so some of you are new to me might be wondering or thinking and that was a lot of talking for a meditation.

If that's there acknowledge it and see if you can come into your breath knowing that you were brought here for a reason.

And so feeling space with each inhale open up space through your body.

And on each exhale contracting and maybe feeling a little bit of your weight of your body start to move down either into your chair your cushion bed.

And finding your rhythm and seeing if we can use a count to focus us and to settle us in.

So practicing counting to 10 silently with each inhale and exhale being one.

So you inhale and exhale one.

Breathe in and note your exhale in two.

And following that you know not coercing the breath just following the natural rhythm following the count up into 10.

We'll be here just for a minute or so.

And if your mind gets distracted or if you lose the count see if you can come back.

Come back to the beginning.

And start over on this journey.

And just another moment here.

And together take a fuller more intentional breath in.

And let that go.

So retreats bring the opportunity to connect deeper with people.

However we can always look to cultivate that deeper connection in our life right now.

So I'd like you to think about a person in your life that you feel connected with already.

A good one a friend a parent maybe even a pet.

Bring them into your heart.

What is the essence of why this person is special to you and what is that invisible connection that you feel.

Is it a love.

Is it a bond from all you've been through all that you've shared.

Is it a feeling of being inspired or motivated or encouraged or supported.

See if you can still tune with your breathing.

And find that invisible part of what makes you feel connected.

And breathe that in.

Opening your heart to not only radiating that essence from within but allowing it to move out of your body in all directions.

Healing it come from your center.

And with this person in our minds and in our hearts we're going to wish them just a few words.

You're welcome to share it out loud.

You're welcome to speak silently in your own mind.

May our connection grow stronger.

May we know each other deeper.

May we inspire each other to grow.

May we experience great love and joy.

May we experience great peace and ease.

Anything else you'd like to wish for this person whom you feel a connection with maybe just feeling that gratitude or just sending them some extra love right now.

And slowly letting them pass from your awareness.

And now think of someone whom you'd like your relationship to grow stronger.

Someone you would like to open your heart towards or maybe someone you'd wish would open their hearts to you.

So it might be someone you just met.

It might be someone whom you know from afar.

And it could be someone that's been in your life for a long time but you've never really connected on a deep heart to heart level.

And if you have any difficulty thinking of this person it's totally normal.

You can always just bring to mind another person whom maybe you have a connection with but you'd still like to strengthen.

And again bringing whoever this is into your hearts.

And sharing these words out loud or silently.

May our connection grow stronger.

May we know each other deeper.

May we inspire each other to grow.

May we experience great love and great joy.

And may we be experiencing great peace and ease.

Something else you'd like to share with this person whom you'd like to connect deeper with.

Maybe something that you feel about them that you haven't told them.

And together we breathe in.

And let that go.

And letting that be there right now.

All that we just worked through.

Instead now I'd like you to bring up something that you might be coming against in your life.

Or something that you might be coming up against.

So this could be a fear,

A doubt,

Some sort of feeling of unworthiness or loneliness,

Limiting belief.

It could be a tough decision.

Or maybe just this general feeling that you're struggling.

And just letting it,

Allowing all of this in with just a gentle and a kind-hearted awareness.

Not trying to judge ourselves for this in our life.

Imagine this struggle or this doubt or this fear as symbolic as a steep cliff.

And if you'd like,

If it feels okay and if you're able to,

Maybe you can even imagine a steep cliff in your mind's eye and what that looks like.

And seeing it as this scary and tough journey at times.

And although what you're going through seems scary,

I assure you there is someone on the other side who's been through what you're going through.

Who's had the same fears and the same doubts.

Who knows the path and who can be a guide on your journey.

So I'd like you to imagine a mentor figure that you have in your life.

It could be someone whom you read or you watch their videos.

It could be someone or a teacher that you see in person.

Maybe it's a relative or a friend that you look up to,

That you go to during times where it's difficult.

I'd like you to bring this person into your awareness.

And it also could be your internal guide.

Your internal mentor.

So connecting with whatever feels right for you right now.

Remember it also could be someone who is no longer with us.

Bring that path back to your mind.

I'd like you to start walking up this steep cliff.

And imagine this mentor figure in front of you.

You could see a person.

It could just be an energy.

As you walk up,

Imagine that they turn around and they have something to share with you that you need to hear during this exact time in your life.

With this exact struggle or fear or doubt that you're going through.

They have something to share.

I'm going to share some words that they're going to tell you.

Imagine those words coming in.

Imagine yourself receiving them.

And just notice if it makes you feel anything.

You can do this.

You are so strong.

You are capable of more than you think.

There is nothing to fear.

If you trust,

You'll find your way.

I'd like you to take that last sentence and one word from that last sentence and that is trust.

And taking that trust that your mentor is giving you or that God is giving you and seeing if you can just repeat silently to yourself.

Trust.

Trust.

Trust.

Bring to mind whatever it is that thing that you're coming up against.

And as you repeat this word from your mentor,

As you trust,

Use the symbolism of walking up this steep cliff as you moving forward through whatever it is that you're coming up against and what you're going through.

Repeating that trusting mantra as you take each step,

One step at a time.

Take a moment to move through this on the inside and visualize yourself coming to the top of this peak.

And once you get to the top,

Maybe there is a landscape,

Maybe you see something beautiful.

Take in whatever it is that comes to mind,

If there's anything.

And it could just be keeping that connection with the trust.

Keeping the self-connection,

The self-trust that you've moved through this.

So looking over this beautiful landscape of what you've come up and through against,

What you've defeated internally.

And I'd like you to internalize what you just did and repeat these words to yourself.

I did this.

I am so strong.

I am capable of more than I think.

I have nothing to fear.

If I trust,

I'll always find my way.

And go ahead and repeat.

I trust.

I trust.

I trust.

Noticing anything that comes up,

Any feelings.

Any time that you need to call on your inner guide,

Remember that mantra.

Remember that within.

And you can trust.

I trust.

I trust.

Letting this go and lastly,

We are always receiving and we're always giving.

We have people in our life that lead us forward and we have people who we can lead forward.

So bring to mind maybe someone whom you can support in your life.

Maybe it is that person you wanted to connect deeper with.

Maybe it's someone you know who is struggling.

Maybe it's just the general struggle that you see in society or with certain people that you'd like to help even though you might not even know what they're struggling with.

Bring this person to your mind or bring this person into your awareness.

And now you get to be the guide and the mentor,

Giving back what's been given to you.

So maybe you see yourself in front of them.

Maybe they're walking a mountain symbolically.

And you share with them because you know you can do this.

You are so strong.

You are capable of more than you think.

There is nothing to fear.

If you trust,

You'll find your way.

Send this person any last bit of love and guidance for their journey.

And slowly start to come back into your body.

Come back into your room.

Whenever you feel ready,

Go ahead and open your eyes.

I always so appreciative of you being on the journey with me.

And I say this often is that by engaging with your comments,

I know that I can also learn so much from the journey that you're going through because I promise you it's the same journey that I am going through and have been through.

So I'm so grateful to be on this journey with you all,

Especially for those that continue to show up and practice with me.

If the Yosemite retreat called to you and that sounded interesting,

We're doing it again next year,

2020 in July.

So please,

Please connect,

Reach out and I'd love to chat about that.

And that is all my friends,

Sending all the love and guidance and may you continue to connect with your inner mentor.

Namaste.

Reviews

Unbelievable, thank you so much for this beautiful and amazing guidance , I picked this meditation at random and it was what I needed the most .... I truly connected with someone special from my trip in 2019 who is so far away from me physically but it is so close from heart ... Namaskar from Brazil 💫💫✨🙌

Your meditations are so profound 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Blessings!
Namaste

Lovely per usual! Loved imagining the mentor in front of me ❤️❤️

You have given me yet another gift as I found this meditation inspiring and transformative. I had a profound experience that has given me new tools to manage my hopes and fears better. You are one of my favorite teachers and I will continue my journey with your guidance. Thank you so much!!

Wow, I was going through the list of your meditations this morning and this one called to me. Now I know why. I have been struggling with not feeling connected to people where I live now (temporarily), and this reminded me of what’s holding me back in that. I also have it so much more clear to me now what ‘feeling connected’ means to me. Thank you Lou! The retreat sounds really interesting, where can I find more information?

Thanks for helping me to reach that trust in that I can hold myself through this 🙏

Thank you Lou for this lovely meditation, much love to you dear soul 💜 x

Lou, great encouraging practice. I really appreciate it very much.

Gorgeous. I found I could really feel the visualisation. Thank you for sharing your love💕 Namaste 🙏

Really made me feel so warm inside. Thank you. Would love to be there in 2020.

This meditation brought up a lot of strong emotions for me, but it is good to see what I need to work on, and it was a great exercise.

I have always struggled connecting with people and have not had any non-family friends for well over a decade. It used to upset me, and I started to just withdraw more and more. I had not thought about it in years. This meditation brought up those old feelings so strongly. Though I have many "cliffs" in my life I want to climb, I chose this old one to use in the visualization. I did feel more empowered afterward, facing those old feelings that I thought I had escaped from by ignoring them. Hopefully this will be the start of my journey to conquer this mountain!

Thank you as always for being a guide for so many of us. I admire your bravery.

Amazing, going through the biggest life change led by intuition and have been setting intentions within an inner vision and trusting and this really resonated and kept me grounded and reiterated trust in this situation too, thanks

You always seem to pop up on the home page with a meditation that answers just what I need at the time lol thank u

Thanks for this uplifting meditation, i would love to join you one day in one of your retreats so i will put the intention for that as i cant do it nowadays but hopefully the universe will make it possible one day 🙏

I always enjoy your meditations they have a way to speaking to me .Thank you 🙏🏻

Beautiful. Still struggling with the old stories I tell myself. Thank you for this gentle and beautiful meditation and sharing.

Thank you Lou. I connected with my dead grandfather this morning. He had so very much pain in his life, and he inflicted it on his family and everyone around him. Including myself. Including himself. It felt nice to Invision him as a hurt little boy looking for love that was unavailable.
I've been divorced for a few years and looking for a new middle and last name for myself. I've also learned that it is expensive to change a name. This morning was the first time I considered going back to my maiden name. The name of my grandfather. The name I associated with so much pain.
Today I feel a possibility to heal that pain with my life instead of discarding it as rubbish.
I am interested to receive more information about the 2020 retreat. I enjoyed hearing about it

Thank you so much for the inspiration - I needed this today. 🌟