Wide Open Heart Project

03/24/2026

"Living by Breaking"

Like any other muscle, the heart, when injured, will clench.
And stay that way for a long, long time.
Mostly likely past the time of usefulness.
But when it relaxes again, perhaps because it has been touched in just the right way, or perhaps just because it is exhausted with its own clenching, well then...

It is like when the sun hits the forest in late morning and releases the scent of pine and greening leaves.
And it is like when you walk past a spring and a dozen blue butterflies all brush you with their wings, a feeling so impossibly soft and tender that you cannot help but let the heart stay open, though you know it will be wounded again.

It is not the heart in the end that matters. It is the love.

~ by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer

03/18/2026

Yes ♥️🙌

Some of you are activists on behalf of justice, but all of you are here as activists of love.

It is very important for you to find your tribe. You do not need the tribe to be 50 people; two, three, or four good ones is a wonderful start. And when we say “good ones,” we mean the people with whom your nervous system can relax and be open and where you feel seen and met. Why is this important? On a human level, you might think, "Because it's nice for humans to connect." And we say, no, no, no, it's far bigger than that. You are all part of an energy grid. And if you are a single lighthouse who can't see any of the other lighthouses on the energy grid, it gets a little lonely and starts to feel a little unsafe on the planet, for you feel very alone in your mission of light.

The roles you carry are all different in the world, but the mission is universal - a mission of love, of healing, of global awareness - and it gets far easier when you sync up and link up with others who are doing the same.

From the Mp3 Rising to the Frequency of Love
Learn more here: https://www.leeharrisenergy.com/rising-frequency-love

03/16/2026

A special thank you to those who joined us for the Wide Open Heart Project’s Spring Retreat, Return to the Light Within. I am grateful you chose to spend your Saturday with us and, most importantly, that you showed up for yourselves. Your presence, openness, and willingness to explore and learn created a beautiful energy that carried us throughout the entire day.

As I shared the mission of the Wide Open Heart Project and my own personal story, it reminded me as to why this work and this community matters. While guiding us into a Loving-Kindness Meditation, we opened our hearts to compassion for ourselves and others. That is the core of my “why”- showing how Loving-Kindness can shape the unconditional love within and around us.

Luann led a powerful “Remembering Who You Are” Self-Empathy Visualization, inviting us to reconnect with our truest selves and the inner wisdom that often gets lost in the noise of daily life. Thank you, Luann .hw

After lunch, catered by Freedom a la Carte (a special thank you to them!), we moved into the afternoon with Heidi’s Shinrin-Yoku grounding hike allowing nature to help us slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the present moment. Thank you, Heidi

Lianne then brought us into Intentional Movement, reminding us that our bodies hold wisdom and that movement can be a powerful pathway back to balance and awareness. Thank you, Lianne

Monica guided us through The Power of 8, exploring the profound impact of collective intention and the healing energy that emerges when we focus our hearts together. Especially meaningful was our collective loving energy focused on global healing. Thank you, Monica

03/07/2026

Checking in 💚

03/03/2026

...mine is the path of love...💚

02/24/2026

Metta meditation is a type of Buddhist meditation. In Pali — a language that’s closely related to Sanskrit and spoken in northern India — “metta” means positive energy and kindness toward others.

The practice is also known as loving-kindness meditation.

The goal of metta meditation is to cultivate kindness for all beings, including yourself and:

family
friends
neighbors
acquaintances
difficult people in your life
your community and the world

Let’s keep it simple.... today, begin by practicing loving-kindness for yourself. Repeat these four phrases, while placing your hand on your heart. Simply connecting with your being and meditating on these key concepts will raise the vibration of your energy 💥

02/20/2026

Saturday, March 14th is the next Wide Open Heart Project’s spring retreat “Return to the Light Within” 💥💥💥
There’s still time to register and we’d love to have you! Link in bio 🥰

In preparation for the March retreat, I took a field trip to Sharon Woods to explore and get my bearings. Along the loop trail was a stream exploding with movement. Standing for a few silent moments by this stream, I felt myself opening up to a dynamic energetic flow. When we are in flow, we are more likely to be adaptable and able to mange our heart’s experiences. Flow allows us to be flexible and resilient. Stagnation keeps us stuck…. Unable to discern chaos from calm, keeping us paralyzed.

Today, try to imagine yourself “flowing” from moment to moment; easily adapting to where you are; easily moving through experiences and situations. Allow your heart the ease it deserves 💚

02/17/2026

What is your source? What is your lifeline? 💚

02/10/2026

🌊 🌊 🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
California Central Coast and Big Sur Wide Open Heart Retreat, September 2–6, 2026 registration now open 💚

Nestled between rugged cliffs, sweeping coastlines, and ancient forests, this immersive multi-day retreat will provide a rare opportunity to deepen your heart’s journey in one of the world’s most soulful landscapes.

Why Join Us?
This retreat is a place to remember who you are when the world quiets down. Through guided practices, mindful exploration, and supportive community, you’ll reconnect with your inner wisdom and open your heart to deeper clarity, compassion, and courage.

What to Expect:

✨Daily heart-opening practices including meditation, breathwork, shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), gentle movement, and reflective journaling.
✨Transformational workshops designed to help you release old patterns, realign with your values, and cultivate emotional freedom.
✨Immersion in nature with guided walks along scenic iconic Highway 1’s natural environments, including Montana de Oro State Park, Harmony Headlands, Moonstone Beach, Cambria and Big Sur vistas. We will experience grounding moments in redwood groves, sweeping ocean landscapes and have time to simply be with the land.
✨Nourishing meals crafted with intention to support wellness, energy, and presence.
✨A conscious, caring community of individuals committed to living fully, authentically and heart-centered.

Accommodations at Cambria Pines Lodge, nestled within the magical landscape of California’s Central Coast. www.cambriapineslodge.com

Link in bio for registration details and cost 💚

02/02/2026

Dear friends of the Wide Open Heart Project,

As the days stretch longer and we begin to see hints of spring begin to brighten our horizon, the Wide Open Heart Project invites you to our March 14th day retreat, “Return to the Light Within.” This seasonal shift toward greater sunlight mirrors the inner work we will explore together—gently illuminating the parts of ourselves ready to breathe, soften, and awaken. Through guided practices, reflection, and supportive community, this retreat offers space to reconnect with your own inner radiance and remember what it feels like to move through life with warmth and clarity.

At the heart of the Wide Open Heart Project is a mission to cultivate emotional presence, resilience, and empowerment through a blend of contemplative tools, somatic practices, and compassionate inquiry. Our methodology is rooted in the belief that when we allow the heart to open—slowly, safely, and with intention—we access a deeper well of courage and connection. These practices support participants in releasing old patterns, softening self-judgment, and embodying a lighter, more expansive sense of being. The work is simple yet profound: creating space for the heart to feel, heal, and shine.

This mission is carried forward by a devoted community of leaders, teachers, and guides who believe deeply in the power of heart expansion—one person, one ripple at a time. Each individual who reconnects with their inner light contributes to a broader field of compassion, creating waves that move outward into families, workplaces, and communities. By supporting one another in this unfolding, we nurture a more loving, attuned, and resilient world. Personal transformation becomes collective transformation, and together we grow what is possible.

We’re also thrilled to share that a new offering is on the horizon: join us for our early fall retreat which will take place in California's Central Coast and Big Sur, September 2–6, 2026. Nestled between rugged cliffs, sweeping coastlines, and ancient forests, this immersive multi-day retreat will provide a rare opportunity to deepen your journey in one of the world’s most soulful landscapes. More details are coming soon—but for now, mark your calendar and stay close as we prepare to open this next chapter of heart-centered exploration.

With love and light,
Michele

02/02/2026

"There is a beauty to behold, exactly where you are"
~ author unknown
..even when it's hard, messy, challenging, difficult, confusing.

The quote “there is a beauty to behold exactly where you are” suggests that you don’t need to chase after different circumstances, a different place, or a different version of yourself to experience something meaningful or uplifting. Beauty—whether it’s peace, appreciation, insight, or joy—can be found in your current situation, your current environment, and your present self.

It encourages slowing down, paying attention, and recognizing that value and wonder often exist in the simple, ordinary moments we tend to overlook. Instead of waiting for life to feel perfect or different, these words allow you to notice what is already good, grounding, or inspiring right here and now 💚