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Hello, fellow magic seekers, your host, Sharon here. Welcome in to sharing joy with Sharon. In this podcast, we discuss freedom through self-surrender, and I call it a yoga quote only because I received it during a yoga session. You have to die unto yourself to become free. From Dr. Wayne Dyer. Before we dive into today's theme, I wanna take a moment to talk about Dr. Wayne Dyer, whose words have inspired so many on the path of personal growth. Dr. Dyer was a renowned author and motivational speaker, often called the Father of Motivation. His teachings focused on self-empowerment, spiritual awakening, and the idea that true freedom comes from within. Dyer encouraged us to look beyond our limitations and to embrace the journey of self-discovery with courage and compassion. His message resonates deeply with anyone seeking transformation, reminding us that the greatest changes begin when we are willing to let go of the old and step into the unknown. You have to die unto yourself to become free. This quote was brought to me by Marilyn, one of the marvelous instructors at my home studio, blaze Yoga in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Shout out to Blaze Yoga. I miss everyone. Super classes and top-notch instructors are there, and my friend Melinda, who gave me this awesome rv having fun yet mug before I left town. I was able to use that in my first photo shoot. With my silver queen camper. I also drink my two cups of coffee out of it every morning and think of all my Lancaster yoga peeps. Okay, back to Marilyn. So she says this to me at my last Hot Yoga 26 and two session at Blaze, two days prior to embarking on this journey, we were discussing my recent life change and I had shared with Marilyn what I was planning to do. You remind me of a story Marilyn says. You have to die unto yourself to be free. For those of you who don't know me yet, I am a huge fan of Bikram Hot Yoga now, more commonly referred to as Hot Yoga 26 and two. I'm a true yogi. I've been practicing for over seven years. Initially, my teachings were brought to me by one of my now dearest friends, Kent Nazareth, yoga Man. An incredibly kind and beautiful soul who guided my practice until I fell in love with yoga. I don't wanna let the cat out of the bag, but we will be interviewing him in a near future podcast. Stay tuned. I leaned heavily on hot yoga after diagnosis with multiple myeloma, yoga, meditation strengthened my soul and built determination with each pose. Hot practice helped me to walk again without my crutches. It helped me to maintain flexibility to continue all the outdoor activities. I enjoy the intense pain in my hips during diagnosis. Over time slowly alleviated not only due to medical treatments, but also the 90 minutes of hot work I was completing four to six times per week. Strengthening my muscles and ligaments to provide increased support and stability. To my hips over the areas of damaged bone from the multiple myeloma lesions. Kent was a huge part of this, and we'll discuss that in another episode. On the day that Marilyn shared this quote with me, I was processing an intense flow of thoughts and emotions in my head. This was the last class here, at least for several months. The instructors and classmates were now unspoken friends. I have been attending the studio for almost a year. It was located conveniently to me and offered a variety of classes and times. I felt very welcomed there. We are all individually drawn to yoga practice for a variety of reasons. I shared with the instructors that sometimes I have difficulty holding a pose due to the limitations in the structure of my hips post-diagnosis, but that I do my best. We don't realize the power our hips have in our stability and movement until it really isn't there. Over the last 20 months, mine had become the gratefulness, spilling from the very core of my soul each and every time I completed a yoga session, 90 minutes, hot, sweaty, 106 degrees. The sense of accomplishment and peace that fills my very being after class, not to mention the mental clarity and lean physique is an extra bonus. You have to die unto yourself to become free. Marilyn speaks this to me as we discuss how I will be leaving on my adventure in just two days. I have fallen in love with the looks on people's faces when I tell them my journey. Some don't get it. Glaze over the idea and move on. Some people are astonished their mouths dropping. And some smile intensely wishing me well and state they wish they could do the same. Marilyn looks deep into my eyes and states, this is what you have done. You match this quote. You have given up your home belongings, things that tied you down. You've become free from ego, allowing your true self, the soul. Consciousness to emerge. Most people only dream of this. She says, you are actually bringing it to life. I told Marilyn I had not heard of this quote or of Dr. Dyer. I'm grateful to learn from her. She shares with me the story of a bird caged who wants to be free. There is much more to the story, but. The short version is he falls over over. The owner thinks he's dead, opens the cage up door, allowing the bird to fly out. You have to die unto yourself to become free. I roll this around in my brain during yoga. Letting go of all that isn't truly me finding freedom. Beginning the moment, the self I believed in have been defending, finally dissolves to rise stronger and more alive than ever before. Stepping into my power. No rules. This is what I have been searching for. This is my reset. Cancer changed me. I didn't know who I was supposed to be after that. I see things differently. I remember feeling lost. Things I used to care about. I didn't anymore, but out of habit and to feel normal. I continued caring what people thought. I continued with habits and practices in my life that I wanted to let go, but didn't know how I wanted to be better. A new version of me. How do I do this? Who will I become when I give up? All I know that is me. My home career, the life built that I thought I loved and realized no longer felt that it suited me. All those identifiers of self, we think these things describe us. We are so much more. If I could give all that up, will I find a new me? What will she be like? I hope I get to keep the parts I love my energy, kindness, deep love about creating a world of positivity, being happy and at peace, collaborating with nature, being present. So what does this mean about parts? I get to choose. And who I become. People kept asking what my plan is, and I didn't know how to tell them that this journey is not about destinations or seeing grand things. That's kind of what we're taught. Makes a good journey. The end point, it has to be grand, exciting, bigger than someone else's destination, but that's not what this is about. This is about me becoming more than I was. Letting go so I can embrace a new level of me, be a better person, stronger, free, limitless, creating a whole new life. A friend recently shared with me that I've discovered something most people only dream about. I don't have to think and be what others expect me to be. I have no feelings of guilt about discovery of myself or others. Some people create dreams in their heads and only dream about a reset, creating a new life. I've put my words into actions, and at any time I want, I can change direction, pivot, reevaluate, find a new me, take a different path. All the opportunities are open. People have said to me, wow, that takes a lot of faith. Falling into the unknown. I can only describe it as a path being laid out for me to follow this entire time following the universe who is saying, come here. This is the best direction for you. These are the people placed in my life at the most perfect times to guide me, even though sometimes this is difficult. There are people who do not understand. Are angry with me for leaving town, written me out of their lives. I struggle with that, particularly one person who has locked me out, and then I discovered that maybe her and I are most happy not connecting and as difficult as it was at her wish. I have let her go. Aside from that, I have simply trusted the process. Maybe this drastic reset isn't for you. Perhaps you start with a plan inside. You don't have to share this with anyone. It can be something, anything you would like to see differently in your life, something you want to give up or that you want to embrace. This choice is yours alone. You do not have to make a change or see things differently unless you want to. How you work on this is all up to you. Sometimes the journey to freedom is not a single leap, but a series of small, courageous steps. Each day we are given the opportunity to release a little more of what no longer serves us, old fears, limiting beliefs, the need for approval. True liberation comes not from escaping our circumstances, but from embracing who we are beneath the layers. As I continue on this pass, I invite you to reflect what is one thing you can let go of today, one truth about yourself, you're ready to honor. Remember, freedom is not a destination, but a way of beating. It is found in the present moment, in the willingness to trust yourself and in the courage to begin again As many times as you need to change is really comfortable, but it is an invitation when we allow ourselves to step into the unknown, we discover strengths we never knew we had. The process of letting go is not about losing ourselves, but uncovering the truest part of who we are. Each challenge, each moment of doubt is a doorway to deeper understanding. Trust that your journey is unfolding exactly as it should. Give yourself permission to rest, to celebrate small victories, and to honor the wisdom that comes from your own experience. In essence, the story is a universal one. You are not alone on this path. Every step you take towards authenticity lights the way for others. I have been told countless times that my plan, my journey, the boldness in which I have embarked on this journey have inspired others. Remember that growth is not always linear. There will be days when you feel uncertain, when old patterns resurface or when progress seems slow. Be gentle with yourself in these moments. Every experience, joyful or challenging, holds a lesson that shapes your path. Trust that you are exactly where you need to be. Celebrate your courage to keep moving forward and to know that each. Small act of self-kindness is a powerful step towards the freedom you seek. Your story is unfolding beautifully, one breath at a time. As I reflect on this journey, I realize that transformation isn't something we do alone. We have the support of our community, friends, teachers, fellow travelers. They remind us that we are all connected by our shared desire to grow and heal. Every conversation, every class, every moment of vulnerability has helped me to see that freedom is not just about letting go, but reaching out. When we open ourselves to others, we find strength in our shared stories and courage in our collective hope. So wherever you are on your path, remember. You are part of a greater whole, and your willingness to change inspires those around you. Together we create a ripple of possibility that extends far beyond ourselves. Okay.

Cedric 15:17

Hello fellow magic seekers, your host, Sharon here. welcome in to sharing joy with sharon. "You have to die unto yourself to become free" from Dr Wayne Dyer Before we dive into today's theme, I want to take a moment to talk about Dr. Wayne Dyer, whose words have inspired so many on the path of personal growth. Dr. Wayne Dyer was a renowned author and motivational speaker, often called the "father of motivation." His teachings focused on self-empowerment, spiritual awakening, and the idea that true freedom comes from within. Dyer encouraged us to look beyond our limitations and to embrace the journey of self-discovery with courage and compassion. His message resonates deeply with anyone seeking transformation, reminding us that the greatest changes begin when we are willing to let go of the old and step into the unknown. This quote was brought to me by Marilyn, one of the marvelous instructors at my home studio Blaze Yoga in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Shout out to Blaze Yoga!! I miss everyone! Some super classes and top notch instructors there. And my friend Melynda- who gave me this awesome RV having fun yet mug before I left town that was used in my first photo shoot with the Silver Queen. I also drink my 2 cups of coffee every morning in it and think of all my Lancaster yoga peeps! Ok back to Marilyn. She said this to me at my last Hot yoga 26 and 2 session at Blaze,two days prior to embarking on this journey. Myself, Marilyn and Kim the owner of Blaze Yoga were discussing my recent life change. You remind me of a story, Marilyn says. 'You have to die unto your self to be free'. For those of you who dont know me just yet, I am a huge fan of Bikram Hot Yoga, now more commonly called Hot Yoga 26 and 2. I'm a true yogi. I have been practicing for over 7 years. My teachings have been brought to me by one of my now dearest friends, Kent Nazareth Yoga Man ...and increibly kind and beautiful soul who guided my practice until I fell in love with yoga- dont want to let the cat out of the bag.. we will be interviewing him in a near future podcast! I leaned heavily on hot practice after diagnosis with multiple myeloma. Yoga meditation strengthened my soul and built determination with each pose. Hot practice helped me walk again -without crutches, it has helped me to maintain flexibility to continue all the outdoor activities I enjoy. The intense pain in my hips during diagnosis over time slowly eleviated not only due to medical treatments, but also the 90 minutes of hot work I completed four-six times per week strengthened by muscles and ligaments to provide increased support and stability to areas of damaged bone from the MM lesions. Kent was a huge part of this which we will discuss on other episode. On the day Marilyn shared this quote, I was processing an intense flow of thoughts and emotions in my head. This was my last session here, at least for several months. The instructors and classmates were unspoken friends. I have been attending the studio for almost a year. Kent started coming and I was impressed with the variety of classes and times available. Plus, it was located 5 minutes from my house so I loved the conveinience We were all individually drawn to this practice for a variety of reasons. I have shared with the instructors that sometimes I have difficulty with a pose, due to limitations in the stucture my hips, post diagnosis but I do my best! We dont realize the power of our hips in movement and stability.. until it isnt there. I appreciate the solace and solitude of practicing in a room filled with others and yet our practice is our own, vibes overflowing with positive energy- rebooting us. Over the last 20 months mine had become the gratefulness spilling from the very core of my soul each and every time I completed a session. 90 minutes, hot, 106 degrees. and the sense of accomplishment and peace that fills my very being after. Not to mention the mental clarity and lean physique as extra bonus! You have to die into yourself to become free. Marilyn speaks this to me as we discuss how I will be leaving on my adventure in just 2 days! I have fallen in love with the looks on peoples faces when I tell them my journey. Some dont get it, and glaze over the idea. Some peopel are astonished. And some smile intensely, wish me well and state they wish they could do the same. Marilyn looks deep in my eyes and states that is what you have done. Youve given up your home, belongings, things that tied you down. You have become free from ego allowing true self- the soul, conciousness.. to emerge. Most people only dream of this, she says. You are bringing it to life! I told Marilyn I had not heard this quote, or of Wayne Dyer. I am grateful to learn from her. She shares with me the story of a bird, caged, who wants to be free. there is more to the story but short version is he falls over, the owner thinks he is dead and opens the cage door allowing the bird to fly out. 'You have to die unto yourself to become free' I roll this around my brain during yoga. Letting go of all that isnt truly me. Finding freedom beginning the moment the self I believed in, have been defending, finally disolves. To rise stronger and more alive than ever before. Stepping into my power. No rules. This is what I've been searching for.. this is my reset. Cancer changed me. I didnt know who I was supposed to be after that. I remember feeling lost, things I used to care about, I didnt anymore but out of habit and to feel normal' i continued caring what people thought, i continued with habits and practices in my life that I wanted to let go but didnt know how. I wanted to be better. A new version of me. Getting there, that was the crazy part. How do I do this? Who will I become when I give up all I know that is me. My home, career, the life built that I thought I loved, and realized no longer felt it suited me. All the se identifiyers of self. We think these things describe us. We are so much more. If I give that all up, will I find a new me? What will she be like? I get to keep the parts I love..my energy, kindness, deep love about creating a world of positivity, being happy and at peace, collaborating with nature. Being present. so what does this mean aobut parts I get to chose, who do I become? People kept asking what my plan is. I didnt know how to tell them this journey is not about destinations, seeing grand things. Because thats what we are taught makes a good journey- the end point. It has to be grand, exciting, bigger than someone elses destination. But that is not what this is about. This is about me becoming more than I was. Letting go so I can embrace a new level of me. Be a better person. Stronger. Free. limitless. A friend shared with me that Ive discovered something most people dream about. I dont have to think and be what others expect me to be. No feelings of guilt about discovery of self and others. Some people create dreams in their heads, only dream about a reset. Creating a new life. I have done this in my actions. And any time I want, can change direction pivot, find a new me,and take a different path. All opportunites are open. People say to me wow that takes alot of faith falling in the Unknown. i can only describe it as a path being laid out for me to follow. This entire time, following the Universe who is saying come-here, this is the best direction for you. These are the people, placed in my life at the most perfect times to guide me. Even though sometimes this is difficult, people who do not understand, are angry with me for leaving town, have written me out of their lives. I struggle with that, particularly one person who has locked me out. Discovering that her and I are most happy not connecting. So at her wish I have let her go. Maybe this drastic reset isnt for you. Perhaps you start with a plan inside. You dont have to share this with anyone. It can be something, anything you would like to see differently in your life. Something you want to give up.. or something you want to embrace. This choice is yours alone. You do not have to make a change or see things differently unless you want to. How you work on this is all up to you. Sometimes, the journey to freedom is not a single leap, but a series of small, courageous steps. Each day, we are given the opportunity to release a little more of what no longer serves us—old fears, limiting beliefs, the need for approval. True liberation comes not from escaping our circumstances, but from embracing who we are beneath the layers. As I continue on this path, I invite you to reflect: What is one thing you can let go of today? What is one truth about yourself you are ready to honor? Remember, freedom is not a destination, but a way of being. It is found in the present moment, in the willingness to trust yourself, and in the courage to begin again, as many times as you need. Change is rarely comfortable, but it is always an invitation. When we allow ourselves to step into the unknown, we discover strengths we never knew we had. The process of letting go is not about losing ourselves, but about uncovering the truest parts of who we are. Each challenge, each moment of doubt, is a doorway to deeper understanding. Trust that your journey is unfolding exactly as it should. Give yourself permission to rest, to celebrate small victories, and to honor the wisdom that comes from your own experience. I n e s s e n c e ,the storry is a universal one. You are not alone on this path—every step you take toward authenticity lights the way for others. Remember, growth is not always linear. There will be days when you feel uncertain, when old patterns resurface, or when progress seems slow. Be gentle with yourself in these moments. Every experience—joyful or challenging—holds a lesson that shapes your path. Trust that you are exactly where you need to be. Celebrate your courage to keep moving forward, and know that each small act of self-kindness is a powerful step toward the freedom you seek. Your story is unfolding beautifully, one breath at a time. As I reflect on this journey, I realize that transformation is not something we do alone. The support of a community—friends, teachers, fellow travelers—reminds us that we are all connected by our shared desire to grow and heal. Every conversation, every class, every moment of vulnerability has helped me see that freedom is not just about letting go, but also about reaching out. When we open ourselves to others, we find strength in our shared stories and courage in our collective hope. So, wherever you are on your path, remember: you are part of a greater whole, and your willingness to change inspires those around you. Together, we create a ripple of possibility that extends far beyond ourselves. As I reflect on this journey, I realize that transformation is not something we do alone. The support of a community—friends, teachers, fellow travelers—reminds us that we are all connected by our shared desire to grow and heal. Every conversation, every class, every moment of vulnerability has helped me see that freedom is not just about letting go, but also about reaching out. When we open ourselves to others, we find strength in our shared stories and courage in our collective hope. So, wherever you are on your path, remember: you are part of a greater whole, and your willingness to change inspires those around you. Together, we create a ripple of possibility that extends far beyond ourselves.