3 Things that I have recently accepted about myself.

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I believe that healing is a journey. One that we never stop doing because life is always in motion. And as we continue to grow and love, we often get hurt and that pain needs to be healed.

I have been very vocal about the childhood healing that I have gone through and I am open about it because that is the kind of work that we should be promoting. Because the best type of self-love is that of healing from the past.

So, as I heal, I would like to invite you to do the same so that we can leave our generational curses behind.

Through this continuous journey, I have accepted 3 things about myself:

1. I am lovable.

We can all say that we love ourselves but acting in a way that supports that is another story. It’s only until the last year do I feel like I have had relationships in my life that fully support me.

I feel like, in a weird and twisted way, the lockdowns forced me to stop putting on a face and deal with healing on a cellular level. I went from thinking that most of the people that I had in my life were supportive of me to realizing that that wasn’t true. Or if they were, it was in a way to primarily service them and use it against me.

I let go of a lot of friends, family and relationships that labeled me as ‘crazy, problematic or unlovable’ when I spoke from a place of truth. Labels that I have become too comfortable wearing because of my childhood trauma and as I have healed from my past, I see with clear eyes that I attracted people who made me feel unlovable because a part of me still felt that way.

2. I am worthy.

I have heard these three words in my daily affirmation meditation but as with the words above, it is only recently that it sunk in.

One of the biggest red flags about this was that I would overcompensate for relationships with people who wouldn’t show up the same way that I did. I can’t tell you how many times I have been love-bombed and then ghosted. As I have previously mentioned I believe that it is because I was raised in a narcissistic family household; however, I now see that this upbringing fundamentally stripped me of feeling worthy and feeling as though healthy relationships were unattainable.

When you spend your life in a constant state of cognitive dissonance around people who have known you your whole life, it is hard to feel and know that you are worthy- as I did. I struggled to feel worthy because I was surrounded by people who treated me like I wasn’t.

If you might be asking where my accountability in this is, I took it by releasing relationships with people who made me feel like I am not worthy because I am.

3. I don’t have to overcompensate anymore.

This has been one of the biggest realizations of my whole life. Truthfully, the lockdowns helped me see this. I grew up with an astounding pressure on me as I went to a private school and was constantly reminded that it was a sacrifice made for me.

The sacrifices that my parents had to go through to put me through private school, instilled a serious guilt in me because I hated school and I, myself, didn’t want to go there. It only recently dawned on me that it wasn’t done for me- it was for them. I did reap some benefits from it but being put through a harsh school system where I was constantly bullied and told that I wasn’t worthy is torture that no child should be subject to.

I used to feel like if I mentioned this that I was being ungrateful. I used to also think that if I told people how unhappy I was as a child that I was not a good person so this led to me overcompensating. I did as much as I could to run away from the fact that I wasn’t happy with how I was raised because in my culture, what your parents do for you should be enough.

As I free myself of any guilt, I accept that both can be true. I acknowledge that I was raised in abusive system that made me feel guilty about merely existing and I also accept that the people who held up this system were victims of it themselves.

I don’t have to do more for others out of guilt about anything anymore. I free myself of that feeling that I am less than or owe anyone anything. Life is a blessing and I choose to treat it as such. No more guilt, punishment or societal pressure- only alignment with God, healing and supportive people.

3 Reasons why I stopped forcing positivity.

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They say too much of anything is bad for you and while I am hesitant to go along with the masses, I believe this to be true. Mostly because I have learned a lot about being the kind of person that gives all or nothing.
A lot of my life has been about alchemy, particularly when it comes to health and feeling good in my own body. I’ve carried this trend to almost everything that I have done and, recently, self-help and positivity.

Even though last year was the hardest year of my life, it was the one that carried the most growth for me. I learned that I didn’t have to overthink, over-fix or over-do anything, there is only so much that I can do. When I teach my students this, it makes sense to me. However, applying it is always something that is challenging- especially because I believe in hard-work and overcoming obstacles.

In 2020, I was forced to accept that sometimes I just have to sit with a feeling and not take things so personally. I couldn’t force the outcome through positive-thinking because that was becoming toxic.

Here are 3 reasons why I stopped forcing positivity:

1. I am a Spirit in a human body.
No matter what religious or cultural background you have adopted in this lifetime, life is not meant to be easy. And, when we expect it to be that way, we are only touching the surface. Which doesn’t do anything for us but project a false sense of who we are.

We cannot change, grow or evolve if we are just skimming the surface. It usually takes depth and understanding to do so. The whole human experience is meant to be profound and multidimensional; not just 3-d.

In this humanly body, I want to have evolved through depth and conception not by forcing a projected idea of what others think I should be. This experience involves crying, laughing, smiling, being neutral and other phases without judgement and attachment but with understanding and compassion.

2. Positive gaslighting is a real thing.

When I had one of my most pivotal moments in my life, I was 23 and had left an emotionally abusive relationship. Which both of us were complicit in.
After I ended this relationship, I became sober and did hot yoga everyday for 30-days straight. As a result, I had memories of shame regarding how I behaved when I used to drink to numb the pain of the reality that I created in my life. The embarrassment felt so over-whelming sometimes that I would suppress these feelings and shut them out.

I tried to erase my mistake-filled past with being perfect. Eating the right things, behaving perfectly, being almost holy and embodying what others would describe as sweet or nice. It was a facade that I projected to avoid accepting that I hadn’t behaved in the best way before.

I was subconsciously torturing myself for the past by not allowing myself to be human or feel. I was gaslighting myself with positivity by creating an alternative reality as to how things truly were. When I was faced with challenging people and things, I would lie to myself and project that it was easy and I was fine because I felt guilty of how I had acted in the past.
I came to realize that guilt cannot take back time and through forgiveness and grace, I can offer myself another chance to do things differently. Not out of force but by natural evolution and change.

3. There is no need to force anything in life.
There is a difference between effort and force. In fact, forcing some things to work out has landed me in a lot of trouble. Especially when dealing with other people.
Because I am a hard-worker and give things my all, sometimes I can give more and take on things that I am not meant to. This has attracted people (to me) who are okay with taking and offering little-in-return because when they don’t want to assume responsibility in the relationship, I will.

This is a toxic belief system. One that I have left behind. I cannot and won’t do work for others in relationships: it is meant to be shared. I used to give myself positive talks when dealing with emotionally abusive people of situations by saying things like, ‘You are stronger than this’, ‘You attracted this’, ‘We all have our issues’ or, ‘What if they were just having a bad day’.

These phrases might be true; however, if I use them to gloss over serious issues, they are not helping me or anyone else but merely doing harm. Yes, positivity can be toxic, too.

‘What have you been lying in bed thinking about?’ Full Moon in Scorpio by Astrologer, Natasha Weber.

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SYDNEY: 1:33 pm, April 27

NEW YORK: 11:33 pm, April 26

LONDON: 4:33 am, April 27

LOS ANGELES: 8:33pm April 26

This full Moon brings personal transformation, but it comes with a catch. Scorpio is a sign that welcomes change, but this isn’t about a new hairdo or outfit. This shift begins deep in your belly, working its way outwards. Once the difference is noticeable to everyone else, it’s already kept you awake for many nights. What have you been lying in bed thinking about? That thing that’s churning at your core is the thing that’s able to make fantastic progress with this full Moon in Scorpio.

However, Uranus adds an unwelcome twist in the form of a hefty moral price tag. And the question is, are you willing to pay the price? Don’t rush to answer because the correct response depends on what you have to sacrifice for your prize.

Over the next four days, do your utmost to claim your change so that you can move forward in a new and improved direction. Whether it be a lifestyle choice, relationship or career move, this full Moon has your back. La Luna wants to cocoon you until you transform into a beautiful butterfly. Yet, watch out for Uranus’ catch! If you have to act in a manner that clashes with your moral code, forget it. Walk away knowing that you'll make these changes another time when Uranus is less likely to interfere.

It’s not wrong to want to be better for yourself. But wanting that at the cost of your integrity or someone else’s happiness is something that must be given proper consideration. Think carefully before you step on someone else’s toes or throw your bestie under a bus. Or even someone that you don't know, for that matter. Ask yourself, if that were to guarantee personal satisfaction, would it really be worth it?

For more, visit: www.astrotash.com

About Natasha Weber, the author:

Astrotash, Natasha Weber PMAAAC, MAFA

A self-confessed astrology nerd, Astrotash is the resident astrologer for myBody+Soul,Australia’s #1 health and wellness site. She writes horoscopes for Mamamia and has presented on radio and podcast shows, such as Sivana and Healthy-ish. Astrotash has appeared on Sunrise morning show and is also a guest speaker at the Soul Star Festival.

Motivated to build a bridge between sun-sign columns and the ancient science behind our celestial movements, Astrotash aims to bring deeper personal awareness through the lens of astrology. When she’s not reading the stars, you’ll find her in downward dog, ‘earthing’ in the Australian bush or dancing up a storm at Zumba.

Astrotash is accredited by the Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology and a member of the American Federation of Astrologers. Her articles have appeared inThought Catalogue, Out of Office New Yorkand Today’s Astrologer, in addition to international publications across the globe. She continues to research, present and publish, and is an active member of the following astrological organisations:

•          Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology

•          American Federation of Astrologers

•          Federation of Australian Astrologer.

‘New beginnings on steroids!’ - New Moon in Aries by Astrologer, Natasha Weber.

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SYDNEY: 12:31 pm, April 12th

NEW YORK: 10:31 pm, April 11th

LONDON: 3:31 am, April 12th

AMSTERDAM: 4:31 am, April 12th

LOS ANGELES: 7:31 pm, April 11th

New beginnings on steroids! That’s what this first new Moon of the astrological new year is all about.

The Moon begins a brand-new lunar cycle just after the Sun kicks off a new astrological year in Aries, the zodiac’s numero uno sign.

Prepare for the holy trinity of fresh starts!

Now is the perfect time to kick off a project, job or relationship. But first, you'll need to scrap what’s gone stale. If something hasn’t gotten off the ground, despite your best efforts, it’s time to walk away. And it’s best to do that before the new Moon so that you can begin again, with a clean slate. Of course, saying goodbye to a relationship that’s past its used by date can be gut-wrenching. Yet, digging deep and properly grieving during the balsamic lunar phase, just before this new Moon peaks, promises to be cathartic and ultimately healing.

Still, there’s a catch to this new Moon that speaks of leaving yesterday’s woes far behind you. It’s not going to magically happen. Sorry folks, the cosmos has no intention of giving away fresh start freebies! Blame motivational Mars, this new Moon’s ruler because the red planet insists that you take action to claim your new beginning. This might look like initiating a conversation or literally *doing* what must be done to move in your desired direction.

Above all, stop procrastinating! The cosmos gives you a triple set of green lights to launch a new business, bite the bullet in your existing relationship, start a new one or adopt a new attitude that serves you better. In a nutshell, if it’s not working for you, get rid of it! Because, by the time this new Moon rolls around, it’s out with the old and in with the new.

Natasha Weber. Visit www.astrotash.com for more

About Natasha Weber, the author:

Astrotash, Natasha Weber PMAAAC, MAFA

A self-confessed astrology nerd, Astrotash is the resident astrologer for myBody+Soul,Australia’s #1 health and wellness site. She writes horoscopes for Mamamia and has presented on radio and podcast shows, such as Sivana and Healthy-ish. Astrotash has appeared on Sunrise morning show and is also a guest speaker at the Soul Star Festival.

Motivated to build a bridge between sun-sign columns and the ancient science behind our celestial movements, Astrotash aims to bring deeper personal awareness through the lens of astrology. When she’s not reading the stars, you’ll find her in downward dog, ‘earthing’ in the Australian bush or dancing up a storm at Zumba.

Astrotash is accredited by the Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology and a member of the American Federation of Astrologers. Her articles have appeared inThought Catalogue, Out of Office New Yorkand Today’s Astrologer, in addition to international publications across the globe. She continues to research, present and publish, and is an active member of the following astrological organisations:

•          Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology

•          American Federation of Astrologers

•          Federation of Australian Astrologer.

9 Mistruths about Empaths.

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There has been a recent rise in the need to know more about everything. To me, this is an extension of The Age of Aquarius that we have entered right now.

As we become more in tune with ourselves and expend our spiritual knowledge, we have become familiar with some terms. One of these terms used commonly these days is ‘Empath’ as though it’s a badge of honor.

However, most people who are Empaths feel Things way more than the average and most things who are feel cursed and not blessed by it.

To give some clarity about this, here are 9 mistruths of Empaths:

1. Empaths are not capable of being narcissists.

2. Empaths are fundamentally good people.

3. Empaths cannot hurt others.

4. Empaths are victims.

5. Empaths are fully understood.

6. Empaths are psychics.

7. Empaths are weak.

8. Empaths are vulnerable.

9. Empaths always come from a good place.

9 Affirmations for healing from trauma.

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Whether we like to admit it or not, a lot of life involves pain and hurt. However, it is our job to release it and move forward from it.

Like the saying goes, ‘Turn lemons into lemonade.’

There is a lot of negativity and hate in The World but I am not interested in amplifying that. I am more aligned with healing, progression and moving forward with an open heart.

As such, it is up to all of us to do so regardless of what has happened to us and to do so with a lightness to let go and surrender situations that become to heavy for us.

There are many ways to do this but one of my favorite ways is to affirm it by repetition or inner-acknowledgement.

Here are 9 affirmations for healing from trauma.

1. I release the burden of victimization.

2. I open myself up to healing.

3. I move forward with love and grace.

4. I am open to being humble.

5. I practice forgiveness.

6. I am in the flow of life, what is not meant for me is not coming with me.

7. My growth is my choice.

8. I am connected to divinity and in divine order, when it is time to let go I shall.

9. I am in a perpetual state of healing.

9 Things that I had to release to vibrate higher and attract people who are doing the same.

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I was telling a friend of my past relationship horror stories and remembered the kind of people that I used to keep in my life. Although they were a mixed bag of people, there was a general energy amongst most of them that they could use me, verbally or emotionally abuse me and, I would be okay with it.

As I have grown, that is clearly no longer the case but it took a lot to get here. All the work was worth it because I can clearly say that I have no problem defending myself and speaking up for what I believe in with convictions. All while still trying to maintain a healthy and balanced life of joy.

I’ve learned to not to take what someone else does to me, no matter what it is, personally. Because taking it as such is the first set up to taking on baggage on drama that is not mine to own.

While I have learned a lot. Some of this journey has involved me releasing a lot and sometimes reluctantly. However, I had to and now that I have, I am grateful that I was nudged by The Divine to do so.

Here are 9 things that I had to release to vibrate higher and attract people who are doing the same:

1. The need to make excuses for myself and others.

2. The need to seek revenge on others.

3. Victimhood thinking.

4. My former hate for men.

5. My former reluctance to genuinely be happy for others.

6. The need to people-please and fit in.

7. The idea that I must say yes to a favor I am asked even if I don’t want to do it.

8. To receive male attention by seeking it in degrading ways.

9. That I must expect others to do more for me that I can do for myself.

Dear Hater/ (former) fake friend,

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Dear hater/ fake fiend:

I firstly want to start off by apologizing for any feelings of resentment that I have felt for you.

Over the past 3 years, I have watched you play two sides: the one who is friendly and the other who is malicious and involved in gossip.

I apologize for contributing into the gossip as I thought that friendships needed to have this beforehand. However, now I see that they don’t. I have developed genuine friendships over the past years and none of them are like the one that we had.

I see you for who you are, a disloyal human being who is only serving herself and will do so behind the facade of a smile with ulterior motives.
Thank you for showing me who you are because now I know for sure, it is people like you that I cannot trust.

Those who claim to be neutral but secretly scheme behind the guise of peace and love.

I am writing you to let you know that I have no hate for you. Even though you will probably tell people otherwise. But, how you behave is between you and God. It is not up to me to judge you or punish you for how you have treated your ‘friends’. That is God’s work.

Maybe your karma for being a backstabber will come back to you. Maybe it won’t. It is not my job to determine the outcome.
Thank you for one of the biggest lessons that I could’ve ever received. That sometimes the people who smile the most are those who do not genuinely mean well for you.

It is one of the best gifts that I have ever received.

3 More things that I have learned about haters.

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Last year was a very eventful year where I was called by God to learn a lot of different things. Mostly, that not everyone who is around me means well for me.

We collectively call them ‘haters’, the people who smile in your face but are glad to gossip about you or will not defend you when you need it. Those who cannot be happy for you because ultimately, they can’t be happy for themselves.

This year started off with me releasing more people like this. And, I am glad that I did. Although it was imperative for me to release them, some of these people I shouldn’t have entertained in the first place. Especially as friends. I am a very loyal friend and it can be exhausting having friends who do not reciprocate and give back.

Amongst that, I learned a few other things about haters. Here are 3 of them:

1. Sometimes they are in your family.

Last year, I learned one of the best things that I could have ever learned: just because someone is your family, doesn’t mean that they mean well for you. In fact, some of the most hurtful things that I have been done to me have been done by my own blood.

It is okay to distance ourselves from emotionally and verbally abusive people, no matter what role they have in our lives. If I have empathy and grace, the offer should be extended to me, too. If it isn’t, then I am willingly allowing abusive people in my life for no reason.

Sometimes the best way to love someone is to put up a boundary to protect yourself against their shadow side until they have healed it.

2. Sometimes they claim to be your fan.

Two years ago, I had a lady come take one of my yoga classes. She became a frequent in my class and would tell me that she wanted to be like me, word-for-word. It creeped me out so I distanced myself from her.

Come to find out, that over these couple of years, she has been plagiarizing and copying my work and style. She even named her oil products a similar name to mine. When I confronted her, she denied it and thus, I have sought legal justice against her.

When I discovered her ‘stalker’ ways, I was disappointed but then I remembered how far I have come as a person and realized that not everyone has evolved out of their insecurities. In fact, most don’t. Instead of being angry at her for being petty, immature and a copycat, I am choosing to release any animosity that I felt for her to God.

Yes, I will seek legal justice but it won’t consume me. She is who she is and it has nothing to do with me.

3. Sometimes they call themselves your friend.

I recently released a friend that I had for a few years. We met at a yoga studio that I worked at and although my intuition showed me that she was a disloyal friend, I kept her around because I wasn’t listening to my inner voice.

I would watch her gossip about friends and didn’t reprimand her because some of it, I thought I benefited from and other times, I didn’t want to judge her. I recently found out that she had betrayed me in an immense way and it upset me. I wanted to let her know how I felt.

But, as she began to disappear and not face up and own up to what she did, I realized something golden about her and other fake friends: they don’t mean well for others. I learned that someone can smile at you but be scheming against you behind your back.

After all of that, I got more than I lost. I wish her well and now I know for sure to always trust my intuition. It has saved me before and will save me again. It’s time to be led by that internal voice connected to God and The Divine.

Dear Hater (disguised as a fan)

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Dear hater (disguised as a fan),

I want to apologize for carrying any resentment or anger towards you. It is not my job to judge you, that is up to God.

I actually feel kind of sorry for you. A part of you reminds me of how I used to be: broken and empty. Sad and lonely. In denial and living a lie. You are very transparent. And, you think you can run from it but God is keeping count.

You see, I have always seen you for who you are. It is very clear that you are so lost in your insecurities that you wear them as clear as clay.

I want to thank you; however, for teaching me a lesson that I keep re-learning over and over, how people treat me has nothing to do with me. I’m sure you have behaved this way before and a part of me wishes that you get well while the other part acknowledges that there is only so much others can do for you.

You choose your path and have chosen one of lies, deception and false-hoods. Which is okay. Live your life! It’s not up to me to punish you or get revenge on you, that is for God.

All that we do comes back to us. That was a catalyst for why I became a Yogi. Yes, yoga is not just a physical practice to look good. It is a practice about truth, honesty and growth. Something I hope you will learn about one day.

How The New Moon in Aquarius might affect you.

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NEW MOON IN AQUARIUS

SYDNEY: 6:06 am, February 12th

NEW YORK: 2:06 pm, February 11th

LOS ANGELES: 11:06am, February 11th

LONDON: 7:06 pm, February 11th

As La Luna begins a brand new cycle, all things Aquarius hit home hard. For one, there are six planets (that’s including the sun and moon) in Aquarius during this new moon. That’s a lot! And, depending on where Aquarius is placed for you, in your birth chart, you’re going to feel this new moon’s message.

Freedom, independence and kindness are all Aquarian buzz words. There’s a strong sense of community building with this new moon, as people’s opinions, styles and points of views bind them in solidarity. This can bring a lovely sense of togetherness for those feeling like part of a group or cause. However, for those that think differently from the crowd, there can be a strong sense of isolation or rejection.

You’ll be pleased to hear that La Luna in Aquarius supports the underdog, the rebels and the free thinkers. And this new moon loves anything a little left of centre! So, if that’s you, stay on path. Don’t be swayed by beliefs that clash with your own.

Whether your connections are professional, personal or romantic, they should never be forged under pressure to conform to a different way of thinking or being. Sure, it’s gets lonely when you refuse to follow the pack, but at least then you get to choose your own destination. And, that’s worth a thousand false friendships.

Natasha Weber, Astrologist.

www.astrotash.com

Astrotash is accredited by the Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology and a member of the American Federation of Astrologers. Her articles have appeared inThought Catalogue, Out of Office New Yorkand Today’s Astrologer, in addition to international publications across the globe. She continues to research, present and publish, and is an active member of the following astrological organisations:

•          Australian Academy of Astrology and Cosmobiology

•          American Federation of Astrologers

•          Federation of Australian Astrologer

3 Nourishing ways to heal as a Capricorn.

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Life is a healing journey. There is no such thing as a person who is completely healed and run from anyone who tells you that they have nothing to work on. Because as we grow, we learn and those who feel like they are done growing, are not willing to be humble.

With that being said, astrology can be a great tool to help us heal. I recommend you knowing your full chart that you can get by having your birthday and time that you were born.

As someone who has benefited from astrological healing, I encourage you to find out your full birth chart and if you have Capricorn in your Sun, Moon, Rising and Jupiter, apply these healing techniques to your life.

Here are 3 Nourishing ways that a Capricorn can heal:

1. Surrender to The Divine.

As someone who has a lot of Capricorn in my chart, I do not struggle with discipline. However, I have issues with releasing and allowing God (The Divine) to take over my life. Meditation and Yoga have come handy.

However, whatever allows you to simply release once you have done your part. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn, the planet of action. So sometimes those with this earth placement in their chart predominantly or in the areas I previously mentioned can look at life a mission rather than just living it.

Allow God to guide you. There is only so much control that you have and are supposed to have.

2. Stop overworking yourself.

Most Capricorns that I know lose themselves in their work. As I mentioned before, Capricorn’s ruler is Saturn- the planet of hard work. So, it is only natural to feel fulfilled by work.

However, life is not about work. Having drive and feeling accomplished is an admirable trait but not when it takes over your life. If you are consumed with your job or obligations, I ask you to take a step back and add some self-care to your daily routine so that you don’t neglect yourself for the sake of needing to feel accomplished.

3. Let people be.

Every Zodiac Sign has it’s light and shadow side. Light is when we are vibrating in our higher selves; shadow side is when we are in our low vibration.

An aspect of shadow side with Capricorns is the need to control other people. In fact, a lot of the time this energy can come across manipulating and controlling because of the need to have things a certain way.

The most loving thing that we can do for someone is to let them be. Yes, let them know if they are doing something wrong but people are drawn to others who are accepting and kind. When we learn to love from a place of liberation, we raise our vibration and welcome more love because we become love as opposed to see it as an object or something to obtain.

As one of my forever teachers, Maya Angelou says, ‘Love liberates!’ Release the need the need to control others and just be.

For some tools to heal, click here.

9 Signs of Healthy Friendships.

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Naturally, when I was younger, I wanted to have a lot of friends to prove my popularity. I thought if I had a ton of friends then it would fulfill me but as I have gotten, I know that this is not the case.

I have also been shown time and time again, that it is easy to acquire friendships; however, maintaining them can be more challenging. Especially as we become more healthy and evolve, I have decided that I don’t need to be friends with everyone.

In my life, I strive for health and that goes with friendships, too. Therefore, if a bond with someone, friend or not, becomes unhealthy, I am okay with releasing it. There is a huge difference between unhealthy and experiencing differences in any relationship.

Here are 9 signs of healthy friendships:

1. You feel heard.

2. You don’t gossip about other friends of yours.

3. There is trust.

4. You can depend on them.

5. They do not disappear on you during a disagreement or when you confront them on an issue.

6. They respect your boundaries.

7. There is as much listening and understanding as there is talking.

8. There is no hierarchy. No person is above another.

9. You feel understood, supported and as though they are loyal to you.

Click here for our courses to heal and evolve.

9 Affirmations for 2021.

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Another year is upon us and I am so grateful to be alive. Although last year was a tough one, it was one of the best years that I have had because I learned many lessons.And, I remembered the biggest lesson of all: divine source has placed a light in me (and in all of us) that is ignited once we allow it to work through us.

I am not a huge fan of New Year’s Resolutions; however, I do support betterment and intentional new beginnings.

Here are 9 affirmations for 2021:

1. I allow Divine Source (God) to work through me for The Higher Good.

2. I am a medium for Divine’s Source message and purpose.

3. I am in alignment with Divine Source.

4. I am in alignment with abundance.

5. I am still instead of overreacting.

6. I am at peace with my past.

7. I embrace new beginnings.

8. I know that everything is working out for the greater good.

9. I surrender all of my worries, anxieties and stresses to Divine Source because they have no place in my life.

*Sign up here for our Manifest Your Life Course*

Together, we rise! With Leah Ramos.

Leah Ramos

1. What has been a big part of your growth as a woman?

A big part of my growth as a woman has been nurturing my relationship with my body.  My relationship with my body has been such a journey and it began with being heavily involved with gymnastics when I was a kid and then falling in love with dance and yoga.  I got to know my body on a very physical level but mentally and spiritually, I felt there was a disconnection. 

I grew up in a very religious home and embraced Christianity where phrases like “modest is the hottest” were very common.  Once I started exploring outside of my religion and more into my sexuality, I felt more and more empowered as a woman especially within the past few years.  I’ve learned to love my body through all its changes and am grateful for the women that have helped me along the way.

2. Who, which person (s), has inspired you to stay true to your role in your divine feminine?

A friend of mine that I met in LA, Leilani, and multiple women in the Filipina community in LA were the ones who introduced me to the concept of my role in my divine feminine. I went through an amazing experience with a group called A Stage of Our Own where my role in my divine feminine was nurtured and fully realized.

I was inspired to connect with my divine feminine through learning more about my Filipino culture, connecting with strong Filipina women who were already in touch with their role in their divine feminine, and understanding my connection to my ancestors.

3. What other women have supported you when you needed it the most?

One of my best friends, Abby from Ohio, is one woman in my life that supports me the most when I need it.  She’s been my closest friend for the longest time and I miss her so much!!  We have gone through similar milestones in life and I feel like I can always talk to her about anything.  She’s always supported me emotionally and mentally even though we’ve lived in different cities for over three years now.

4. What has been the hardest part of being a strong woman?

The hardest part of being a strong woman for me is hearing and seeing other women put themselves down and not seeing their own worth even though they can easily see it in others.  

5. Where do you see yourself evolving in the next few years?

I see myself evolving into a stronger, more versatile instructor, having established my brand more clearly, and becoming a better cook!  

6. What imprint would you like to leave on the world?

The imprint that I would like to leave is more people learning to love and fuel themselves with good food and good movement.  

7. What is your social media or ways that we can keep up with you and your work?

My personal IG is @bruce_leeah and my business IG is @forgebyleah.

3 Things that I wish I had known before I met most celebrities.

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I have had the fortune of living in three major cities of The World and I am so grateful. By proxy, I have met many famous and well-known people, some who I have had personal relationships with and others that I have done business with or served when I was a waitress/manager.

You might be reading this and be amazed by this but I’m not, it’s not all that it is capped up to be. I have been avoiding writing this because a part of me is still healing from dealing with men who are well-known that I have dated or known and I don’t want to come off as being spiteful.

However, I believe in truth and authenticity. My intention is not to be bitter, it is to be honest and share what I have learnt about meeting people that I used to put on a pedastal.

Here are 3 things that I wish I’d known before meeting most celebrities that I have met.

1. They are human.

I was a manager of a well-known restaurant in New York when I met one of my favorite actresses who was rude, condescending and patronizing towards me. I was so shocked by her behavior that I couldn’t watch her movies for a few years because when I did, it took me back to being treated like that.

She was recently on a podcast where she explains why she left Hollywood and continued to say it is a place where you feel insecure most of the time. Although, I am skeptical about her genuine growth as a person, it gave me another perspective. I was so stuck in my upset about her that I forgot that she is human and it was time for me to separate her from her characters so that I could watch her movies again. And, to free myself of resentment. I felt a sense of relief and watched one of them that week, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Hearing her say that reminded me to stop taking what people do so personally, no matter how personal it feels at the time.

2. Famous people are not immune from the human struggle.

I have never fully told this story before, so brace yourself! I used to work at a rooftop bar in New York City and, one night a famous actor kept trying to ask me out and for my number. I have a few solid rules about dating, some of them are: I will never date someone I have met in a bar, I will never date someone I have met on the street and I will never date a student of mine. For different reasons obviously.

When I turned him down, I had not expected him to seem so upset about it because I had a misconception about him that he could’ve moved on to another one of my colleague’s. But, he didn’t. At the time, he had a famous series that had just come out and was set to win a bunch of awards so I ignorantly thought that he could handle rejection.

That night, I saw someone who had won an Oscar and been on glamorous magazines feel the same rejection that I had seen from a man on the streets. And, I felt badly for him. Even though this happened three years ago, it has stuck with me and I remember it often. In fact, sometimes I want to reach and apologize but then I remember my ‘no dating’ actors rule and I don’t.

That night, I saw with my own eyes that these famous people are not immune to struggle like the rest of us.

3. In life, no one is above anyone else.

I have been very vocal about my ex-boyfriend who is a well-known Music Producer and how we ended things. He was one of my biggest teachers and I do not regret him being in my life, at all.

We met at a yoga studio that I taught at but before I did, I admired his music and had no intentions of being with him. It feels surreal to say that someone I admired was so close to me at a certain point in my life. So when I hear a song that he made about me, my Ego wants to jump up and think I am better than others when that is not the case. God and life humbling me quickly reminds me of that.

It sounds so clichéd because it’s true: we all cry, feel joy, love and feel pain the same. And just when we think someone is above us, we are reminded of why they aren’t. Regardless of our money status, house status, marital status or what we have done, we are all human and deserve to be treated as such.

Together, we rise! With Alena Wertalik.

Alena Wertalik

1. What has been a big part of your growth as a woman?

Growing up, I was trained by an ex-captain of the Mexican calvary horseback riding. I worked with him from when I was 8-years old to about 18-years old. He taught me how to build an impenetrable wall and be “bulletproof”. I was very clear on what this meant: that whatever hit me, physically, emotionally, mentally, it would bounce right off me, and I would keep going. 

I was proud of this armor, and am grateful for the process of building it up, because it ingrained in me the discipline and stamina that I have today. I am also just as grateful for the processes and experiences that asked me to do the painful work of breaking that armor down, which mostly happened in my last 10 years as a yoga teacher. The best way I can describe how this working of “breaking down” has shifted me is in how it has changed my definition of what it means to be bulletproof – I no longer see it as something hitting me and bouncing off before I keep going. Now, when “it” hits, it penetrates. I feel it fully. And I keep going. 

2.    Who, which person (s) has inspired you to stay true to your role in your divine feminine?

Someone who I have yet to meet – my unborn daughter. At the time of writing this I am five months pregnant. In the last five months I have seen and felt so much of why my body was designed how it was, and it has changed my relationship with it. I thought I had learned to love my body through the practice of celebrating it, but the love I have for it now is unconditional. This baby has taught me how to respect not only my boundaries, but to see what I am capable of. And, I know that her greatest moments of inspiration have yet to come. One of them will be when I give birth in March 2021, because the times when I have felt my most divine feminine have been in my moments of complete surrender, and I know that giving birth will be a great experience of this feminine power. 

3. What other women have supported you when you needed it the most?

I have a support system of women that I am in awe of. They are stunning, strong and encompass what I strive to be every day. I do give myself some credit for having chosen the women I surround myself with, but I actually have to give most of that credit to my mom. My mom has four daughters who have all chosen unique paths and have walked them with fierce independence. She has instilled in us what it means to love fully, take responsibility for our choices, and commit to doing the right thing, whatever the cost. 

4. What has been the hardest part of being a strong woman? 

To notice when I’m teetering that line between being strong and being tough. The difference between the two, to me, is that to be strong there has to be an element of vulnerability, which I feel is an innate ability that women are often taught to suppress.  On the surface, this makes some sense; if you look up “vulnerable” in the dictionary, it says “susceptible to emotional or physical attack or harm,” which I imagine doesn’t seem desirable to most. However, I have noticed that the mechanisms and experiences that have asked me to be the most vulnerable have been the ones that have allowed me to connect and grow. My truest moments of vulnerability have turned out to also be the strongest I have experienced.

5. Where do you see yourself evolving in the next few years? 

I, like most, have seen and experienced a lot of destruction this year. On a personal level, this included the loss of my job, my apartment, and many of the people I considered friends. But from destruction comes evolution, and I am already seeing signs of it. One major way of course is becoming a mother and a wife in the next year. I am also in the process of getting my applications ready to start law school next fall, and pursue something that has been a dream of mine for a long time. And I will keep teaching yoga! I’m very excited to be working with a childhood friend of mine on a barre/yoga virtual studio called Better Balance Fitness that will be launching in the next couple of weeks.

6.  What imprint would you like to leave on the world? 

Probably one that no one will ever notice because it happens as a byproduct of the collective consciousness – of us each choosing to see ourselves in one another and committing to lifting each other up to be the best versions of ourselves. 

7. What is your social media or ways that we can keep up with you and your work? 

My instagram is @onebreath_onemovement.

9 Things that I would rather be other than rich.

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Sometimes I find myself being caught in the need to make money in order to feel worthy and then I remember that money is not everything. It is just a tool. Yes, it can provide us with opportunities; but so can our bodies, our minds, our relationships and our mindsets. 

Having money is not bad, it is what we do with it and how we obtain it that can lead us down a destructive path. So, here are 9 things that I would rather be other than rich: 

1. Humble.

2. At peace with myself. 

3. In-sync with life. 

4. A Child of God. 

5. Wealthy in mind and manifestations. 

6. A genuine and sincere person. 

7. Someone who supports others. 

8. Someone who supports myself. 

9. Someone who makes lemonade out of lemons- figuratively obviously! 

9 Things I am unlearning as a Spiritual Teacher.

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Almost 8 years ago, I began my journey as a yoga teacher then health coach and now spiritual guidance teacher. I have memories of who I used to be when I first started teaching and I feel like a completely different person because I am. 

You see when I started teaching, I was mentally and emotionally weaker, I had little boundaries and, I was afraid to speak up for myself. If someone had told me that I would be where I am today, I would be shocked that I could endure so much as a teacher because it is not for the weak or insecure. In fact, overtime your character (or lack of) is revealed. That is why many people quit teaching yoga. 

About 5 years ago, I made a decision to let go of the need to fit into the group-thinking of teaching because I saw a lot of my colleagues filled with pain and hurt, that was not being addressed. I decided to look in the mirror and do the real-work, as a teacher, and let go of the need to tell others what to do if I was not doing the same. 

The best way to teach is by being an example. One of which I strive for everyday. Along this process, I have been unlearningmany things as a spiritual teacher. Here are 9 of them: 

1) That my triggers are someone else’s fault. 

2) That all of my students will learn from me. 

3) That I can enforce my opinion on others. 

4) That teaching from a place of insecurity will provide me security. There is no faking sense of self. 

5) That if someone complains about me, it is worth giving merit. 

6) That if I tell others what to do, I am immune for the responsibility of my own life. 

7) That yoga will miraculously cure all of my problems. 

8) That I need to put up with inconsistency and lack of boundaries. 

9) That I need to hold onto someone else’s hurt or pain to help them get through it. I am free, in body, mind and spirit. I do not need to be weighed down by burdens. 

Why do I want to forgive her?

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Why do I want to forgive her? 

Because, truthfully, not everyone is coming from a genuine place. 

I forgive her because a lot of us have been conditioned to operate from a place of fear and, I too, was like that. 

I forgive her because she has shown me that she is not a friend. And, better to know now than down the road in my life. 

I forgive her because my intuition was right. I knew that she was inauthentic and would not be there for me when I needed her. 

I forgive her because I can’t control her so I choose to send her love from a distance where I know that her actions will not affect me anymore. 

I forgive her because her hurt is like hot lava and will spread and hurt anyone around her, by proxy. 

I forgive her because I am too old to deal with passive communication. I try my best to communicate from a place of integrity and then move forward with love. 

I forgive her because life is too short to dwell on people and situations that would rather see you upset than happy most of the time.