The power of authenticity

In less than three weeks, I’ll be spending the morning supporting, guiding, and holding space at a half-day mini-retreat for women. 

Honestly, when I booked the space to hold the mini-retreat, I wasn’t sure what kind of event I was going to host. The most obvious option was to stick with what’s familiar for me and my students, and offer a yoga workshop.

But as I reflected, I realised that this event would be different. That it was a chance for me to offer a taste of a whole range of ways in which I support, guide, and work with women - not just through the yoga classes I teach, but also through the individual coaching and the online connection and empowerment courses I offer.

And this meant that it was also a chance for me to share more of myself with my yoga students. And to share more of myself with my coaching clients. To share more of what I offer. To share more of the many ways in which I choose to support, guide, and empower women.

It was a chance for me to get clearer with my audience about what I offer and what my intention is when I offer it. For me to show up even more authentically in my messaging. 

And so, as I put the word out about my mini-retreat, it made sense for me to share with my students, with my clients, my own story of my journey from a weekly yoga class to a daily, multi-faceted practice that is the foundation for the deepened sense of awareness and connection I now bring to my experience of day-to-day life.

And when I shared my story, the response was another reminder of the power of authenticity and vulnerability. I’d put out other emails and posts, and had some interest and bookings, but it was the email sharing my story that enabled me to reach and connect with women who were just waiting for this mini-retreat, even if they didn’t know it until that moment.

It was a reminder that when you’re willing to be vulnerable enough to fully embrace your authentic self and put that energy out into the world, your reward is that you find and connect with the energy you’re looking for. 

All of this was a reminder for me to take my own medicine. Reconnecting with your true authentic self is central to the work I do with women. Because rediscovering your true self is like finding the most supportive, compassionate, fiercely loyal, unconditionally loving companion you’ll ever have. Having your true self as your ally opens you up to find the courage and the clarity you need to walk the path and attract the energy in your life that’s right for you. 

I invite you to reflect on where, in your life right now, you might be able to share a little more of yourself? Where you might be able to show up a little more fully? It doesn't have to be a big shift or a huge change. The cumulative effect of small actions, tiny nudges, is really powerful. What small action could you take today to move towards greater authenticity in your life?

And if you're interested, here’s what I shared in that email:

Since I started yoga, many years ago now, my relationship with my yoga practice has changed. What began as a form of physical exercise with the added benefit of regulating my nervous system and giving me a bit more headspace, developed into a practice that enabled me, in my day-to-day life, to be more present, to be more aware of my thoughts and feelings, and to consciously respond rather than blindly react to whatever came up for me in each moment. And from that, a deeper awareness slowly evolved. A deeper awareness of myself, and of those around me. And a deeper sense of connection to myself, and to everyone and everything around me. 

The impact of this on my day-to-day experience of life has been profound. Of course life still throws all kinds of challenges my way. Of course I still have difficult or dark feelings. Of course I still act in ways that cause myself or others to suffer in some way. Of course - I’m human. The difference now is that I have more mental and emotional space and awareness, which means that I more often or more quickly respond to whatever comes up for me in healthier ways.

None of this happened overnight. It started with a weekly yoga class. And it evolved gradually, as I trusted my instincts and stepped into more and more spaces that were held by people where I felt safe. I faced my fears and opened myself up to new experiences, knowing I was being held.  And I was rewarded with an ever-deepening sense of spaciousness, awareness, and connection. 

The personal practice that I have today is a result of this journey. It’s a practice that includes, but is not limited to, traditional yoga. I consciously move and breathe. I meditate. I journal. I spend time in nature. I spend time in circle, connecting with others. All of these things and more are what maintains and continues to deepen my sense of spaciousness, of awareness, of connection.

My mini-retreat for women is an invitation to step into a space where you feel held and heard. A space where you feel safe to explore practices that may help you in your own journey of finding or deepening your sense of spaciousness. Of awareness. Of connection.

So if there’s a voice inside you telling you this is what you need right now - listen to it. 

And if there is resistance, if there are fears coming up - face them. Get in touch with me if you have any questions. Talk with whoever you need to (including yourself), to help you decide.

This is my invitation to you - to step into the space I am creating for you. And step out of that space feeling more spacious, more resilient, and more connected with yourself and others.

I’d love you to join me.