Fall into Alignment: A Workbook for Lunar Living

Fall is a season of transition, inviting us to shed what no longer serves us and prepare for the inward journey of winter. It's also a powerful time to connect with the cycles of the moon and harness its energy for personal growth and transformation.

My new workbook, "Flow With the Moon," is your companion for this journey. It's filled with practical tools and soulful prompts to help you:

• Honor Your Cycle: Track your menstrual cycle, understand your hormonal fluctuations, and embrace your body's wisdom.

• Nurture Your Mental Health: Cultivate daily check-ins to foster self-awareness, self-compassion, and resilience.

• Harness the Moon's Energy: Connect with the new and full moons through rituals, reflections, and affirmations.

What's Inside the Workbook:

• Period Tracker: Log your cycle, symptoms, and moods to gain insights into your body's natural rhythms.

• Daily Mental Health Check-In: Reflect on your emotions, energy levels, and self-care practices.

• Moon Intentions: Set intentions for the new and full moons, and track your progress.

• Affirmations & More: Discover powerful affirmations, prayers, and invocations to support your journey.

Why Lunar Living?

The moon's cycles offer a powerful metaphor for our own inner rhythms. By aligning with the moon, we can tap into our intuition, release old patterns, and manifest our desires with greater ease and flow.

This Fall, I invite you to:

• Download the free workbook and begin your journey of lunar living.

• Join The Soul Sisters' Collective on Facebook for community support and inspiration.

• Explore my Sacred Women's Circles and one-on-one offerings for deeper connection and transformation.

Let's embrace the magic of Fall and step into alignment with the moon's wisdom.

Click the link below to get your free download:
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Embracing Your Inner Wild: A Journey Back to Your Authentic Self

Hey beautiful souls, Bexx here.

Have you ever felt a tugging at your heart, a yearning for something more, a longing to shed the layers of expectation and simply be? That's your inner wild calling, a primal force that resides within each of us, waiting to be unleashed.

For me, this journey of embracing my inner wild has been a messy, beautiful, and utterly transformative experience. It's involved dancing under the moon, howling at the stars, and facing my deepest fears with unwavering courage.

It's also involved shedding the layers of societal conditioning that told me who I should be, what I should want, and how I should show up in the world. It's been about reclaiming my power, my voice, and my unique expression of the divine feminine.

So, what does it mean to embrace your inner wild?

It's not about running off into the woods and living off the land (although, hey, if that's your jam, more power to you!). It's about reconnecting with your intuition, your instincts, and the raw, unfiltered essence of who you are.

It's about listening to the whispers of your soul and having the courage to follow them, even when it feels scary or unconventional.

It's about giving yourself permission to be messy, imperfect, and unapologetically you.

How can you start to embrace your inner wild?

Here are a few things that have worked for me:

• Spend time in nature: Let the trees, the wind, and the water remind you of your own wildness.

• Move your body: Dance, run, swim, or simply sway to the rhythm of your own heartbeat.

• Connect with your creativity: Express yourself through art, music, writing, or whatever ignites your soul.

• Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment.

• Spend time with people who lift you up: Surround yourself with those who celebrate your uniqueness and encourage you to be your authentic self.

Remember, embracing your inner wild is not a destination, but a journey. It's a continuous process of shedding old layers, uncovering hidden truths, and stepping into your power.

It's not always easy, but it's oh so worth it. When you embrace your inner wild, you unleash a force that is unstoppable, a force that will guide you towards your highest potential.

So, I ask you, beautiful soul, are you ready to answer the call?

Bored + Restless

Word of the day: Nuture.

Nurturing my little back to health — thanks breastmilk.

Nurturing big emotions and witnessing my community support our children through it.

Taking space for rest.

I need so much rest. And I MISS BEING BORED. I need like two weeks vacation. No humans. Just me.

1 week in a cabin somewhere.
1 week in my home alone.

I need to get lost. Be forced to sit in my discomfort.

It’s part of my process. Truly. I need space to grieve regularly, to get lost and work through my anxiety, really connect back to myself.

It’s like motherhood makes it taboo for the need for me to take space. To get lost and find my way back. I need to work and interact with people separate from my family.

I want my own autonomy.

I must work at experiencing separation from the family. Not out of — I don’t want them, but out of I need space for the whole me.

When I’m starved of that, I wonder if that’s why couples after long periods of time choose to leave the relationship. It’s hard to give space, it’s hard to say: hey go take you, forget about me. Forget about the kids. Just go be you for a week. Connect to that person who is just you.

What I hope to find in that space is security in my soul with being just be. I hope to have aha moments around perspective on whatever stories or narratives are coming up.

There’s something after this intense year that has become exceptionally clear to me, I must experience myself away from distractions.

I need the discomfort to remember who I am, and what I want. If I don’t live that, I do not experience perspective the way I need to, and it’s a whole body experience. When I know something, I know it through and through.

The critic of “oh that’s not worth saying or sharing”, I’m learning to recognize what is the difference between the critic and intuition.

Maybe when my intuition kicks in, it’s a way of the universe is communicating to me, when my voice kicks in it’s my conscious talking, and when it’s this cranky hangry chain smoking broad chiming in it’s my judgemental critic.

Fascinating. It’s taken time to recognize the voices. The conversations happening so loud, it’s hard to hear who is talking.

Maybe that’s why I like efficiency, it cuts down the noise, energy, and time spent on the unimportant things so that I maximize the fun stuff I do. Pleasure. Joy. Expansion. That shit feels so good too.

It’s why I like to move on from things.
I don’t get joy from it anymore and want to move on.

A state of constant motion. But I like to linger and hang out for a long time. And then when I’m ready, I want to move on. But when I can’t get out from a situation I not only get cabin fever, but like a rabid wolverine. My being becomes so agitated I can’t sooth it. The dysregulation is exhausting because I’m not in my flow. And I’m trying to find ways/ use my brain power I think will work, instead of following what I want to do and let the rest fall into place.

I get scared at times where I’m not totally sure who I hear talking, and feel judged by my peers for listening to my intuition because what I want to do is against what society and how I set my life up?

Like deep deep deep down, I know when I’m following my path and when I’m not. And dude. When I’m not — I fucking know it.

I don’t know where this is going, but I know if I want to get there I need to change how I view it. I am needing a perspective shift, or shed something. It’s deep and profound. I can sense it, but it’s covered so many layers that I don’t know how to deal with them. And my perspective needs to change for me to figure out this problem. I can’t tell how far I am to figuring it out.

Capturing the Unseen, Finding Authenticity

In my fascinating journey of self-discovery, documentary photography took center stage. It was a passion that had been lingering in the shadows, urging me to capture moments that reflected the essence of a person's process, growth, and presence. These images were like time capsules, accurate depictions of specific moments, from the brand of soda on the table to the tropical plants in the background.

My desire to undertake projects that resonated with authenticity led me to form a team, a "circle" around me, dedicated to capturing the lives of those I encountered. The day-to-day facets of existence and the curiosity expressed on social media with phrases like "day in the life" and "behind the scenes" became my canvas. I took authenticity as a powerful force, which became the guiding light, and I reveled in unexpected moments, even embracing the challenges.

Armed with a strong intuition cultivated since childhood, my curiosity about photography became a beacon guiding my journey. The closure of my car accident case marked a turning point where I embraced the "F*** IT" mentality. I became a "Bexx of all trades," exploring diverse jobs and spaces, and gathering stories that would one day fill the chapters of my 85-year-old self's autobiography.

— Bexx

Part 1 of 3: Unexpected Turns and Academic Intrigues

In the wake of my decision to part ways with the conventional path of university, I found myself navigating the twists and turns of life. A seemingly unsuccessful return to the workforce turned unexpectedly positive when I stumbled into a workplace where understanding and support were the norm. Yet, the limitations of my brain, an intricate labyrinth of its own, made their presence known. In contemplating my next steps, the idea of delving into academics to understand human behaviour through a master's or doctorate program whispered to me.

Cultural Anthropology, a subject that hadn't graced my schedule in over a decade, became the doorway to a new world. Two 1.5-hour classes a week seemed like a manageable commitment, but a familiar overwhelming feeling crept in as the weeks unfolded. Nevertheless, the subject matter, unravelling the foundations of Western anthropology, its origins, founding members, and evolution into its present form, intrigued me.

Unexpectedly, this academic exploration led me into a realm I hadn't foreseen – that of an artist. Raised in an environment where the term "artist" carried a negative connotation, I discovered a creative streak within myself. Rooted in my parents' desire for straightforwardness as first-generation settlers, this aspect of my experience became a secret shared only with my therapist. The intersection of a deep interest in human behaviour, a passion for storytelling, and an innate curiosity about people's journeys became clear. I yearned to uncover individuals' authenticity, tracing their growth from infancy to unique adulthood.

Stay tuned for tomorrow, part 2 of 3…

The Art of Unfiltered Joy: A Glimpse into Bexx Salvidar's World

The Art of Unfiltered Joy: Celebrating Authenticity, One Photograph at a Time

Welcome, fellow adventurers, to a profound exploration of the art of unfiltered joy! As a passionate photographer, I have always been captivated by the beauty of authentic emotions and the power of a single photograph to immortalize fleeting moments of happiness. Join me on this journey as we delve into the magic behind capturing the genuine essence of life's most cherished memories.

Embracing Authenticity: The Gateway to Unfiltered Joy

In a world that often pressures us to conform and wear masks, embracing authenticity becomes a revolutionary act. The art of unfiltered joy is all about finding the courage to be ourselves, let go of inhibitions, and rejoice in our true selves' unique beauty.

In my pursuit of capturing unfiltered joy, I have discovered that true happiness lies not in pretending to be someone we're not but in celebrating the authentic moments that make us who we are. Through my lens, I aim to peel away the layers, revealing the raw emotions that lie at the core of every extraordinary human being.

The Power of a Photograph: Turning Moments into Timeless Memories

A photograph has the incredible ability to transcend time and preserve a single moment for eternity. When a picture captures unfiltered joy, it has the potential to evoke intense emotions, transporting us back to that precise moment in time. Each photograph becomes a gateway to reliving the magic, the laughter, and the love that fills our lives.

But how do we capture unfiltered joy? How do we ensure that the photographs we take genuinely embody the essence of these special moments? The answer lies in finding the balance between observation and participation and cultivating a genuine connection with our subjects.

The Artistic Approach: Unveiling the Essence of Unfiltered Joy

As photographers, we must embrace our role as storytellers and observers of life. We must have a keen eye for the subtle details that often go unnoticed, the tiny gestures and expressions that carry the weight of authentic emotions. Patience becomes our invaluable companion - waiting for that split second when unfiltered joy unfolds before our eyes.

It is important to remember that unfiltered joy doesn't always come in grand gestures or uproarious laughter. Sometimes, it's the gentle smile that lingers on a mother's face as she cradles her newborn or the tranquil expression of contentment that graces a couple's embrace on their wedding day. Unveiling these profound moments requires empathy, sensitivity, and an unwavering dedication to capturing authenticity.

Celebrating Life: Unleashing the Power of Unfiltered Joy

Let us now take a moment to celebrate the power of unfiltered joy. By sharing these photographs, we immortalize the happiness experienced and inspire others to seek and cherish their unique moments of genuine bliss. In a world that often emphasizes the negative, let us stand together as a beacon of light, reminding others to find joy in the simplest things.

So, the next time you find yourself surrounded by unfiltered joy, whether it's your child's laughter, the warmth of a loved one's embrace, or the breathtaking beauty of nature, take a step back and appreciate the magic of the moment. And perhaps, if the opportunity arises, capture that joy through your camera's lens, forever preserving the essence of authenticity.

Let us celebrate the art of unfiltered joy, one photograph at a time. After all, life's most precious memories are meant to be cherished, and what better way to do so than by capturing unfiltered joy in all its breathtaking glory?

-- Bexx

From Anger to Authenticity: Nurturing Emotional Well-being in the Face of Childhood Wounds

Growing up in an angry household leaves lasting scars. As someone who has experienced the impact firsthand, I understand the challenges of healing emotional wounds and nurturing our own well-being. Today, I find myself in a different place—surrounded by my loving partner, children, and a sense of inner strength. But this journey didn't happen by chance; it required setting boundaries, reinforcing them, and being clear on my expectations.

The Legacy of Anger:

In my childhood home, yelling and name-calling were the norm. It wasn't about patriarchal dominance, but rather the constant tension when my father was in a bad mood. My mother, raised in a strict Catholic boarding school, struggled to find her voice and stand up for herself. These dynamics shaped who I am today, and understanding their impact is crucial for our healing journey.

Finding Balance and Boundaries:

With my baby asleep in my arms, my other child with her face on an iPad, and my partner cooking dinner, I'm reminded of the intentional choices that brought us here. Setting boundaries and reinforcing them became vital. Through therapy, anti-depressants, support from friends, and open communication, we held ourselves together despite the challenges life threw at us. And yes, cannabis played a role too—it helped me navigate the complexities and find a sense of peace.

Uncovering Healing Methods:

For me, healing came through cannabis, meditation, therapy, and art. Honest dialogues with my therapist, confidants, and myself were transformative. I needed free time to sit with my emotions, to understand and listen to the messages they held. It wasn't about finding an ultimate truth, but rather discovering my own truth, my inner voice. The more I listened, the more it spoke, and the more it allowed me to express myself authentically.

Peeling Back the Layers:

Growing up in an angry home made it challenging to hear my inner voice. Instead, I relied on my instincts and emotions. But as I embraced mindfulness, engaged in yoga teacher training, and dedicated countless hours to therapy, I began building a relationship with myself. I learned to move past anger and engage in honest conversations that nurtured my vulnerability.

Becoming a Lighthouse:

My journey toward authenticity wasn't easy, but it has given me the confidence to be a beacon of light for others on their own paths. Through nine years of mindfulness practice, self-reflection, and dedication to my personal growth, I now stand firm as a guide for those seeking their own healing and inner peace.

In the end…

Healing childhood wounds and nurturing emotional well-being is a transformative journey. It requires setting boundaries, seeking therapy, engaging in honest dialogues, and embracing practices like meditation and art. By peeling back the layers and building a relationship with ourselves, we can find authenticity and become beacons of light for others. Remember, your journey is unique, and by listening to your inner voice, you can discover the path that leads to healing and emotional well-being.

Authenticity in a New Cycle: Embracing Growth and Transformation

In the journey of life, we often find ourselves at the threshold of new beginnings—a new cycle filled with opportunities for growth and transformation. As we step into uncharted territories, it becomes crucial to anchor ourselves in authenticity, allowing our true selves to shine through. In this blog post, we will explore the power of authenticity in embracing personal growth and transformation. By delving into topics such as intimacy, pleasure, vulnerability, boundaries, death, birth, and rebirth, we will unravel the interconnectedness of these aspects and discover how they contribute to our authenticity. So, let's embark on this journey of self-discovery with curiosity and openness.

Embracing Authenticity:

Authenticity forms the foundation for a meaningful and fulfilling life. It is the essence of aligning our actions, thoughts, and emotions with our true selves. As individuals seeking growth and transformation, we recognize the importance of embracing our authenticity to create a life that resonates deeply with who we are.

Intimacy and Vulnerability:

Intimacy allows us to form deep connections with others, but it requires vulnerability. By exploring the connections between intimacy and authenticity, we can understand how opening ourselves up to vulnerability allows us to cultivate genuine connections and embrace our true selves.

Pleasure as a Path to Authenticity:

Often, we underestimate the power of pleasure in our lives. By embracing pleasure and understanding its connection to authenticity, we can tap into our innate desires, passions, and joys. Exploring the realms of pleasure helps us connect with our truest selves and live in alignment with our values.

Setting Boundaries for Authenticity:

Boundaries are essential for maintaining our authenticity and well-being. By establishing healthy boundaries, we protect our values, needs, and energy. We will delve into the significance of setting boundaries and how they contribute to our growth and authenticity.

Navigating Life's Transitions: Death, Birth, and Rebirth:

Life is a cycle of constant change and transformation. By embracing the natural cycles of death, birth, and rebirth, we can navigate life's transitions with grace and authenticity. We will reflect on the lessons we learn from these transformative experiences and how they shape us into more authentic versions of ourselves.

Cultivating Self-Compassion:

Authenticity thrives in an environment of self-compassion. We will explore the importance of treating ourselves with kindness and understanding as we navigate the ups and downs of growth and transformation. By practicing self-compassion, we can embrace our vulnerabilities and foster self-growth.

Authenticity in Relationships:

Authenticity plays a vital role in our relationships. We will explore how being true to ourselves allows us to form deep and meaningful connections with others. We will also discuss the balance between intimacy and autonomy within relationships, nurturing both our individuality and our connections with others.

Harnessing the Power of Ritual:

Rituals have been used throughout history as a way to honor and mark significant life transitions. By incorporating rituals into our lives, we create meaningful moments that allow us to connect with our authentic selves and embrace growth and transformation.

In the end…

Embracing authenticity in a new cycle of growth and transformation is a powerful endeavor. By exploring the connections between intimacy, pleasure, vulnerability, boundaries, death, birth, and rebirth, we open ourselves up to deeper levels of understanding and self-discovery. Through curiosity, openness, and self-compassion, we can unlock our true potential and create a life that aligns with our authentic selves. As individuals, let us embrace this journey of growth and transformation with courage and embrace our authenticity every step of the way.

Embracing the Power of Rest: Why Taking Time to Recharge is Essential for Authentic Living

In our fast-paced, productivity-driven society, the value of rest often goes unnoticed. We find ourselves caught in a never-ending cycle of busyness, striving for success and achievements. However, it is in the liberating act of embracing rest that we discover the catalyst for authentic living. Rest is not merely a pause from activity; it is a radical practice that holds the wisdom of transformation, if only we have the courage to listen. In this blog post, we will explore why taking time to recharge is essential for living authentically, as we tap into our free will, speak our truths, and passionately engage with life's cosmic dance.

Rest as a Transforming Force

Rest, often misunderstood as laziness or unproductivity, is actually a powerful agent of change. It is in the act of resting that we allow ourselves to integrate the experiences and learnings of our journey. Just as a seed requires stillness to germinate and grow, we too need moments of respite to process and assimilate our experiences. Rest is not an agitating force; it is the space where we consciously become aware of our thoughts, emotions, and desires.

By embracing rest, we tap into our sovereign power—the power to choose how we spend our time and energy. In a world that constantly demands our attention, rest becomes an act of rebellion, a declaration that our well-being and mental health are essential. When we honor our need for rest, we reclaim our agency and empower ourselves to live in alignment with our values and aspirations.

The Wisdom of Resting and Listening

Rest grants us the gift of listening—to our bodies, our minds, and the whispers of our souls. In the stillness of rest, we attune ourselves to the subtle vibrations of our being, gaining insights that may have eluded us in the busyness of everyday life. By cultivating a practice of rest, we become more conscious of our needs and desires, allowing us to make informed choices that nourish our holistic well-being.

In the act of listening, we uncover the wisdom that lies within us—the wisdom that guides us towards our true path and purpose. Rest becomes a conduit for self-discovery, a sacred space where we connect with the divine spirit that resides within us. As we surrender to the restful embrace, we awaken to the light within, illuminating our authentic selves and the path that beckons us forward.

Rest as the Grounding for Authentic Expression

Rest is not solely about physical rejuvenation; it encompasses the restoration of our mental, emotional, and spiritual faculties. When we prioritize rest, we create the necessary foundation for authentic expression. Our voices are no longer muted or diluted by exhaustion or overwhelm; instead, they resound with clarity and passion.

Through rest, we become empowered to speak our truths unhindered by societal expectations or external pressures. Rest liberates our voices from the shackles of conformity, allowing us to express ourselves with authenticity and vulnerability. It is from this place of rest that our words, actions, and creations carry a deeper resonance—a resonance that echoes the cosmic rhythms and dances in harmony with the wild nature of our souls.

The Sisterhood of Rest and Recharge

Rest is not solely an individual endeavor; it is a collective practice that weaves together the threads of sisterhood and motherhood. As women, we are intimately attuned to the rhythms of rest and replenishment. We understand the transformative power of surrendering to our own needs and nurturing ourselves, for it is from this place of inner nourishment that we can nourish others.

When we honor our need for rest, we create a ripple effect that inspires and empowers those around us to do the same.

We foster a community of conscious women who vibrate at a higher frequency—a frequency that radiates love, compassion, and authenticity. In our shared journey of rest and recharge, we reclaim our womanhood, embracing our roles as custodians of the light within, both for ourselves and for future generations.

To sum it up:

In a world that often glorifies perpetual motion and busyness, we must reclaim the radical practice of rest. Rest is not a luxury; it is a necessity for our holistic well-being and the cultivation of authentic living. As we learn to embrace rest, we tap into the wisdom that lies within, grounding ourselves in our own power, and awakening to the transformative potential that rests within every moment of stillness.

Let us liberate ourselves from the chains of incessant productivity and surrender to the catalytic force of rest. In doing so, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and authenticity. May we find solace in the cosmic dance of rest and rejuvenation, embracing the wild nature of our souls, and nurturing the sisterhood that amplifies the vibration of love and light within us all.

The Power of Rituals and Ceremonies in Personal Transformation

As a doula, I believe in the power of rituals and ceremonies to support personal transformation. Whether you're looking to break free from generational trauma or simply seeking a deeper connection with yourself, incorporating rituals into your daily routine can be transformative.

Rituals can take many forms, from a morning meditation to lighting a candle at the start of your day. Ceremonies can be more elaborate, such as a full moon ceremony or a sweat lodge experience. Whatever form they take, rituals and ceremonies provide an opportunity to connect with yourself and the world around you on a deeper level.

Through my own experiences with rituals and ceremonies, I've found that they can help to release old patterns and beliefs that no longer serve us. They can also help us to connect with our intuition and inner wisdom, allowing us to make more aligned and authentic choices in our lives.

If you're feeling stuck or seeking to transform your life, I encourage you to explore the power of rituals and ceremonies. Start small, with a simple daily practice, and see how it shifts your perspective and enhances your connection to yourself and the world around you.

Much love,

Bexx

Renewal and Growth: Harnessing the Power of the Spring Equinox for Personal Empowerment

The spring equinox holds great spiritual significance for those seeking personal growth, empowerment, and holistic health. It marks a time of renewal, growth, and rebirth, offering an ideal opportunity to strengthen connection to self and community.

The equal length of day and night during the spring equinox symbolizes balance and harmony, reminding us to seek balance within ourselves and our lives. This makes it a perfect time for reflection on areas of imbalance and intention-setting for greater harmony.

The spring equinox also presents an opportunity for planting new seeds, setting goals, developing positive habits, and manifesting positive change in our lives. This aligns with those seeking personal growth and empowerment by focusing their energy on creating the life they desire.

For those seeking community and connection, the spring equinox is a time of celebration and renewal, with many spiritual traditions and communities gathering together to honor nature's cycles and connect with one another. It's an opportunity to share our journeys and support one another on our paths to personal growth and empowerment.

Lastly, the spring equinox is a time of holistic health. It is an ideal opportunity to focus on self-care, nourishing our bodies with healthy food, practicing mindfulness and meditation, and connecting with our inner selves. As we celebrate the renewal of spring, may we take time to reflect, set intentions, connect with one another, and focus on our own self-care and holistic health.

Full Moon - Sept 20, 2021

How you doin’? In my neck of the woods, we survived a summer of a crazy heatwave and crazy forest fires. Happy for the temperature and season change. Keep it comin’ Mother Nature.

I sometimes feel like going by the Gregorian calendar is messing with my flow. Wouldn’t it be nice if I could plan things by the lunar cycle? Like realizing oh — maybe moving would be more ideal for the full moon? Or maybe, planning the big chunks for the full moon, or maybe thinking about being mindful of energy and not overdo it.

So I sat last night, with my sleeping baby stretched out. I laid beside him wondering: what it was this full moon felt like to me. And I had a vision of the full moon lasting as the full moonlight shone for days. I thought about The Harvest Moon and how it falls during the Autumnal Equinox. Then it clicked. The energy of this full moon was the last push for nature to say get it in while you can, everything is flowing at max power, ride it as far as it’ll take you.

We’re days from moving, Whit has done an immensely amazing job at packing up the whole house, lining up help, coordinating all the things. So we ride this wave and hopefully plant our roots down for one last time. I hope that this is the last move we have to make for at least the next 20 years.

Much love,
Erika the Doula

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New to doing moon rituals?

Full moon rituals are so simple and easy to do. Click the button below to find out more.

New Moon — September 5, 2021

I laid in bed on this Sunday reminded that today is the new moon. Now that I've made this commitment to myself to write for the full and new moons, I am connecting more regularly and spending time checking in.

On this new moon, I went back and read and reflected on my last few writings. What's come up, listening to the story, and reflecting on what's pulled through.

"Move like you are unseen". I thought about how I've been feeling recently, we have lots of changes happening in our world. Moving later this month, school starting, on top of life, membership co-op stuff, brain stuff, baby stuff…

This phrase "move like you're unseen" came to me as I pictured being in a forest, in the dark. There's a well-walked path I'm following, and I feel comfortable like I know where I'm going. Yet I've never seen this place before. I feel like this is the next step. Going with the momentum, I've been practicing the skills that my therapist and occupational therapist have been working on for the past year.

I am thinking about the yin energy of the new moon. The past almost 3 years have been a transition space. My life before the car accident was very yang energy inspired by yin energy. And this has been the transition from yang to yin. Wow. I never understood that until this very moment. Ahh, I knew this was going somewhere. Yes. This has been a loooonnnngggggg ass season of transition. Hmm, brain injury, dad's death, pandemic, the birth of our baby. That's a lot eh? That shit takes some time.

So that's this new moon. Ain't no thang, eh?

Going with the momentum. I've set up all the systems, we've created the container in which we can thrive, now I just have to BE.

For some reason, I've found that my thoughts and connections happen during the day when I can have some uninterrupted time to connect with myself. Today it was with a full belly (after breakfast) and a hot bevy.

I would have loved to sit and journal, sit outside, do a circle, pull cards…. But you know, just showing up for yourself with an intention and just do what feels called to you — that works too.

That’s it, that’s all! How did your ritual go? Like and comment below.

Much love,
Erika the Doula

p.s.: if you enjoyed what I’ve shared with you, why not buy me a coffee? Show me a little love?
❤️✌️

Full Moon - Aug 22, 2021

I preface this with feeling rushed or under the gun to “do something”… as in to write something for all of you, somewhere and someplace in the future.

As I sat doing my best mom meditation or efforts of finding stillness tonight, I keep thinking about fullness, peak of energy, and riding the wave. I’m reflecting on noticing what I often think about how hard it is riding the wave and feeling the need to describe in detail what lead up to it, why it’s hard, how I’m feeling, and how I’m pacing.

While today specifically was a challenging day with an afternoon of celebration with friends + little people, I look back and realized that I used so many skills I’ve learned over time. I built the container to find my flow inside. I have the skillz to marry the two. Building containers to find flow inside.

I’ve built the container to do moon rituals. I’ve made the commitment, and regardless of when or how I show up — that is part of my lesson. Yet, what I can say is that I AM showing up. That’s a win.

So that’s what this full moon brought me. Appreciation for the fullness of energy and ripeness of the season.

Much love,
Erika the Doula

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New to doing moon rituals?

Full moon rituals are so simple and easy to do. Click the button below to find out more.

Crescent Moon August 12, 2021

Have you ever had the thought of feeling like something eerie was going on, but you’re curious so you keep going? I feel like this is every shitty scary movie out there. No, I don’t mean about the murders.

Well on this one evening, I decide it’s been a while since Shosh and I have really connected I can just feel that she is needing me… or rather, I feel like I’m really needing her. I said to her — Hey wanna do circle in the bath tonight? Her face totally lights up and says “Can I blow our the candle?”, “of course sweetheart, we can totally do that.”

Honestly — I’ve decided to stop trying and just started doing. What I mean is, to cultivate spirituality — I realize with children, it starts with themselves. Getting them in tune with themselves. The other thing that I’ve learned is to follow their lead. She wants to play, let’s play, and then I’ll make a suggestion: “hey, let’s light the candle now for circle, okay?”, and we’re off to the races. As I’m playing “follow the leader”, something is happening in the back of my mind that I become aware… and I was replaying a dream that I had several weeks ago.

I don’t know quite how to explain it, it was like I could feel the veil thinned and I could see some of my dreams as these large bubbles. It was like some Harry Potter shit where Sirius falls into the veil.

There was this surreal feeling of just being present in the tub, sharing a really sweet moment with my kid. I’m slowly beginning to realize that getting out of my way — how ever hard it is, is also the easiest thing.

My intention from the last new moon was to do me to the fullest. Ultimately, by connecting with nature, being present and honest with where I’m at. Noticing there are more parts to myself and that they need to come forward and be expressed. That I’m at my fullest expression when I’m working with my vibe.

How are you listening and leaning into your new moon intention?

New Moon Rituals DIY

I’ve spent a lot of time wondering and thinking about why I love looking at the moon, and have also spent a lot of time thinking about why I’m drawn to doing a ritual on the new moon.

My answer — it’s a way of grounding in a regular practice without a daily commitment and ties me to being aware of the season changes. This connects me to my passion, desires, and growing wise in life.

Below is a simple and intuitive way of doing your own ritual as a single person or in a group.

Vibes of the new moon:

Supercharged with hope, possibility, momentum

New beginnings

Lowest energy —> naturally to withdraw and go inwards, resting, being more still

Rituals:

• Set a worthwhile intention

• Light a candle — light on the darkest night, ask the universe to shine light on your intention

• Begin something new — a new job, new plant, go on a new adventure, or maybe keep it simple and change your bedsheets.

• Create sacred space — cleanse the energy of the place where you’ll be manifesting and self-reflecting. What makes this space feel cozy to you? What makes this place feel safe to you?

• Make your own ritual — maybe it’s taking 3 deep breaths, brewing a favourite tea, maybe putting on your favourite comfy socks, or lighting a beautiful candle.

How to do a new moon ritual:

1. Take the next few minutes to really centre yourself. Connect with you breath, place a hand on your heart, and hand on your womb space. Take the next few moments to withdraw inward and breath deeply. Notice the beating of your heart, notice any feelings or thoughts that come up.

2. Explore what the next month brings. Now that you’ve connected with yourself — what is that you have a desire to manifest over the next month? What would you like to bring more of into your life? What excites you?

3. Start writing. Now that you’ve started dreaming, wishing, and wondering… write it all down. It doesn’t matter how silly, awkward, big, or outlandish. Just start writing. Write until you’re finished. Don’t hold back. Let go of the fear, judgement, expectations.

4. Now with soft eyes, gaze at the paper and notice anything jumping off the page. Maybe a word, phrase, or sentence, underline anything jumps off the page. The idea is to just skim what you just wrote and notice anything your eyes are drawn to.

5. Now observe what you underlined… notice anything? Is anything speaking to you? Is there a theme? What is your intuition saying to you?

6. Now write down 3 actions that will start you on the journey towards your desire. These steps can be small. There is no winner and no race. Just think about 2 baby steps you can take.

7. Write a new moon affirmation that will support your manifesting desire. Seeing your affirmation often will remind you of manifesting your desire. Post it in multiple places: steering wheel, bathroom mirror, your work station, beside your bed, on a bookmark, in your wallet, make it a screensaver.

That’s it, that’s all! How did your ritual go? Like and comment below.

Much love,
Erika the Doula

p.s.: if you enjoyed what I’ve shared with you, why not buy me a coffee? Show me a little love?
❤️✌️

Full Moon Rituals — DIY

One of my first memories is as a child looking up at the moon and asking “dad, why is the moon following us?”

And here started my life long interest in astronomy.

Grounding myself in a full moon ritual holds multiple benefits:

• Connection to myself — checking in. How am I doing? Am I aligned?

• Connection to the earth — we only have 13 full moons every calendar year, each season has 3 maybe 4. Observing the seasonal changes is a way of following a natural cycle of life.

• Connection to my menstrual cycle — your flow is your flow. There is no right or wrong way to how you connect to your body. I observe by feeling and having an internal conversation with myself around how I’m feeling, caring for myself, what I’ve noticed, and any instincts or downloads coming through.

Vibes of the Full Moon:

Full power, maximum potential, use the ripeness of energy to let go of what isn’t fulfilling your desires, can be a fine line between ripe and overripe with energy, stay grounded and in a practice to harness the energy.

Rituals:

• Set a worthwhile intention

• Light a candle — light on the darkest night, ask the universe to shine light on your intention

• Begin something new — a new job, new plant, go on a new adventure, or maybe keep it simple and change your bedsheets.

• Create sacred space — cleanse the energy of the place where you’ll be manifesting and self-reflecting. What makes this space feel cozy to you? What makes this place feel safe to you?

• Make your own ritual — maybe it’s taking 3 deep breaths, brewing a favourite tea, maybe putting on your favourite comfy socks, or lighting a beautiful candle.

• Moon water — bowl of water charged with moonlight

How to do a full moon ritual:

1. Take the next few minutes to really centre yourself. Connect with you breath, place a hand on your heart, and hand on your womb space. Take the next few moments to withdraw inward and breath deeply. Notice the beating of your heart, notice any feelings or thoughts that come up.

2. Reflect on the intentions/desires/habit changes from the past new moon. Now that you’ve connected with yourself — reflect on what you have made an effort towards? Where have you spent your energy? Is this in alignment with you?

3. Start writing. Write whatever is coming to you: feelings, visualizations, rememberances, and intuitions. Get it all down on paper.

4. Now with soft eyes, gaze at the paper and notice anything jumping off the page. Maybe a word, phrase, or sentence, underline anything jumps off the page. The idea is to just skim what you just wrote and notice anything your eyes are drawn to.

5. Now observe what you underlined… notice anything? Is anything speaking to you? Is there a theme? What is your intuition saying to you?

6. Let’s celebrate! Write down what you DID accomplish. How proud of yourself are you? It doesn’t matter how small of a win you had, it is a WIN.

7. Write down on a separate piece of paper what it is you’re ready to let go of. What is no longer serving you, and when you’re complete, place what you’re ready to let go of in a bowl of water. Let the water wash away anything you’re letting go of.

I would love to hear how you’ve created your own ritual and what it means to you!

Much love,
Erika the Doula

p.s: if you liked what you read here, maybe show me a little love and buy me a coffee below.
❤️✌️

Finding Ease In A Time Of Dis-ease

Where do I begin… I think this is the first time I’m finding ease among all the changes and stimulation going on. I’ve had a love hate relationship with these changing times. Who knows how it’s all gonna roll out, and where this leaves us. So what does this all mean?

Finding flow. Finding some kind of movement, pleasure, joy, breath, presence, gratitude, observance. I had this thought today as I was catching up with a friend that the energy or emotion to one person is perceived as one way, and yet in another person — it may feel totally different. Where’s this important? Or what does this mean? My current thoughts: as my pal Nikki says “Choose your own adventure”. The actual power of choice is all yours.

A previous version of myself would cuss out all the insane frustrations of the incredible life events, either seeking to punish myself or take it out on others. Now that I’ve created more space for digesting thoughts, emotions, food, and whatever else comes up; I’m reminded that all really is okay. State of mind and thoughts while aren’t always a choice, the lens in which we observe these through is our choice.

My process is to let the experience move through me. Observe what it is, how I feel, where it comes from and where it goes.

This is where I am choosing my own adventure.

Namaslay — the slay in me, honours the slay in you.

Erika

How do I pick my Doula?

Babies, families, doulas, doctors, ob’s, nurses, midwives… that’s quite the team of people involved in birth… not to forget herbalists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, naturopaths, physiotherapists, pelvic floor specialists… anyone else? Kitchen sink?

How did you go about picking these people? Where did you find them? Are they working? Do you like them?

Birth team: parents, medical professionals… who else? Doula? Friends? Family?

The reason I bring this up is that parents often times don’t really know, what they don’t know. Which can work for and against you. Ignorance IS bliss, yet knowing and being informed about choices and impact in birth is important. In my humbled opinion, having a doula present at birth is the best of both worlds.

We know what you don’t know, we can see a little further down the road than you because we know how birth works. We don’t necessarily know how YOUR birth is going to turn out, yet we are here to hold space for your birth to unfold as it does. By showing up invested in holding space, we do not hold value in “expectations of birthing outcome”. The best way we can support you is by being present.

So how you find the right doula? First talking with your birthing partner (dad, mum, friend, whoever) and start sharing what you each want out of birth. Get on the same page. Then reach out and see if there’s a doula association near you (there may be many options to choose from, depending on where you live).

If you’re in the Kelowna BC area, you can check out the Kelowna Doula Association to see a current list of doulas, also Doula Match to find a doula in your area.

Doulas that are apart of an association usually have to show a certificate of training/graduation from a doula program. The association works with birth centres/ hospitals/ local medical professionals to keep a positive working relationship, all while keeping your needs, desires, wishes our top priority.

Interview a number of doulas: you might find “the one” on your first shot, chances are you won’t. Get a feel for what you’re looking for in terms of support and be clear. We are workers that often times have families, other jobs, and very passionate about showing up for you. The more clear our communication is, the better we can support you.

Kids, make good choices.

Erika The Doula

Birthing Rad Women

So here we are.

Friday morning, enjoying a bath, and there it struck me. Mulling around in my mind “Rad Women”… this has been something that’s been steeping for a while, in the ether, not ready to come down. She’s ready.

Rad Women is a space where we listen to women share their story of life, memories, situations, and experiences. This is a piece of passion, and my desire to connect with RAD WOMEN.

Haven’t you ever had this moment while you’re talking with someone and you’re just in AWE of their being? Their achievements, how they handled a situation, or came out of a situation?

I was like: DAMNNNN, I need to do something about this. I want to SHARE this with EVERYONE! I want to celebrate and share experiences. I love listening to stories, I am terrible storyteller, and I LOVE sharing… and talking… so this brings me joy.

And boom. In one afternoon, I decided “the time is nigh”.

It will be a candid interview with the storyteller about whatever it is they want to talk about!

So if that sounds like you, or someone you know, click the button below. Let’s connect and chat.