Unveiling

I once had a friend describe a woman’s midlife as the process of removing all of the veils we cover ourselves with, hiding our true nature underneath. I believe this is part of the midlife awakening that women go through. Perhaps it is my own spiritual enlightenment, perhaps the raging perimenopausal hormones are settling down and giving me space to breath and think, or maybe it is the awareness that the light hearted days of summer are becoming less frequent, but I suddenly find myself winding down from the hustle of the long, hot days. As my schedule settles, I have become mindful of how many veils I’ve removed over the past 3 years. 

Since taking time away from the blog I completed an intensive 12-week boot camp program through a local micro finance institute that helps support small business start-ups with programming and lending resources (yay for RMMFI). I’ve also transformed my basement into a small, in-home boutique yoga and aromatherapy center. I’ve learned to tile a floor, install a toilet, repair drywall, change ceiling light fixtures and put together wardrobe closets without instructions.

While accomplishing all of these things, I also applied for (and was rejected from) close to 50 job applications. I did land somewhere, where I am valued and appreciated, but making about half of what I was making 2 years ago. It’s been a hard adjustment, and it doesn’t quite pay the bills. Nevertheless, it is a job where I enjoy my coworkers and I don’t think about work when I get home. I’m still learning new things, but I also have the time and capacity to focus on this business. It’s as if I’m right where I’m supposed to be in this moment. 

My summers have become more and more meaningful over the past few years. It began three summers ago, when I took leave to tend to my mental health and after returning, made the decision to step away from the career I built, putting my health first, for the first time in my life.

Last summer was about bravery, adventure and risk. I took a year off, traveled solo, hitched, towed, and unhitched a camper by myself over the course of 8 weeks on the road. This summer’s theme seems to be stepping into the empowered feminine.

As I walk my spiritual path, connecting more with Buddhism and yoga, I have found myself gravitating towards Buddha Tara. Buddha Tara is the divine feminine, she represents wisdom, unconditional love and nurtures and protects all beings. Tara is a guide and protector, in Tibetan she is known as “she who liberates” (click here to learn more about Buddha Tara practice). With Buddha Tara by my side, I am becoming more liberated as I remove my veils one by one.

I am liberated from fear of rejection. I find myself caring less about what people think and caring more about how I choose to show up and embrace my authentic self. I am not taking the rejection from all of the job searching personally or dwelling on what I didn’t get. I’m not wondering what is “wrong” with me, I am choosing to see the rejection as a gift, perhaps having been saved from a harmful and unhealthy situation.

Lately, I have found myself gravitating towards comfortable, earthy, clothing, and materials, dressing solely for myself and my own level of comfort and ease. I have come to realize that my energy and presence are enough to command a room, and building trust and respect has noting to do with my outfit.  A young colleague told me that she waits to see me every day to find out what I’m wearing, and that I always appear to “float”. I dig that, I want to float effortlessly wherever I venture. Another veil removed.

I often thought success was having an accomplished career, and while that is one form of success, I am finding that my personal success comes from redefining my dreams, stepping into the power of feminine intuition, and allowing that to guide me forward rather than continuing on a career path that was detrimental to my well-being. Another veil lifted, as I step away from the perceived external expectations placed upon me by others and embrace my own power to dream and create the kind of life I want to have, a life that ignites joy. 

That joy is not going to come from external entities, that kind of joy comes from within, and from my journey in starting this business.

I have created a warm and loving space for women to gather, practice yoga and reap the benefits of aromatherapy. I treasure the opportunity to share my experiences with others, to be vulnerable with them, to help them find peace of mind and to care for their bodies in a kind and supportive environment. 

I am ready to remove another veil, I am no longer waiting for everything to be “perfect” before I share it with others. It is time to invite you to peruse around our newly updated website, check out our offerings for yoga, aromatherapy and sound bowl healing. Most importantly, I am proud to announce our open house on August 17th!  Join me at the Zen Den for free yoga, prizes, and community. Register here to save your spot! Get a sneak peak at our space via our Instagram! Can I count on you to be there?