An Interview with Nisha Moodley

Nisha Moodley is one of my biggest girl crushes. 

She is one of the most beautiful examples of a truly free woman I know, fiercely dedicated to sisterhood, to living life instead of writing or talking about it, and, simultaneously, she always seems to be traveling or doing something just generally epic.

I was introduced to Nisha through Gabrielle Bernstein's herfuture, and have been following her for about a year now. Although I suscribe to many powerful women, her emails + blog posts are without a doubt my favourite reminders on how to live a truly free life. 

For those of you who don't know her, Nisha started off as a holistic health coach, eventually helping women to break the pattern of emotional eating. After years of inward journeying and building extremely successful businesses, she's now a business and lifestyle coach, and is making some serious waves in the world. Watch out for her upcoming bestsellers and speaking tours. This woman is a force.

Please check out www.fiercefabulousfree.com for more on Nisha - and make sure to sign up for her mind blowingly spot on weekly newsletter.

How do you start your mornings?

It depends on the season and it always changes, but lately: I've been having a good long stretch, followed by a short meditation in the teepee (I bought it for my man for Christmas), then a short walk in the neighborhood. Then, kettlebell swings, breakfast and a shower!

What would your advice be to a young woman who is still in her "old life", yet wants to transition to a lifestyle that feels more authentic to her?

Your freedom is in the journey, not the destination. Instead of being frustrated at where you are, notice where you want to go and really, really savor all the little steps. There can be deep pleasure in the moment, if you're open to it.

Also, have amazing girlfriends that you give your full trust to. Share the things you think and feel about yourself that you're ashamed or embarrassed about; you'll find that you're more connected than you think, and these women will serve as your cheerleaders, tear-driers and mirrors throughout your journey. Women thrive in sisterhood.

What was one of your biggest life changing experiences over the last few years?

Divorce. It was the worst thing I've endured in my adult life so far, and it definitely showed me that I'm stronger and more resilient than I gave myself credit for. It also showed me things about myself that I didn't want to acknowledge were there. Shadow and light. I was faced with it all, and thank goodness I had amazing friends to help see me through.

I know you've been to tons of workshops, seminars and trainings. What was the best biz advice you've ever received? The best life advice?

The best business advice AND the best life advice came from my boyfriend. The first time we hung out, he asked me, "If you could do anything and get paid for it, what would you do?". That question sparked my creativity and dedication to living an extraordinary life more than any other question, and I continue to consider what my ultimate desire is in every situation. Choosing to go for what I really want has been game-changing in every area of my life.

What is the secret to a sustainable business?

Having sustainable human beings running it, and a focus on being of service. When we're not sustainable as individuals (healthy body, mind, bank account and relationships), we can easily fall into a what-can-I-get mindset. When we're tending to ourselves as individuals - making sure that we're healthy and sustainable - we can really show up in service of others.

Your current favourite:

-Book? Jitterbug Perfume, by Tom Robbins
-Travel Destination? (Visited or dreaming about) Peru (heading there in April 2013!) ...Can't wait to see the Maldives and Iceland one day.
-Track? This is too hard! Let's say Feather, by Little Dragon
-Food? Again, too hard! I'd say my family's crab curry, made with dungeness crab and coconut flakes. Amaze.

What are your favourite ways to care for yourself?

Eating delicious, healthy food. Dancing. Taking off work for days or weeks at a time (currently on a 1 month trip in Central America). Long talks with girlfriends. Buying myself flowers every week. Pedicures.

Who are your sheroes? (Women role models, girl crushes)

Moms (including mine) who know how to take care of themselves and their families. My clients -- I am totally awe-struck by the stand they're taking in the world, and their dedication to giving and growing. Every single one of my amazing girlfriends.

I have a 'toolbox' that helps me to feel grounded when I get off center - Meditation, Green Juice/Smoothies, Singing, Nature, etc. What's in your toolbox?

Sex. A glass of wine with a girlfriend. A shower. A long walk with some great music in my ears.

What is your future vision for your career? Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

In 5 years, I'll still be sharing my message of the importance of women's freedom, helping women thought leaders unblock the things in their life that keep them from living in full alignment with their vision and mission. The primary mediums for my work will be books, retreats and my mastermind.

I'll also have some mini humans to care for, and we'll trek around the world with them.

The Self-Love Challenge - Celebrate February in a New Way!

Ahhh February... the month of lurve. I've always had a fun and light-hearted approach to this month, because for most of my life I've been single, and had single girlfriends by my side to celebrate with. I think that's so beautiful, but I'm ready to take this whole love business to the next level - I'm ready to celebrate myself all month long. Yes, you heard me. I'm going to be celebrating the love I have for myself all February long, and I want you to join me!

If you're reading this, you're probably already aware that self-love is one of the most powerful goals you could ever have. Rather than being some egocentric ploy to spend more time thinking about yourself, making self-love a priority is one of the biggest ways you can serve the world. A person who loves themselves is kind to others, always thinking about how they can best serve the world, and is in a near constant state of joy, which energetically permeates whatever space they're in.

Self-love is a journey. We don't get there overnight. But by inviting subtle processes to mark our intention to love ourselves, we make the big shifts. (I'm pulling wisdom from Gabrielle Bernstein in here)

Therefore, for the month of February, I will be posting small but profound ways that we can create lasting self-love. I'll be posting 7 ideas, once a week. You don't have to do all of the activities I post, they're simply meant to be inspiration for ways you can bring your own self-love practice into being. You can choose to do one self-loving activity a week, or like I'm suggesting, one self-loving activity a day. Feel free to switch it up and add your own ideas into the mix. After all, it's about you!

W E E K   1   -   T H E   M O N T H    O F   S E L F - L  O V E


Day 1 - Practice Yoga at Home

Most of us only do yoga when we go out to a class, but I've recently discovered how incredible it is to practice in your own home. You can do it for as little as or as long as you want (Today I did about 25 minutes), you can do all of your favourite poses, and you have the awareness that you're not doing it because of anyone else. There is no instructor to keep you going, it's just the love you have for yourself and your body that keeps you on the mat. I like to go through some vinyasas and cat curls, and then see what else my body is feeling. If you're not familiar with yoga poses yet, check out Yoga Journal's free online sets or sign up for a free 15 day trial of YogaGlo for full online classes!

Day 2 - Clear Your Home With Incense

Natural Incense has potent medicinal + spiritual qualities if directed with intention. Go out and get yourself some good quality incense that you love the smell of. Then light it in your office, bedroom or bathroom and say aloud "Thank you Incense for clearing my home, and charging it with loving vibrations. May the spirit of this tradition permeate my home, and cause love to fill every corner of my space". 

Day 3 - Treat Yourself to a Sunset

Everyone knows sunsets are beautiful, but few of us realize the true implications that a sunset can have. The colours, which tend to be orange, red, pink, and purple-ish, relax and give power to our lower chakras. This helps to ground you, allows you to feel more sensual and open, and prepares you for a relaxing night's sleep. Make sure to get outside (no windows!) for sunset, to reap the maximum benefit. If you want to go even further with this, meditate with Doreen Virtue and her 'Sunset Inner Peace Meditation'.

Day 4 - Buy Yourself the Perfect Crystal

Crystals are magical. Anytime I even look at mine I feel a sense of love and mystical connection that helps me to feel grounded and joyful. Today, go to your local crystal / new age store and say this prayer  "Inner guide, please clear my field and help to find the perfect crystal for me. Specifically I am looking for a crystal that helps me to feel more love for myself. Thank you!" - Choose the first one you touch. If you need some more guidance, please read my post on 'How to Choose the Perfect Crystal.'

Day 5 - Start Your Day Off With a Smoothie

Many of us tend to start our days with coffee, which although not bad in and of itself, can have negative effects over time. (Coffee is acidic, stresses the adrenals, dehydrates us, and can cause anxiety) Instead, substitue your usual morning elixer with a superfood smoothie! Depending on what you put in yours, smoothies can be packed with anti-oxidants, fibre, protein, and easy to digest energy that will help to fuel you all day long. To get some ideas for yours, check out Young and Raw's smoothie recipes. (Also, how fun is it to say smoothie? Smoooooothie smewwwwwwwtheeeee)

Day 6 - Have a Colour Therapy Bath

Colour Therapy means to use the vibration of colour to affect your mood or overall disposition. When used frequently (for example, eating green foods because your body tells you to, or wearing purple because it feels right) colour therapy can have a significant effect on your life.

Today, try having a pink colour therapy bath. Simply add a Tbsp or so of beet powder and about a cup of sea salt, and get soaking! Pink corresponds to the heart chakra, and a feeling of overall radiance. Notice how it makes you feel to soak in it :)

Day 7 - Go To Your Favourite Store

It's such a treat for me to go to my favourite crystal + book stores. I go not just to buy, but to soak up the environment of the healing products around me. I can spend hours, literally, going through books, pulling tarot cards, and playing with crystals. I've also met some pretty amazing people this way.

What's your favourite shop? Perhaps a vintage boutique or a cupcake store? Maybe an outdoor adventure spot or a cozy cafe with books for sale? Today, visit it just because! Enjoy your time there and make an experience of it.

Are you ready for your self-loving month? Please comment below if you have any other ideas or questions on how to luuuuuurv yourself completely!

The One Key to Speeding Your Manifestations That No One Is Talking About

You meditate regularily. You're keeping your thoughts positive. You go to yoga, are a devotee of Gabrielle Bernstein, and drink the odd green juice.

You're doing everything "right", but you seem to be blocked in some way. Things aren't happening as fast as you'd like them to. You feel a bit scattered, as if all of your energy isn't in one place.

And that's because it isn't.

There's something that most speakers, authors, and motivational peeps aren't talking about. (With the exception of a few, namely Doreen Virtue and Kris Carr)

Our daily choices dictate whether our energy is aligned or scattered.

This something is key to aligning your energy, so you have more power, more authenticity behind every move. It is the secret to actual real and tangible change on this planet. It is where positive intention meets guided action.

And it all has to do with the daily choices we make. The places we choose to spend our dollars. I'm going to get right to the point:

Most if not all big box, brand name cleaning supplies, body products, clothing, and food products are ravaging the planet, as well as it's people, and animals. 

Many toxins are found in shampoos, all purpose cleaners, etc that cannot be filtered out by our city's water system. They inevitably leach into our waterways - streams, rivers, and oceans, killing ecosystems, and affecting the quality of our air, our food, and our planet.

Companies like Johnson & Johnson, who own Band-Aid and Aveeno, and Procter & Gamble test on animals. They try out cleaning supplies and pesticides in alarming ways (like feeding dogs pesticides), corroding their bodies, and more.

Most clothing made in China (and beyond) comes from sweatshops, where workers are beyond inhumanely treated, forced to work insane hours to make yet another low quality sweater which may be thrown out in months.

From toothpaste to all purpose cleaner, the more natural & plant based, the better.

I could go on and on, but I'll stop here. I'm already feeling a little bit sick. I spent the better part of a year researching the systems which provide us most of the products on the market today, and in a word - they're disgusting. They're not only toxic for the planet, but for our bodies and minds as well. They're making us sick.

On a manifestation level, when we say one thing and do differently, it's out of alignment with our truths. 

When we feel love for the ocean, for animals, and for fair trade practices, yet we consistently put our money towards systems that are killing them, we aren't walking our talk. And as such, we don't take advantage of what happens when our actions reflect our beliefs - groundedness, authenticity, honesty. The very vibrations that help us to manifest quickly, and live joyously.

Please keep in mind, this is not about guilt. Previously, when you've purchased brands like Herbal Essences, Tide, and American Eagle, you didn't know what systems were behind them. You didn't know the backstory to each of those products.

This isn't about perfection either. It's about progress. One step at a time we can live more authentically. And while most of us aren't able to 100% get off these systems just yet (I'm still reliant on the oil & gas industry myself) it's important that we take the first step. That is the most important one.

So now you know the real story, it's time to empower yourself by changing these actions. Making over your entire product list may seem daunting, so start small. Change out one shiesty product for one ethical one every week, and watch your life change.

I promise. Your life will change.  

Here's what I'd recommend:

Cleaning Supplies
Substitute with a brand like Seventh Generation, or make your own.

Body Products
Check out Sea Wench Naturals, Aubrey Organics, Jason, or support a local business.

Clothes
Try Ethical Ocean, Riva's Eco Store, or shop at trendy thrift stores!

Food 
Shop Organic & Local whenever possible and always avoid GMOs (think non-organic corn, soy, and canola to start with)

What A Night of Puking Taught Me

Stretched out over the toilet after my most recent stomach hurl, I had to remind myself "This is the worst it feels, it gets better right after you puke."

It was my 6th, or 7th vomit of the night, and I was tired, wondering, "What the heaven is going on?" It had been over 7 years since I last puked from anything other than a night of drinking (University...)

Fast forward 12 hours, and I've had lots of time to contemplate, as I laid in my bed. In hopes of getting clarity on what was going on, I texted my mom first thing this morning, and she asked me "What makes you feel so vile you need to puke?" and I knew instantly - environmental pollution. Consistent chemicals, fear, and anger being sent towards the Earth. It had been building up for a few days, and apparently my body couldn't take it anymore. It needed to release.

And that's when I realized. This isn't working. My outlook isn't working. I can't continue to see smog, ignorance, greed, and poison affecting our planet, or I'll end up with many more days of illness and anger.

Perspective is everything. Sometimes I find it so easy to look at the world with love and light, and other times, like today, all I see is fear and it makes me feel constricted, like I don't know what to do and have nowhere to go.

Can you relate? Maybe your crutch isn't the environment, but poverty, abuse, or greed. Maybe you didn't puke because of it, but you feel sad inside, empty, as if you can't escape the so called "realities" of this world.

But there is a better way. A change of perspective is everything, and though it's hard, it's the only thing that will save us, it's the only thing that will save this beautiful planet. We must be committed to seeing the world with light, even in the midst of such darkness. We must find the beauty in the moment.  We must change what we see before what we see changes.

I'm choosing to do this today through commitment to a better way, affirmations, and prayer. I know that when I make a step, the Universe responds to me tenfold. What is your plan of action? How will you overcome darkness and climb to higher thoughts? Meditation, a phone call with a close friend, a funny movie? Whatever it may be, do it with love, and do it now. The world needs your light, and so do I.

We're in this together, friends.

xo Beth

Ps. Please read this wonderful blog by Gabby Bernstein if you related to this blog.

It's Natural (and OK!) To Get Angry

Does this ever happen to you? You're on a roll, choosing positive thoughts, taking time for yourself, and all of a sudden your ego revs up. Fearful, worrying thoughts come up, and you start to feel irritated often.

Don't worry, you're not crazy. In this vlog, I share a personal story of how I go through the same thing, and tips on how to deal with it.