As I sit down to reflect on the transformative journey of teaching a workshop on nurturing the soul and unleashing inner radiance, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and awe. This workshop was about creating space for women to share their struggles, share their wisdom, and find their healing. We discussed the importance of self-care, self-love, and self-discovery. We emphasized the need to truly look into the mirror of the soul and learn the art of transformation.
I was amazed at the courage and vulnerability of the participants who were between the ages of 40 and 90. Their willingness to explore the depths of their souls, to embrace their flaws, for them to step into their Divine Call. Together, we created a community of love and support — a space where everyone felt seen, heard, and valued for who they truly were.
There were some common themes that each woman resonated with that have become a barrier in their life and keep them from experiencing true liberation.
The Common Barriers
1. Doubt and Skepticism: A woman grappling with doubts and insecurities that cloud her vision and dim her light. The culture often undervalues women’s voices and experiences, causing a woman to question her worth and place in the world.
2. Negative Emotions and Habits: A woman who has spent a lifetime wrestling with the demons of fear, anger, and self-doubt. Scarred by past traumas and disappointments, she finds herself trapped in cycles of negativity and self-sabotage.
3. Fate Loops: A woman who feels shackled by the weight of her past actions and choices. Haunted by regrets and mistakes, she struggles to break free from the cycles of karma that keep her bound to suffering and limitation.
4. Distorted Beliefs and Conditioning: A woman who has been shaped by the beliefs and expectations of others — from the media, from society, from her own family and friends. Bombarded by messages that tell her she’s not good enough, not thin enough, not successful enough, she struggles to find her voice and reclaim her power.
5. Unawareness: A woman navigating through life with a sense of blindness to her true worth and potential. The culture that valued external validation above all else, she grew up believing that her value lay solely in her outward appearance and achievements.
6. Attachment: A successful career woman who has spent decades climbing the corporate ladder in pursuit of validation and recognition. Yet, despite her external accomplishments, she feels a sense of emptiness and longing deep within her soul.
7. Self-Image: A woman who has built walls around her heart to shield herself from the pain of past wounds and disappointments. Afraid to let others in, she hides behind a facade of strength and independence, denying herself the vulnerability and connection she craves.
Removing the Barriers
1. Increasing Awareness: Foster self-awareness through practices such as mindfulness meditation, journaling, or therapy. Reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to identify patterns that may be holding you back.
2. Letting Go of Attachments: Practice detachment from external outcomes and material possessions. Cultivate gratitude for what you have in the present moment rather than attaching your happiness to future achievements.
3. Ego Dissolution: Explore practices that help dissolve the ego, such as self-inquiry, surrender, and humility. Recognize that the ego’s identity is not your true essence and cultivate a deeper connection to your inner being or higher self.
4. Building Self-Confidence: Work on building self-confidence and self-worth through positive affirmations, self-care practices, and setting and achieving small goals. Surround yourself with supportive and empowering people who uplift and encourage you.
5. Healing Emotional Wounds: Engage in healing modalities such as therapy, energy work, or inner child work to address past traumas and emotional wounds. Practice forgiveness, both for yourself and others, to release resentments and free yourself from the burden of the past.
6. Breaking Karmic Patterns: Break free from karmic patterns by consciously making different choices and responses to situations. Practice mindfulness in decision-making and reflect on the consequences of your actions to create new, positive karmic imprints.
7. Challenging Beliefs and Conditioning: Question and challenge limiting beliefs and societal conditioning that no longer serve you. Explore alternative perspectives, engage in critical thinking, and seek out diverse sources of knowledge and wisdom.
8. Cultivating Love and Compassion: Cultivate love and compassion for yourself and others through practices such as loving-kindness meditation, random acts of kindness, and selfless service. Recognize the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of extending love and compassion to yourself and others.
9. Seeking Support: Reach out for support from trusted friends, family members, or spiritual mentors who can offer guidance, encouragement, and accountability on your journey of self-liberation and love. Join supportive communities or groups where you can share your experiences and learn from others.
10. Embracing Growth Mindset: Embrace a growth mindset that sees challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and self-mastery with curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to learn and evolve.
The Conclusion
The journey is truly a process. The women were reminded that God is guiding them and will never leave or forsake them. The Final Thought was truly understanding the Power of Rest in God’s Presence, to find love and liberty.
“Entering into His Rest is about entering into His presence. It is about knowing who you are, and who you are destined to be. It is about being intentional with your life, learning how to love God, love yourself, and love others. It is about creating a world that lives in harmony and peace. When you nurture your soul by permitting yourself to rest, you will unleash your inner radiance, potentially transforming the world. Let Your Light Shine.”- Dr. Dasha Lundy
