I’ve recently begun teaching a self-awareness class at a non-profit here in Portland called Project Bloom. The program focuses on providing a safe and supportive environment for newly homeless women and children so they are able to get back on their feet. They are given up to a year of housing and guidance in all aspects of life. My role is to be a source for practice in self-awareness and success, bringing together meditation, yoga, conversation and nudges of guidance from my own knowledge. I’m feeling super excited and inspired!

This class is “Each Universe” in practice. I saw an opportunity to take the basic principles of my website – do what you love, love how you feel – and share with people in a practical setting. The idea is to provide space and time for these women to understand what it is to feel good. They learn about process, and become aware of their unique spirit, so it is possible to transcend past experiences and create a grounded, healthy and sustainable present from which to live well — something we all want and need.

This opportunity has brought up a lot for me. Most of all, I am empowered by the idea of being able to be a vessel and role-model for positive self-awareness. When the idea for the class came to me, my body lit up, literally, I felt my eyes widen and my chest open and I felt lighter, and nervous, and frisky! It was awesome. Ideas were flowing and I could see the excitement in Laura’s face too (she’s the Founder and Director of Project Bloom). This work is totally in alignment with who I really am. I’m coming to this project with a strong intuition and personal experience with growth and development, and when I am able to perceive how powerful that is, I feel confident and excited.

Along with excitement and confidence, I’ve also had a few fears. I’ve noticed myself holding my breath and cringing a couple times while describing what the class entails to friends and family — maybe people won’t think I’m good enough, capable enough, or most of all, qualified enough — an imposter. Can you relate? At this point, these fears haven’t been a huge stumbling block, but something to be acknowledged nonetheless.

Feelings of inadequacy are common because starting something new can feel overwhelming and scary, but if we never start anything new, then we never start anything –

This brings me to the part where I learn to quickly dissolve these feelings when they come up and move forward gracefully –

Things To Remember:

I practice what I teach.

I listen to the way I talk to people about my work and myself. I have fun re-wording my part of the conversation until it not only sounds better but also feels better when I say it. That way, I am vibrationally in-line with the clarity and confidence I actually feel.

I know that my fear comes from being vulnerable. If I don’t think about it, but instead, just do it, being vulnerable feels great and natural.

Being vulnerable is where authentic connection stems, and authentic connection with others and myself is what I want.  

There is no need to fear the thoughts others might have about me, because those thoughts are always their own projection – which is really none of my business. (Thank you Abraham!)

Knowing others’ negative opinions are their fears projected helps me to be more compassionate – something I am grateful for.

Kat