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SHANTÉ
The more I investigate, why as humans we succumb to self sabotaging behaviors, the more I understand why guidance and connection is my cosmic purpose on this earth.
After several years of drug and alcohol abuse - I overdosed and although I said my goodbyes, a higher power brought me back to life. I went sober that day and I remain ever grateful. The following day, I immediately went to the library and did an audio self hypnosis. I’ve abstained from coping with drugs and alcohol for almost 10 years now and have processed the plethora of reasons why I, and so many others, turn to behaviors fueled by limiting beliefs.
During the first year of my sobriety I completely shifted my mindset and lifestyle. I learned so much about nutrition and weight lifting and soon began training people at my local gym in San Diego. Over time I overhauled my lifestyle; started hiking and fishing along with working out, finding solace and connection with my body, nature and silence. I got certified by The American Council of Exercise in 2015 and started my Personal Training career. At first I would train everyday people trying to eat better and lose weight and over time my passion has led me to completing several specialized certifications.
While I was very knowledgeable and fit, there was one caveat, I was overly obsessed with nutrition and weight lifting and this led me into some trouble.
Sound familiar? You are my people!
In 2019 I had just run my 1st ever Half Marathon and I was vegan. I was doing spin classes, walking daily, hiking, trail running, weight lifting and doing all the fitnessy things I possibly could to prove my worth and validate my existence by doing. I slowly began to realize I was not feeling so healthy, my sleep suffered, my libido slowed down, I began gaining weight and I was exhausted all the time.
The more I became aware through self taught techniques, I realized I had a deeper opportunity to heal. I slowly got into yoga as a way of regulating my nervous system which I believed would regulate my hormones and result in me feeling better.
I began to feel whole in this human experience. Reading all the texts I could, relying on community support and genuinely appreciating the value of increasing my consciousness through vulnerability.
Around the same time I started to practice yoga, I started coaching with my very own iPEC Certified Coach. I was in a tailspin of trying to control outcomes and living out of alignment with my values. No surprise but even in Yoga, I overdid it. I was in an all out effort to prove my worth to myself.
I still remember comparing myself to others in class and wanting to win at yoga! I smile for that sweet version of myself who craved love and acceptance so badly. With the support of my iPEC Coach I began to shift my mindset by discovering my values and deepest desires. Overtime I grew into my current focus of wellness, collective consciousness and ease. Finding and always cultivating a deeper acceptance for myself through authentic conversation and expression.
In 2020 I completed my 200Hour Yoga Teacher Training.
In 2021 I completed my 300Hour Yoga Teacher Training.
At the time of my 300H I was 6 months pregnant! Talk about standing in my power!
I gave birth to my first child in 2022 and with all the tools in the world, I had a very difficult time shifting my identity and accepting my body and honoring her for all the hard work and blessings she provided our family with. As so many parent’s do, I felt so alone in my experience and I slowly slumped into a Postpartum depressive episode. This transition into Motherhood has allowed me the space to support others from an authentic place of experience, non-judgement and genuine care.
I began examining my notes from my iPEC Coach and speaking with her often which allowed me to deepen my mind, body and spirit journey once again. Now from the lens of a busy mom, partner, community pillar, student and friend. iPEC’s principles have saved my life time and time again. I have dedicated my life to learning more about myself to better support this world and and our collective need for conscious healing.