CALIFORNIA... HERE I COME!
Hello Loves,
How are Y'all doing?
I must confess, the past month has been a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainty for me. Can any of you relate? It felt like I was in this strange space of waiting, like something important was about to happen, but the timing hadn't quite aligned yet.
During this period of introspection, I realized that the timing I was seeking to move forward was intricately linked to an old story I had been carrying within me. It was the tale of "preferring to be right rather than examining myself." I realized that I had been so determined to be right that I hesitated to ask for help, even when I knew deep down it would benefit me. This awareness dawned on me years ago while I was working with my dear friend and mentor, Troy Bunnell.
Let me tell you a little bit about Troy. I first met him in 2011 when I decided to attend his wife's massage school. Troy was also offering a series of mastery classes based on the book "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. I enrolled in these classes, and they transformed my life in ways I could never have imagined. Troy used the tools from the companion book to "The Four Agreements," which provided exercises and questions for us to explore together as a group. We delved deep into our souls, sharing our experiences and insights. This journey continued for three years, and we even embarked on transformative week-long power journeys in Mexico as a collective.
It was during the final class, in the third year, that I had a profound "Aha!" moment regarding this story I had been carrying. It was incredibly liberating to become aware of this belief and recognize that I could now start telling a new story and taking different actions.
As humans, we are shaped by the stories of our parents, our lived experiences, and the communities we grow up in. I distinctly remember hearing phrases like "You should know better" or "You're smarter than that" throughout my childhood. Despite being a bright child, I never truly allowed myself to be carefree and enjoy my youth. By the time I was eight, I was walking to school with a key around my neck, and at ten, I was responsible for taking care of my five-year-old sister. My parents weren't bad parents, and from the outside, it seemed like I had a relatively easy upbringing. However, as I delved into energy work and healing in my early thirties, I began to realize the immense pressure I had placed on myself to be the "smartest" or strive for perfection. I now understand that this pressure drove me to leave home at the tender age of seventeen. Please don't misunderstand me; I wouldn't change a single thing about my journey. And looking back, I can see how being on my own at such a young age, coupled with my indulgence in drugs and alcohol, created opportunities for more trauma because I thought I "knew better" or that I had all the answers.
It's fascinating how we can be aware of something within us, believe we've overcome it, and then suddenly find ourselves experiencing the same patterns or behaviors years later, wondering why they're still present. As I continue to consciously be aware of myself every day, I realize that there are aspects I want to change but feel like I struggle to shift my behavior or belief. However, as I persistently observe myself and change the narrative in my mind, change begins to happen without me even noticing. This recent awareness I had about the old belief reminded me of this process of changing my thoughts and practicing new ones. It showed me that, while the behavior may resurface in the future, it won't affect me as intensely as I move forward. The timing was aligned for me to see and embrace myself in a new and different way, and I was conscious enough to step through that door, much like when I had the vision to share sound healing in prisons sixteen years ago. Little did I know it would take twelve years for the first session to come to fruition.
I recently had another experience of "aligned timing" when I visited California in August. Through a mutual friend, I was introduced to someone who works at the transit authority in Santa Clara. As we spoke about sound healing, I discovered that he is the program director for wellness initiatives at the agency. What's more, he happens to work with my friend who attended Troy's classes with me all those years ago. In 2012, I had asked her to share my information with her coworker to explore the possibility of offering sound healing sessions with their staff. I never received a response, and I assumed it wasn't meant to be. But lo and behold, the person I met in August was the exact coworker she had given my information to all those years ago. It took eleven years, but I am thrilled to share that I will finally be facilitating a virtual sound healing session with VTA this week! Isn't it amazing how things come full circle when we allow aligned timing?
Reflecting on these experiences, I've come to realize that timing is a dance between our inner readiness and the external circumstances aligning. Sometimes we may feel ready, but the external factors aren't quite there yet. Other times, the external circumstances may be perfect, but we're not quite ready to step into the opportunity. It's about finding that delicate balance and trusting that everything is always working out for us.
So, my Loves, I invite you to reflect on your own experiences with timing. Have there been moments when you felt like everything aligned perfectly? Or perhaps times when you had to simply allow the right moment to come? How do you navigate the dance between your inner readiness and the external circumstances? And most importantly, how do you embrace the process of self-examination and rewriting your own stories?
As for me, I'll continue to explore the depths of my being, shedding light on the stories that no longer serve me and embracing the ones that empower and uplift. I'll keep dancing with the rhythm of timing, trusting that each step, whether forward or backward, is leading me exactly where I envision myself BEing ❤️
And speaking of perfect timing... I'm soooooo excited to see EveryOne in California next month! I will be facilitating two public sessions, if you're able to join Us... You can find info at the link below. In addition, I'll be working privately with Santa Clara University, FHLBSF Bank, Go Kids, and Heathwise 2.0.
Public Session Information
I'll be in town from November 2-10th and have openings for Team Building Workshops and Private In-Home sessions. We are able to set intentions and customize the workshops for your team and their vision. Please connect with me to schedule your session or workshop today 408-398-8956!
And if you're interested in a really lovely read... Check out the article link to Canvas Rebel. I was honored to have been selected as a feature. I appreciate the exposure and support to be able to share about my mission and practice.
Canvas Rebel Magazine
As always... If you are able to support the work I'm doing in the prisons and with at-risk youth... Please check out my non-profit THE ADARA COLLECTIVE and make your tax deductible donation today! You can also check out our GOFUNDME where we have set a goal to raise $10K by the end of the year ❤️
Here's how we support these Communities:
We share rehabilitative practices like sound healing, meditation, emotional regulation, breathing techniques, movement, and more, empowering individuals to express their truth without reacting impulsively.
We provide essential resources for successful reintegration, such as mentorship and education on healthy relationships.
We create safe space and opportunities for growth and transformation, enabling individuals to forge new lives with improved communication skills and conflict resolution techniques.
We actively work to reduce recidivism rates by addressing the root causes of involvement in the system, offering resources and support to promote well-being and success.
❤️ PLEASE HELP US GROW ❤️
A donation of $50 covers the cost of gas for the 600+ miles I drive monthly to offer classes.
A donation of $75 provides a month's worth of supplies and writing materials for our participants.
A donation of $100 covers the cost of paper and ink to print class lessons for 150-200 individuals each month.
A donation of $150 supports a month of satellite service, allowing us to offer virtual classes to officers and formerly incarcerated individuals.
A donation of $250 helps compensate our dedicated facilitators for the transformative classes they share with participants.
A donation of $1000 helps us expand our reach, offering even more life-changing classes in additional facilities.
If you're unable to contribute financially, please support The Adara Collective by spreading our message within your community. ❤️
With love, gratitude, and appreciation, I thank you for your unwavering support.
I Love You,
Jess
Founder | Sound Healing Practitioner