Author: katielv143

The superpowers of Motherhood

by katielv143, posted in Uncategorized

This morning on my walk, I was reminded what a superpower motherhood is.

I first came across Mother Duck wading in the creek. I admired her camouflage and how effortlessly she flowed through the water. I turned my gaze away for a second and heard a stern “quack.” When I looked back, a group of ducklings floated out from seemingly nowhere and started following her.

“Good for you, Mama,” I thought.

I continued on my walk, not thinking much of it, only to turn my gaze again and see Mama Deer nursing her baby. They were a good distance away from me, and I am pretty blind, but I could make out two babies and a mama staring me down.

The babies didn’t move. Mom stood still. They were completely in unison.

I stood there admiring her strength as she watched me from the other end of the trail. Then, when the threat of me wore off, the baby started nursing again. She didn’t move for me. She stood her ground and signaled to her babe, “Eat. I’ve got you.”

Well, now that I had encountered two mamas literally two minutes into my walk, I knew that was the theme for me.

As I walked, I began reflecting on my own superpowers as a mom. I have kids who are learning to navigate the world on their own and need me less and less to QUACK or STARE THEM DOWN.

They learned.

I also wondered how animals transition into adulthood. I remember watching a documentary about foxes, and it said that once the next litter of cubs is born, the babies from the previous litter get the signal and start finding their own territory to claim.

And that’s just how it goes.

The mom doesn’t cling to her baby cub, and somehow he knows he has everything he needs to succeed.

I also thought of all the ways I have grown as a human through my motherhood journey. And that gave me a sense of, “HOLY COW, I’M INCREDIBLE.”

Not in an ego-inflating way, but in a, “Man, I really can do anything” kind of way.

My thoughts throughout the walk were a mix of memories: remembering the “Camp Mom” experiences I created for my kids every summer, and the first power struggle I had with my firstborn as a newborn.

(Spoiler alert: she won.)

I guess I want to share a little more about that.

When my firstborn arrived, I had all the usual mom instincts: I am the adult. I keep you safe. You do what I say because I know things and you are a baby.

So I started following the advice.

“Babies need a regimented schedule.”

“Don’t hold them too much.”

“Let them nap in their own space.”

Well, that drove me to complete burnout because my newborn was like, “NO. HOLD ME! I WILL SLEEP WHEN I SLEEP!”

So, in a way, she QUACKED at me and STARED ME DOWN.

And I listened.

I started doing the complete opposite.

Baby napping ON TOP OF ME.

Gasp!

But do you know what happened within days?

I felt more like myself.

I felt rested.

I had clear thoughts.

And my newborn? She napped and did all the newborn things she was supposed to do.

As I reflect on that now, I realize it was one of the first ways motherhood taught me to do what was right for me and my family, not what was right according to the experts.

This return to myself, while serving the souls who chose me as their human protector, has been one of the biggest parts of my personal journey.

And while I thought I was doing everything for them, motherhood was quietly (or not so quietly at times) shaping me too.

As I was completing my walk, I had a thought:

“What if I served myself the way I serve my family?”

Initially, I felt uncomfortable with that question, but the curiosity was there.

And just then, I heard loud shrieks in the sky above me.

I looked up and saw a tiny bird chasing away a hawk.

This little bird against a massive predator.

And I thought, this MUST BE A Mama bird.

The fearlessness.

The drive.

The determination.

The “I will do anything” attitude.

And that gave me wings.

To follow that nudge to serve myself.

To care for and support myself the way I would my kids.

And to wonder what that might do not only for me, but for my family as well.

The Invisible Threads That Connect Us: How Energy Awareness in Motherhood Can Create Harmony at Home.

by katielv143, posted in Uncategorized

This weekend, I was at the Gather event with The Modern Moms Village. I was there to support Amanda with event coordination, but when one of the presenters couldn’t make it, she asked if I’d be open to sharing something.

What I felt called to speak about was energy, our life force, our prana, and how when we align and care for our own energy, it naturally supports everything around us: our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing… and the relationships within our home.

The Energy Between Us

Energy can seem abstract but it’s really the current that moves through everything – our tone, our breath, our body language. Our kids feel that energy instantly. Teenagers included! They are highly perceptive and emotionally intelligent. We might think we’re hiding our stress or frustration, but they sense it. They speak energy fluently.

So when we take the time to tend to ourselves, to align our own energy, that care ripples outward. It doesn’t just regulate us; it regulates the entire system of our home.

Co-Regulation and the Mother’s Energy

Throughout the weekend, so many experts spoke about co-regulation – how children mirror the mother’s nervous system. When we nurture our own balance, our children feel that safety too.

If a child feels dysregulated or “off,” it’s not always about something to fix in them. Often, the most powerful shift begins within us.

We are not separate. The energy that flows through us is the same life force that flows through our children. Everything circles back to unity – remembering that we are all connected, all part of one cosmos.

Modeling, Not Perfecting

Our children don’t need us to be calm all the time. They need to see what it looks like to return to calm.

It’s okay for them to see you take a breath, step outside, or say “I’m feeling frustrated right now and need a moment.” You’re not burdening them by doing this – you’re teaching them emotional intelligence through example.

When we model awareness rather than perfection, we give our children language and tools to understand their inner world.

Coming Back to Balance

Balance isn’t a fixed state; it’s something that ebbs and flows. Some days, you’ll feel centered. Other days, you’ll feel stretched thin. The goal isn’t to stay steady all the time – it’s to notice when you’ve drifted and gently return.

That’s the heart of regulation – in ourselves and in our families.

Sometimes that “return” might look like:

  • A deep exhale before responding
  • Stepping outside for fresh air
  • Moving or shaking to release tension
  • Placing a hand on your heart and saying “I’m here”

These simple actions remind your body and your energy field that you are safe and from that safety connection grows.

A Gentle Reminder

You don’t have to get it right all the time.

You just have to be aware enough to come back to yourself.

When you tend to your energy, you’re not only caring for yourself – you’re tending to your whole family’s nervous system, too. That is sacred work. That is motherhood as energy work.

This conversation reminded me how deeply connected we all are and how small, mindful shifts within us can bring harmony to our homes. May we continue to return, again and again, to that quiet place of unity within. 

Embracing the Hallway: Navigating the Transition Between Closed and Open Doors

by katielv143, posted in Uncategorized

We’ve all heard the saying, “When one door closes, another opens.” It offers comfort and hope in knowing that change leads us to new opportunities. But what about that space in between—when we’re not quite through the old door and not yet into the new one?

This concept came up in the first women’s circles I hosted, and it resonated with so many of us. It’s a powerful visual to imagine ourselves in a hallway between two doors. This in-between space can be full of feelings of uncertainty and change, and recognizing it can be incredibly nourishing.

When we close one door, it’s often accompanied by a sense of completion and in some situations even a bit of grief. That closed door can represent so much of our comfort, our safety, and our growth. Letting go can be challenging, and it’s natural to feel a bit lost as we leave behind what’s familiar.

As we face the new door that’s just beginning to open, it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and fear. This new path holds so much potential, but stepping into it can feel intimidating. The hallway we find ourselves in during this transition is a space where we experience both the end and the beginning, the duality of life. It’s where emotions can run high, and we might feel confused and vulnerable.

Being in this hallway is a big part of the journey. It’s a space that allows us to fully transition from one phase to another. And maybe we can even see it as a nourishing space. So of course we might feel a lot of the emotions that come up during this time. Embracing this hallway can be comforting because it reminds us that we are exactly where we need to be, even if it feels a bit uncomfortable.

Having support during this transitional time can make a world of difference. Sharing this experience with others who understand and can offer compassion can be incredibly supportive. As we navigate this phase, having someone to hold our hand, whether a friend, mentor, or a supportive community, can help on this journey.

This is one of the reasons I’m so passionate about Women’s circles. They offer a space to connect, share, and support each other through these transitional times. If you find yourself in this hallway, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to feel a range of emotions, and having a community to lean on can be super supportive.

So, if you’re in that hallway right now, I invite you to explore how you can embrace it. It is a vital part of our journey and we will be in another hallway again at some point. And if you need a hand to hold or a space to share, I invite you to seek out a community or join our virtual circles. I know and trust that together, we can navigate these hallways with a bit more ease and step confidently into the new doors that await us.

Remembering: A Soul’s Journey Through the Human Experience

by katielv143, posted in Soul Journey

Have you ever had an experience of learning something new but felt a deep sense of familiarity, as if you already had this knowledge? I believe this combination of recognition and resonance, isn’t just a coincidence—it’s your soul remembering. I see this as our souls embarking on the human journey with specific intentions. Before we enter this world, we choose the experiences, challenges, and joys that would shape our lives. Our souls plant these moments of remembrance along our path to remind us of how expansive we are. These moments of recognition are like whispers from our higher selves, gently reminding us of who we are and what we came here to experience. When we encounter something that seems new yet familiar it feels like a reawakening. Our soul knew this all along, and the human experience is the unfolding of that deep inner knowing. It’s as if we’ve left little clues for ourselves, guiding us back to the essence of who we are.

I find this understanding also in the hardships we face. You might wonder, “Why would I choose this struggle for myself?” But from the soul’s perspective every experience is valuable for growth. Challenges are not just obstacles; they are opportunities for growth, learning, and transformation. Our souls do not fear challenges because they understand the true nature of the human experience. What may feel like suffering in the moment is, in the grander scheme, a step toward a greater understanding, a deeper compassion, and a more profound connection to the divine within us. So, next time when you find something new resonates so deeply that it feels like coming home, trust that this is your soul guiding you. Embrace these moments of recognition, knowing that they are part of the divine plan you set in motion before you arrived here. In every moment of joy and in every challenge, you are exactly where you are meant to be, remembering who you are and why you chose this journey.

Embracing Wholeness: A Journey Inward.

by katielv143, posted in Uncategorized

It takes consistent and conscious effort to stay in touch with the essence of who we are. We can often find ourselves disconnected from our bodies, minds, and souls, moving through days filled with tasks and responsibilities, yet yearning for a deeper connection. My journey with Yoga and Reiki has been deeply rooted in the belief that true healing and fulfillment come from aligning these aspects of our being. This is the heart of my practice, and today, I want to share some insights and wisdom that guide my approach.

The Power of Movement

Movement is not just a physical activity; it’s a way to reconnect with the body and listen to its wisdom. Through yoga, we can explore the dynamic relationship between strength and flexibility, stillness and motion. Each pose becomes a dialogue with the body, revealing where we hold tension, where we need to cultivate more space, and how we can move with greater ease and grace. When I teach, I emphasize mindful movement, encouraging participants to pay attention to their breath, sensations, and emotions as they flow through mindful movement. This awareness transforms movement into a practice of fostering a deeper connection to the self.

The Breath as a Bridge

Breathwork is a powerful tool that bridges the gap between the mind and body. Our breath reflects our state of being, and by consciously working with our breathing patterns, we can influence our mental and emotional states. Bringing the power back to us! There are many breathing techniques like deep yogic breathing, alternate nostril breathing, and others that help calm the nervous system, release stress, and bring clarity to the mind. Incorporating these practices into daily life allows us to cultivate a sense of inner peace and resilience, and serve as a reminder of the power we hold.

The Stillness of Meditation

Meditation is a gateway to the soul, a space where we can quiet the mind and connect with our inner wisdom and the source. Taking time to sit in stillness might seem like another thing to find time for, but it’s a necessity for our well-being. Meditation helps us to practice observing our thoughts without attachment, allowing us to gain insight into our patterns and behaviors. It also opens the door to deeper intuition and creativity, guiding us toward our true purpose. In my teachings, I integrate various meditation techniques, from guided visualizations to Yoga Nidra and Reiki meditation, helping individuals connect deeply to self and cultivate their own meditation practice.

The Expansive Conciousness of Reiki

Reiki, the universal life force energy, is a gentle yet profound modality that works on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. As a Reiki Master, I fascilitate a space and invite Reiki in to help balance and deepen the connection to the body’s energy centers, our chakras. Reiki sessions promote stress reduction and overall well-being but they also really great to expand your spiritual connection. It’s a beautiful complement to other practices like yoga and meditation, providing a holistic approach to well-being. My Reiki sessions offer a safe and nurturing space for individuals to release energetic blockages and restore their natural flow of vitality.

The Wisdom of the Akashic Records

The Akashic Records are often referred to as the “Book of Life,” a vast energetic database containing the soul’s journey across lifetimes. Accessing the Akashic Records can provide profound insights, guidance, and healing. During my sessions, I tap into this source of wisdom to help individuals gain clarity on their life path, uncover past-life influences, and receive spiritual guidance. This practice allows for deep self-awareness and transformation, helping individuals align with their highest potential and soul purpose.

Integrating Ayurvedic Wisdom

Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, offers profound insights into maintaining balance and harmony. By understanding our unique constitution (dosha) and the qualities of different seasons, foods, and activities, we can make choices that support our well-being. I share Ayurvedic principles in my classes for different seasons as a holistic approach to empowering individuals to take charge of their health and embrace a life of vitality and balance.

Illuminated Women: A Sacred Circle

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is creating spaces for women to connect with themselves and each other. Illuminated Women is a sacred circle where women come together to explore their inner landscapes, share their journeys, and support one another in their growth. Monthly gatherings foster a sense of community, encouraging open sharing and mutual support. This circle is a reminder that we are not alone on our paths; we are part of a larger tapestry of wisdom and love.

My journey is always evolving, guided by a deep commitment to helping others find balance, connection, and wholeness. Through movement, breathwork, meditation, Reiki, and insights from the Akashic Records, we can navigate the complexities of life with greater ease and grace. Whether you’re seeking to heal, grow, or simply reconnect with yourself, I invite you to explore these practices and join the community. Together, we can illuminate the path to a more vibrant and fulfilling life.