Awakening the Divine Feminine

Hello everyone and welcome back to the V Spot. I am so, so excited for today's special guest for so many different reasons, and I'll share many of them with you in this particular episode. Maya Louisa is a dancer, an instructor, a model, a waist bead artist, and the founder of Kole Jewel. Welcome to the V Spot, Maya. I've been waiting for you. I've been waiting for you.

I'm so happy to be here.

Yeah, I'm so, I'm so excited. And I was thinking about, as I was preparing for this particular segment, I was thinking about how full circle it is. And, um, if I get emotional, I'm just gonna allow myself to get emotional.

Yes.

Um, in the name of vulnerability. But I, I really wanna spotlight because I don't know how many of the listeners know this, but this podcast and the work that I do with intentional healing and wellness is really here because of you. You are the primary person that I hold to be a stakeholder in this work. And, um, as I was reflecting and thinking about the journey and thinking about my gratitude for you, I can't even put into words in this moment how grateful I am that you saw something in me that I didn't even see in myself. And so I want to first begin by saying thank you. You know, I love you. And all of the clients and all of the countries that tune into the V Spot, you know, give it up for Maya because this is all happening because of, of, of her, really. So Maya, thank you.

Thank you.

Yeah, thank you. And you know, I thought about this because I was like, hmm, in the name of vulnerability, You know, share with the people, if you don't mind, what you remember about where I was when you first recommended personal development work to me, because that's really what was the line in the sand for the journey that I am now on. So anything stand out? Maybe leave some names to protect the, you know, folks who aren't here. But what do you remember about where I was at that time?

Well, when I met you, You were very honest, you know, about who you are, where you are, what you liked, what you were looking for. Like, you were very vocal. And, um, I was your dance instructor, and I just remember, um, you know, we developed a friendship. And I just remember that you were on your journey and you were so committed to, um, showing up for yourself, for, you know, healing, for diving deep into your body, deep into, you know, just releasing a lot. And, um, you were on your journey and we developed a friendship and you shared with me all that you did. And I had done my, my self-development work, and I just shared it with you because we were friends, and I just put it out there like, this worked for me, this worked for me, what do you think? You know, do you think this is something that you would like? And I just, just shared with you like what it did for me. But you, my dear, you, my dear, are so inspirational for me because you took that and you ran with it, and you have developed this whole beautiful, beautiful, beautiful platform for others to heal. And it's so deeply inspiring because you could, you could share with people, you know, your own medicine, but it's up to that person to take the medicine. And the thing that I love about you is that not only did you take it, not only did you apply it to your life, but now you're sharing it with other people. And that's just so— it's so inspiring.

Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, you know, I think about that often. And I think about, you know, one of the things that I'm most proud of in terms of the work that I do is the willingness to really sit alongside folks and lead with, you know, the vulnerability, which I— everybody was so resistant to for a long time. But really lead with the vulnerability to allow and to inspire folks to, you know, be willing to let it all out. You know, what, what is needed? Who do I have to be so others can be free? And so that's been the journey. And it's been so rewarding and powerful and absolutely life-changing, you know, on so many levels. But I remember specifically the day in which you recommended personal development work to me. And I remember I was crying, I was sharing like what I was going through, having a hard time, you know, making some changes in my life and saying like, I just can't, I can't take this. And I remember you were listening, didn't say anything the whole time through, and at the end made the recommendation. And I remember thinking like, damn, if me going through sharing all of this leads like leads to this recommendation, let me go home and sign up and take her up on it, you know. So it's, it's a testament to who you are that you create space for women to feel. Safe and seen and supported. And even when we don't have access to all of the things, you have this phenomenal way of lending us belief. And I know I speak for many when I say that. So again, I want to say thank you, and I will always circle back to that day in New York Sports Club, you know, where you offered out possibility, you know, to me. So grateful. And, um, everybody who's tuning in, lend your gratitude as well. So let's start there. Um, so, you know, when I was writing the introduction for you and thinking about, wow, she's so many things, like, how do I land it crisp and clean for the purpose of this podcast episode? Of course, one role that I didn't spotlight in the intro was mother. And that, I know, is your latest title. And, um, you know, you became a mom at the height of the pandemic here in New York. And, you know, talk to us a little bit about what you've learned about yourself as a result of stepping into your latest role as mom.

Wow. What I learned about myself— well, I now have 2 babies. One is 2 and a half, and one is only 3 months. So I learned, hmm, so much.

Yeah, yeah, lots of changes, lots of things.

I learned to pray harder because, you, you know, you give birth and you love these little people so, so much, and then you know the world, and the world is like big and it is what it is. It has its good and has its bad. So I learned to become a prayer warrior, and that really— warrior, not warrior, warrior— and it really helps to calm me and to settle me and to ground me in this journey of motherhood because it's terrifying. And so it helps me to trust that everything's gonna be okay and, um, It gives me strength. And I pray— I mean, I always prayed my whole life, but I pray more and different as a mom, like so much more intentional, with so much more vigor.

Yeah.

And so I learned like that part of me that's just completely selfless, that is completely, um, just expanded. Expanded and vulnerable too, and vulnerable in a different way. I could always like share my feelings. I didn't have a problem with that, but you know, sharing my baby with the world, talk about vulnerability.

That's, that's the epitome, right? That's the epitome of it.

Yeah. Cause you, you know, you give birth and they're, they're, they're yours. They're in your body. They come from you. But then you give birth and they're in the world and they're part— they have their own journey. They have their own destiny. And my role changes to a guide for their destiny, just giving them the nourishment, trusting my instincts, trusting my maternal instincts of what they need, and taking care of myself in that process. Because you become obsessed with them. Are you hot? Are you cold? Are you tired? Are you hungry? You know, let's change your outfit. And then it's like, well, I have to take care of myself. So learning how to take care of myself and also take care of two very small little beings. So—

Yeah, that's the juggling act, right? It seems like the juggling act between mastering caring for them, you know, and caring for you in the interim. I love that. And I absolutely see a new level of vulnerability, you know, and experience. I don't wanna just say see, I experience a new level of vulnerability in you, you know, as a result of having your two sons. And it comes through in different ways, you know, but I'm always amazed and excited when I get glimpses of, because I'm like, wow, you know, to me it's how I'm able to say, well, look how motherhood has impacted Maya in this way and in that way. And as someone who has, you know, been honored to be able to call you a friend for many, many years now, it's these subtle, you know, nuances that sort of pop up. And I'm like, ah, look at that, you know, or the emotion or the sharing and whatever. It looks a lot of different ways. But yeah, it's absolutely been evident. You know, which is exciting. And then to be able to experience you and your sons, you know, and what they bring, you know, to the world and the little men that they are. And just, so it's so very exciting. But yeah, I mean, I love what you say about guide for their, you know, their destiny, their journey, and how that's finessing that new role, you know? In a world that is certainly complex.

Girl.

So surely you have your work cut out, and everybody who's tuning in, if you could identify with that. Yeah, so many layers, right? And it lends me to think about, Maya, something that you promote with your work and, you know, something that I have always been inspired by, which is the divine feminine energy. I don't think that until I met you, I don't think I've ever met another woman who exuded, exudes, however, both the feminine grace and flow the way you do. And I remember walking into the dance studio and experiencing it instantly. And it's so infectious and inspiring, you know, and motivating because as a woman who generally operates in the masculine energy, I'm like, wow, you know, it's a— how is that energy like accessible, you know? So I was curious to, um, ask you that for— I've been having conversations with lots of women who feel that they're leading with the masculine. And, uh, what would you say, you know, to all of us as a means of strategy for shifting and flowing in a whole new way through the world?

So a lot of times our masculine energy will come through on automatic to protect us because sometimes we don't feel safe in the world.

That part.

And so it goes on automatic because we have had experiences where we haven't been in a safe place and our masculine has had to show up to protect us. And so sometimes we're experiencing life and we go into automatic with our masculine because our body senses that it's not safe, even in spaces where it is safe, because that has been our experience. And so the masculine energy is on automatic. And so the first thing to do is bring awareness to, hey, I'm completely in my head right now. I'm, I'm tense. I feel anxiety. I feel the need to control. And so just to bring awareness without judgment, because there is a part without judgment, without judgment, because you have to love that part of you that has protected you and be thankful for that masculine energy. Thank you for protecting me. Thank you for showing up and allowing me to live and feel protected. And then that awareness without judgment, like, hey, and gratitude. Thank you, masculine energy. You know, you make me feel safe and feel powerful. But right now, in this moment—

in this moment, in this moment—

You know, and so then we do things like to bring us back into our feminine energy so that we can create that sense of safety without having to go into overdrive with the masculine and integrate our masculine and our feminine energy together in a healthy way. So if you're all the way super, super masculine, there's certain things that you could do to cultivate the feminine energy so you have more access to it right away. Things like breathwork, things like yoga, swimming, dancing, all— especially the swimming, because you're in water, you're going with the flow, you're using literally like every ounce, every cell in your body to move. And you must be fully in your body because you have to swim and flow and, you know, be in this water and tap into the water element. But I will say for anyone that you're completely in your masculine, like let's say you're with, you know, on a date and you know, like I'm totally overthinking everything that I'm saying. Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, oh my God. The first thing you should do is literally take a deep breath. Like just rest inside of the moment, because feminine energy is the present moment. Masculine energy is your forward thinking. I'm thinking, I'm thinking, I'm thinking. Feminine energy is present. So that deep breath will bring you— okay, let me just ground myself into the moment. So we always have access to our feminine energy, and you can use your masculine energy to plan events and moments for your feminine energy to rise.

Oh, I love that. That's good. And is that— would you consider that integration by way?

Yes, I was. Yes, because you're using your masculine energy. Like, I'm literally gonna plan my whole week, and I'm gonna do yoga on Tuesday, and I'm gonna do belly dance on Wednesday, and I'm gonna do some breath work on Friday, and I'm gonna get a facial on Sunday. So you're planning all these moments for your feminine energy to be cultivated.

Hmm, I love that. That's so good. That's really, really great. Because yeah, so go— I'm gonna move in reverse order. So one of the things that you said that I just want to go back to, because I think this is a gem, and I think I really want to spotlight this for folks who are listening, um, this idea of awareness without judgment? Because I, I do believe, and I'm going to speak for myself in this moment, the awareness piece I've mastered and I'm able to really be present to my thoughts. The awareness minus the judgment, now that is an entire work in progress. And so what can you say about, um, you know, any tips or ways to start to cultivate that minus the judgment?

Just to, to cultivate the awareness, the minus the judgment, minus the judgment. Well, again, to acknowledge that your masculine energy in, in the past has served you. Your masculine energy, you needed to survive. And so I think that there's a lot of talk about divine feminine energy, and a lot of people will say, just let go, just be vulnerable, just surrender. But for someone who has trauma, or someone who has past experiences that they're still triggered by, that haven't healed, those unhealed wounds, asking someone to just surrender, it brings— it lends more, um, of a disservice. Because if you have those unhealed wounds, then it's very hard to access your feminine energy. And then that adds more shame, like, why can't I get in my feminine? I see all these other, you know— and then you— and then the last thing that you need on your healing journey is more shame. The last thing you need on your healing journey is to feel like 'Why can't I get to my feminine energy? Why is this so hard for me?' And that's the last thing we need. So just know that your masculine energy has served you and have gratitude for it. And then the work is healing the wounds. 'Why is my masculine showing up in this way?' And we have talked about the anxiety from dating and your attachments and all of that, those unhealed wounds literally live in our body. So sometimes you can— you, when you feel in your masculine energy, it's because it's living in your body. And so the— another medicinal practice is somatic healing, is healing in the body. That's like the second component, I think, to therapy. I think first We need to therapy so that we— our minds can be clear on like what has happened and how to unpack it in a professional way with a professional. But the second component is the somatic healing, is the healing in the body, because those experiences still live in our body and we can still— those, those wounds can still be triggered until it's moved out of the body. And doing that body work and also doing like, like exercise and all of that stuff is not just good because, you know, it's healthy for your blood pressure and your confidence. But what exercise does is it helps you to regulate your nervous system. So a lot of us have a dysregulated nervous system, and we're attracting partners who If you have a dysregulated nervous system, you're going to attract a partner that has a dysregulated nervous system, the opposite of yours. So your partner is literally your reflection.

I know nothing about— I know nothing about a dysregulated nervous system. I feel like that's, you know, for many of us, that's the standard operating, you know, come from, if you will. And so the process of tending to that is key. Yeah, I'm loving that you're spotlighting that. That's huge. Oh, and that's the work.

That's the work. And this is great. It's fun.

Absolutely. And I want to circle back to two things that you said. So, um, when you shared this piece about when, uh, advice or input or feedback suggestion is made by way of, "Just do this thing," right? I was thinking about and honing in when you were speaking on it about how much judgment "just" possesses, just in a simple— in a word, you know, because I think it really simplifies for many of us what's a very complex situation and healing process. And when speaking to whoever and the suggestion is, I hear this a lot because I'm a worrier and I get anxious, you know, just don't think about it. It's like, if it was as simple as that, you know, it's— so I, I want to just shine the light on that particular word by way of offering to folks, you know, how to make changes, how to navigate life differently. Because in an attempt to be aware and not have judgment, using just as a suggestion is really, you know, contradictory to that process. And so I just want to spotlight that for folks who are listening, um, even for self-talk, you know, just do this, just do that. And it's very much like, yeah, but that's a very simplified, um, direction for complexity. And we're also complex based on our unique set of experiences. So, um, I love that. And it's going to bring in a new level of awareness, um, minus the judgment by way of using that word all in itself. So that, that's powerful. And, um, the next thing that I thought about that you were sharing is— and I agree so much— and it's, I would say where I am, and we talked about this recently, like a yearning for dance and community and being together in this way. And so when you spotlight the level of healing that's like somatic, that allows for us to drop into the body, um, I would say, you know, I'm about to be 44 soon, chapter 44, that is what I want my, you know, intention and focus to be. So what can you share out to folks who are listening about, um, —based on who you are in the world, your experience, what would you say is available as options to embrace such work? I think that's key.

So the key— this is the key: you have to enjoy it. So the, the key to the transformation is to be consistent. Like, you can say in theory, I need to do a triathlon because I gotta get this body together, so I'm gonna I'm gonna swim and then I'm gonna run 10 miles and I'm gonna like— yeah, come on. Because then you're— because you might do it one day because you're really excited, but the, the key to the transformation is the consistency. What are you going to do consistently? You're gonna do— consistency is gonna be the key. But the key to that is to do something that you like, do something that brings you joy. And that's different for every person. You have to finds it and then do it. Like, people used to love coming to my class because they had fun. You were burning calories and stuff, and people— but the key was we had fun. We had a blast. I love the music. I love the vibe. I love seeing my girls. I love the smoothies after class. Like, that whole experience. And so we were able to be consistent because We were bringing joy. We looked forward to it. And it's going to be different for every person. My class was like, um, you know, very feminine, very like, you know, being sexy and stuff. And some people, that didn't work for them. Some people like the boot camp approach where you have the drill person that's like yelling at you. Some people need that and they like it, and that's okay. Find what works for you. Find what brings you joy. Maybe it's twerking to some Cardi B in the morning, you know what I'm saying? Like, you gotta figure out what works for me. What do I like? Am I— do I like pole dancing? You know, like, whatever it is, find it and then do it and embrace the joy and embrace the journey that it might be little by little by little. And that's something I had to learn for me I'm 3 months postpartum, weighing the most I've ever weighed in my life. And when I was going back to work out, not because I'm trying to fit into a cookie-cutter standard of what my body should be, but because working out makes me happy. I love it. Yeah, it's really good for my mental health. It takes away my stress. I'm just a better person.

Yeah, everybody benefits by way of— right, everybody.

Like, Mommy needs to work out because this house is going to be much more joyful. Yeah. But I started doing like these hardcore core exercises for my body because I was like, well, I'm strong. I've always been working out, so I'm just going to dive right in. And then I was like, why? This doesn't feel good. So I started doing these like Core Restore. Ah, feels so good. And it's such like little slight— gentle with the breath movements. But I love it. I love it. And it made me stand different. It made me hold my body differently. And I thought that it, you know, I thought I had to dive in and like make a difference in my body and make an impact like right away, hardcore. And it's like, no, be gentle with myself. And learning to be gentle with myself because I had this concept like I have 2 kids, I don't have time. Time is a thing. So whatever I work out has to be like really, really— and it's like, no, I'm here for the marathon, not the sprint. So every day I'm going to do my little 20 minutes on my Core Restore. Why? Because it makes me happy.

I love that. That's, that's so— that's a gem, everybody, to walk away with. Because when I think about, you know, using the body with intention, which is something that I recently wrote out in terms of a new plan, wellness plan for myself that I wanted to be comprehensive. And when I was looking at the, you know, physical activity portion of it and exercise, if you will, I was like, I want to move my body with intention every day. But now what I'm thinking, like hearing this and having this conversation with you, I'm very much connected to and enjoy it. So yes, some of the things that I originally held to be possibilities for how I would do the movement with intention, I don't want to do. I don't want to do it, you know. So because— and that's, I think, the difference in what will set someone like myself up and anybody else who's listening. If you don't want to do it and you know that, that will be the thing that's hard to break through, you know. And so this idea of choosing something that makes you feel good, that you enjoy, and Yeah, it could certainly change the process too. Let's say you have a specific goal, but it will support with the consistency and the discipline of staying on track to get there. And so I love that. And that's like such a, um, quality over quantity conversation. That's good.

Yeah, because ultimately it's not just like a one-time thing. You want to make this your lifestyle. You want to make this your lifestyle. Like, next year I still want to be doing core restore. I still want to be, you know, giving my body what she needs, but being gentle about it. And my approach is just like, what's gonna— what feels good right now? Let me do that. But let me do it every day. Let me do something every day to bring my body joy, to bring me back into my body. You know, and it doesn't have to be a long drawn-out thing. Could be 20 minutes, but your body is gonna thank you.

Yeah, yeah, I love that. And I really hear it as a very, um, you know, feminine way of navigating the process too, right? As opposed to the, you know, what I heard you say before by way of like boot camp, let's go, let's go, that sort of style. This stands out as very All right, you know, whether it's 20 minutes, 30 minutes, but the, the choice and the whole process supports the calling forward of, you know, the divine feminine. So I love that. This, um, that's like note to self. I was actually taking notes when we first started, and I'm like, you know, you have the recording, like, what are you doing? But I'm so conditioned. There's like that, you know, the energy in me that I'm like, let me take these notes, I have to get this. Um, No, I love that. I'm, I'm, you know, happy to hear that you found what supports you in this particular season and, um, given all the, you know, new territory that you are accessing, you know, and how you'll support you on the journey to and through. And so, you know, I'm excited about what becomes available because I know that from having you as a friend for many years, when you ask you access what works, what develops you, what supports you, it then gets created by way of your work. So I know that we all reap the benefits from you having your routines in place, and I'm excited for all of us, you know, and most importantly you. So that sort of leads me to the next portion of which is waist beads, right? So good, so good. So talk to us. I don't know if folks are tuning in for the first time, experiencing you for the first time. I know many people in the Intentional Healing Community, you know, are familiar with your work, have, you know, experienced you in different capacities. But for everyone else who has not been, you know, exposed to you just yet, what would you share about, you know, why waist beads? Why you?

I have been making waist beads for 29 years. Wow! Oh my God, wow! And, um, I put so much love and positive energy and spiritual energy into them, because as I'm beading I am going into like a trance. It's therapeutic for me, but it's really a trance, and it's very intentional. I work with high-quality stones, and these are waist beads that I, you know, I wear them myself, and I actually created a lot of them for me, and then I'm like sharing them for friends. Or a client, and they are beautiful expressions of self-love, beautiful expressions of your femininity, and they're for you. I know I share them a lot, like, you know, I, I wear crop tops or whatever, but you don't have to share them. In fact, the traditional way of wearing waist beads is that the only person that sees them is you and your lover. They are just for you, and they just, um, remind you of your inner beauty, your love, your sensuality. You know, they're placed on such a, a beautiful sweet spot in the body where a lot of women hold trauma. A lot of us hold emotions. Women All people, all humans hold emotions in our stomach, and the waist beads just help to regulate, and they help to deflect negative energy, hold positive energy. They do so much, so much, and they're just like divine expressions of love and passion and the ability to heal yourself and the ability to create your life.

That's so good. That's so good. So, uh, for folks who are tuning in via video, right, because if you catch us on YouTube, you'll be able to see video, um, you'll be able to see, you know, for a moment or two, just a quick sort of glimpse into, you know, some samples. Um, I have with me For those of you who are listening, you'll just tune, you know, tune into the convo about all the goods. But I have with me the most recent pair that you— the most recent beads that you made for me. And I love these so much. When I saw you last, which was not too long ago, less than a month ago— oh, maybe right about that— you know, we, we sort of looked at, or I looked at where I am and what I'm looking to basically create, what I'm looking— what I'm actually going through. And by way of, you know, being with your work, I landed here with this particular piece. Is there anything you can spotlight or share about what you, you know, created here? Because these are a whole vibe, and I'm so excited.

So those, those waist beads I make, and those stones in particular, that's the head section, right? Yeah, that is for regality, to remind you of your regality, to remind you of your, your divine purpose on this earth. And a lot of times, you know, kings and queens and chiefs wear semi-precious stones as to show the world that I am chief, I am the queen. As you know, I am the one that has access to heavenly knowledge, and I'm the one that's bringing it down to the earth. And so I make my— those waist beads and all the waist beads, um, with that intention that you are a queen. I'm making these waist beads for a queen. So good. And this is a queen, and The tiger's eye is going to support her in her focus. That lapis lazuli is going to help you to access the, the wisdom of the heavens. The amethyst is a reflection of your regality. So those are the ones that, you know, I make them with the intention of making it for a queen, and she has a lot of work to do, and so these waist beads are going to support her, these stones are going to support her. In, you know, in leading the people like you do.

Thank you. Yeah, this is so, you know, what I would love for you to— I love these. And I actually, you know, and I'll go there in a second. But when I, I was away from home for about 10 days, and when I got back, you know, I received them and I was so excited because the green and the combination of, you know, the stones that you just spotlighted and literally the energy that comes by way of, you know, as soon as you open the box, it's like there's a, there's a, there's a presence. And so I was exceptionally excited. And what I want to have you spotlight, if you don't mind, we talked about this many years back because out of our, you know, Zumba crew, I would say I was probably the last to, you know, jump into action around ordering because I held it as, you know, my body type and my weight and my size, like those aren't for me. And so can you speak on that, you know, for any woman who is out there that's listening that you know, might be thinking like, oh, those are beautiful, but they're for everybody.

A lot of what you see is people with a certain body type wearing them, but waist beads are for everybody. It's just that some people show them and some people don't. So like, like And, you know, and our bodies change. Our bodies are constantly changing. Again, I'm— this summer I weighed the most I ever weighed in my life. And actually, after I gave birth, I started gaining weight. And I was like, um, this is not supposed to be happening, right?

Like, you're like, hmm.

I was like, but, you know, um, your body is constantly changing as women, and you have to go with the ebb and the flow and to love her and appreciate her just as she is now. And the waist beads help. So like, you know, this is what it's giving. And so my— like, the waist beads I make for myself now, it's like 14 inches bigger than I made prior to children. Okay. Yeah. And I was the same— I was the same weight for 13 years before I gave birth. Wow. So it's, it's, um, it's a new body, but we appreciate our body because I'm breathing, I'm healthy, I'm able to dance, I'm able to talk to you, I'm able to make these waistbeads. So I appreciate her. She's bigger she needs some different clothes. But guess what? It's more juice, more to love. That's my— you know, but I know that, you know, weight is a thing and people, um, can really, really have suffered from it. But I think the first thing, lead with gratitude. And when you— after you bathe, when you're putting on your lotion and your creams, I would definitely have like a meditation where you're just thankful. I'm thankful for this thigh because our thoughts, man, I thought especially like, you know, we have cellulite, we're comparing our body. No, no, no, no, no. I thank you. I thank this thigh for being here, walking with me and, and helping me to walk and helping me to dance. Thank you, thigh. I thank my leg. I thank you, my feet, for guiding me. I thank you, my feet, for carrying me where I need to go. Thank you for these hands, these hands that prepare my meals, these hands that make these waist beads. Thank you, thank you. And so you go through like this ritual of like when you're putting your creams on, just gratitude for this arm. And always look for the first thing, look for what you can appreciate. I think that we could be so hard on ourselves and we just want to see what needs to change, what we need to fix. First, let's start with what do I like about my body? And that list grows over time.

I love that. Yeah, I love that. And yeah, the gratitude for, you know, that's so powerful. And I remember the first time I experienced gratitude for my body, it was actually during the pandemic. So, you know, that was 2020. What year are we in now? 2022. So I was 42 years old. You know, just about ready to turn 42 when I experienced the gratitude for the first time, you know, which— and super present to it because I'm someone who by default has been very critical and judgmental of. And then all of a sudden the pandemic is, you know, in full swing. And I remember thinking to myself, like coming out of the shower, being in front of the mirror and thinking like, thank you for keeping me healthy, you know, thank you for keeping me safe. And it was the first time— it was a breakthrough moment because it was the first time that I experienced, you know, self in that way. And so I love that you highlight this aspect of ritual and the gratitude connected to, and what it feels like to be with self in that way. That's a whole different experience of self. I love that. So good. Is there any— do you want to just hold up just to show some of your potential? Well, you know, I'm going to point folks in your direction when we wrap up the call about how to reach you, but anything you want to, you know, share or spotlight or show us, um, you know.

So these are— this is what I made last night. I love those. And it's called Epéte Bé, and it has coral, carnelian, and citrine. So those 3 stones are so, so good for your second chakra, for your womb, your first and your second chakra. So all of the area where the waist beads lie, these are the stones that are great to work with for your womb, for your circulation, for courage, for joy, for creativity, for tapping into your feminine energy. I think any waist bead is going to act activate your feminine energy just because the nature of where they lie and how they make you feel and how they make you walk. And but I think these, especially the citrine and the carnelian and the, and the coral, like the way that they work together, it just helps you to really truly, um, self-acceptance, being gentle with yourself. It's just, it's a game changer. That's citrine too. Citrine is a stone, one of the only semi-precious stones that doesn't need to be energetically cleansed. Negative energy can't exist around it. It brings wealth, um, warming. It works with the energy of the sun. So, um, I'm excited. So I made these for a client who is, um, you know, I talk to my clients and we talk about what you're working on, what you need. And so I made these for her, and then I made them for 'Cause I was like, ooh, girl, like—

Right, you're like, I need that. I need that in my life. I love that. You know, it makes— it's making me think, is what I was going to say to you before, and then, you know, see if there's anything else you want to show before we move to the final segment. I was thinking about before how when I was getting dressed, you know, to be here with you, you know, I was— I wanted to just share and show these, but I— put on two of the waist beads that you made for me several years ago prior to the pandemic. And, you know, for anyone who's listening who potentially, you know, is going to order but is thinking like, yeah, like I don't show mine, so mine are more for me. In this moment, I'm connected to the fact that they occur as like a sensual secret because the moment I put them on in my room as I was getting dressed, and just even like, you know, walking around the house, there's something that gets activated because, you know, you know, like, so somebody like you, they're visible and you can see. But for me, no one would ever know, you know, that I have them on. And there's something so, you know, like provocative and sexy and like healing about that. You know, there's a healing nature to having them on. And I didn't realize it until I just put them on again, you know, where I was like walking and thinking like, Oh, it's like, you know, it's, it's your own personal connection to. And so I just love that part. So for anybody who's listening, who's thinking like, oh yeah, I would wear them but not show them, it sort of makes it even more of a vibe because it's, it's your own, you know, little secret.

I have 78 different designs and I'm always making new designs constantly. If you book a waist bead consultation with me, the waist bead is included in the service, but it's also like I'll show you what I have and we talk about what energy you want to stand in and which design can support it. And if we need to make a new one, I love to make new designs. And again, they are for you. And that's the thing is like we cannot always control what is going on in the world, but what we do have power over is ourselves and our own inner life. I think that is what my work is about. What is the quality of your inner life? What, what is your point of attraction? So I have, I have waist beads that bring love. And the re— we're working with rose quartz, um, and other stones that attract love. But what, what attracts love is love. So the more that you're on a vibration of love within you, love for the self, accepting yourself as you are in this moment, not 5 pounds later, not tomorrow, not when I'm wearing Gucci, no, no, no, no. Right now, in this moment, how— what, what is your vibration? What is your love? What is your inner life? What is the quality of your inner life? And so these waist beads are a reflection of that because they're not for the outside world, but they do change your inner life and your own vibration and your own point of attraction. And once you are vibrating on the vibration of love, you attract love into your life, different forms of love, family love, platonic love, romantic love, friendship love, all of that stuff. So I think it really speaks to the quality of your inner life. That's what it's all about.

Yeah, I love that so much. And I was going to ask you as the final question, you know, talk to me about the connection between waist beads and intentional healing, and you just answered it. Because that's, that's really where it's at. It's so personal. It's real. And that's why, for the ladies, you know, when you have the consultation and you order your beads, it's so therapeutic by nature, the whole process, you know, because you're really exploring where are you, where are you looking to go, what are you looking to activate, what stones support that process. And so I'm excited for everybody who will soon have their, you know, custom beads. Before I ask you where everybody can find you, we're gonna move into the final segment, which is something I call the Forwarding Four. And so it's 4 questions. It's a speed round. I will ask you a question. You answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There's no right or wrong. Just go where you feel guided to go. And then we can let everybody know where they can find you to get their beads. Okay, you ready? Mm-hmm. All right, number 1, name one area of life where you are intentionally healing. My womb. Great. Number 2, you're about to teach a dance class in the name of collective healing, and you can only choose one song for the world to dance along to. What song are you choosing?

It's You.

It's You. Who's the artist?

Um, Black Potion. Oh, I don't know.

Okay, so that's, that's enough to find it. We'll, we'll, we'll find that. Um, It's You. Okay, number 3, what can we expect to see from you next?

Live events.

Sign me up, count me in. I can't wait, I can't wait. Um, I know that the community is absolutely waiting patiently, you know, for it. So staying tuned on all of, you know, the announcements. And number 4, what is your call to action to the woman in the mirror?

Be patient. Patient. Patience.

Yeah, I love that. Patience. All right, everybody. So Maya, where can everybody find you?

I'm on IG a lot now. My IG is @maya_luisa. So @maya_luisa. M-A-Y-A underscore L-O-U-I-S-A. I'm there a lot, and there you can see my links, you can see my work, you can see everything. I think that's just— let's keep it simple.

Okay, I will drop the Instagram handle in the show notes so anybody who is tuning in, you know, can find you on Instagram and then look at the work, look at the beads, all of the things that you have coming. Thank you so much for taking time out to be here in the V Spot. I have absolutely been excited to have you join me, and I'm excited for all that's to come, you know, for both of us. And I love you. I, you know, I'm in full gratitude for you. I can't wait to dance and, you know, be in spaces on the regular with you. I love you too.

And I am inspired by you, you, because I have seen your journey and I've seen you, just your willingness and your courage to heal and your tenacity and your fighting through all the things. Like, I literally witnessed you— oh, I'm getting chills all over my body. I've known you for what, like 10 years? Man. And now to see you holding space for other people and sharing your journey and your vulnerability, and you're just, ah, it's just like, it's wow. It's super inspiring. So thank you. Thank you for this space to talk and to heal. And we are in gratitude for you and for your work.

Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate you. So much love. Um, everybody, thank you for being here with Maya and I today. My cup runneth over. I'll say it like that. And, you know, to be continued on all the fronts. Thanks, everybody.