408: The Greatest Spiritual Lessons We Learned in 2021 with Cassandra Bodzak

Namaste, it's Sahara Rose. And welcome back to the Highest Self podcast, a place where we discuss what makes you your soul's highest evolvement. I cannot believe it is the end of 2021 and we are going into 2022. This feels so surreal because I feel like we're still in 2020 in so many, so much has happened and shifted and grown. I mean, when I think about the beginning of this year, it feels like seven lifetimes ago was when my book discover your Dharma first came out. And since then I've launched Dharma Coaching Institute. We've had two classes, come through, relaunched Rose Gold goddesses, and have created and channeled so many things. My first year, living in Miami, making new friends, traveling. And in so many ways we are still in this great unknown and, you know, so many part of the world are going back into lockdown and it feels like time has sort of collapsed. In some ways we are quantum leaping and in other areas or other areas of the world that might not be in our lives and in our controls, it feels like we're going around in circles. So we have collectively gone through such a profound experience in 2021, which we really dive into in this episode. One of my best friends, Cassandra Bodzak, who you've heard on the podcast before, this is actually now an Ann ritual, because last year we did together a Greatest Lessons of 2020 episode. And now we wanted to talk about what we learned in 2021. It being a very different year than 2020, I would say a lot more grounded for the collective, however, still definitely far from normal. So in this episode we speak about the many lessons learned. Some of those including really focusing on our dharmas and giving up the need to figure out what's happening in the world around experience. Peace, when the world is feeling peace. The groundedness that happens when sometimes you kind of just step into your work and you see yourself propelling your energy and moving forward, coming face to face with people pleasing tendencies. And also an interesting concept we talk about of being a people pleaser to the universe and how sometimes, especially as spiritual people, we look for a sign or we give up our power because a psychic told us something, or a tarot card reader or whoever else, rather than activating our free will. And we each share kind of where we are at in our own spiritual journeys. And for myself, of really opening up my perspective to not knowing what is true and seeing that truth is so relative and that everyone really chooses their own story, and whatever story you choose, that will be the truth.

For you.

So this is a deep and profound episode as well as a light and playful one of two friends talking and you are third person in the room. And I'm really curious what your greatest lessons are. A post on Instagram of your Greatest Lessons of 2021 and tag me. I would love to read it and I would love to reshare them because it really takes cultivating that awareness of the little micro and macro lessons that we've learned. And when we honor them for what they've given us, it allows us to complete that cycle and move forward with greater clarity, alignment and of course, joy. So without further ado, let us welcome Cassandra Bodzak to the Highest Self Podcast. And before we get started, I am so excited to announce that doors are opening back up for Rose Gold Goddesses, my divine feminine mystery school. This is beyond a mystery school, but this is a community where we gather every single month to dive deep into different spiritual workshops including some of your favorite Highest Self podcast guests, including Shaman, Excel, bb, Cassandra Bodzak, Amber Valdez, and so many sharing their potent wisdom with you in a closed container that really transforms you from the mind, body and spirit level. And I'm beyond excited to announce that we are planning an in person weekend retreat here in Miami exclusively for our Rose Gold Goddesses members. So if you love the podcast and you wish you could connect with people who also listen to it and dive even deeper into the different wisdom and practices that you learn here and actually integrate them into your life, well, if you're feeling the call, then Rose Gold Goddesses is for you. Head over to rosegoldgoddesses.com that link is in my show notes to join our wait list for when doors open back up just for one week this January and this is your only chance to join. So make your new year a year of ease, flow, joy, expression, intuition and creativity and channel your Highest self with a community of aligned queens and Rose Gold Goddesses again. Head over to rosegoldgoddesses.com to join our wait list and I'm so excited to see you inside and hopefully meet you at our in person retreat in Miami. Welcome back Cassandra to the Highest Self Podcast. It's so great to have you here.

Oh it's so lovely to be here.

Our returning guest and the first question I'd love to ask you is what makes you your highest self?

What makes you my highest self? My meditation practice makes me my highest self and just connecting back to the truth of who I am is what helps me show up that way.

So good so 2021, a year of lessons, a year of learnings, a year of revelations. You know, I was just thinking of this year and simultaneously feels like, so long, but also like, I feel like it was just 2020, and now it's 2022. How has the time felt for you?

Yeah, no, I agree. I feel like it's like a bit of, like, it's like the Bermuda Triangle of a year. Like, it just, like, kind of like disappeared and went in and went out, and at times it was like, is it ever going to end? I actually, you know, I was talking with one of my clients. We were talking about this, where 2021, I think, had this really interesting energy because 2020, all of us had, like, a collective understanding. This year is a mess, right? We all were like, oh, my God, like, this is just, like a doozy of a year, right? And so I think there was a collective understanding of, like, being, like, really gentle with yourself and kind of just everyone's navigating their own way and trying to figure out this, like, new thing that all are jumping into with the pandemic. And then 2021 was kind of like a sneaky little year in a way that we had already been through 2020, but in so many years, 2021 was just as funky, unlike a larger collective way. Right. And so one of the things that came up in my practice this year a lot was remembering to have that similar to compassion that a lot of us intuitively had in 2020. Being like, we're in unprecedented times. We're in uncharted territory. And then it was almost like, you know, the clock struck midnight in 2020. We're in 2021, and everyone's fine. We're all supposed to be fine. And, you know, 2021 was also really, you know, transformative and eventful here and deserves that same. You know, I feel like now we're just like, we are in unprecedented times. We are in the uncharted territory. Like, that's just what it is going forward.

So true. I remember we had this conversation last year, and we were talking about how at the beginning of the pandemic, there were, like, two schools of thoughts, and it was like, take this time to rest. These are really overwhelming times. Nourish yourself. You don't need to work. You don't need to be productive. Like, why are people telling you this? Like, this is the sick capitalistic culture. Just relax right now. And then the other school of thought was like, take these, like, two weeks or one month or two months, and Kept going longer and longer to get ahead and get your book proposal done and launch the dream business of your life and change everything forevermore. And it was like these two polar extremes. And it's interesting to me because it's like, I think we all thought at the beginning that this lockdown would just be a period of time. Two weeks, a month, have a finite date, and things would be back to normal. And obviously that that's not the case. It's there. This is the quote, unquote, new normal, which has never even existed in the first place. And I think neither of those sides were totally true. You know, if you're just like, oh, shit, like, the world is freaking out right now, so let me hang out at home and, like, take a nap and, like, comfort eat, because this is too overwhelming, guess what? You'd still be doing that right now. But also if you thought that this was just going to be a little stretch that you could, like, sprint and kind of go past limits, because it's just for a little bit of time and then you're going to be ahead and then you'll be able to calm down. That's also a lie, because guess what? You might launch the business now. You have to manage the business now. You have to get clients for the business. It never really ends. And I think what it really has shown us, and I remember at the beginning of 2021, there were these memes of, like, the world on fire with explosions in the sky and this girl hanging out on the beach. And it's like me during 2021, unbothered. And it's really that lesson of, can you be in your own element, in your own dharma, focusing on what you're here to do and shift even when the world feels like it's going crazy? Because guess what? It is. And I think so many of us learned how to not let that overpower us and how to stop checking the news and looking at the world outside of us and waiting for peace, for us to feel internal peace. And now we've sort of made peace in knowing that, like, I'm never going to know if there's another variant or if there's another civil war or whatever is going on. But I can focus on what is in my control. So I think a lot of us, like, we have faced adversities that we never thought we would have imagined. If someone told us at the beginning of 2020, two years later, this will still be going on, we wouldn't have been able to handle it. And it's shown Us that things that at one point seem so overwhelming are now just like, meh, like, normal for us.

Yeah. No, we have actually, like, grown and adapted and our psyche has grown and adapted. And I agree. I think it's a huge lesson has come is like, it's funny because I'm writing something right now, and one of the things that I wrote, one of the affirmations was my. My piece is my power. You know, my power is in my peace. And that's like, what. When you were saying. And that's what that reminds me of is that I always say that, you know, if we're here. Because the, I don't know, kind of surface level argument to that would be like, oh, well, if you're just living in your island, like, how are you taking care of the world? Right? But that's actually BS because if you're. If you allow yourself to get in, like, there's that saying. I forgot, this is a famous saying. It's like, you can never be poor enough to help the poor, right? It's like, no, you can't get into the chaos to fix the chaos. You have to be the peace to be able to look at things, to be able to be an effective person. I mean, I think that's something that I learned, like, during my spiritual awakening was huge because it was having to do with, like, my brother's, like, health crisis. I knew intuitively in that moment, it was like, of the cracking opening of my spiritual awakening was that if I want to be a good sister, if I want to be a helpful family member, if I'm going to be someone that can, like, show up and like, shepherd whatever is ahead of us, and it's like, unknown, kind of uncertain, upsetting time. I need my peace. I need. My meditation brought me to my meditation practice and like, spirituality and, you know, the world, you know, situation right now that we're all living through is exactly that. It's like a massive scale of that, right? And I think so many more people are awakening to that, that if I want to show up in whatever way I'm called to show up in the world, whether it's in my. My personal life or it's on a bigger scale, I have to be sovereign of that crazy energy. I have to focus on my peace. And I think we also learned, you know, I remember there was, like, that very divided thinking of what we should all do with our quarantine time. And I think we learned, like, we're not, like, that's just not. Like, we're not One dimensional as humans. So it's never going to be that cut and dry. It's never going to be that easy. And I think we're definitely running a marathon, not a sprint here in life in general, but even in the context of the pandemic, it's like, this is a marathon. And in anything in life, it's like they're going to be ebbs and flows and there's going to be. And that's where the spiritual path comes in. That's where tuning into your intuition comes in. Because there are going to be times where, yeah, you're like, you know, the thing I really need to do is gather. I need to, like, you know, be with people I love, and I need to take it slow and I need to do things that bring me joy and I need to read or whatever it is. And then there are other times when you're like, I'm super inspired and I want to launch the business and I got to do this and I'm going to write a book, you know, and it's just allowing yourself to trust those ebbs and flows. And just because, you know, I think the hardest thing sometimes is, like, the people around you. If it's your friends or your family, right? It's like, just because someone else is in a different season doesn't, like, disqualify yours. Right? Like, you get to, you know, honor whatever your truth is, and then you'll. You'll. It all always ebbs and flows anyway.

So true. I love that so much. And yes, I think peace is the greatest flex. And that's the thing. I had this realization. It was like, honestly, it was the end of 2019, but I had so much going on that I'm like, I just want peace. Like, what would bring me peace? And I feel that so many of us have had that similar realization that every morning I wake up, I read this poetry book, and it's all about being the peace. I'm like, yes, this is it. And I'm like, okay, now let me launch a million things. Oh, but be the peace at the same time. So for me, especially when the pandemic broke hit, I really gave up my power in the fact that I was checking the news all the time. I was trying to be on top of political conversations, and I burned myself out doing that. So after 2020, I was like, I'm not throwing myself into the pit or trying to figure out who's being canceled and why.

And, like, what should.

What can I do to not be canceled? Like, I am out of the woke culture situation and 2021. My saving grace, honestly, was my business, because it allowed me to funnel my energy and focus in something else that was actually doing something. And I realized it was almost like I really just wanted to be of service. I really wanted to help. And I thought the weight of doing so was to be part of all of these different conversations on the society and politics and this and that. And I truly realized and saw firsthand because this year for me was a year of a lot of launching. My book came out in January, which feels like a lifetime ago. I can't believe it's year what. My book came out in January. Then I hit the ground running, creating Dharma Coaching Institute, then launching Dharma Coaching Institute in March, then revamping everything of Rose Gold Goddesses, changing the branding, changing the structure, launching that in July, then changing all the structure of dci, relaunching it again in October. And it was just like, one thing after the next. But this year, it felt good doing that. It felt like, this is my haven. This is where I can get creative. This is where I can focus on things. And it made me realize just how it is to have a purpose. Because it's like you can be in a conversation around the state of the world, but then, like, sometimes getting on a zoom call and just like, talking about work feels very grounding. And it brings a sense of, like, normalcy and a sense that, like, my energy is actually making a change in things that I'm so grateful that I was putting my energy towards launching, rather putting my energy towards things that I would have never seen a reward from. And it also allowed me to see the greatest way that I can change people's lives is actually by me living my dharma, not about repeating the exact same conversations that everyone else is having. And I think a lot of us especially that when it came to the mandate conversation, that became another big point of division. And I just, like, stayed out of it because, again, it's just like, you're never going to change someone's mind. And the fact that your ego thinks you can is part of the problem. So just, like, focus on your dharma. You do you and let people make their own decisions.

Yeah, I love that. And I think, you know, I was watching a thing the other day. I was talking about kind of the arts and how important the arts were in different times of, like, war and famine and, like, different, like, critical times in history, how people look to the arts. And that was like a. In a way, like a medicine for their soul, right? A way for them to have, you know, a different outlet, you know, where they could kind of, you know, escape or ponder what was going on, but in a different way, you know, in a different light. And I see so much of that. I think one of the. The. I'm glad to see. I think it's coming back a little bit more. But one of the things I was really sad to see was when it kind of felt like the blogger, Instagram podcast, online audience or whatever, that was so beautifully diverse with all of these different, you know, someone maybe that loves doing, like, crocheting. Another person that zero waste. Another person that's making, you know, macaroons. Another person that does pottery. Like, this beautiful, diverse, like, artsy space where people really just expressing whatever their little thing was. Home organization, right? Like, making their kids baby food. Right? It was like we kind of, you know, we had this, like, moment where there was all these, like, beautiful kind of, like, niche artsy things going on. And then I feel like there was almost this. This. This pressure and this push the past couple years to be, like you said, like, almost. It was like everybody wanted now these people, just because they had a master following, doing whatever it was, you know, whether it was woodwork or making their furniture, whatever, you know, to be news anchors. And, you know, I think I felt really strongly about that, too. It's like people come to you for the medicine that you're here to deliver, right? And, you know, whatever that medicine is, I mean, think about, you know, when we first went into quarantine, everyone was, like, baking banana bread and, like, doing, like, cooking and stuff right now, right? Like, all these people that were, like, bread makers and, like, doing things like that all of a sudden, like, that was, like, their moment, right? That was their moment. Like, we needed them in that, Mom. They brought so much joy into people's homes through, like, teaching them how to make sourdough bread or whatever it was, right? And so I think it was just also just a real example, and I agree with that completely, of just when you're like, the gift and the medicine that you're here to give the world, it's not an accident that we all have, like, very diverse talents and dharmas and passions, right? And we all have different medicine that we get to give that has their own unique spin on it. Yeah, I think that's really, really important. I think that's also been why, you know, your book and the Dharma Coaching Institute has been so big this year and so attractive to people. Because I think more than anything, when we go through these times. And that was one of the things I wrote down for 2021 too. Really getting clear on your purpose and what lights you up and what brings you joy is huge at any point. I personally think I've always been a big, big believer in that. But I think definitely when you're facing adversity, when you're in these kinds of volatile times, when there's so much fear and there are so many different things that are so easy to get distracted by, to be able to anchor yourself to that and to feel like you can do something about it, I definitely agree with that as well. I think my coaching practice divinely design your life. I also had a book come out this year, Manifesting Through Meditation. And so I was writing Manifesting Through Meditation earlier in the beginning of the year, and that was so anchoring for me. It was so to really come back and be like, wow, there are really powerful tools I have to help people. Yeah, I think that was really. I think more and more people are waking up to that. That now that. That having that purpose and allowing that to be. It's such a grounding force during any volatile times in your life. I found.

Absolutely. And how. Yeah, each person's purpose is so needed. And I think the beauty of this pandemic is we've all collectively slowed down. I mean, this time is called the great resignation because the highest number of people have resigned from their jobs. Not because they've needed to, but because they've realized, oh, I can work from home. Oh, I can do something that's actually in alignment with who I am and what I enjoy. Oh, there's more to me than just like going to the office, hitting a workout class, going to happy hour, coming home exhausted, which, like so many people were just in that grind. They didn't know who they were outside of it. That I think everyone's consciousness actually increased from taking this time to slow down. And it also has created this need of like, oh, I actually do want to learn how to watercolor or make my own pottery. Especially people doing things for themselves. Gardening has been a huge thing this year. Just like all things diy, I think a lot of people realized how dependent we are on these different supply chains. And with the supply chain slowing down, we're like, oh, why don't I make my own shampoo instead of continually buying it? Oh, by the way, what was in that toxic shampoo I was buying? Oh, shit. Like cancer produced products. Thank God I can do it myself. So I think it's like this beautiful grounding force, energy that happened this year. And I think one of my biggest lessons, too, is you can create so much when you really focus on something. So I realized that before maybe with just the amount of options we had in terms of events and things going on, we were all a bit more scattered. But to really focus on something and give it your all, like my businesses, like my dance practice, I realized how I took strides ahead this year that could have taken me years and years to do simply because I was focused. And I see with so many of my students as well, by them focusing on not a million things, because I think the shadow side of this year where us maybe signing up for too many courses, too many different projects and not finishing them, but by being in a container of something and how much you can grow with that undivided devotion.

What do you think? Do you think it was just simply the fact? Because I think this year we've gotten now, like, events are kind of like coming back in a way. Some in person, but a lot also, just like, zoom, events are like, blossoming as well. Do you think it was the. Just the fact that it's not as busy as it was in general before, you know, this, or were there specific things that you feel like you did differently now to keep that focus?

I think we're a lot more aware of how we spend our time and energetically how we feel in different situations. Like, I've had so many conversations. People like, dude, I went to the grocery store and it was frantic in there. Like, how did I used to go all the time? But, like, you can feel like the chaos in different places. So I think, I mean, for better or for worse, I think it's made us a lot more of. Much more of home buddies that were like, I want to be in an environment that feels good to me. That's of my vibration. And for most of the people listening to this podcast, it's of a higher vibration that we're like, no, I'm not going to go to some random networking event in case I, like, might meet someone that might help my business. Like, that's not worth it for me. What's worth it for me is for me to feel good and to feel comfortable. And at the same time, I think one of my other big lessons is also that nothing replaces human connection, including the Metaverse. And, you know, I don't think we could have. We could have seen. I mean, I guess we've watched a lot of scary movies at the Metaverses and all of them. So Guys, watch the Matrix, in case you're wondering how this might go. But I think it really showed us that also nothing replaces human connection, but doing it in much more intentional ways that feel good the whole time. Rather than, like, I need to, like, sacrifice and feel uncomfortable and, like, feel a little bit, like, markety to meet people. I think that era is completely done.

Oh, yeah, I definitely, you know, I agree with that on so many aspects. I think absolutely we're all getting more attuned to energy because we've had more time alone in our own energy. And so it's making us more aware of how different things make us feel. And then I agree with that completely. You know, one of the biggest things that happened for me and you were a part of this during all this was all my friends moved away, and, you know, so many people scattered and went to different places. And, you know, I have a couple friends still here. It's like, I have no friends here, but a lot of my close friends are on the other side of the country, right? Like, you and I have friends in New York, Miami, and Austin. Like, they scattered all over. But one of the cool things I think that has come from that is that now when we get together, even though maybe it involves us flying to different places or whatnot, we spend, like, more concentrated, more intentional time together, where I think if you before, when things were a little bit more accessible and maybe you were going to events and things like that. I've never been someone that really liked those kinds of networking events anyway, so I'm grateful that most of them are gone. But, you know, it's true. It's like, actually getting to spend that time. And one of the cool things has been, you know, for me too, because it has been a little, like, here in California, it goes in and out of what's socially acceptable or not. It's been more acceptable for me to say to people, hey, why don't we, like, meet on Zoom for a tea, right? And while that's not the same as human, like, being face to face, and I definitely love face to face the most, I prefer. I would prefer to meet someone over a Zoom tea than to meet them in, like, a crowded networking environment. Because now I actually get to go deeper with them. Now I actually get to know them and ask them real questions and not feel like I have to just kind of, like, do some, you know, chatter at, like, a big event where there's, like, music playing and all these distracting things going on, you know, I think it's definitely shifted the Way we connect and helped us really. I think all of us cherish in person connection way more than ever before. So true.

Like for us, we both lived in LA and then you moved to OC and you know, you'd come for a day. But now that I live in Miami, it's like, you got to come here and spend a few days in Miami. We're going to the Bahamas together. Like, we're hopefully gonna go to France together for your wedding. Can't wait, you know. And it allows us to be intentional in planning and creating an experience that like we're gonna be, you know, like we hadn't had a sleepover like all of la because it was like you had a place and I had a place and so why would as now it's like, if I'm going to see you, I'm going to be seeing you for a few days at a time. So it's like, you know, late at night we'll have a conversation about this random thing and actually be able to drop in on a deeper level because it's like, it's like a longer, continuous basically retreat. When we hang out, we're like, time for breath work. Okay, Time for journal. But we get to do that with each other, which is amazing. And I don't do that with every.

Our sleepovers are exactly what people who listen to this would probably imagine.

Our sleepovers, like, we could sell a spot to our sleepover. We like wake up. We're like, what is your intention for today? Okay, time for morning movement. But first, be sure to put some mucuna in your tea. Like.

Yeah. He jokes that.

Yeah.

He's like, oh, you're going on a little retreat. I'm like, it's not a retreat. I'm hanging out with the girls. He's like, what you guys do is like a retreat.

Yes, yes. And I love that. And it's like so fun and it's so intentional. And you know, with every person, I think think it also showed you who are the people that are willing to plan ahead and to leave their state and to, you know, like, when you set a plan and ahead, there's an element of sacrifice that comes with that. And like for some friends, it's not going to withstand the distance. In fact, for the majority of, at least for my friendship, most friendships, they don't withstand the distance because it's like a relationship. You got to plan ahead, you got to get on calls. Like, we just did a four week class together. So like, even though we weren't one on one hanging out, I got to see you in this class. And it like provided us with a new experience that we get to talk about. So, you know, I think it again, 2020 definitely showed us who our friends were. But then 2021 is just a whole new added layer that like, when life starts to pick up again, who are the people who are still willing to go that extra mile for you?

Absolutely. And yeah, I think that, that, you know, one of the other things I think that piggybacks on both that, like the friendship element and the like purpose and work element for me was, you know, I think and not to take us in like a kind of a different direction, but one of the things that has been, was really impactful for me this year was my grandmother passing away. And you know, my grandma was really, really close to me and she was like a mother to me. And her passing like rocked me so deeply and still is such a thing that I am like I live with on a regular basis, but on a collective basis. So many of us have seen grief, right? We've had, we've had loved ones pass. You had your grandfather pass this year as well. You know, we've seen, even had mutual friends who were, you know, going through health things at different points. Right. That were pretty scary. And I think as a collective, whether, you know, in what capacity, whether it was like my, you know, my grandma's fasting wasn't related to Covid or anything like that, a different thing. But, you know, it didn't matter how it came. You know, I think a lot of us really, you know, were touched by mortality. We're touched by, you know, sickness. And I think what that does. And I've always thought that this was such a gift because again, it was like. It's funny, I'm seeing all these connections to my spiritual awakening in 2021. You know, one of the gifts of, you know, my spiritual awakening when my brother was sick and you know, he's. He's stable and well now, but at the time we really didn't know. He had like, he had two life saving operations in Boston, actually. And one of the gifts of that, you know, question of mortality or that worry of mortality, I believe is that it is a great prioritizer and it helps you get really clear on what do I want to do with this one wild and precious life I'm given. Right. You know, and we both believe in past lives and other. But it doesn't matter if you believe in, you know, all that other stuff. It's like we're here now, like, this is our Earth incarnation, and, like, we're here for this experience. And what do I want to do with this experience, and what do I want to do with the time I have and how do I want to spend it? And so I think that's been a big lesson of 2021 for me is really. I want to be a really conscious curator of my days and my energy, and I want to. When I think of how I'm spending my time, how does that impact? And it's so interesting because, you know, in some. On some days, that means, like, kind of what you were saying, like, throwing myself into work, right? Like, I'm doing, like, a guided spiritual awakening journal right now, and I find such great purpose and, like, lit up by that because of, you know, obviously my own path and how much I would have loved that during the day, that time. And at the same time, you know, I'm super stoked for our trip to the Bahamas, and I was so excited to go to Miami. And I've made a point of visiting, like, each of my girlfriends that have moved away because I also realized that nothing is more important than people, and nothing is more important than the people you love. And at the end of the day, the grief that you will feel perhaps one day from not being able to pick up that phone and call that human, from not being able to hop on a zoom with that human, or not even having the blessing of spending the money to get on a flight to see that human, like, you're not going to get that from work, right? And, you know, both of us, you know, my Capricorn moon, my Capricorn Venus, your Capricorn, you know, queen over there. I mean, I can work so the cows come home. I love my work, you know, but that was something that was really, like, opening to me and something that I've definitely consciously. It's brought into, like, you know, it's not even been from a conscious, like, I need to do, like, work, life, balance, because I don't really believe in that. It's just been more of, like, yeah, no, that gets to be on the calendar. And it's important that I put those things on the calendar. And I make the effort to. To make that stuff a priority because it's just as much, if not more important than all the other, you know, work stuff I do as well. And also, you know, that fills up my cup in a different way as well. You know, there's, like, different ways that we fill ourselves up so.

Good. I'm in total agreement with you of our dharma and our purpose and that filling up one of our cups, but then our friendships and our relationships and nothing else can fill that cup up too. And having that balance and I think too, what we're also looking forward to in 2022 is more in person time. And I know for me, I'm like, literally like, oh, there's a retreat here. I don't even know who's facilitating it. I'm there. Like, we are all so hungry for just like connection and diving deep and eye contact. I can't wait. I'm in the works of planning different in person, like festivals and retreats and stuff. And I can't wait for that. I know this episode is good, but so is this sponsor. So my words for 2021 are rest, relaxation and receiving. And I am supporting this with Organifi Gold chocolate, which is the best thing I've ever put into my mouth. And it really is so helpful because for me at night, I really crave chocolate. And instead of eating a bunch of chocolate and feeling like crap in the morning, this actually supports me with my sleep. It has ingredients including turmeric, ginger, reishi, mushroom, mushroom, turkey tail mushroom, and lemon balm with less than one gram of sugar per serving. It's a hundred percent USDA organic, gluten free, dairy free, non gmo, all the good stuff and it literally tastes like heavens, I swear. Try some with some hot almond milk and you are in for a treat. If you're ready to get your hands on some of your own, head over to Organifi.com and use coupon code Sahara for 20 off. That's organized Organifi.com O R G A N I F I.com with coupon code Sahara for 20 off. On the topic of death, yeah, this has really been one on my mind too. I remember in our last year's overlooking 2020, we kind of ended the conversation about death. So I don't want to like fully take us there because it's a long. It's a long, never ending rabbit hole. But for me, a lot of what had came up was, was fear around parents dying for me, specifically for my dad. And you know, my dad is not sick per se, but he does have like poor health in terms of like diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney stones, kind of like all of the first world, like when you eat unhealthy issues that can later turn into heart disease, etc. And heart disease is how his father passed away. So for me, what was like really showing up Was like, this fear of, like, what if he dies? And, like, that's it. And, like, we didn't have a better relationship. We didn't have the relationship that I wanted. Like, I don't even remember, like, have we even really dropped in, like, ever? And all of that showing up for me. And I actually got to visit him twice this year, and both times were, like, definitely stepping on. Like, the first time there was still definitely some of, like, my child getting, like, annoyed with him or, like, angry or, like, why don't you take care of your health? And coming at it with that. But the second time I really came at it of, let me just be interested in him as a human and how does he spend his days? Like, I've never even seen his office. Like, what does he do all day in that office? And, like, really just getting to know who is this human? Not as my dad, but as a human. And, like, really kind of like biting my tongue when it came to me. Like, hey, you shouldn't drink Coke, or you shouldn't do this. It's like, he knows, but that's his choice. And I can't. Sometimes when you love someone, you're like, but I want you to be healthy because I want you to live longer and I want you to live better years in your life. But if that person doesn't want it, there's nothing you can do. All you can do is just love someone and not even love them to change it, because even that's manipulation. Just. Just love and accept because you genuinely don't know how long you have. And, you know, it's a bit. You know, it was sad doing this, but while I was with him, I asked him about his life story and I recorded the conversation. And as I was in his office, I took videos because I was like, I don't know if I'll see him again. And, like, that awareness had never come into my mind before this year. And again, I Hope he lives 10, 20, 20 more years. He's in his 70s right now, but I feel like it was a level of maturity of you genuinely don't know. So, like, don't hold on to any grudges. Just accept them as they are because all of us are going to die. And what was interesting, too, it was almost like I had more fear around him dying than my own death. Like, if I have no fear around me dying, I'm, like, curious, like, what comes next? Which of the stories are real?

But.

And then I made me realize he probably feels that same way about his death. So like, we're so afraid of other people dying. But like, really if we came at it with the same as us dying of like, well, there's nothing I can do. It's just divine. We become so much more free.

Oh my God, I have done such a deep dive this year into all things afterlife. And. And it's so true. It's so true. And that was one of the, you know, I was meditating when my grandma transitioned and just holding space for her. And one of the downloads that came through was, you know, her voice saying like, oh, Cass, it's so beautiful. It's more beautiful than we even imagined. And just this feeling of like. I had one of the gifts she gave me on my birthday this year was I was in this really deep meditation and I was kind of. I've been talking to her since she passed and I was being a little sassy with her being like, grandma, you know it's my birthday. Just because you're not on earth, I still expect some gifts, you know. And boy, you know, she knew me better than anyone. And she knew exactly. Well, first of all, she definitely gave me the gift of my book. And then that, because on my birthday I got an email where they were like, yeah, we're moving forward. Let's get. So I was like, thanks, grandma. You know, she is Capricorn. And then also meditation that day, I literally felt like I plugged into Divine Source Energy and had this like electrifying experience where like I was hysterically crying, but it wasn't like tears tears. It was like my whole body was overflowing with divine love. And it just like almost couldn't contain the vibration. It was so high. And then I saw like my grandma kind of like holding my hand, touching this like, like sun, like being beam or whatever. And I had been fascinated after her passing with different near death experiences, right where people report like going into the afterlife and what that was like. And there's all different beautiful examples, but one of the culminating things is this feeling of just full acceptance and overwhelming love and so much like divine peace and all of that. And I now believe. I mean, I always believed. I always believe. By now I feel like more palpably and like tangibly believe more than ever that that is. And it's so. I feel the same way. And like, I know that like when like my time comes, like, I know like the next adventure is gonna be pretty cool too. But the hardest part is I feel like being here when someone else is off on that adventure that you really love. And processing, you know, for our human brain and even for, you know, myself, being someone that's so spiritual and believes in all this and is talking, you know, and asking for signs and doing all the things, it's still really hard. And so I think that that's great what you did, and I hope more people do that. You know, One of the things. I asked my grandma a ton of questions throughout my whole life as we were very, very close, but one of the stupid things that I didn't do that right before she. Her birthday is New Year's Eve, right? And so I sent her Christmas gifts, and then I sent her her birthday gifts, like, right after or not. And I had gotten her. She loved puzzles, and I had gotten her a bunch of puzzles. And then I had gotten her this, like, shirt that I got. It was like a silly, like, Mighty Duck shirt. It was like an inside Jo. The other thing I got are, like, the new Kindle or whatever for Christmas. So that was just, like, sent. And then the other stuff I had to, like, pack and send. And I also collected. Every time I traveled anywhere, I would get a magnet for her. So I would collect magnets, and I would send it to her, like, when I had, like, little batch. So I had collected that, and then I had sent her a little necklace. I had sent her a necklace for her birthday, just ordered it online. But I was too busy. I was too busy that week to send the puzzles and my little inside joke shirt. And in my head, I was like, it's like, it's not a big deal. I'm just. I'll send it, you know, I'll send it after New Year's when it's, like, a little crazy and she won't care, you know, she's chill, you know? And January 4th, she was in the hospital, and I never got to see her again, you know, and it just, like, can happen like that. And to me, that was just like, it's a stupid little thing. And I don't, like, beat myself up about it, but it was a lesson for sure that don't take shit for granted. Don't take for granted that there'll be another time. How many times do we say, oh, I'll call you next week, or, I'll see you next week. And I'm so much more attuned to that now in a way where it's like, no, just. If you can do the thing now, just. Just do the thing now. Don't, like, take tomorrow for granted and don't, you know, like, ask those Questions. Ask those questions. Whatever you want to know about your parents or your grandparents or your friends or whoever it is. You know, it's like, don't take any of it for granted and let people know how you feel about them, you know, and create time for people. I think that. Yeah, I think that, you know, you think about that, like, at the end of your days, if we're gonna go there, right, and you're on your deathbed, you know, whenever that may be, what are you gonna think about? You're gonna think about the people, right? You're not gonna be like, I sent that email two days late, right? You're gonna be like, oh, I remember that. I'll never forget, you know, the week before my grandma passed, I didn't send her back puzzles, right? And again, it's like, not in, like a way of wearing that as, like a burden, but it's like we think about those things way more than we think about, oh, I was like, I was supposed to send this brand, like a video and I send it to them a week late. You know, I'm never going to remember, right? So, yeah, I think it just puts things into perspective. And it's. It's also really good, I think, you know, in putting into perspective what you want to do with your life, like we said, you know, and joy. Miss, you know, you're the ambassador of joy over here. I think it's also a big reminder. And our joy is so important, you know, and doing the things that lights us up. Like, I think about that this is, you know, from a kind of, like, out there perspective maybe. But if we think about it, like, how precious this incarnation was that we got chosen to come in at this time, and you think about, you know, how as wondrous as the spirit world is and how we'll be, like, in full divine love and peace and whatnot. It's like there are tangible things in this earth reality, right, that are unique to this reality that we get to experience. And some of those things are like gardening or baking bread or painting or hugging a friend or playing with your dog, right? And like, those moments matter so many.

Things in full agreement with you. And I think for so many of us, death has been a huge topic on our mind the past two years. And it's interesting because I don't know if you watched the new Sex and the City and just like that show. Did you watch that?

I haven't watched it yet, but I.

Know the spoiler because it's everywhere, okay? It's everywhere. But I'm just gonna share it. You can hit pause right now if you. You don't want to hear it, but Big does. And it was so interesting because it was almost like. I'm just using this as an analogy that Sex in the City is maybe the epitome of just having fun and being carefree and living the high life. And that's what the show represented for decades. It was the kind of show you would just zone out to and be like, oh, wouldn't that be nice? And it's so interesting that 20 years later, when they finally come back, they come with this new tone, this tone of 20, 21 of, like, and death happens. And just like that, your life radically shifts in one second. And honestly, I get chills even talking about it, because it's true. It's like. And it really like that show. I mean, it hit me in an interesting way because I grew up really watching Sex in the City. And, like, I wish I could live lives like them. And then to see them, like, having aged and feeling irrelevant and, you know, having health issues, and it really shows that, like, this lifetime is, like, you know, you're walking up to center stage, and it's like, you know, your childhood years, you're, like, going up the stairs, and then you're finally walking up and you have this moment on the stage, and then your life is walking off of the stage, and you're walking off and off and walking off until just like that, you're. You're in backstage again. And how right now, in this moment, we're in center stage, like, this is our right now. We're in our Sex in the City moment. We're in our moment of, like, highest energy and highest creativity. Are we using it and to remind her that again? Yeah, don't wait. Don't wait another year. Don't wait until I have the security, until I have this. Because guess what? One day you're going to wake up, and you're not going to have the same momentum and energy and ability to really focus on these things or travel to the places that you want to travel or even, like, friendships. You know, I've seen so many people, they're like, I wish I kept up with my friendships, because right now, when I could really use a friend, I don't even have anyone to call and to really let this moment. And most people listening to this podcast are in their 20s, 30s, 40s. Like, you're super in your center stage moment. Do your ballet, bring out your canvas, get messy, and let it be vibrant. Let it be unique and don't waste any more time thinking about what other people think about you. A huge lesson for me this year was like, letting go of my inner people pleaser. And I did not know how active and alive that bitch was. You know, like, like me, people pleaser. No, I'm not like. But I realized it came in the subtle forms of like, me getting a hater comment and like, what did I do wrong? Why doesn't this person like me? Like, some, like, trying to go back and think, how can I change? Rather than like, oh, this person is probably mentally ill to even write that to a stranger. Or like book reviews, podcast reviews, et cetera, and like, taking it to heart. And I think, you know, last year it was the big scary monster of cancel culture and like, that was, you know, center stage. And I feel like a lot of us have learned lessons now this year of like, don't follow whatever the mob is saying. Like, people who cancel someone else are probably going to come after you one day. This is a modern day witch hunt. But please, for anyone listening to this, don't let your energy at all be focused on how can I get people to like me? How do I not seem like a spiritual freak to other people? Well, I can't share who I really am because they knew me back in college and they're going to say I'm a fraud. And, and the number one regret of the death and dying in the book where she was a nurse at an elderly home and she saw thousands of people die. And the number one regret was, I wish I had the courage to live true to who I am again. We can hear that again and again and again. But it just takes a moment and a realization to see all of the micro ways that we are not living in true harmony with who we are and to let 2022 be that year that like, you're at the end of the year thinking, I'm glad I didn't bring that people pleasing with me this year.

Oh yeah. Oh, I think that's, I think that's so huge and especially important as you're like looking into 2022 and thinking, okay, well what do I want to create in this upcoming year? How do I want things to shift? What do I want, you know, to be different is how people pleasing. I also, that was a big lesson for me this year and how it manifested for me was a little bit different. It was more in just like, like doing things sometimes is like a reflex to what I felt other people needed. Right. Instead of Checking in with myself and be like, okay, yeah, so maybe these people, like, I think these people need this or they want this, or they're emailing, asking me to do this thing right, launch this course, do this thing right. And so doing it, because I feel like, oh, well, that's, you know, people are asking me to do. That's what I should do. And instead of like, checking in with myself and being like, is that really going to bring me joy? Is that what I feel is like, the next frontier for me, is that where I feel like I'm going? Because our paths are so unique and so there's always going to be people. It's the boiling pot of crabs analogy, where if you put a pot of crabs on the stove in, like, a big boiler pot, as you would, and you slowly turn the heat up, there will be some of the crabs that will try to climb up the pot and escape. And the crazy thing is, is that the crabs that are staying in and being boiled will yank them down and pull them back into the boiling water. Right? And I feel like that's like an example of what happens sometimes is when you're on your, like, growth, evolutionary path, you're doing your thing. There are going to be people that are going to try to, like, grab you down and pull you back to the person that you were. Were. Right, that. And so it's kind of a, you know, natural occurrence, I guess you should say. Right. That's kind of like how things will take. So don't be surprised if you're on your next, like, if you're like, I'm on the next leg of my journey, like, this is the new thing I'm doing right now, or this is my latest priority or whatever it is. If you have other people around your environment that are trying to kind of pull you back to, like, the you of yesteryear and just know that in those moments that when it really requires us to be a stand for our joy, to be a stand for our intuition, to trust, you know, our path. And I think that's been. I had a big aha this year.

That was.

That I've had in multiple times. It's been. It might be interesting because so many of your listeners are very spiritual, where sometimes I would actually make, like, I would worry about people pleasing, like, my intuition or people pleasing the divine. And so I would almost create shoulds around like, oh, well, I should do that, because I feel like that if this is happening, then maybe my intuition is telling me this, and so I should. So it'd be like micromanaging, trying to figure that out and what's like an example of that. So for instance, it's like, should I, should I launch this or should I not launch this? We can use that, use that example or even, you know, actually I'll use an even more personal example, having a baby. So it was like, okay, so on it was like, should I or should I or shouldn't I or when should I do this or whatever, the whole thing. But you can also use this for a launch. You can use this for anything. I had both of the launch and the thought of that. Very typical. And so there was like this intuitive thing of like, okay, I'm trying to decipher, like, well, maybe this is what I should do, right? Maybe this is like what the next, you know, what the next step is and then looking for the signs and then meditating on it and then all this stuff. And then it hit me one day after meditation, actually you just get to choose what you want and that's what you're like, that is the next intuitive step. Which is so simple, right? Which is so simple actually. But you know, I don't know, that was just a trap, I guess. I guess got caught up on my over spiritualized journey where I was like trying to tap into like what's the sign? Or is my intuition telling me one thing or am I being is directed? And you know, at the end of the day I was like, oh no, actually if I just tune in and ask myself what do I really want? That is the answer. Because my desires and how that my desires run through me are divine, which is what I teach. And so if I don't have a desire to launch that course in that moment, that is divine intuition that I'm not meant to launch that course in my moment. And if I don't have the desire in that moment to have a baby in that moment, that is also, you know, the, the divine design that I don't. And for both of those things, for me it's like, it's in the key words are like in this moment, right? And so for me it's like, okay, okay, I will probably eventually launch whatever the course was maybe, and I will eventually probably have a kid. And I don't have to micromanage those things because like society or anybody else is trying to tell me that I either need to launch something or I should have a game plan for what I'm going to try to get pregnant or anything like that. I can actually just wait until that desire naturally evokes in me and then trust that that's it. So. So, yeah, that was a big, interesting thing for me about how I actually was like, my people pleasing was kind of getting muddied up in there.

I love that. And I've totally experienced that exact same thing. And it's almost like a learning lesson that I've had especially doing this podcast over the past few years. It's not like the universe has this very specific plan that it's like trying to send you signals. Like, no, you're supposed to follow this plan. It's not what you want, it's not what your heart wants, but it's what I. So your job is to, like, find my signs. Like, that's not how it works. But like, we read these books and we think and we're like, fuck. Like, where is the path? Like, is it that eagle over there? Is it 11:11? Like, where is it? But it's like, it's in your heart. Like, if the universe really wanted you to do something, you are the universe. It's your heart, it's your intuition, and you have free will.

Well, you know, I actually love this is both of us. Both of us have husbands or fiance or whatever that are, you know, they're open to spirit contest, but they're, you know, very, like, earthy. And so I just. I went to a psychic or whatever. I don't know. At some point during the year, it was like a thing like a friend, like, set me up with or whatever. And the psyche told me to do some. Do some things right that I, like, really didn't want to do. I was like, like this, whatever. So I went home and I'm telling Keith. I'm like, you know, I said this and this and that, and he was like, well, what do you feel about it? And I'm like, well, I kind of hated him. Scary. Like, do I have to do that? And he was like, no, you don't have to do that. Like, why would you do something? You know, this is my soul's most expensive path and I gotta do. And he was like, well, don't you think they were just soul's most expansive path that they're be like. Because, like, there's a difference between, like, really wanting something and being scared of the pursuit of it and, like, just not wanting to do the thing?

Totally. I got this palm reading session recently because I just saw a Palm reader on TikTok. I'm like, you know what? I have not done that before. So let me send a picture of my Palm for, like, $170 and see what's in store for me. Like, some of the things she. He's like, you're intelligent. I'm like, yeah.

Yes.

Bing on. And then it's like, you're gonna have an affair. If not, you've had one. I'm like, no. But it's like, imagine if you were an impressionable person and you're like, fuck, the palm reader said I'm gonna have an affair. So I guess it's time for it to go down. I can't let the palm reader down. Like, the universe sent them to me. And, like. And, like, those are the ways that, like, we totally give up our power. And that's not what actual spirituality is. Like, we think in the old paradigm spirituality or psychics and palm readers and just your tarot card. And I think, yeah, there probably. And I know there are some great intuitives, tarot card readers, et cetera, but it's about listening to your own heart. And the huge lesson I've had is, like, whatever story you tell is going to be true for you. You can tell whatever story you want. Spiritual stories, your mindset stories, everything. And that will be true. In fact, this year, I feel less certain about everything spiritually than ever before because I'm more open to, like. And that might be true for you. And I don't know, because what's true for me is constant evolving. Like, for example, one question I had was like, does everything happen for a reason, or does it happen and we give it a reason? Because, like, you know, there are some things that happened this year that I definitely didn't want to happen. And, like, yeah, I could definitely find lessons that I've learned from it, but it's definitely still not what I wanted to happen. So it's like, well, then, was that meant to happen? I should have just gone with it even though my heart didn't want it? Or is it, like, things happen in life and it's up to what you take of it? And again, I think it's circumstantial. But above that all is, if you say it's true for you, that's what's going to show up. Because this world really is a hologram and it really is a mirror. So as your beliefs shift, then your reality and response to those beliefs shift as well.

Oh, absolutely. And that was actually a really prevalent theme, just with the final eclipse season of 2021, was when we had that sag eclipse and sag and mercury kind of like tying a Bow on the end of this year perfectly. That you brought that up was allowing us to say, hey, look back on the past year. It was actually 18 months. Look back on the past 18 months and decide what's the story you're going to tell? What's the meaning that you're going to make of this in a way that empowers your next evolution, in a way that empowers you moving forward. And I think that that is such a powerful. In life, there are going to be things that happen. And in a way it's like it almost doesn't matter if it was meant to be or not meant to be because it happened, right? So it's like, okay, it happened. And so the first step is like acceptance. Whatever's going down is going down. And then from that moment, trusting again that you're well resourced enough to make the next right move, right? And I really believe more than ever that life is a choose your own adventure game. And this year, I do think so many of us saw like splitting timelines, right? And so what that means is not like I think when sometimes I use those languaging people think that like you see like an elevator of light in the sky or something like that. And no, what it really is is you just kind of see like different paths your life could take, right? And I think a lot of us had many moments this year of being like, we had certain things come up or certain choices or whatnot, where it was like, okay, here's one of those moments, right, where I could go this way and life will go this way way, or I could go this way and life will go this way, right? And that choice is going to change on some level my life. But fundamentally I can't make a wrong choice because there is no wrong choice. There's just different choices. And it's just, what do you want to do with this precious incarnation? And how do you, what's the adventure that you choose to go on? How I've been for years, because my brother grew up playing video games and I was forced to play video games with him when it was like his turn to pick the activity. I was like, you know, forget about even the Matrix. Like, life is like one of those video games where like I remember playing Zelda with my brother and you'd go into some like magical fairy forest or whatever and it'd be like, you're in.

The magical fairy forest.

Go to the left to the blue lagoon and navigate this, or head to the right to the purple pansy forest, or Whatever, right? And that's life, right? And in those moments, like, that's where we have to trust our heart, we have to trust our desires, and we also just have to. Whatever we do, we do and we make it mean the most empowering thing possible.

I love that so much. Yeah, it's like, stop waiting for a sign and just choose your direction.

And oftentimes the fastest thing. You know, one of my clients this year, and I have a lot of clients that kind of are, you know, becoming different kinds of coaches and stuff like that, right? And they always go through that phase of like, I don't know exactly what kind of coach I should be or what my specialty or niche or whatever. And it's just such a perfect example of that, where I'm always just like, it doesn't matter. Pick one and wing it. Because either you'll pick one, you'll wing it, you'll love it, it'll go well, or you'll pick one, you'll wing it, you discover you don't like it, it won't go well, and great, you'll be that much closer to picking the one that you do want. Want, right? And that decision will inform. And it's. You know, sometimes just taking action is the best way to get clarity. And so, you know, sometimes we take action. We're like, okay, yeah, that was maybe that wasn't like, actually, I'm not really liking the purple pansy forest right now. Well, great. That's great information. And maybe you need. Needed to take that action so that you could say, you know what? I really do want to go to that other. Whatever the Blue Lagoon is or whatnot, right? And. But now I know what. What this is, right? And that's actually a great place to be. It's like thinking of, you know, I think of all the different kinds of guys I dated before I met my fiance, right? And it's like, it was so helpful in discerning what I wanted. Even the ones that were, like, awful or whatever, just not. Not fun. And so, yeah, so I think it's. You know, Viktor Frankl wrote that book, Man, Search for Meaning. I think a really important book and a great book for this year and reflecting on. I think that's a great practice for anyone listening if you haven't already done it with the sag Eclipse is, you know, write down some of the big things that happened this year, some of the landmark events for you that just, you know, to, like, this shouldn't be, like, a thing. We have to, like, scratch your brain. Just like whatever's top of mind or the most important events and ask yourself, what is the meaning I'm going to make about that? What's the story I'm going to tell about that and how that takes me to the next step forward? You know, I think that's where, you know, we, we create our reality. And there is some power in saying, you know, there's like some spiritual schools of thought that will say, like let's say you have a test, right? I don't personally believe in tests, but like if you decide that like okay, this, I was tempted by this guy that was not the guy that's in alignment with the ultimate partner I want. And I saw it and I said no to him. I said no thank you because I am in alignment with the partner I want right now. I might not necessarily believe that the universe works that way. The universe is out there trying to test you or anything like that, that. But that could be a really empowering story to choose because what you're saying is I me rejecting that guy, the meaning I'm going to attach to that is I'm worthy, I'm ready, I know what I want. And isn't that a rock? Isn't that like a rocket launch? Meaning right. To be able to give that instance whereas you know, someone else looking at that could be like, oh, I'm going to make this mean that I'm attracting the wrong wrong guy. Again, completely disempowering. Meaning that leads you in the wrong direction.

So true. There's infinite numbers of stories we can share and as long as it's empowering us, like go for it. I mean that's basically what every religion is. It's like, if it's working for you, it's bringing you joy. Like keep doing it, just don't do a crusade on someone and we're good.

Don't harm anyone.

You know, I think that yeah like for some people, the universe is testing me. Did I pass the test? That feels empowering for them. For me that's like, it just doesn't feel accurate that why would the universe be testing me? Like is it like, haha, I'm gonna get you like God? Yeah, like said you the wrong dude. You fell for this one. You ain't good enough. Like that doesn't feel alignment for me. For me it's just feels honestly has to do with free will. I really believe that sometimes what happens and when we go on a spiritual journey, we're like, everything is connected and where is my destiny going? It's like, it must be a sign. And like we're people who go into spirituality, are master storytellers. We really are, myself, yourself included. And I think that what happens sometimes is like we forget that we have free will at any single moment. And the beauty of that free will is like, you can't fuck it up because no matter which, oh, as long as you are getting that feedback and you're getting that, you know, like, oh, I tried to become a health coach. Oh, I realized I didn't want to just talk about nutrition. I'm wanting to go deeper with people now. I'm wanting to become a life coach. Okay, I did life coaching. I'm now getting the feedback. I want to write a book. You wouldn't learn without that feedback. It's like we, and I think one of the faults of our more millennial society is like we have seen success at such a young age. Like people being successful, like 24 year old millionaire travel bloggers, et cetera, that were like, I don't want to waste any time. I don't want to like sign up for a thing and it not be the thing. So like I need to wait until I make the move. That's like the thing for me. And that's it. And like that's not the way that life works. And that's not the way that anyone who you might be looking at has gone into where they are and is continuing to go. It's through that playing ping pong and dominoes and like going this way and that way. And like that's how you get that refinement that it really takes. So trusting that as long as you are in momentum, as long as you are taking action. And there is an element of intuition and stillness that is needed in that as well. Like for example, Cher, I'm very interested in sexuality and womb work and all of these things. And this past year I did this like womb apprenticeship and this year I wanted to sign up for this other like year long course. But when I really tuned into how do I want to spend my free time? Like, I don't have infinite free time. I have a lot of work. So in that free time, do I want to be spending it like watching more videos and learning more things or do I want to be spending it to dancing? And I realized I actually want to be spending it dancing, to be honest, because that's what's actually going to bring me the more joy. But it was in my mind thinking I always need to be like taking a course and like going and that served me for a period of time, but it's like where I am right now and what my priorities right now are like, my work and play. That's what I want to do. So I think that beauty in that taking a place, pause, coming into alignment and taking action, where so many people are just stagnant. They're not coming into alignment and they're not taking action or they're waiting for like God to come through and be like, you should sign up for this course, Goodbye. This is not what's going to happen. Like, God doesn't care. God wants you to be living your fullest truths and you can do it however you want.

Absolutely. And then the God coming through is your inclination, is your interest in it, right? If it sparks some joy in you and you're like, oh, wow, that course sounds fun. That course feels good. That that is your message from God being like, turn to the core, right? And it is like it's in that moment, you know, also having that discernment of like, okay, if I think about this choice in a vacuum and I take out any shoulds of what I should be doing with my time or what I should be investing in or whatever, and I just get back to my heart and my soul and ask, okay, okay, well what do I like spending my free time doing? And at every stage in your life, it's going to be a different answer, right? So it's just continually checking in and then honoring that and trusting again, like, you couldn't make a wrong choice, right? If you're, if you're taking that moment to get into alignment and then just check in and be like, no, like that's, you know, And I think about that, even if you look back and you're like, wow, I chose to spend that time, time dancing instead of taking that course, right? And maybe a year later you're like, I want to take that course, right? It would make no sense to look back and be like, well, I regret that I didn't just take this a year ago because a year ago it's not what you wanted. A year ago you wanted to dance, right? And so you gave yourself what you wanted a year ago and that was necessary. And then now you're doing that thing because now it's the time for it, right? And so just honoring that and it's like, you know, a lot of stay at home moms and they're like home with their kids, you know, early and then they get back into the workforce, they're trying to start a business you know, after their kids are a little bit older, they'll have like mixed feelings about that. Like I missed out on all these years and like, you didn't miss out on anything. Like you chose to spend those years like with your children, right? You chose to spend those years, you know, in that way and making that your priority and that was what your heart desired in those moments, right? And now, now you get to choose again and be like, okay, my children are a little bit older, so now I get to do this right? And we get to just honor the choices that we made. I think that's such a beautiful part of the spiritual journey too that I worked on this year a lot. In some of my deep healing work that I've been doing is going back to like decisions I made when I was much, much younger. Like when I was like 10 and 13 and 15 and like these little decisions I made along the way that, that on some level I could have judged, right? Like, oh, I should have done that when I was 15. Why didn't I just do that? Like, that would have made my life easier. Now I'd be even more successful now or whatever, right? But it's like, no, I have to have love for like my 13 year old self that did what she thought was best for her in that moment. That's what she was needed. Who am I to say that that wasn't the right thing?

I love that so much. And yeah, I've been like looking at even like older pictures of myself and we really shift even how we look. So we're like, I was not we're the same soul, but like a totally different version of it. In those stages of my life that in some place I look at myself, I'm like, wow, it's like almost like unrecognizable. So it's like, how are we? Like, we weren't there, you know, so it's like that person was there and that person was making the decisions. And like five years from now we're going to look back at this video and be like, oh my God, we're so cute. We're such cute little munchkins. We didn't know about the meta universe coming. There was the second variation, you know.

Before I became half a robot.

Exactly. Now we are full time avatars. And we thought it was so fun to be human. Like, who knows, maybe we'll just be.

Like.

Remember when we had Internet?

It'll be either direction. We'll either be like living in a forest, like off like the coast of whatever or with their own little civilization.

Like, we had it so easy. We didn't have to farm for all of our food for four hours a day. You know, we had lights. But that's. That's the beat.

Or it'll be leading the brigade in the matrix.

Exactly. Who knows? I mean, I could have never predicted the way my life would be today five years ago. So it's such a beauty to just like. Yeah. To just be in the moment. And. And I think to too, with the quarantine and pandemic, whatever it's even called at this point has done, is we don't plan too far ahead anymore. Like, before, everyone would be like, okay, what's like mapping out the whole year? And the strategy, Q1, Q4, no one's doing that anymore because we're like, matt, who knows? Like, there's no point in putting anything on the calendar because it just might change. And there's a beauty in this collective living in the present moment.

Absolutely. And I think that's a great place to kind of wrap up as people are thinking about. About when they move into 2022 and wrapping up their year of 2021. I think the biggest questions to ask is not necessarily what you want to do in 2022, but who do you want to be, how do you want to show up as? What are you committed to experiencing in your vibration and emotional life and how you approach every day. Right. Instead of it being like, oh, I need to, like, check these milestones off, you know, this list, like so many of us do every year, it's like, okay, well, if I end up showing up as my highest self, if I end up doing those things that get me into alignment, if I end up prioritizing my joy, if I end up prioritizing my purpose and, you know, my relationship. Right. Those things, if they are in your highest good, will naturally happen and often faster than you could have if you were just trying to work at it like a little worker bee. Right. Because when you are in alignment with all of that stuff, then you will just end up putting in the time. You will just end up wanting to do that. You will make the highest decisions because you are prioritizing that.

So good. So true. Wow. So many lessons learned. We could talk about this forever, ever. But thank you so much for being here today, for sharing your wisdom, for sharing your gifts, for being part of this conversation. And where can listeners connect with you further?

Yes, you can find me on Instagram at Cassandra Bozak. Facebook, Cassandra Bonsack. YouTube. Same thing. My book is manifesting through meditation. You know, if you have any spiritual girlfriends in your life, mine and Sahara's book, so I think would be a great like jam packed little gift for them. They can discover their dharmas then manifested through meditation. What more could you, I mean, what more could you want in 2022? Thank you so much for having me. Thanks so much for having me on. I love doing this and I think it is, you know, I think it's such a great practice, you know, thank you guys who are listening for doing it with us. And we encourage you to start up this conversation in your friendships as well. To just have a conversation about what did we learn this year? Like what are our lessons before going into 2022? It's a really beautiful way to close out the year.

Thank you again for being here with us today. So many lessons. We could keep going forever. I'm sure you have so many lessons too. So share with me on Instagram. Write a post of your greatest lessons of 2021. Tag me in the caption so I can read it so I can from your lessons and share them with the community. We have so much wisdom collectively that we get to disperse. That is what we used to do when we lived in tribes. People would share their lessons around the fire and that is how the elders would pass along that wisdom, that nuance that only really time gives you to the younger generation. And that's how they cultivated greater growth. So let us sit around the figurative fire and share our lessons. And I'm also super excited that I am planning an in person retreat for the Rose Gold Goddess community. And doors are gonna be opening back up at the end of January. So if you want to spend a full day diving deep into spirituality, embodying your highest self, shamanic rituals, practices, ecstatic dance, twerking, all of it, then this is your chance. And also to be part of an annual community where every single month we're diving into a new spiritual topic. We have teachers like Cassandra, Shaman Axel and so many others is teaching us very significant and deep spiritual workshops that totally transform your life from human design to activating your wild woman to rituals to plan the rest of your year and so much more. So head over to rosegoldgoddesses.com that link is in my show notes rosegoldgoddesses.com to join the wait list for when doors open at the end of January. Thanks so much for tuning in and I'll see you on the next one. Namaste.