So I wanted to talk about an amazing experience I had this past weekend in New York City with spiritual teacher and thought leader for the modern world, Gabrielle Bernstein: Spirit Junkie Masterclass.

I began following Gabby’s work in January of 2014 when I began my own journey toward healing from fears, and anxiety. For the past two years I read her books, went to her lectures and watched her videos. But this masterclass initially seemed to big for me. I questioned if it was right for me, or if I would get anything out of it. I was also stuck in a place where I didn’t spend money on myself. It seemed selfish and wasteful. After working through those blocks I’ve begun to see my evolution as an investment. The most important kind of investment. Because no matter what changes in my life, I’m pretty sure I’ll always have myself. I’m stuck with me, so investing in my journey toward more happiness and purpose is never wasted.

This year I decided nothing was stopping me. I eagerly waited for the day when she would announce enrollment. I signed up without hesitation or doubt; just certainty that this experience is part of my path.

With nervous excitement for what lay ahead I got on the train on a cloudy Friday in June. All day the facebook group was blowing up with people posting of their arrivals. People from all over the world came for this weekend. I could feel the energy of everyone as we made our migration toward midtown Manhattan.I wasn’t worried that I was going to spend the weekend with total strangers. That’s the type of family and community Gabby has created.

From the pre-masterclass meet-up at a local cafe, to waiting in line outside of the theatre, I was introduced to such beautiful souls. Though we were a diverse crowd of business owners, bloggers, yogis, energy healers, mom’s, teachers, and lawyers, we were all there for the same reason: release limiting beliefs, to go bigger, serve the world, and share our light.

I got into the theatre on the first night, and somehow I was front row center! There have been few places in my life where such a high vibration of energy was felt throughout a space.

The first day consisted of lectures from Gabby to help us identify our fears and the source of our limited ideas, bust through our blocks, and realize our unique power. Many shared stories of their struggles and what lead them to this moment. We did powerful group meditations and learned ways to connect to our highest self. We also were treated with a lecture from guest speaker Rha Goddess (a performance artist, activist, social entrepreneur and motivational speaker) about aligning with our purpose, owning our unique contribution to this world, and having the courage to offer it up in a big way to help others transform their lives.

Later on that day we learned how to lead a guided meditation and were taught meditations for all sorts of things (energy clearing, disconnecting energetically from negative people, energy recharging, forgiveness, releasing anger, prevent freaking out, irrationality, healing addiction, manifesting, YOU NAME IT!). I found these meditations amazing for people who may not enjoy meditating, because it’s not the typical “clear your mind” type of meditation. These meditations are perscriptive for needs we all have, and help us focus our energy in a certain direction, with guided cues (so ya can’t screw it up!).

I especially loved the Q&A time we had with Gabby, it felt intimate and people really barred their souls. She gave great advice and was able to connect so deeply with the audience as a whole as well as with individual people. The deeply authentic love Gabby conveys for the group is unbelievable. By the end we felt like family. 

The second day focused more on practical lessons for growing a business using these heart centered principles. We had lectures from publicist and book publisher Richelle Fredson, online money-making goddess Kimra Luna and spiritual teacher and coach Jordan Bach, all major players in the social medial and online business world. Finally Gabby closed with a lecture on public speaking, book writing and how to bring our light in to the world to help others.

Throughout the weekend I tried to eat lunch with and sit next to different people every day. Doing that helped me meet so many more people. It’s a really safe place to turn to a stranger and just say “Hi, what’s your name?” At one point I sat down next to someone I had already known from facebook and instagram, so we finally got to meet in real life!

My major takeaways from this weekend, though difficult to put into words, are:

• Being healed doesn’t mean that wounds go away. Being healed means that you thank those wounds and see them as your greatest teacher. 
• Only I hold the perception of my current reality, and I can choose to see things differently at any time. 
• I let my fears and limiting beliefs hold me back, and how I’m beginning to move through them to create the life of my dreams.
• When it comes to operating in the world, it’s not what you say, it’s how you BE. You can say all the right things, but not actually live your truth.
• Be passionate about what you do in the world, because when you’re moved by your message, your message will move the masses. 

If you haven’t been introduced to Gabby’s work yet, I recommend going to her website where she has short vlogs on a range of topics to help you live your happiest life. She also has some amazing books and online courses. And if you really feel like taking your life to the next level, there’s always Spirit Junkie Masterclass Next year!

xo,