As I have enthusiastically shared with you before, the work I do as a photographer is fueled by a deeper calling, a vision felt, known and fiercely whispered from the center of my passionate heart. It is an undeniable drive to help women ignite the flame of our true Self, our soul-sourced magnificence, divine radiance. What I marvel at, as I walk this blessed path of synthesized purpose and passion, is that this same essential fire burns in the hearts of so many of our sisters, but we are each called to express it, to offer ourselves in service to it, in infinitely diverse and creative ways.
In November, I had the exquisite fortune of participating in a weekend retreat called the One Woman Effect. (http://onewomaneffect.com) OhMyGoddess!! Have you ever been in a room FULL of lit-up women with big dreams, who refuse to settle for anything less than EVERYTHING?! Well, let me tell you… Heaven is NOT some esoteric address above the clouds. It is in the company of such goddesses, joined in the intention to play full out, raise each other up, celebrate our luminous, open hearts, be who we were born to be… and in the process, heal this world. Cherie Healey (http://www.cheriehealey.com/), a sparkly powerhouse goddess, and self-proclaimed “possibilitarian”, is the founder of this nourishing, life-changing weekend. She is another sister who is called by this deep inner knowing of a dawning world. A world awake to the unifying chord of love that weaves all of our hearts and lives together in an intricate, resplendent tapestry of diverse unity, unlimited abundance and global harmony. She says “One Woman at a time, being brave enough to go after what she wants, will literally heal the world.” And do you want to know the oh-so-fabulous news? She’s absolutely right.
One thing about me, that I’m not sure whether to revere or curse, is that I perpetually bite off as much as I can POSSIBLY chew… and yes, sometimes more ;). So here I am, immersed in this amazing woman’s weekend, as a participant, as well as the photographer, AND offering individual “mini” photo sessions to fellow participants, on our breaks. Of course it was all a total blast, but honestly, I had moments of feeling like an elephant on ice-skates, juggling plates laden with gourmet twelve course meals! Yes, it was a lot. But hey, if you’re gonna bite off a lot, at least make sure it’s all DELICIOUS! We began each day unleashing our wildest selves and dancing with bliss-full abandon! Later, Cherie guided us in powerful Q&A sessions, we did yoga and yes, we even sipped exquisite wine, as we giggled, squealed and told brazen secrets in the evenings. Yum.
Because during this amazing weekend we were all riding colossal waves of YES to our deepest dreams, and truest Selves, the mini-sessions were potent. Women were “warmed up”, melted open, and it was delightful to capture their bright, dancing spirits in images they will be able to keep forever, and reconnect with their inherent goddess essence, who knows what she wants and is committed to creating it. (I have included some of the awesome images in this post– check them out!) Yes, this is always the aim of my sessions… This burning drive to bring you home to your pure, bright Self is what I live for! And wow, was it FUN to plunge into the vivacious, swirling waters of this weekend, and play in the immense energy that we generated together!
As ignited women, we need each other. Though we each must make our solo “heroine’s journey”, still, in the vaster context, we can not do it alone! This is why I am here to serve you in your glorious awakening. This is why I keep company with other inspired visionary woman leaders. What I am alone is amplified a bazillion times when I am hand in hand with you, and our diverse web of effulgent soul sisters. A single shimmying flame becomes a forest fire, which will engulf the world in healing, creative love. Let me ask you– do you know how beauty-full and power-full you are? Come let me photograph you! It will be my ultimate pleasure to help you see…
One woman… being brave enough to go after what she wants… It is YOUR turn now.
Who are the ignited goddesses in your life? Please share in the comments, how working with me, Cherie, or other powerful women has impacted your life.