Blog

Nature has always been a source of connection with spirit for me. When I was about three years old, we lived in an oak tree forest in Iowa. I would ask my mom if I could go outside by myself, and one day she said yes! She watched me from inside go and sit in the woods. I remember talking to the trees as if they were friends and asking them why I was here; what was my purpose in being born? They would tell me that one day it would all make sense. When I look back on this relationship I had with the trees, it’s like they were an advisory council for me. I felt like I belonged and was seen. As a
teenager, also in Iowa, we could drive to a small park out in the cornfields that had a swinging bridge. It was called Margaret Guye Woods, and whenever I was there a sense of euphoria came over me. This was a place where just being there made me feel like
everything was okay just as it was; it was like a still-point for me. When I lived in the Colorado, I would find little parks or trails...

The clothing industry is one of the most taxing on natural resources because of the dyes, the large scraps of fabric leftover after cutting patterns, the pesticides used to grow cotton, the human slave labor used to create the clothes. But we all need a wardrobe! So how do we choose one that is the most environmentally sound? Here are a few tips:

1) First, know your color palette. This may sound like it has nothing to do with the environment, but starting here helps us consume less because we won't be as likely to buy clothes that we like but that do not necessarily look good with our skin and hair color. Find a handful of colors that you love, that look outstanding with your skin tone, and also look good together, and then shop for those colors.

For me, these colors are indigo, poppy, and blush.

2) Next, choose a few neutrals that you love and that are flattering for your skin tone. These become the go-tos in your closet. I like oatmeal, heather grey, and charcoal heather.

3) After...

I never considered myself a very realistic artist. I love color, design, abstract painting, and ceramics, but my mind was never very good at drawing. In enters my three- year-old, extremely artistic daughter (as most children at this age are: “ Mommy, can you draw me a deer?” she asks in the sweetest, my-mom-can-do-anything-in-the-world voice. Now, my mind starts to say, “Zeyna, I am not a very good drawer…” But, errr! Stop right there! I don’t want to be teaching her these limiting beliefs, that if we aren’t the best at something then we shouldn't even try. So, I say, “Sure!” ...and I panic inside. I think, 'Okay, get your phone and Google "how to draw a deer."' I find one that looks pretty simple, but I'm feeling the stress inside me building. At the same time, I am trying to relax because it seems the harder I try to draw something well, the worse my already-limited drawing abilities are. So I am internally boosting my...

     In numerous cultures across the planet, indigenous people live in accordance with the elements of nature. These elements vary from culture to culture, but the underlying belief for each culture is the same: that the elements of nature are the foundation of creation, and when they are expressed in our lives in a balanced manner, they can create a flow of manifestation that is stable and abundant. This system uses the five elements of Chinese or Taoist philosophy to create a business plan and philosophy, forming a template that will ensure we leave nothing by the wayside and that our businesses grow in abundant ways. These elements are Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. In Chinese medicine, these elements are used for diagnosing ailments. In this system, we use them to "diagnose," plan, and grow your business.

     Each element in this system is correlated to various aspects of life, and as such the system of elements can fulfill every aspect...

In 2013, Maggie O’Dea, founder of Inspired Life Project, used the approach she created (“The Elements of Business”) to develop a business plan and launch her body-care business, Devi Mukta. Maggie’s homeopathic self-care products give skin a beautiful luminescent sheath that is both a presentation of your light to the world and a barrier from harsh elements and toxins in the environment. Devi Mukta body-care products pamper your skin, which this is vital to holistic wellbeing.

Here is Maggie’s story of using “The Elements of Business” to launch her company and create her home based business as told in her own words:

Our soulful purpose fuels our dream and creates our vision. This is how we feel empowered to move forward and eventually put our vision into action. Having a clear vision allows you to outline a succinct and compelling business plan that moves from a big-picture plan to manageable short-term goals.

My dream was to create a...