Warning: This podcast may make you want to buy a plane ticket to exotic places and find your soul. Or, perhaps curl up on your couch with a cuddly dog (both of us prefer our goldendoodles) and drink a lavender latte while contemplating your soul’s purpose. 😉
Ok, let me back the train up. Today’s guest, Rachelle Tratt, is a living example of what it means to follow your heart, and you’re going to want to read on/listen to hear why.
In case you’ve never heard of this amazing lady, Rachelle is a Los Angeles-based yoga instructor, community leader, and soulful entrepreneur who created The Neshama Project, a yoga inspired, socially conscious jewelry company that gives back.
Many may not know this, but Rachelle’s company, The Neshama Project, was actually inspired by the sudden and traumatic loss of her mother when she was only 9 years old. While recognizing now that it was all meant to be part of her path so she could in turn help others, at the time she struggled with anxiety and depression – and just feeling different.
These feelings played out as a teenager as she hit a rebellious phase, which at the age of 18 ended in rehab. It wasn’t so much that she was addicted to alcohol or drugs, it was just that she didn’t know how to cope with things in a healthy way. Part of that rehab program was yoga… While always a self-professed tomboy, Rachelle laughed at the thought of the practice, but once she hit savasana, she was hooked. For the first time in a long time, she found peace.
Not long after rehab, Rachelle became a yoga teacher and eventually ended up taking a yoga training class in California. While living in Florida at time, she knew she needed to make the move permanently to California.
“It made no sense mentally, but my heart was telling me to go and I knew how to listen to that.”
And speaking of listening to her heart, Rachelle always knew that she would visit Israel (the country where her parents meant). Six years ago, she made the trip, stayed for a month and it was everything she hoped it would be. She felt connected to her mother and while there realized the connection she also felt with the Hamsa hand necklace she received from a yoga friend. Having always been a conversation starter for soulful exchanges, it had followed her after rehab, to California and now to Israel. She knew was meant to play a bigger role in her life.
Just like that, she started searching for stones in Israel (successfully). She wanted to create art and make connections – and she did. Rachelle didn’t have all the answers, but she just knew there was a great purpose for her.
“I believed in the power of a product with a meaning that stood for something greater and the mission behind it.”
Sure, there were a lot of nay-sayers. Having always been a little “different,” everyone thought it was just “one of those things” Rachelle was trying again. Rachelle had faith and trust though that things would work out because she was following her heart’s calling.
“It’s trusting that I am a unique individual and my path isn’t supposed to look like anyone else’s.”
And thank goodness for that! It’s not to say that there haven’t been growing pains – both personal and business. We’re all constant works in progress. But when something does pop up, whether in the form of darkness, stress or anxiety, she’s learned to acknowledge it and confront it head on.
“My anxiety is directly related to the levels of my self care and self love.”
Life happens and we have to find the little tools and/or rituals that calm our minds. Here are a few of Rachelle’s favorites:
- Get your feet on the ground (feel the earth underneath your feet).
- Breathing
- Movement – all forms. Yoga is one of her favorites, but she can call just about anything yoga as long as it’s approached with intention.
- Walking with her golden doodle Bailey (no phone, just being present).
- One day of rest (kind of like the Jewish tradition of Shabat).
Another important factor (and this is super important) is finding a tribe/community/sisterhood that has your back. It can be tricky if you’re from a small area and don’t have as big of a pool as L.A. But she promises that,
“What you put out there is what you attract.”
So put yourself out there. Way outside of your comfort zone. Start by attending classes and introducing yourself to others. If you seem to click, schedule a time to have coffee… It’s all about using the network around you. And lastly, “dial, don’t file.” People don’t have the time for those who don’t follow through. Nurture your relationships. Does this mean you have to super close relationships with everyone? No! Find that smaller inner tribe who you know on a deeper level, that has your back and you can tell ANYTHING to.
And above all, follow your heart. Follow your soul. Follow your bliss.
*Stay tuned for a post in the hopefully very near future when our goldendoodles (and us) have a dog date.
In This Episode You Will Learn:
- Jewelry
- Entrepreneur
- Finding rituals in your day to day
- Finding your tribe
- Success
- Following your soul
Resources:
- theneshamaproject.com
- Retreat info: theneshamaproject.com/yoga/
- IG: @theneshamaproject
- FB: facebook.com/theneshamaproject
Follow me on social media @LoriHarder on Instagram and Lori Harder on Facebook.
You can also see more at my website: LoriHarder.com
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