
“This photo of me in Sedona facing my fear of heights is a constant reminder of how alive and powerful I felt afterwards. A reminder of how worthy it is to face our fears. What fear are you willing to face?”
– Maria McGonigal
by Maria McGonigal, Soul Coaching Advanced® Trainer, and Master Practitioner
In 2023, after 26 years living in Prescott, AZ, my husband, our mini poodle Ziggy, and I moved to enigmatic Taos, NM. Without knowing a soul there or knowing anything about Taos we started our first brick-and-mortar business and Academy of Vibrational Arts to share our passion for Sound Therapy, Soul Coaching® and Yoga with the world. A long held dream.
It all happened very quickly, and there was no time to spend months doing our research and planning in advance as we always love to do. Yes, it was scary as hell, but this experience, grounded in courage, carved a new way of being and creating in life at an age when most of our friends are comfortably retiring.
That move was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. There were times when I wondered if we had made a mistake. There were times when sheer panic would roll over me. I would wonder, “What have we done”. But there were also sweet moments of remembering that I didn’t want my life to be about always trying to play it safe. I wanted my life to be about forging ahead with passion, facing storms head on and listening to the whispers of spirit.
Ignite Your Soul and Step Forward with Passion
There comes a moment in every Soul Journey when the whisper of change becomes too loud to ignore. You feel it as a quickening in your heart, a tingling in your spine, and an inner knowing that something is calling you forward.
This is not a time for hesitation, this is your season of Valiant Courage, the kind that blends fierce determination with soul-deep truth.
It’s easy to wait until everything feels safe, familiar, and fully mapped out… but that is not the path of a soul in bloom. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; courage is walking forward hand in hand with fear, acknowledging it but not giving it the steering wheel.
This photo of me in Sedona facing my fear of heights is a constant reminder of how alive and powerful I felt afterwards. A reminder of how worthy it is to face our fears. What fear are you willing to face?
Are you ready to ignite your courage and take action with passion?
This September, step forward fearlessly.
Your soul’s truth is the lighthouse that illuminates the way for you and inspires others.
Say YES to your boldest self and discover how one brave act today can change your life forever!
This Is Your Time to Rise
Look around. Opportunities are swirling in your atmosphere right now.
They may not present themselves wrapped in neat packages.
Like our unexpected move, sometimes they look like challenges or a sudden inner urge to speak your truth.
The question is: Will you step forward and claim them?
The Sacred Traveler card message reminds us: “Throw your shoulders back and move forward fearlessly.”
This is a soul directive, a call to act before the moment passes by.
Three Soul Coaching® Tips to Take Action with Passion
As an Advanced Soul Coaching® Trainer I would love to share 3 Soul Coaching® tips with you.
1- Take a Risk
Are you afraid of public speaking?
Gather your family or a group of close friends and give a small presentation on a passionate topic of yours.
2- Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Go all in! Make a change! Surprise yourself!
Change your hairstyle. Talk to a stranger if you are shy. Get up and watch a sunrise if you are a late sleeper.
Be unpredictable and let fire dictate your choices.
3- Fun!
And more importantly, while you do some intense fiery work, do not forget to have fun!
No matter what is happening in your life today, find a way to create fun and joy while doing it.
What is your version of fun?
Scheduling a night out with friends?
A self-care day at the spa?
Whatever your day brings, ask yourself the question:
“How can I experience even more joy and fun right now?”
This is the work we commit to during the deeply transformative Soul Coaching® 28 Days to Discover Your Authentic Self during Fire week. Also, take advantage of summer (Fire Season) while it lasts to further support your courageous actions.
Why Your Courage Matters
Your courage isn’t just about you.
Every time you stand up for what lights your soul and act with passion, you become a living invitation for others to do the same. You become a beacon, a guidepost for loved ones, colleagues, and even strangers.
One act of courage sends ripples farther than you can imagine.
Think of someone who once inspired you simply by how they lived their truth. That can be you, right now.
Your September Soul Empowerment Action Statement:
I stand tall in my truth. With my heart ignited and my spirit steady, I step boldly into the unknown. My courage lights the way for myself and for others. I act now, with passion, knowing the Universe is on my side.
SEE THE GOLD!

Maria McGonigal, Soul Coaching® Advanced Trainer
Maria McGonigal is praised for her keen intuition and profound wisdom.She focuses on bringing together different yet integrated systems together creating harmony, balance, and profound transformation. Maria assists you in finding missing pieces, energetic or physical, connecting you with your Soul so you can find your own answers.
She is one of only four Soul Coaching® Advanced Trainers worldwide, an Acoustic Sound Healing Practitioner & Trainer, and an Advanced Yoga & Meditation Teacher. In addition, she is an international speaker and author of three international best selling collaborative books.
Maria lives in mystical Prescott, AZ with her husband and Sound mentor, Rian, and their joyful dog Ziggy.
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