My Journey: Discovering Boundaries as an Act of Self-Love

After seven transformative years practicing Yoga, I decided to become certified so I could share its life-changing power with others.
Only 5 students showed up for my first class. I was nervous, uncertain if I had what it took to teach.

Yet, my deep passion pushed me forward. Soon, I was invited to teach at prestigious clubs and even Yavapai College where I was accepted as an exception since I didn’t have a college degree. From one class of 12 students, I expanded to eight classes with 25 students per class. I was teaching over 250 students weekly.

My students were experiencing profound transformations, but the full classes left little time for deeper connection. Many stayed after class with burning questions, and I often stayed for hours, pouring myself into guiding them.

Year after year, I gave above and beyond. Until every December, after the semester was over, my body forced me to pause with long, draining illnesses. It took time to realize I was giving too much, neglecting my own needs.

A wise friend’s words struck me deeply: 
“Maria, you’re creating an energetic imbalance. Whatever you put out you should receive back. Either call yourself an intuitive coach or get certified.”
This powerful insight launched a two-year search that led me to Soul Coaching®. The moment I encountered it, I knew it was my true path.

Imbalances are soul catalysts pushing us to evolve. Through my journey, I learned to establish firm boundaries and protect my energy. Becoming a certified Soul Coaching® Practitioner not only enriched my toolbox but profoundly transformed my personal and professional life.

This path evolved into a lifelong commitment. I became an Advanced Soul Coaching® Trainer and Master Practitioner, now certifying others to carry forward the Soul Coaching® legacy. Soul Coaching® is rooted deeply in the Four Sacred Elements and nature’s timeless wisdom.It is a gateway to Nature in an AI driven world.

“Cherishing Self ~ I Accept and Love Myself”

Both my Yoga and Soul Coaching® journeys taught me that setting loving boundaries isn’t selfish… it is sacred.
I had to release the “People Pleaser” archetype to fully honor myself. 
In doing so, I nourished a wellspring of love, compassion, acceptance, energy, and grace that now fuels all my relationships and life’s work.

Autumn, the season of letting go, invites deep reflection. As nature sheds its lush garments, it prepares the soil of the soul for renewal.
Autumn teaches us the beauty of surrendering to change. In every golden falling leaf, your future self whispers a promise of new beginnings.

Approach this season with an open heart and the strength to release what no longer serves, creating a new canvas upon which your soul’s masterpiece will unfold.

Three Soul Coaching® Tips to Cherish Yourself This October

1. Connect with the Four Sacred Elements: The Inner Landscape of the Soul 
Step away from your to-do lists and immerse yourself in stillness. Whether in wilderness or a city park, embark on a mini vision quest. Meditate and reflect, allowing Nature to teach you the rhythm of each Element. 
I invite you to go within, as you meditate, contemplate, reflect, and not only listen to Nature but reveal yourself to Nature. 
Nature is inviting us to drop our “masks” and stand naked. Let Nature SEE YOU in all your splendor.
Like a wise tree, allow the golden leaves of old to become the compost that will stir a new Spring in your Soul.

2. Create a Sacred Altar  
When the weather shifts and outdoor time feels limited, craft a personal altar as a sanctuary for meditation and reflection. Represent the four elements with meaningful objects: a feather for air, water in a small bowl, a candle for fire, and a stone or crystal for earth. Visit your altar daily to receive the whispers of your soul and creative insights.

3. Embody the Soul Coaching® Affirmation:
“I love and accept who I am… and who I am is enough.”  
Whisper daily to your heart until you and the Affirmation are one. 

You enter a state of Yoga ~ Union. Your own yoga of self-acceptance.

What to Expect When You Cherish Yourself

– Greater confidence, joy, freedom, and inner peace  
– Authentic, deeper relationships born from honesty and presence  
– Renewed energy and clarity through protective boundaries and self-nurturing

Your October Soul Empowerment Action Statement:

Today, I make a sacred promise:  
I prioritize my well-being and nurture my soul with kindness and grace
By cherishing myself, I build a foundation of strength and peace that lifts my life and radiates to those around me

This October, answer the Gateway Oracle’s invitation to cherish yourself.