Photo used with permission from Allison Braun, creator of the Sexified Success Circle, captured by The Essence Oracle aka Heather Pennell.
When's the last time you wrote a love note? To yourself? To your lover? The last time you told that person that thing you've been wanting to say but just haven't? Said thank you to someone who's helped you in ways that they don't even know?
Communicating even the smallest of sentiments matters - for you and whomever you're writing to.
If the thought of writing vulnerably to someone else freaks you out - start with a letter to yourself {also a great new/full moon practice}.
I regularly write letters to my heart. It's a way for me to let out anything I've been consciously or unconsciously been holding in - and I'm often really shocked at what comes out when I give myself the time and space to express without expectation. ... and anytime my best friend catches me avoiding my inner truth or getting sassy about what I'm going through {to my great annoyance and gratitude} she asks when I last wrote a love letter to my heart ... because my heart always knows what I need, what I need to hear - especially when I don't want to hear it.
A love letter to some of the amazing women in my life. To all the others that I call sister, you are in my heart, always.
Mama, there could be no words to describe my love for you. Like a Rumi poem, your love flows freely, always breathing bright love into me and encouraging me to spread my bird wings. When I was broken you brought me back to life and I wouldn't be here without your unconditional love, support ... or sick humor :)
My big siiiiiissster Kelly. Unlike many sisters, I’ve never experienced jealousy, competition or limitation from your love, and your presence has only positively and powerfully contributed to who I am. Thank you for taking me under your wing, for always rooting for ME TO BE ME and being such a great example of following your horse … err, I mean heart <3
Katie, never could I have asked for more than you. Your love, support and laughter lights my life. I have tears in my eyes just thinking about the indescribable soul level love I have for you. Thank you for always seeing me, for always reminding me of my truth, for telling me the hard things I need to hear and for holding on and healing me (over and over and over again).
Psalm Isadora, as a teacher, the transmission of your teachings transformed me. As a mentor and friend, your guidance (and level of commitment to your students and your mission) inspires me. Thank you doesn’t even begin to say it - from my core, I am full of gratitude for you and the spark you re-ignited within me.
Allison Braun, I can’t even imagine what my life would be like right now without your presence. Your ability to see me and my potential, to provide me with the practical tools, guidance and permission have been such blessings. Thank you for seeing me, understanding me and helping me make my vision a reality.
To all the women of the Sexified Success Circle from last year and this year, the thanks I have for you doesn't have words. Thank you for showing me in every way what sisterhood means, you have all nourished me so deeply.
Shakti Sunfire and Sarah Durham Wilson, you were there at the beginning of this divine storm. Witnessing you stand in your truth really allowed me to explore my own awakening, what Femme Rising meant, and why I was sharing it. Thank you for the sacred space you create that allows women to unfurl and welcome themselves back home.
To all the women I am grateful to able to call sister … thank you for being such gorgeous fucking forces of nature. You have nurtured me personally and professionally and I value our connection and conversations so deeply. Thank you for teaching me that collaboration is more powerful than competition and in a way that transcends words, how deeply sisterhood heals. You all inspire me to be bigger, shine brighter and give more. Thank you for sharing your gifts, your reflections, love, laughter, BEAUTY, transparency, vulnerability, FEMININE POWER and deep commitment to making this world a better place. I LOVE YOU ALL. Together we rise <3
To my designer Kelly … I value your magic immensely. Femme Rising would still be a vision in my head if you hadn’t brought the it’s imagery of its soul to life. Thank you for your love towards this project and your deep understanding of my mission and vision. I am so grateful for the ease, excitement and absolute gorgeousness that comes with collaborating with you … it means so much to have all around babe on my team that “get’s it”.
To all my clients and students, past and present, I’m continually blown away by your ability to show up, say yes, fall apart, get real and do the work. Each day you are my teachers and I am so grateful for your courage, heart and grace. It’s beyond beautiful to witness your transformations from the inside out and I’m so humbled and honored to support you on your path.
To all of you, I bow deeply, for if not for you, I would not be what I am … and if I were not what I am there would be no way I could stand in the integrity of creating Femme Rising from the fire of my heart. THANK YOU for your love, your constant inspiration, vulnerability, sisterhood, honesty and love.
You, and you reading this, are ALL the deepest representation of sisterhood means … and if we can continue to grow this force of unconditional love between women, breaking down the barriers of comparison or competition, to see one another as we really are - we can show the world what it’s like to live with awakened, empowered, strong, sensual, sensitive, EMBODIED women … all working together to alchemize the feminine back into balance, first within our own hearts and then out into the world.
Love + Shakti + Sisterhood,
Ashly
