​I’ve always been a hugeeee “forcer.” In school, in relationships, at work, with extracurriculars….I used to loveee being in control (I actually still do lowkey). I have always been the one to text first, the one to make the first move or approach the person making eyes at me at the bar. I’ve always been the one to ask for help after class or lead the group-project. I’ve always been the one to reapply to a college like twice and then protest my declined admission three times, email every single staff member in the journalism department at a college; and the dean of admissions, until they accepted me (yes, this really did happen).

I’ve just always been such a FORCER! Like, seriously. Even when I began my career in yoga teaching and spiritual life coaching, there was a whole lot of forcing at the beginning (i.e., signing up for the yoga teacher training program, finding money for it, etc.).

What I’ve learned recently is, however, that forcing just about anything never really gives you the results you actually want.

All of those men I approached first at the bar? THEY SUCKED! They were horrible matches for me. We had 0 in common besides physical attraction, and no matter how much we got to know one another, I could never stay with them. Why? Because whenever I’d shut off my “force” (OK, I need to come up with better words for these things….) the spark would dismantle. There would be nothing left. I would end up caving in after 1 whole day without hearing from them (or maybe even an hour) and text them first to make place to FORCE hanging out.

That career field I forced myself into? I HATED for the four years I worked in it. The work I produced in it wasn’t anywhere near my fullest potential (because it was forced) and I drove myself into the ground quite literally when the force and stress manifested itself as a fainting spell that landed me with a concussion which prompted this whole holistic-health-version-of-Jess-I-am-today.

And so, here we are. 

Attempting to take notes diligently like the amazing bright-eyed, bushy-tailed straight A journalism student who has no desire to work in journalism anymore; for her online class, spending a whole hour trying to get her computer screen to load.

“Wow,” I thought to myself “this sucks.”

It wasn’t until literally a whole hour, 60 minutes of my precious Friday afternoon, passed when I thought: Hm...what if I tried FLOWING instead of FORCING?!

This thinking was what led me here, to this post.
So often we force things that aren’t meant for us. 

Why?

Because we’re told that in order to have what we truly want in life, in order to accomplish goals or build empires or become millionaires, we must devote our whole life to suffering. To forcing. To grinding.

And when an obstacle arises, we’re told that’s part of the plan.

BUT what if there’s a road with less stress, less obstacles, less “suffering?”

This my friends, is the road less traveled. This, is FLOWING.

Flowing is scary AF for a lot of us. Flowing requires diligence in our own relaxation. Flowing requires going inwards and embarking on a journey of self-discovery, and elevating our own vibration so that we ATTRACT what we actually want instead of forcing what we don’t want.

I know, you’re probably thinking...what the actual fuck is this woman saying right now, and what the heck is a vibration? 

Trust me, I used to think the same way as you.

Physics 101 (thanks to our good friend Newton and his laws) states that not only can matter not be created nor destroyed, all matter holds and transfers energy. This energy can be measured via frequency, with the unit of Hertz (Hz) (Believe it or not I was a biology major my freshman year of college...KNEW it would be useful someday!).

And so we, as humans, consist of matter, which emits and absorbs energy. 

Now, think about the Law of Attraction, something manifestation experts such as Abraham Hicks swear by. The Law of Attraction suggests that like attracts like, and our thoughts shape our reality. Why? Because our thoughts contain energy, which emits a frequency, that the Universe responds to with a similar frequency. AKA according to the Law of Attraction, when you think life is horrible, it will be horrible.

So, if everything is energy which carries a vibration, and like attracts like vibrations of similar frequency are drawn together, then your thoughts control your reality. And if you can control your thoughts, you have the ability to control your vibration, which means you have the ability to control your life.

Instead of thinking “WOW THE WORLD HATES ME!” “I’m going to fail this class because my computer isn't working,” “I’m wasting my time,” or whatever it is you think when your computer gives you technical problems: try FLOWING instead of forcing.

Flowing dismantles negative thoughts and stressful vibrations from your aura, attracting what you really want instead… like a burst of creativity and the most free-flowing blog post/content piece/writing you’ve created in a longggg time.

And just remember, life’s too short to take it so seriously. And in contrast to the entire universe of beings (humans, animals, plants, stars) you are really quite literally a minuscule component, not only that, but this exact moment will probably mean nothing to you in 20 years. And if it does, let me know. 

How do you balance flow with action?

There’s been a lot of chatter on IG about the masculine/feminine energies (like a lottt). Researchers are now studying their roles in areas outside of spirituality such as business, education and gender norms.

See, the masculine, yang energy is not really about wearing a suit or driving a sports car; and the feminine, yin energy is not really about wearing beautiful dresses and bearing children.

Both of these energies actually naturally exist within us — they don’t need to be sought after or purchased at a store.

Typically, just as our physical bodies (flexibility, strength) are asymmetrical, so is our energy body and balance of feminine and masculine energies.

In business, the feminine and masculine energies appear because, well everything is energy. Matter cannot be created nor destroyed. All of these things we “know” point us in this direction of thought. Right?

And so, the left side of the pendulum swing, the “excessive” or unbalanced feminine energy, lives too much in the “flow” state. They may create content 24/7 with no concrete plan on how to share it, how to target audiences, how to create systems for client outreach. They are beautiful multitaskers, but almost to a fault — as they can put their energy into too many projects at once and burn out, or lose touch with what exactly they want to manifest.

The right side of the pendulum swing, the “excessive” or unbalanced masculine energy, lives too much in the “action” state. They are so focused on systems, policies, and driving that they neglect the natural nature of innovation. Innovation cannot be planned nor systemized — at least at the birth stage of an idea. Creative energy needs space to flow, to create and to be shared. Some of the best ideas did not come from a systematic programming or as answers from a poll. They came about when groups of creatives came together and brainstormed, or an individual like Eckart Tole had a sudden awakening on a park bench.

And so these energies exist within us, and in business, we can study the energy body and use it to our advantage. Especially if you are a new solo business owner like myself, it’s important we integrate these two energies within us, to stay balanced and to create more harmony in our inner world and in our businesses.

Here are 3 ways to balance your masculine and feminine energies when it comes to your business.

OK. This is definitely directed at me, lol.

Those of us heavily in our divine feminine energy, NEED systems in place. We create so so much amazing, beautiful content; perhaps we focus a lot on our design, our website layout, our logos, etc. but we need systems to make better use of our time. At the end of the day, no matter how beautiful of a creation you make, if you don't have a way to share it with potential clients or your community,  it won't be seen by anyone.

Same goes with communication. People with excess feminine energy are amazing at connecting with others. But when you're talking about potential clients, it's important to organize who you are connecting with. My recommendation? Create a spreadsheet with all of your leads, date of contact, and message sent. Then you can go back to it when and if you need to initiate a second point of contact.

Same with your content. I'm not a big fan of content calendars, BUT, a general structure could help. (I.e., post your podcast every Thursday, newsletter every Friday, IG post every day at 9 a.m....etc.) This way you don't crush your creativity with too much forward planning, but you do enough to allow yourself to create more and have your creations be seen....this leads me to my next point...

Flow flow flow... flow. Flow is ESSENTIAL for creativity! If you aren't flowing, you're not created. People can SMELL a salesperson from a mile away. What is there to sell if you don't have a creative or innovative product to provide people? Who wants to see ANOTHER gluten-free, organic peanut butter?  (You get my point).

Innovation breeds creativity, and creativity breeds innovation. So, schedule time for "flow." Maybe you work on your systems, sales calls, spreadsheets and administration 9-5 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. And then Tuesdays and Thursdays you "flow" 9-12 and work 12-5.

What is flow?

Flow is whatever allows you to create! Maybe you go to a  park and sit down. You meditate and you journal a brainstorm of potential ideas for the month. Projects you want to complete. THINK BIG! You want to write a book? Cool. Jot that down. Give a Ted Talk on something outside of your career field? STILL WRITE THAT DOWN! Don't judge yourself, just keep a running list of creative ideas. They could be useful later on, and don't arise typically if you're too stuck in your routine/systems.

This is definitely something I need to do too. We need to have fun. Yes, the "grind" isn't always a bad thing. We all know we create our legacies by how we spend our time outside of the office, how we conduct our evenings and early mornings. But we also need to have fun. Let's face it, stress causes malignancy. It shortens our lifespan. What's the point of making a larger income or creating connections if we don't use them to have fun too?

So schedule at least one day or night a week for just fun! No business. No studying. You can have intellectual conversations sure. I'm not saying to turn your brain off. BUT, have fun! Whether that's date night with your partner or going to a sporting event with friends, rock climbing, bowling, going to a concert, going out on the town, trying a new yoga or dance class, doing some self-care.

Above all else, enjoy life. And remember, you can achieve harmony on your own. Look and see where there may be an imbalance in your energy, and try to find balance, it will sincerely help you in more ways than you even know and help you unlock and unleash your divine magic within.

𝘛𝘈𝘒𝘌 𝘛𝘏𝘌 𝘙𝘖𝘈𝘋 𝘓𝘌𝘚𝘚 𝘛𝘙𝘈𝘝𝘌𝘓𝘌𝘋...✨⁣

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — never fear the road less traveled. 

From the moment we’re born we’re given a to-do list — what we should wear, how we should speak, what we should look like, where we should go to school (If we should go to school), what we should study, what professions are acceptable/unacceptable, how we should behave, what we should eat, how we should date, what religion we should believe (if any) etc. 

And of course some of us try to fit into those molds society places on a pedestal. We strive towards goals (which may or may not be actually authentic to our priorities, skill sets, needs and personalities,).

Some of us avoid the mold all together, maybe we choose to leave society or ignore the rules and do our own thing. 

The smartest option? The road least traveled — using the societal mold to your advantage and picking/choosing aspects of it you ACTUALLY resonate and want to implement in your life. 

For example, let’s say you go to college (remembering your privilege in doing so). You ditch the ideal “career” or “major” and study what you like (maybe a “taboo” major like music, Art, history, women’s studies, dance, journalism...). Then you begin reading and studying many religions and spiritual belief systems and adopt some aspects of each one you like (a little bit of Buddhism, a little bit of Christianity, a little bit of atheism, a little bit of Hinduism). Then you begin researching political parties and you form your own thoughts and beliefs (a little bit of liberalism, a little bit of conservatism), Then you begin researching diet and exercise and form your own routines (a little bit of weight lifting, a little bit of yoga, a little bit of laying on the couch...)

Do you see where I’m headed with this?

I have some tough love for you : STOP TRYING TO FIT YOURSELF IN A BOX! Stop labeling yourself. Stop limiting yourself. Stop stereotyping yourself and those around you. 

Ditch your ego, ditch your identity. Ditch your identity find yourself. — it’s that easy!

The road less traveled is bumpy, windy and twisty.

But with it comes individual thought, virtue.

​Allow yourself peace + purpose. You are so worthy of it.

This week's full moon in Aries had me feeling all types of ways (did anyone else feel the intense energy?)⁣
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This past full moon was all about relationships, learning and growing through our own introspection but also through our interpersonal relationships (friendships, familial, romantic, work...)⁣
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It reminded us that inner-work is done not only through solitude but also through relationships. We learn through how we connect with others.⁣
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This Aries moon also reminds us to step into our power. As it falls in first zodiac sign, it symbolizes a new chapter or cycle and a new opportunity to try something new, something that excites us and ignites our fire. ⁣
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Many of us are going through huge transformations right now. That's because as a society we are going through a shift in consciousness, trading out what no longer serves us (obsession with money, status, image) for what really matters (deep relationships, love, happiness, peace).

Are you going through a transformation right now?
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Here's how you can navigate your transformation and become a "genius transformer"

1. Feel your emotions. Whether you just quit your job, left a relationship or started a new routine; you're going to get emotional. Some days you're going to want to jump ship, abandon your new goal or journey. My advice? FEEL THE EMOTIONS. RIDE THE WAVE!! Cry, shout, scream if you need to. Smile and laugh too. Whatever you're feeling, allow yourself to feel it.
2. Balance that emotion with the task at hand. After feeling your emotions, allow them to go. While it's important to have feelings and emotions, they can sometimes get in the way of what we are trying to accomplish. Think before you act and ask yourself if your action is being driven by your goal or your present emotion.
3. Understand you why. Why are you trying to change? Are you being forced to change by external circumstances? Are you ready to pursue your desires? Are you trying to invite more joy and harmony into your reality? Whatever your "why" is, really ground-down in it. Write it down 100 times if you need to. And know that your why is greater than any circumstance or barrier you perceive to be blocking you from achieving it.

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How do you know you’re in alignment...?

When things fall into place. When things stop feeling so “hard,” when your worst-case-scenario story in your head is proven false. When you can breathe.

I truly believe the universe sends you struggles to force you into alignment. Obviously, we must work hard for the success we desire. But grinding in alignment feels ENTIRELY different than grinding against the grain, or grinding towards what isn’t meant for you.

Yesterday I was blessed with beautiful opportunity, but some chaos and confusion as well. Plans were canceled, rearranged. Transportation was disorganized. Communication was complicated.

But instead of crashing against my circumstances, I decided to flow with them. The result? Beautiful connection with strangers, several synchronicities, amazing opportunities and a deepening of my connection with those around me.

Being in alignment doesn’t mean everything looks perfect on paper. It means really truly feeling peace at any given moment, knowing you’re on the right path.

I challenge you to find a way to flow with life instead of crash against it. Next time something “goes wrong” unplug, look up from your phone, look away from your perception of unpleasant circumstances and realize the beauty around you in the sky’s blue hue, the bright sun shinning on your face, the sound of your footsteps, the smile from a stranger and this gift of life.

Photo by Katharine Spriggs.
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#JessWinans #Ultraviolet #UltravioletAsana #UltravioletThoughts #SanDiego #SDYoga #LosAngeles #LAYoga #Encinitas #DelMar #LaJolla #Vegan #IntuitiveEating #IntuitiveMovement #Journaling #Meditation #Yoga #SelfStudy #Manifestation #LawofAttraction #Spiritual #Spirituality #PersonalDevelopment #Consciousness #ConsciousLeadership #ConsciousEntrepreneurship #Spotify #Podcast #SDSUJMS ⁣

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I got into a car accident today.
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I was driving down the highway and the car in front of my hit their breaks, I slammed into them.

I’ve been here before, I thought as I calmly put my car in park and turned off the engine.

Placing both hands on my heart I remembered I was alive, I was OK.

The last time I got into a car accident, I could’ve died. My car was totaled. At the time I was living in New York and I wasn’t mentally, physically or emotionally healthy. I was riddled with toxic behaviors and negative self-talk which manifested an undesirable reality.

That day I made the decision to change my life, to drop everything and move to California.

Before my accident this morning I had a whole post planned for today about gratitude. I woke up this morning feeling peaceful and rooted in my faith. I’ve been surrounded by synchronicities lately — divine guidance — and had a serious breakthrough moment last night.

Last night in class I welcomed my three students, all three of whom I’d met from divine synchronicity, with so much love, light and warmth. I allowed myself to sink into who I was, remove the blankets of limitations I had been wearing since my teacher training ended in May.

Facing rejection from my teachers and questioning from strangers, some friends and some family had been weighing heavily on my heart.

And while I had done all of the “right things” before teaching class — meditating, grounding, reiki, preparing a plan, creating a playlist, arriving on time — as I was teaching I was scared. I was self conscious that I wasn’t “doing it right,” or that they wouldn’t resonate with the divine messages pouring out of me.

I was proven wrong at the end of class, showered with positive feedback and love. Not only that but the truly spiritual conversation that followed class between my three students, who had all practically been strangers to one another, and myself was a divine message in itself that I’m truly grateful for.

I spoke to my partner after class about how I was feeling and I realized that it was not only lack of gratitude for my current situation, but fear-based emotions and insecurities that had been following me through. I remembered in that moment, that I was enough. That this was my journey, my mission and my purpose. That teaching these beautiful souls was my calling.

I remembered how I felt the day I crashed my car for the first time and decided to move here. I remembered how I felt the day I fainted and woke up with a concussion on a concrete floor, and how I felt that evening in the MRI machine when I decided I’d be a yoga teacher.

I remembered how I felt when I met Ariel, a traumatic brain injury survivor and visually impaired yoga teacher following my concussion, someone who has become one of my best friends and guides on my journey.

I remembered how I felt when I began opening up to those around me, creating friendships and partnerships, receiving support and love from family, allowing myself to trust my teachers, guides and relationship with God.

I remembered how my intuition brought me there, to that studio space I share with an absolute angel, that studio space on Main Street in downtown La Jolla, that studio space I can call my own for a few hours a week.

I remembered my gift and my offering of the gift of yoga and spiritual connection that I can now pass along to whoever comes into my space.

I remembered the look on my students faces after class, the ease in their steps, the lightness in their frames.

And I felt truly truly grateful.

I wasn’t going to post today, I had planned on taking the day completely off from social media.

But as this message came to me I realized someone may need to hear it.

If you’re still reading know that you are a beautiful soul on a beautiful mission. You can’t control everything that happens to you but you must remember everything happens for a reason. You are here to live a beautiful life and everything you desire is here for you. Every bump in the road, every perceived roadblock is not meant to hurt you, it’s meant to place you on the right path.

Do I know what the hell I’m going to do about my car? Absolutely not. But what I do know is I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, nourishing food in my belly, a healthy mind, body and spirit; beautifully healthy and balanced relationships with those around me, love in my heart and the wisdom, knowledge and courage to help others.

That to me is worth more than any car or material good.