Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lani Gonzales. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lani, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
I developed my ability to take risks through a journey of self-discovery and transformation. My background as a survivor of abuse and trauma provided me with a unique perspective on life. I realized that I had two choices: to let my past define me or to use it as a source of strength and resilience. I chose the latter.
At the age of 23, I became a lawyer, which was a significant achievement for me. However, I couldn’t ignore the inner calling to explore the depths of healing and spirituality. I decided to take a leap of faith and return to school to become a clinical and quantum healing hypnotherapist.
This transition was a major risk for me. It meant risking a stable and prestigious career to follow my heart’s calling, but I was guided by the belief that I am always connected to a higher power, and that belief gave me the courage to take the leap.
Taking risks became an integral part of my journey towards self-realization. I realized that to truly grow and help others heal, I needed to step outside my comfort zone and embrace uncertainty. I started to see risks not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth and learning.
My optimism and spirituality played a crucial role in my ability to take risks. I firmly believe that all people are worthy, divine, and infinitely powerful, including myself. This belief empowered me to trust in my abilities and the guidance of the universe.
Each risk I took, whether it was changing careers or delving deeper into the realm of healing, taught me valuable lessons about resilience, faith, and the limitless potential within me. I discovered that the more I trusted in my inner guidance and the higher power that guides me, the more I was able to overcome challenges and achieve my goals.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
By the time that I was four years old, I had already experienced rape, trauma and abuse. I struggled with anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicidal ideations after witnessing my grandfather’s choice to end his life during my eighth birthday party. I suffered in silence, but I slowly found my way towards the light with the help of a mental health counselor.
Despite decades of counseling, a part of me still felt broken and unworthy. I tried a different approach: hypnotherapy. After just one hypnotherapy session, my unhealthy and self-sabotaging behaviors dissipated. Hypnotherapy opened my eyes to the power of healing beyond the territory of thoughts and going deeper within. After working as an attorney for twelve years, I returned to school to become a certified clinical and quantum healing hypnotherapist. My journey towards awakening ultimately called me to ayahuasca.
Through exploration and healing within the realm of my subconscious, I reclaimed my power and found inner peace. I learned to wield the love and light within and live a life of purpose. It is my mission to help others do the same.
I facilitate ayahuasca ceremonies in South America 4 times a year and offer 1 month of guided preparation, and 3 months of guided integration.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Resilience: One of the most important qualities that carried me through my journey was resilience. Building resilience requires developing a mindset that embraces challenges as opportunities for growth. My advice to those early in their journey is to cultivate resilience by practicing self-compassion, maintaining a positive outlook, and seeking support from a trusted network of friends, family, or professionals when needed. Remember that setbacks are not failures but stepping stones toward personal growth.
Self-awareness: Self-awareness is the cornerstone of personal transformation. It involves gaining a deep understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through introspection and self-reflection, I was able to uncover the underlying causes of my struggles and make conscious choices to heal and grow. My advice to those starting their journey is to invest time in self-exploration. Journaling, meditation, and therapy can be powerful tools to enhance self-awareness. Embrace vulnerability and be open to facing the parts of yourself that need healing, as this is where true transformation begins.
Patience and Trust: I found that patience and trust played a pivotal role in my journey. Patience is the ability to persevere without losing hope, even when progress seems slow. Trust involves having faith in yourself and the process, even when the path ahead is unclear. For those early in their journey, I recommend practicing patience by setting realistic expectations and acknowledging that healing takes time. Trust yourself and the support systems you have in place, knowing that you have the inner strength to navigate the challenges that arise.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
My biggest challenge at the moment is claiming my power and taking up space. Growing up in a conservative Filipino household, I was taught not to stand out. My upbring created a deep-stead fear of judgment and rejection when considering stepping into my power and embracing my uniqueness.
Growing up, I was surrounded by values that emphasized blending in and not drawing attention to oneself. While these values undoubtedly served a purpose in preserving tradition and family unity, they also left a lasting impact on my self-perception. The fear of judgment, deeply ingrained during my formative years, became a significant hurdle on my journey to self-discovery and empowerment.
I am actively working to redefine my relationship with these inherited beliefs. Recognizing that my journey towards authenticity and empowerment is a deeply personal one, I have chosen to confront the fear of judgment and rejection head-on, and I am learning that authenticity is a source of true strength.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.AdAstraAwakening.com
- Instagram: @Ad.Astra.Awakening.com
- Other: https://a.co/d/5awLP9Z
