We were lucky to catch up with Kimberly Davido recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kimberly, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My grandmother, Priscilla, was a beacon of strength and wisdom in my life. From her, I learned the invaluable lesson of resilience and the power of words. She instilled in me the belief that our thoughts, words, and actions shape our reality, urging me never to utter the phrase ‘I can’t,’ but instead to choose my words wisely.
Her teachings extended beyond mere words; she embodied unconditional love and demonstrated the profound impact of kindness and community on one’s sense of purpose and healing. When I lost her in 2016, it felt as though my world had been upended, yet her lessons continued to guide me through the darkest of times.
In 2018, I embarked on a pivotal journey of healing, opening my Reiki practice, initially named ‘Solace Reiki Wellness Center.’ Despite the initial success and expansion of the practice in spring 2020, the onset of the pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, threatening to derail everything I had built.
Tragically, the fall of 2021 brought another devastating blow with the loss of my eldest sister. Yet, amidst the depths of sorrow and despair, I found solace in the resilience instilled by my grandmother and the lessons learned from facing life’s trials head-on.
Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered hardships and traumas, but each has served as an opportunity for growth and transformation. It’s akin to being planted in the darkness, where, against all odds, we stretch towards the light, emerging stronger and more resilient than before.
In honoring my grandmother’s legacy and drawing strength from her teachings, I’ve learned to navigate life’s adversities with grace and resilience, finding hope and purpose even in the darkest of hours.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
During the challenges of the pandemic, Solace Reiki temporarily closed its doors. However, from those difficulties emerged a new beginning. In 2023, I proudly relaunched my practice under a new name: DAVI.
DAVI isn’t just a name; it’s a reflection of my belief that we are all beloved by a higher power. It’s a space where individuals can come together as part of the DAVI tribe, finding solace, support, and healing within a community united by love and faith.
At DAVI, our mission remains rooted in providing holistic healing experiences that nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Through Reiki, aromatherapy, crystal healing, and more, we offer personalized treatments tailored to each individual’s unique needs and journey.
As we embark on this new chapter, I’m excited to continue spreading the message of love, healing, and community through the DAVI brand. Together, let’s embrace our shared journey as beloved beings, finding strength and solace in the healing power of God’s love.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as most impactful:
1. Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges has been crucial in navigating the ups and downs of my journey. Cultivating resilience involves developing a growth mindset, practicing self-care, and seeking support from mentors and community. My advice for those early in their journey is to embrace adversity as an opportunity for growth, to cultivate self-awareness and self-compassion, and to surround themselves with a supportive network of friends, family, and mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement.
2. Adaptability: The willingness to adapt to changing circumstances and embrace new opportunities has been essential in staying agile and moving forward. Developing adaptability requires a willingness to step outside of one’s comfort zone, to embrace uncertainty, and to be open to learning and growth. My advice for those early in their journey is to remain flexible and open-minded, to embrace change as a natural part of the journey, and to continuously seek out new experiences and opportunities for learning and growth.
3. Passion and Purpose: Having a clear sense of passion and purpose has provided me with the motivation and drive to persevere in the face of challenges. Cultivating passion and purpose involves reflecting on one’s values, interests, and strengths, and aligning them with meaningful goals and aspirations. My advice for those early in their journey is to take the time to explore their passions and interests, to set meaningful goals that align with their values and aspirations, and to stay focused and committed to pursuing their dreams, even in the face of obstacles.
By cultivating resilience, adaptability, and a sense of passion and purpose, individuals can navigate their journey with confidence and resilience, ultimately achieving their goals and fulfilling their potential.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My time at The Institute of Psycho-structural Bodywork was like a lifeline during one of the darkest periods of my life, following the loss of my beloved sister. It became my sanctuary, a place where I could find peace and healing amidst the storm of grief.
My classmates, especially Jeanette, Diana, and LJ, were like guardian angels, offering unwavering support and understanding as I navigated through my pain. Jeanette, in particular, held space for me during our sessions, allowing me to express my emotions freely and providing comfort in my moments of sorrow.
The teachers at the institute were more than just educators; they were mentors and guides who helped me regain strength of my healing powers. Toi Beaman Leal and John Matsunaga provided a strong foundation in mind-body connection, while Tony Poland’s tough love approach pushed me to strive for greatness. Elizabeth Jacobowitz introduced me to the transformative practice of Sensory Repatterning, which brought me moments of pure cosmic bliss.
Tracy Griffiths and Gary Strauss shared their magic and wisdom, imparting invaluable lessons in energy healing and becoming spiritual allies on my journey. And I can’t forget Cyndi and Sabrina Ortolano, whose unwavering support and encouragement helped me hone my artistic abilities in massage therapy.
Together, this community of mentors, classmates, and colleagues became my extended family, providing me with the love, guidance, and inspiration I needed to overcome challenges and thrive on my healing journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.davibodywork.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davi.tribe/?hl=en
Image Credits
Dani Delia Manny Padilla