We were lucky to catch up with Dreana Nealon of Wellness with Dreana recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dreana, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I’d love to say I’ve overcome imposter syndrome but, the reality is I’ve learned ways to work through imposter syndrome.
One way I work through the feelings of imposter syndrome is by acknowledging that imposter syndrome comes up for MOST people and is normal. What a relief to know we’re all human! Another way I work through the feelings of imposter syndrome is to view it as a timely opportunity for growth.
When imposter syndrome feelings arise, it’s mine and your internal reminder that we’re not practicing ahimsa. Ahimsa is one of the five yamas, which is the first “limb” of the great sage Patanjali’s right eightfold path as described in The Yoga Sutras. Ahimsa is the practice of causing no harm physically, mentally or emotionally towards yourself or others. Being aware and coming back to the practice of ahimsa brings about growth.
To reduce feelings of imposter syndrome, it is important to have the awareness of what’s happening in your mind and body and then the discipline to change how you’re currently thinking about yourself. Current thoughts create your current feeling. So when imposter syndrome strikes, it’s a cue to tap into ahimsa by coming back to thinking positive loving things about yourself. Sometimes, it’s not as easy to just shift what you’re thinking. This is where I use the implementation of additional tools like breath work, yoga, and breathing in a favorite essential oil is so powerful. Aromatherapy or inhalation of essential oils, has direct access to your limbic system. The limbic system is the part of your brain that stores memory and emotions. It still amazes me how fast essential oils can shift my mind and mood. Incorporating movement like yoga is another key to moving stuck negative energy out of the body making room for new positive energy that serves us best!
It’s empowering to use challenges like imposter syndrome as an opportunity fo personal and professional growth.
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.
I am passionate about health and love helping others achieve better physical and emotional wellness. Teaching yoga is how I positively give back and help change people for the better. Life is wonderful and life can be stressful. Offering yoga and essential oil experiences helps teach others how to self-regulate their emotions and move their body‘s in a loving and healthy way.
People need what yoga offers and they need the power of essential oils in their lives. It’s a joy for me to offer an authentic yoga practice that includes an essential oil experience for my students each time!
My teaching has evolved over the last two years to offering bridal/bachelorette yoga events!
A wedding is one of the greatest days of a person’s life. Unfortunately, the stress of planning and the expectations of others wreaks havoc on brides, grooms, and their bridal party. This is my superpower to reduce anxiousness and help everyone feel calm, centered, and fully present for their day! It’s an economical necessity with high dividends!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities or skills that have been most impactful in my personal development and growth as a person and business owner are my ability to channel a positive mindset in different circumstances, passion for making others feel significant, and my ability to see the good in others, even if they don’t.
My best advice on how to improve and develop others skills is to practice ahimsa by being kind to yours and and others in thought as well as in action.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client is a bride or bridesmaid who values emotional and physical well-being and desires to feel calm, connected, and present!
Contact Info:
- Website: WellnesswithDreana.com
- Instagram: @dreananealon
- Facebook: Wellness with Dreana
- Linkedin: Dreana Nealon
Image Credits
Danielle Ford Courtney Miller
