We recently connected with Bonnie Divina Maa and have shared our conversation below.
Bonnie, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My purpose has changed as I have grown. For many years, before I resolved my traumas, I lived in “fixer/rescuer” mode. I felt that my purpose was to take on the pain and suffering of others and would work relentlessly to help others overcome their own shortcomings or challenges, which of course, led to many disappointments. As I learned to heal myself, I learned that wanting to “fix” others was a trauma response, and a distraction, and so my purpose shifted.
For a long time, as a nurse, I felt my purpose was to be a nurse, so my purpose was connected to my livelihood. I was so relieved to find this purpose and for many years, it was fulfilling. However, as I grew in spirituality, I felt that I outgrew that purpose, and eventually, I found the work that I do now. And while I love the work that I do, and it brings much fulfillment and enjoyment, I no longer connect my purpose with my job.
We can have many purposes… to be a good mother, a good daughter or son, or a good friend. We can be a beacon of light and hope, an inspiration, for others. We can be a source of empowerment as we share our own stories of stepping into our power. We can make the world a better place in so many ways. I feel that I also do many of these things, but I do not see any of these as my purpose.
My purpose now is much more abstract. It is to identify more fully with the truth of who I am, which has nothing to do with what I “do” here. This purpose came as I understood that “I” am something far greater than my roles or identities here. This “I” is one that is eternal, pure, sovereign, and connected to Source at all times. So, now my purpose is to learn to more fully identify with and more fully embody this “I.” It is learning to be both fully human and fully Divine at the same time. That is the mission I have been given as my own personal purpose, and it is also now what I help others do as well.
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?
The most impactful things that have enhanced both my own personal growth and healing, as well as how I help others now, are my work with the sacred medicines, my study of Yoga and other mystical traditions, and my travels around the world.
My advice is to always keep an open mind, keep an open heart, and keep your head on your shoulders and your feet on the ground. Step outside of the box of your surroundings, your “safe” or familiar zone, and do things that scare you a little bit. Remain humble but also know that you are extraordinarily powerful. This is what I learned to do through the above.
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?
Trust in myself, knowing myself, and not believing all of the things that I think have been essential in my success. Years ago, I discovered that the only person holding me back was me and the limiting beliefs that I held. Once I embraced the truth that I am the co-creator of my reality, and I can write my own story, my entire world changed.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bonniedivinamaa.com
- Instagram: @bonniedivinamaa
- Facebook: Bonnie Divina Maa
- Other: I am on several podcasts and You Tube channels. Just search for me by my name!
Image Credits
Capri Asa – book photos
