Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elen Richmond. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Elen, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
I have been able to develop confidence and self-esteem in my creative work through repetition, practice, and continual learning. By dedicating specific times of the day or week to focus on certain studies, I’ve been able to establish a consistent routine that supports my growth and strengthens my sense of self-confidence. Small incremental change over time creates BIG change in the long run.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a Yoga Instructor and Shamanic Practitioner, I run an online business offering one-on-one virtual sessions tailored toward client’s goals within the realms of Yin Yoga and Shamanic Energy Healing.
As a Yoga Instructor, I specialize in Yin Yoga. Yin Yoga is a floor-based practice in which the postures are held for 3-5 minutes in a more passive manner. This allows the body to access the fascia and connective tissue, improving circulation, flexibility, mobility, and helps to promote physical and energetic balance. Yin Yoga is also a more meditative practice, allowing the body and mind to slow down and work on the more subtle levels.
As an Energy Worker and Shamanic Practitioner, this work helps clients restore balance to their energy field via various techniques. Shamanic Healing helps clients to retrieve lost parts of themselves, release energetic cords to people, places or situations that are no longer in alignment and heal energetic imprints in their energy field that could be negatively impacting them on the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels.
You can find out more information about me and my work at my website: www.rivermedicinehealing.com
I’m excited to be accepting new clients and welcome anyone curious about these practices to book a complimentary 20-minute Discovery Call on my website. This gives us a chance to connect via Zoom, discuss your needs, and explore how these practices can support your journey.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My yogic career began with a 200-hour Hatha-Vinyasa teacher training, serving as the foundational jumping-off point for my path as an instructor. I furthered my education with a 300-hour training and later specialized in forms of yoga such as Chair Yoga and Yin Yoga.
When learning a new skill like this, it’s essential to start with foundational training and then explore and niche down as you evolve. You’ll likely discover what you enjoy and also what doesn’t resonate with you, and both are equally valuable! One key point I wish I could have shared with my younger self is that what’s “popular” may not be in alignment with your own unique style or interests. What you excel at and find joy in may differ from the status quo, and that’s precisely what the world needs—your specific genius!
Regarding my Shamanic career, it began with training in energy healing techniques such as Reiki and Chakra Healing. As I progressed, I sought out a mentor and completed my formal training in the Medicine Wheel before offering my services to the world. I have continued to refine and expand these abilities through various trainings and collaborations with other healers and teachers, which has helped me explore my growth edges and learn new styles and techniques.
For anyone starting their journey in the Healing Arts, I encourage you to explore various styles that resonate with you. Attend workshops, read books, and connect with communities within this field. As you study and grow, you may discover other modalities that spark your interest. Surrounding yourself with skilled individuals who are already on this path can significantly accelerate your growth and learning. Finding teachers, mentors, or communities that align with your journey is crucial, as they provide invaluable support along the way.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Overwhelm is a unique experience for everyone, often stemming from excessive demands—whether mental, emotional, or physical. It’s crucial to recognize this and utilize practices to help alleviate tension and redirect energy to help regulate the nervous system. At times, deep rest is essential for allowing the body to recalibrate, especially when faced with burnout.
When I feel overwhelmed, I make it a priority to check in with my body and utilize various tools to support its regulation. Techniques like breathwork, yoga, and outdoor walks often help me shift the sensation of overwhelm out of my system. Additionally, dancing or enjoying a salt bath can be incredibly soothing. Engaging in conversation with a friend or participating in a creative activity can also help shift the brain’s neurochemistry, promoting the production of dopamine.
When feeling overwhelmed, I often take a moment to reevaluate my commitments, removing unnecessary tasks or adjusting my to-do list to incorporate moments of play, rest, or relaxation. I ask myself if there are areas where I need to establish better boundaries or delegate responsibilities to prevent an unsustainable workload.
Flexibility and adaptability have been helpful during times of overwhelm, knowing when to say no and when to rest are also key players in healing overwhelm.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rivermedicinehealing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rivermedicinehealing
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rivermedicinehealing
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ rivermedicinehealing
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yogawitheleni
Image Credits
images by Ray Wong
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