We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Monique Riofrio a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Monique , we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
For self-care, I meditate, move my body, and practice Himalayan Kundalini yoga daily. Additionally, I maintain a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
This routine has profoundly impacted my effectiveness in several ways. By slowing down and reducing anxiety, I have become more patient in my interactions and decision-making processes. My practice helps balance and calm my nervous system, allowing me to pause and look inward rather than reacting impulsively. Connecting to my inner wisdom through these practices has enabled me to seek answers from within, fostering self-reliance and introspection. This self-care regimen has made me comfortable with the discomfort that often accompanies setting healthy boundaries. Ultimately, it has enhanced my ability to be fully present and compassionate, allowing me to support others more effectively and empathetically. Overall, these self-care practices have significantly improved my personal and professional life, making me more grounded, resilient, and capable of genuine connection with others.
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?
I am dedicated to helping people foster and deepen their connection with themselves by tapping into the wisdom within their bodies. My focus is on aiding individuals in healing from past traumas and conditioning that may cause suffering and disconnection from the mind, body, and spirit.
When we start to work with the energy body using breath and voice, we can begin to release and heal on a cellular level. The mindfulness and ancient practices I share have transformed my life, helping me realize that I am the architect of my own reality. These practices have enabled me to love myself and heal in ways I once thought impossible. This profound personal journey fuels my passion for helping others awaken and reclaim their power—power to heal their physical bodies and minds, to change the way they approach life, and to connect deeply with joy, love, nature, and others.
One of the most exciting offerings I provide is the Kriya Alignment Session. In these sessions, I curate a personalized 15-minute practice tailored to what you wish to awaken or focus on in your life. These practices help you shift and connect to a deeper sense of trust and clarity, ultimately aiding your personal evolution. The tools and practices I share are yours for a lifetime, empowering you to be the healer of your own life. I simply guide you in accessing the wisdom within.
My work is not just a profession but a calling to help others transform their lives as I have transformed mine. By fostering deep connections within themselves, my clients can live more empowered, joyful, and connected lives.
Feel free to modify any part to better match your personal story and professional focus!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have shaped my journey are:
Consistent Meditation: Regular meditation practice has been instrumental in fostering mindfulness, reducing stress, and deepening my self-awareness. It has allowed me to connect with my inner self and navigate life’s challenges with greater calm and clarity.
Healthy Eating: Prioritizing nutritious, balanced meals has significantly improved my physical health, energy levels, and overall well-being. Eating healthily has helped me maintain a clear mind and a strong body, which are essential for personal and professional growth.
Seeking Therapy: Being open to seeing a therapist was crucial in understanding and healing from past traumas. Therapy provided me with the tools to navigate my emotions and behaviors, and it affirmed that I have the power to change my path in life at any time.
My advice for those early in their journey is:
Consistency is Key: Be consistent in forging a new way of life by adopting and maintaining habits that serve your well-being. Consistency in practices like meditation and healthy eating can lead to profound, lasting changes.
Seek Support: Find a good support group, therapist, or coach to help you build a solid foundation. Having someone to guide you, provide perspective, and offer support can be invaluable as you navigate your journey.
Embrace Change: Understand that you have the power to change your path at any time. Be open to self-discovery and willing to make the necessary changes to improve your life. This mindset can help you overcome obstacles and create a fulfilling, empowered life.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
The first book that played an important role in my life was Alan Carr’s The Easy Way to Stop Smoking. I used the method he shares in this book to stop drinking, which ultimately saved my life. I was in a really bad place with alcohol and other substances, and this book provided a lifeline.
Two key insights from the book have stuck with me and can be applied to all aspects of life and belief systems:
Self-Sufficiency for Well-Being: We don’t actually need anything outside of ourselves to make us feel better. At the time, I believed that alcohol was helping me relax, relieve stress, and feel better. In reality, it was causing all those negative effects. Our bodies are incredibly intelligent and have the ability to self-regulate our nervous systems. However, we often learn to rely on external substances or activities—such as drugs, alcohol, food, sex, and shopping—to make ourselves feel better, which tends to exacerbate the problems rather than solve them.
Facing Discomfort: We often use these substances and activities to push down feelings of discomfort, hurt, and sadness. Over time, these suppressed emotions grow louder and more difficult to ignore. Society conditions us to accept unhealthy behaviors like drinking, shopping, or overeating as normal. In contrast, healthier alternatives such as removing bad habits or seeking therapy to work through issues are often demonized. From a young age, we are shown through family systems, media, and advertisements that these unhealthy behaviors are not only normal but that there is something wrong with us if we don’t partake in them.
This book helped me realize that true healing and well-being come from within and that we have the power to change our lives by addressing our internal struggles rather than masking them with external solutions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elevateyogastate.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevate_your_state/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevateurstate
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@elevateyourstate1014
Image Credits
Kai Simons
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