In heartening end-of-week dialogue, we discuss what it means to do what you love so you can earn enough to share. Covering a range of topics, we get into it. Thank you
, , , , , and almost 100 others for tuning into our live.And thank you
and for your thoughtful questions, generous listening and earnest care in your interviewing. You are both appreciated.Let us know what’s standing out for you in the comments. I’d love to learn with you.
Looking ahead to May here on
, we visit with much-needed wisdom from the world of TCM with Ann Cecil-Sterman, on diverse, vital topics for our longevity and overall well-being.Find out why to drink warm water, especially first thing in the morning, no matter where you live. Why to practice deep squats, and keep your neck warm. Why it’s time to really stop eating refined sugar. And why your body needs to see sun in the mornings, and to respect that subtle late-evening doze as a sign to go to sleep.
More next week.
Show Notes from Philip and Carolina:
[00:00:24] Beginning the Sacred Business Conversation
Carolina introduces Sacred Business Stories as a space for honest conversations about building businesses aligned with one's deepest truth
Elena is introduced as someone who embodies her teachings—there's no separation between her work and who she is
Phil shares Elena's background as a mother, mentor, poet, artist, volunteer, bestselling author, and host of the Practice You podcast
[00:03:58] Elena's Business Evolution: Following the Path That Unfolded
Started with a yoga studio in 2002 that remained open for 12 years
Midway through that period, began working with doTERRA essential oils after using them for a decade
The essential oils business grew significantly, providing financial freedom to pursue writing, traveling, painting, and volunteer work
Nothing was planned—each opportunity emerged naturally and created space for the next phase
Her various business ventures support one another in an organic ecosystem
[00:10:42] Balancing Multiple Passions and Creating Structure
Elena acknowledges that different people thrive in different ways—some need singular focus while others (like her) enjoy variety
Uses a color-coded calendar system to ensure balance between different types of activities
Blue events mean appearing on camera, pink events are self-care like workouts
Ensures each day has a balanced mix of activities to maintain energy and wellbeing
Emphasizes the importance of true rest—not just entertainment, but silence and stillness
[00:15:20] The Power of Simple Embodiment Practices
Carolina shares how Elena's Practice You card deck influenced her to drop into her body rather than just feed her mind with more information
Elena created the deck for herself when she needed simple, non-yoga embodiment practices
Demonstrates how powerful minimal, accessible practices can be
[00:18:49] Embracing Your Worth and Overcoming Shame Around Selling
Elena shares how she had to overcome the shame around selling as a yoga teacher
Reframes selling products and services: "To sell a product that you actually use, from which you derive benefit, is not something to be ashamed about"
Challenges listeners to question why we shouldn't earn money that enables us to give back through volunteering, supporting causes, and creating more impact
Advises "forgive and delete" when encountering judgment from others about charging for your services
[00:24:46] Raising the Bar in the Yoga Industry
Calls for yoga teachers to charge what they're worth after thousands of hours and dollars invested in training
Suggests creative solutions like group sessions to make offerings both sustainable and accessible
Emphasizes viewing money as energy rather than an evil force, especially when earned doing what you love and are trained for
[00:32:42] Creating Accessibility While Honoring Your Worth
Uses Substack as a way to make her writing accessible to more people
Offers free mentorship to those who can't afford her services
Gives away substantial content through her website and free webinars
Consciously balances premium offerings with free resources
Emphasizes that charging appropriately for some services enables her to give freely in other areas
[00:39:35] Elena's Current Work and How to Connect
Shares that her website and Substack are the best ways to explore her offerings
Offers to gift Substack paid subscriptions to anyone who can't afford them
Explains how paid subscriptions support various causes including incarcerated women, grieving children, and Women for Women International
Discusses her upcoming book "Hold Nothing" featuring autobiographical essays and watercolor art
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