Healers that transformed my life
This is a list of the beautiful people that I’ve had the luck of crossing paths with over the past few years. All of them have touched my heart and have been an integral and important part of my healing and wellness journey. If ever you are at a loss of where to go or who to turn to, I can highly recommend getting in touch with any of the people listed below. I hope their presence will bring you the same amount of light and peace as it has for me.
Most of these people are Amsterdam based, but you can connect with them from all over the world. Without further ado, in alphabetical order, here are my favorite healers;
Albert Garcia Ordinas – Massage, Reiki and Yoga
When Albert and I first met we immediately spilled our hearts out to one another. It’s easy to see that part of myself in him that is within all of us, that part where we are all one. When he gave me a massage (which was wonderful in and of itself) I had a big emotional release. He truly works on the deeper energetical layers of the body, creating movement in your energy field so the body can heal itself.
Where to find Albert
Offline: Amsterdam
Online: www.albertgarciaordinas.com / @albertgarciaordinas
Clara – Energy healing, Guided meditations and Telepathy
Whenever I’m in Bali, or anyone I know is in Bali, I send them to Clara. My first time on the Island She gave me an energy healing and without speaking a word she wrote 2 pages full with information about my life, where to grow, patterns from past lives and messages from my spirit guides. A few days later I took her course Telepathic animal communication which has taught me so much about my intuition, and how to trust the messages coming through. A magical, transformative, soul.
Where to find Clara
Offline: Bali
Online: www.claraenergyhealing.com / @clara_energyhealing
Ellen Duim – Palmistry
A couple of years ago I found Ellen through an article in Happinez and took her long-awaited (online) basic course in Palmistry. She was only teaching a 4-year program before, so this 12-week program was a great introduction. She truly is the best of the best, very clear and precise in her readings and her teachings are calm and filled with wisdom. If you want to dive into this world with her you can start by reading her beautiful book ‘Het Handleesboek’ (in Dutch).
Where to find Ellen
Offline: Amsterdam
Online: www.ellenduim.nl / @ellenduim.handanalyse
Eugénie van Gaver – Acupuncture and Yoga
Eugénie is a very skilled acupuncturist, having studied in one of the best Traditional Chinese Medicine schools in China and now sharing her light with us here in Amsterdam. She is definitely not your average acupuncturist as she also works the body energetically and incorporates whatever her intuition tells her your soul needs in that moment. I’m in love with her grounded energy and feel very lucky to call her a dear friend.
Where to find Eugénie
Offline: Amsterdam
Online: @efrequencies / www.healingvia.com
Leneth Witte / The spiritual Fem – Women circles and Inspiring podcasts
If I were to describe Leneth, I would say that she is a gatherer. A gatherer of souls, a connector of hearts. When I was interviewed for her podcast we instantly became friends. She is one of those people with such a pure heart, truly making a difference in this world with her vulnerability. Visit one of her (online) women’s circles if you’re looking for some connection or community.
Where to find Leneth
Offline: Leiden
Online: www.thespiritualfem.com / @Thespiritualfem
Marieke Pouw / Pouwerhealth – Shamanic healing, Energy healing and Spiritual activations
I really hope I have done her justice in these few words to describe what it is Marieke actually does. When I first met Marieke she gave me a shamanic energy healing, which was for me a big tipping point in life as this was the moment I realized I wanted to start creating crystal grids! I can’t imagine what my life would look like if I hadn’t walked through her doors that day. I always say, when you need a little kick in the life-butt, go to Marieke!
Where to find Marieke
Offline: Siwa oasis, Egypt and Amsterdam
Online: www.pouwerhealth.com / @Marieke_pouwerhealth
Massage Marin – Massage
Whenever I really want to treat myself I book a massage at Massage Marin. They are focused on deeper bodywork as they also offer Reiki, Foot reflexology and other practices. Even if you book a normal relaxation massage, you can feel they are working the body energetically as well. I always book with Eefke who brings me right back into my body every time, I love how she incorporates the breath as she releases blockages from my body.
Where to find Massage Marin
Offline: Amsterdam
Online: www.massagemarin.nl / @massage.marin
Merle Kolf / Soul Home – Foot reflexologist and Soulful stylist
I first came to Merle expecting a nice foot reflexology session but left with so much more. This woman takes the time to fully be present with you and allows all parts of you to be. We talked for such a long time about life, lessons and wisdom and I left feeling so inspired. Also, the reflexology itself was amazing, I truly LOVE foot massages but can be very picky, Merle delivers with perfect pressure (not too light) and space to fully release and relax.
Where to find Merle
Offline: Amsterdam
Online: www.praktijkgoedontmoet.nl @merlesoulhome
Nicole Struwer / Mme Formtastica – Tarot readings
Nicole is the owner of the amazing online spiritual shop House of Formlab, which is the place to be for all your spiritual needs. But a lot of people don’t know she also gives tarot readings. Last February we joined forces when I had my pop-up store and she gave tarot readings the whole day long. The puffy eyes of the people leaving the booth said it all, she’ll bring you magical insights that are spot on. She lives and breathes magic, and her background story is a very special one. My witchy mama, I’m a richer person having you in my life!
Where to find Nicole
Offline: Amsterdam
Online: www.housofformlab.com / @house_of_formlab
Roel Wilbers – Physical therapy, Meditation & Coaching
Yes, Roel! Such an amazing physical therapist who also looks at the energetical layers behind your physical ailments. Something I have missed SO MUCH in western medicine. So not to fix your problem momentarily, but really allowing for you to get to the root and leaving it behind forever. He doesn’t always tell this, but he gives his patients healings as well and is just the most wonderful person you can imagine. Next to this, he’s also a meditation teacher and coach and I always say he’s the perfect bridge translating spirituality to down-to-earth practices.
Where to find Roel
Offline: Amsterdam (Sento)
Online: www.roelwilbers.nl / @meditatie.amsterdam
Savine Tellier – (Self) love coach
Pure sunshine is the first word that comes up when I think of Savine, and when you meet her you’ll immediately understand why. She has a way of breaking down all the walls we’ve built around us with a simple smile. Connecting from the heart has never been easier and in her healing and coaching sessions she reminds you of the greatness inside of you.
Where to find Savine
Offline: Amsterdam
Online: www.savinetellier.com / @savinetellier
Wil Zwart – Family constellations and Coaching
One of the most transformational moments of my life I have experienced during one of Wil’s family constellations. They are in dutch, so speaking dutch is necessary. I feel that at a certain point in your healing journey you’ve talked and analyzed and done all the things, and you reach a plateau. In a family constellation you get the chance to embody and live out what’s going on within, and this process was extremely healing to me. Things that I never knew about my past suddenly made sense, and I was able to close a big chapter of my past. Wil has a way of feeling the room, asking the right questions at the right moment. But trying to explain it here is quite impossible. I’d say if you feel drawn, go.
Where to find Wil
Offline: Doorn and Soest
Online: Authentic as she is, Wil doesn’t have a website, nor Instagram. But you can message me to get her phone number so you can book a session with her. She believes the people that need her, will find her, and they do!
With love,
Caressa
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How to use oracle cards + my favorite decks
When I was younger I remember pulling angel cards with my mother, in moments where we wanted to have clarity, or sometimes just for fun. You see my mother is a medium, a woman that sees, feels and hears ‘more‘, as we would say. This was a lot of fun in my teenage years growing up as you can imagine. Coming home she would ask me ‘’so, who’s this blonde guy you’re seeing?’’, without her ever having the possibility of knowing about this blonde guy! Luckily I have gotten away with a few escapes through the window (don’t tell her;)), and also I have learned a valuable thing or two with her as my mom. One of these things is when pulling an oracle card, to always pick it with your left hand. The left side of the body is the intuitive, feminine side. Picking a card with your left hand will help your rational mind (right side) to stay out of the matter.
In my practice I incorporate card pulling almost always. I use different decks when giving Reiki healings, crystal grid workshops and sometimes even have my students pick a card after a yoga class. And in our home, almost every transition, every difficult question comes paired with an oracle card. Having the practice of pulling oracle cards can help nudge you in the right direction. They are messages from the universe to help you trust in what you intuitively already know. I’ll give an example; after a Reiki healing I always sit down with my client and talk about the things that came up during the healing. There is space to process and often times there’s a strong theme coming through. Now it is one thing to hear me tell you what I have felt and what could be a healing next step and having that resonate with you, but it is something totally else to then pull a card which exactly confirms what was just talked about. At a lack of a more elegant way of putting it: It’s a slap in the face by the universe letting you know that it is time to work on that shit. But most importantly, it is their way of telling you that they have got things covered ‘upstairs’, you can lean into the learning, this is the right next step.
Pick your deck
When you have different card decks at home you can try and feel which deck is the right one for that moment. Let your intuition guide you here, and if that sounds a little vague; try and see if there is a specific deck that keeps popping up in your mind, or catch your eyes just wanting to return to one deck. I will link a few of my favorite decks below, these are the ones I return to again and again.
When you’ve chosen your deck it is time to pick a card! This is how I do it:
Shuffle your deck mindfully and with awareness, then knock on the deck 3 times while saying your name (or the person’s name you’re pulling a card for). This will let your energy sink into the cards. If there is a card that falls out of the deck while you’re shuffling it; this card has a message for you. Don’t put it back but see what it has to tell you!
Now spread the cards out evenly and ask your question or state what you would like guidance in (i.e. ‘‘How should I go through this next phase in my life?’’ or ‘‘What is my lesson in this situation?’’). Don’t be afraid to get specific, this helps! Hover your left hand above the cards. You can first go over all the cards and then feel if your hand is magnetically pulled in a direction. Other signs are a warm feeling in your hand, tingling sensations or the feeling of ‘wind’ blowing, etc. For me usually one of my fingers starts twitching when it’s above the right card, this is different for everyone though so stay open for the little signs. What works for me might work differently for you so don’t get blindsided by how you ‘should’ do it, feel what works for you!
Grab the card that speaks to you, don’t overthink it too much.
You can start by picking one card, but if you’re feeling a little fancy you can also do a spread. A very famous one is the past-present-future spread, where you pick one card for -you guessed it- the past, present and future. Giving you insights in where you came from, what process you are in at this moment and what you are moving towards. Know that spreads like this don’t predict the future, they will only tell you what you are moving towards in this moment, you are always in control to change this. Simply by becoming aware of your future path, already changes its destiny. It is up to you if you want to keep course or take action. In the booklets of the card decks are most often also different spreads you can do with your cards, I’d say play around with these and don’t be afraid to experiment.
My favorite decks:
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Wild unknown animal spirit deck
This deck is a powerful deck filled with spirit animals. Next to finding the otter as my very own spirit animal, it has also held up a mirror in my less graceful moments plenty of times. When I’m in the fearful rabbit energy it is not afraid tell me exactly that, reminding me I can be better. Next to their guidance it is also a lot of fun to me to keep discovering different spirit animals and their meanings.
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Magical Messages from the fairies
Now this deck, funnily enough, is a deck that is more Alessandro’s (my partner) than mine. For some reason whenever he pulls cards from this deck they are just always so spot on. As I feel like a bit of a fairy too sometimes (I have the ears to fill the part), I like to think us fairies are just very much attracted to- and in tune with this guy. Next to this, this card deck by Doreen Virtue is just amazing. The look is charmingly and slightly outdated, and all the fairy illustrations are definitely a dream.
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Inner Compass cards
The Inner Compass cards are the cards I use during all crystal grid workshops. They are beautifully illustrated in a very minimalistic way and totally have their own vibe to them. Definitely the deck you want to get for the modern mystic in your life (and maybe that’s you ;)).
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Inner compass cards - love deck
By the same creatress, Neel van Lierop, this new deck came out just recently. A beautiful edition all about love and relationships in the broadest sense of the word with the same modern design.
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Dreamy moons affirmation cards
This deck is slightly different from the others. Instead of a short message and a longer description in the booklet, these cards only hold affirmations. Affirmations are sentences you say as if they are already happening, as if they are already reality. By saying these affirmations you can manifest these realities in your life! Super powerful and fun to start your day with on the right tone.
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Kuan Yin Oracle
A new deck in my collection by Alana Fairchild. I have the pocket edition, which is super nice to take with you while traveling. This deck is guided by messages from the divine feminine. A heart-opening deck leading you to a place of inner peace.
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Pagan otherworlds tarot
If you’re feeling like you want to step up your game in this area, tarot cards are the way to go! A whole different ball game as there’s a sacred system behind them, but very fun to dive into if this is sparking something from within you. The pagan otherworlds by Uusi is the deck I have and is just beyond beautiful. It also comes with a nice booklet helping you discover the meaning behind the cards. Another nice deck to start with is the traditional waite deck and a book that explains it all very well is Modern Tarot by Michelle Tea.
Now if you don’t have a deck with you right now and feel called to pull a card, here’s your digital fix!Ask for guidance from the cards and notice which one you feel intuitively drawn to. Scroll down to see the meaning of your card! (These are from the Kuan Yin Oracle card deck)
Happy card pulling to you all!
With love,
Caressa
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5 ways to cleanse your crystals sustainably
In this day and age where coaches and healers are popping up left and right, spirituality is hip and happening and we can get all our spiritual needs at big chains like Urban Outfitters/Anthropologie/etc. -a good development, we’re waking up!- it is good to be mindful about using something just because it’s ‘spiritual’. What do I mean exactly by this? I’ll explain in a bit.
Now before I start with the different ways that you can cleanse your crystals (or your crystal grid art), I want to shine some light on a little something. Crystals are ancient, formed in the earth over years and years and their energy is strong and pure. In some cases a darker energy can ‘stick’ to a crystal, this does not take away from its deep strength and own vibration. Often times when we feel a crystal isn’t ‘clean’ anymore, it can be the case that it is you who is in a lower energy. So when you have the urge to cleanse a crystal, take an extra moment to check in with yourself and see if maybe it is you who needs some loving energy. Usually that can already make a big difference.
When, after checking in with yourself first, you still feel like you want to cleanse your crystals this is what you can do:
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Smudging
The common ways to cleanse crystals is by using the smoke of white sage or palo santo. Right now these plants are being overharvested. Palo Santo is originally harvested from a tree that naturally dies and falls to the earth, however, this is not the case anymore. As demand is going up, suppliers are trying to keep up. And same goes for white sage, which is now an at risk species.
Luckily for us, there are other plants that also contain these cleansing properties that are much more readily available to us. So instead of buying white sage or palo santo, next time try out: mugwort (grows in the wild in NL), rosemary, common sage, desert sage, lavender, pine or cedar. You can even try out growing white sage yourself, which would be the most sustainable. So please be mindful of these beautiful plants and get creative with your new options! (maybe create your own smudge stick and combine them!)
When smudging you burn your plant of choice and hold your crystal in the smoke. You can also smudge yourself or anything else, by blowing the smoke on what you want to have cleansed (with your hand or with a feather).
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The moon
Every full moon you can place your crystals (or crystal grid) outside or in your windowsill where they can bathe in the full moonlight. Giving them a reset and fully cleansing them. Don’t worry when you miss the exact night, the nights before and after the full moon are also very potent in energy.
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Earth
If you have a garden you can bury your crystals in the earth for a day and a night. Especially handy with tumble stones, I wouldn’t recommend this for clusters as they can get dirty, are harder to clean and the crystals in clusters can be more easily damaged. Make sure to mark your spot so you know where to dig once the time has passed! I really like this way of cleansing the crystals as it brings you in contact with the earth, makes your hands dirty and returns them to our Pacha mama.
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Water
Be careful with this way of cleansing as some crystals dissolve in water. A simple google search with the name of your crystal + water will clear this up for you. You can hold crystals under running water from your sink (be mindful of the amount of water because this too can be unsustainable), dip them in ocean water or hold them in a little river. This will wash away any negative energy that was still attached to them. Also nice to have as a practice for yourself; washing your hands when you would like to cleanse your energy after a loaded encounter/moment.
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Energy
When you have a Reiki or energy healing practice it’s fun to play around with cleansing your crystals using energy. Visualize your crystal(s) in a big white light that dissolves any dark or sticky matter. And send the negative energy back into the earth.
Have fun trying out these cleansing practices! We are all different, so some practices may speak to you more or than others, give yourself the space to discover. Remember that cleansing your crystals is a sacred ritual, and treat it so. Take the time to connect to yourself and your crystals, possibly set an intention and approach it mindfully. This is not something you want to rush through.
With love,
Caressa
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Getting over the fear of starting
This is a big one – around me, I hear a lot of people say that they wish they dared to go after their dreams or have the guts to start something of their own. Now I can talk about this topic from first-hand experience!
Years ago, I was studying at the school of the arts. Everywhere I looked there were insanely talented people, how I even got in was a bit of a mystery to me sometimes. I felt enormous pressure. If I was going through this whole thing, that would mean I HAD to become an artist. How would there be space for my art with all these incredibly skilled and creative people around me? Only a few lucky ones really make it – right? I felt so much fear and it became harder and harder for me to create things. Nearing the end of my first year I had convinced myself; art is more of a hobby to me, it won’t be my job. So better quit now and focus on something ‘real’.
I stopped studying, took a year off to make money, travel and re-evaluate my life. Now the funny thing here is that in this year I stumbled upon the inspiration of what would, later on, become my crystal grids! During this year I, without really realizing it, started making so much. I was writing every day, made a chakra wand with crystals, created a dreamcatcher from scratch with feathers I found on my travels. I did all these creative things effortlessly because the pressure was off.
What I’m getting at here is that sometimes when we start creating something, we take it so seriously. Especially when you have put a lot of resources into it. And I understand, I do it too. But one thing that I have learned in this lifetime is that creativity needs space, movement, playfulness. My best creative ideas came to me in moments of casual conversation with friends …or pure boredom! All we need to do is to stay curious and open. As Elizabeth Gilbert says: ‘’Take it seriously, sure – but don’t take it seriously.’’
The moment my creative journey really started was the moment I got an injury that took me from moving my body or even walking the stairs for that matter. I really had to sit still and organically -like magic- I started creating. As a means of moving, flowing in another way. I started creating because there was space. I started creating because I simply felt like it. And I sure as hell didn’t start creating because I wanted to do this for a living for the rest of my life. But life works in funny and mysterious ways, and the Caressa that said ‘’art is more of a hobby to me’’ 3 years prior, was very much mistaken. Because when ‘the burden of the world’ melted, I let go of fear, creativity returned and ironically, I became an artist after all. This was always my destination.
Does this mean the only thing I do now is create art? – No. I still teach yoga, I host workshops and retreats. To start something doesn’t mean to stop another thing. See where life takes you organically, make space for the things that matter to you. You don’t have to quit your day job immediately, don’t put that pressure on yourself but just start playing. I switched from studying fulltime to part-time because I wanted to make space to flow with the opportunities coming up in the other aspects of my life. This is what brought me joy. That was my balance. What is yours?
Some great further reading on this topic is: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. — My most favorite book ever. This will change your world.
How to choose a crystal
This is the moment! You’ve heard about crystals or maybe have already had a taste of their powers and feel a big pull to invite them into your life. Amazing! But now comes the big question... ‘‘How do I pick a crystal that best suits me?’’. I get asked this question a lot and understand why, picking a crystal can be an overwhelming task at first! There are so many beautiful crystals to choose from, and also, places to get them. But no worries, I’m here to help guide you through this process step by step.
I would like to start off by telling you that you are so much wiser than you might think. You already have all the wisdom within you, I’m just here as a reminder.
My personal preference is to visit a crystal shop. This will allow you to hold each crystal and tune into its energy. If this isn’t possible for you right now, there are a few great online shops as well to get your crystals from. At the bottom of this post, I will list a few of my favorite places, online and offline. The tools from this post are best applied in a shop, but you can still use this guide for choosing crystals online too.
Step 1 - Check in
Check in with yourself. Take 3 deep breaths. How are you feeling? What is moving through you? It’s necessary to take a moment to connect to the body, to silence the mind and make space for our intuition to be heard.
Step 2 - Glance
Take a quick glance through the shop, try and return to your breath and see where you’re naturally drawn to. The body knows what you need. Are there crystals that immediately catch your eye? Go there.
Step 3 – Pick
Sometimes it can feel like you’re just magnetically pulled back to a crystal over and over, or you catch your eyes just looking at the same crystal again and again. This is a sign! If you just think that a crystal is really pretty when picking it, that’s okay too. There’s a reason behind why you think it’s pretty. The way I see it, that’s the universe luring you to the crystal you need. Don’t overthink it.
Step 4 - Hold
When you’ve picked a crystal or two, hold each crystal in your hand. Maybe place it to your heart and check in. Again, the mind can step in here, when you feel this happening take a deep breath and bring all your awareness to your hand holding the crystal. Notice what feeling arises. Does it feel heavy or just empty? – this isn’t the one. Does it feel light, warm or good, do you feel a connection? – this is your crystal.
Step 5 – Decide
When you’re torn between two crystals but only want one, hold one in each hand. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and ask yourself ‘’which crystal do I need’’. Trust what arises! You know. Your body knows.
Step 6 – Lessons
Don’t forget to write down or remember the name of the crystal to look up what kind of energy it carries, this can be so much fun! Grab your favorite crystal book or search the name online and see what lesson this crystal is showing you.
Even though I strongly encourage you to try and pick a crystal this way, as this will help you further develop and trust in your intuition, It is also possible to start with the last step and work your way up. If there is a certain theme in your life that you would like some support in you can see which crystals are compatible. There are some great books out there to help you with this, my personal favorite is Crystals for healing by Karen Frazier
So where do I go now?
• Stenelux and De Roos – Both beautiful shops in Amsterdam
• House of formlab – Online shop with beautifully curated crystals and other spiritual items.
• The Spirit Junkies - An amazing online shop with loads of beautiful crystals to choose from.
How to keep your online space a happy place
Confession time! I spend a lot of my time on instagram. Being a small bussiness owner it’s a wonderful tool to connect with others and share what I do. But because of this, I sometimes stay on the app longer than I’d have to.
Knowing this, I started rethinking what I’d like my online space to look like. Was it a place that brought me joy? Were the people on there inspiring me? Or were they on there just as a courtesy because we took the same class 10 years ago?
I started making hard cuts. This was MY online space, no one elses. Every single person that wouldn’t bring me joy -even if they were ‘inspirational yoga people’- had to go! A cleanse à la Marie Kondo.
Now, I myself unfollow, but if this step is one too big for you just yet; instagram has the option to ‘mute’ someone. If you go to their profile and click on the 3 dots you’ll find it there. You’ll still be there as a ‘follower’ but their messages won’t show up in your space anymore.
For me the first people to go where; models, ‘influencers’, fitness accounts, old acquaintances (sorry, not sorry), companies that I would maybe buy a bikini off of one day and just people I didn’t vibe with anymore. For a few weeks everytime I scrolled on instagram I asked myself ‘does this account bring me joy?’. More and more, with every unfolllow, it became a place that truly brought me joy .
Right now my online space is filled with artists, close friends, musicians with a message, modern mystics, authentic yoga teachers, creatives of all sorts, inspirational speakers and brands with a sustainable mission. So whenever I enter this online space, there is close to no ‘junk’, nothing that makes me feel less, nothing that -if I’m being honest- really doesn’t interest me and nothing ‘stealing’ my sacred time. Instead when I go there it’s exactly the message I needed to hear, it’s a friend that does something that makes me proud of them and it’s an artwork that inspires me to pick up my brush. I can’t tell you how many times being on ‘the gram’ has led to creating art for me. Because there’s just so many damn people that inspire me to create too!
So let me challenge you!
Today, when you’re scrolling through instagram.. unfollow! Anyone who doesn’t serve you in this space you can let go of. Actually, let me rephrase; Anyone who doesn’t serve you in this space YOU ARE ALLOWED TO UNFOLLOW! Really. And if it feels good, keep doing it. Keep doing it until it’s a sacred space to you. See how you can make this online space work FOR you instead of AGAINST you.
Also be mindful of your clicks and scrolls, the algorithm is designed to show you more of what you are giving your attention to. So don’t spend your precious time on your ex’s instagram page, instead, spend it on (and comment/like) the accounts that inspire you.
And note that it is OKAY to enjoy your time on Instagram, it is a wonderful platform that lets us share what brings us joy and lights up our hearts. You’re not a mindless endorphin junkie for enjoying your time online. Feeling joy when using the app may also be a sign that you are, in fact, using it correctly. It’s not always one big scam, and it’s up to us to be mindful of the time we spend online and regularly check in with our feelings, needs and desires.