It’s Back! Season 2 of Good Honest Talk is here.
S2 Ep1 | Embracing Joy and Devotion with Rachel Beare
As we step into a new year, it’s natural to reflect on the journey we’ve traveled. For many of us, 2024 was a year of transformation—one that deepened our connections, tested our resilience, and reminded us of the power of intention.
In a recent episode of the podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Rachel Beare of The Yoga House about the beautiful interplay between joy and devotion in our daily lives. Whether in yoga, parenting, teaching, or simply showing up for our communities, Rachel shared how embracing joy can transform our actions from obligation to a source of nourishment—for ourselves and those around us.
Joyful Devotion: The Energy We Bring to Our Actions
Too often, we move through life in "auto-pilot service mode," offering our time and energy without considering how it affects us. We give, we care, we show up—until depletion sets in. Rachel invites us to pause and reflect:
What energy am I bringing to this act of devotion?
Is my giving fueled by love and joy, or by duty and expectation?
Am I showing up for others while neglecting myself?
By bringing mindfulness into our actions, we shift from self-sacrifice to self-awareness. True devotion isn’t about draining ourselves—it’s about showing up fully present, joyful, and whole.
Avoiding the Shadow Side of Service
Many of us have been conditioned to believe that being of service means putting others before ourselves. But when we do this without boundaries, it often leads to resentment, exhaustion, or even guilt when we step back.
Rachel and I discussed how to recognise and avoid the “shadow side” of service—where giving becomes an obligation rather than a choice. This is where setting boundaries is essential. Saying “no” to what doesn’t serve us creates space for what truly aligns with our energy and purpose.
Authenticity, Mistakes, and the Path to Freedom
One of the most powerful takeaways from our conversation was the reminder that mistakes are part of growth. The need to please others—whether in our personal lives, careers, or spiritual practices—can often hold us back. But when we release the expectation of perfection, we step into a space of true freedom.
Rachel shared her vision for 2025 as a year of embracing freedom—letting go of external expectations, reclaiming personal power, and trusting the process of self-discovery.
A Workshop for Deeper Alignment
If this conversation resonated with you, I invite you to join Rachel and me on February 22, 2025, for a special 4-hour workshop focused on female hormonal balance and well-being. This session will weave together nourishing yoga sequences and functional health insights to help women (and those who support them) find greater balance, energy, and vitality.
➡ Reserve your spot now and start your journey toward conscious, joyful living.
Final Thoughts: Living with Intention
The essence of devotion is not just in what we do, but in how we do it. By approaching our relationships, work, and self-care with mindfulness, joy, and authenticity, we create a ripple effect that uplifts not only ourselves but our communities.
As you reflect on your own path, ask yourself:
How can I infuse more joy into my daily acts of devotion?
Where do I need to set boundaries to protect my energy?
What does freedom mean to me in 2025?
Let’s make this a year of expansion, connection, and true alignment.
