Soulfull Sound Podcast: Recent Episodes
Simone Niles
Simone Niles is a coach, sound healer, vocalist and author. The Soulfull Sound Podcast is about celebrating the leaders, teachers and coaches who guide fellow humans to connect, heal and discover themselves so they can express their gifts into the world. Simone’s aim is to offer you motivation, inspiration, sound and practical coaching strategies to help heal, connect with your authentic self and to live life on purpose.
In this episode, I am joined by Thomas Moore who is the author of The Eloquence of Silence and 24 other books about bringing soul to our personal lives and culture, including the #1 New York Times bestseller Care of the Soul. His work brings together spirituality, mythology, depth psychology, and the arts, emphasising the importance of images and imagination.
Ever pause to consider the power of emptiness in your life? What if it wasn't a void, but instead a space for growth and transformation? Join us as we explore the concept of emptiness and its role in our lives. We delve into his fascination with this concept and discuss how treating feelings of emptiness and harnessing the power of silence can lead to personal healing.
Thomas and I also touch on the importance of clear communication and creating spaces of emptiness in our physical and mental spheres. Drawing wisdom from traditional Zen teachings, we explore the potential of emptiness in fostering authenticity in children and personal growth. Thomas shares enlightening interventions on creating opportunities for children to express themselves authentically, free from imposed agendas.
Lastly, we navigate through the significance of rites of passage and moments of subtraction in finding meaning. We discuss how the concept of emptiness aids in shedding obstructive agendas to experience true meaning. As we wrap up, we reflect on the relationship between emptiness, God, and silence, highlighting the immense accomplishment in stepping back from the busyness of life to simply be. Tune in for this transformative conversation on embracing emptiness and silence in our lives.
Timestamps:
0:00:00 - Intro
0:01:29 - Emptiness and Silence
0:13:43 - Silence and Clear Communication
0:20:32 - Being Empty, Important for Parents
0:26:29 - Teaching Through Opportunities and Emptiness
0:31:15 - Emptiness and Losing Oneself's Meaning
0:46:28 - Raising Children and Embracing Authenticity
0:51:34 - Emptiness, God, and Silence
Connect with Thomas Moore:
Website: http://www.ThomasMooreSoul.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thomasmooreSoul
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasmooresoul/
- Join THE VOICE REVOLUTION! FREE Audio Training - https://www.simoneniles.com/the-voice-revolution
- Become a qualified Sound Healer: https://www.simoneniles.com/sound-healing-practitioner-training
- More info at: https://www.simoneniles.com
About Simone Niles:
Transformational Coach
Sound Healer and Vocalist
Empowering conscious, soul-driven, creatives and entrepreneurs to us their voice for healing, transformation and impact.
You can follow Simone at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simoneniles/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simonenilesofficial
podcast #soulfullsoundpodcast #simoneniles
The views and opinions expressed by guests of The Soulfull Sound Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or position of the host. Any content provided by our guests are of their opinion and are not intended to defame any belief, religion, ethnic group, organisation, company, individual or anyone/anything.
In this soulful conversation, I had the honour of speaking with Benny R. Ferguson Jr., channel and founder of Consciousness Ascending. We explore his personal journey and the transformative experiences that led him to uncover his unique gifts. Listen in as Benny shares how he navigated the challenges of growing up in a deeply religious family, his experiences with sleep paralysis and out-of-body experiences, and the pivotal moment when he decided to take control of his life and seek the truth behind his own power.
In this powerful conversation, Benny channels Abraham, known as a group consciousness from the non-physical dimension, widely known through the work of Esther Hicks. Together, we discuss the importance of holding a higher vibration, the power of responsibility, and how to build a foundation for a higher vibrational life. Benny offers practical advice for tapping into this higher frequency and emphasises the importance of simplicity, consistency, and understanding the power of entrainment. We also dive into the law of attraction, the global community's misunderstanding of it, and how Benny's work aims to accelerate the journey of becoming the person you want to be.
Lastly, we explore the ideas of reflection, responsibility, choice, karma, and freedom, and how these concepts can empower us in our daily lives. Benny shares his insights on discovering your purpose, finding joy in life, and living a fearless and powerful life. Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Benny R. Ferguson J.r (and Abraham) as we delve into the nature of Source Within and how to harness our own innate power.
Timestamps
0:00:00 - Intro
0:00:06 - Uncovering the Nature of Source Within
0:15:06 - Building a Foundation for Higher Vibration
0:23:33 - Accelerating Becoming
0:29:30 - Welcome Abraham
0:30:57 - Reflection, Responsibility, and Choice
0:43:15 - Exploring Karma and Creating Freedom
0:50:01 - Discovering Your Purpose and Joy
1:04:17 - Living a Fearless and Powerful Life
Connect With Benny:
Free Training – “I Am – The Discourse”
https://www.iamthediscourse.com/cheat-sheet-video
Abraham Introduction and Private Sessions:
https://www.abrahamoneonone.com/call-session
Online Workshops: https://www.consciousnessascendingonline.com/register
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY_KDdElSMII-QZlJmrX11Q
Become A Qualified Sound Healer: https://www.simoneniles.com/sound-healing-practitioner-training
More info at: https://www.simoneniles.com
About Simone Niles:
Transformational Coach
Sound Healer and Vocalist
Empowering conscious, soul-driven, creatives and entrepreneurs to us their voice for healing, transformation and impact.
You can follow Simone at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simoneniles/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simonenilesofficial
podcast #soulfullsound #soulfullsoundpodcast #simoneniles
The views and opinions expressed by guests of The Soulfull Sound Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or position of the host. Any content provided by our guests are of their opinion and are not intended to defame any belief, religion, ethnic group, organisation, company, individual or anyone/anything.
Discover the extraordinary healing power of sound and vibration in my conversation with Eileen McKusick, a sonic explorer, scientist, and inspiring entrepreneur.
Join us as Eileen shares her personal journey from addiction to inner peace and how self-help books and practices transformed her perspective. She highlights the importance of reframing our perspectives and recognising the cultural programming that contributes to our anxieties and addictions.
Eileen reveals her fascinating work in biofield medicine and how tuning forks can be used for physical and emotional healing. She speaks about the vibrational language of emotions and the importance of understanding the anatomy and physiology of our emotional wellbeing.
Eileen also discusses her groundbreaking research in making sound healing visible and the incredible transformations she has witnessed in her clients.
We also delve into the power of witnessing in the healing process, exploring how sound therapy with tuning forks and voice can help release trauma and pain. Eileen shares her experiences in unlocking ancestral trauma and the potential for personal growth through sound healing.
Don't miss this enlightening conversation that will inspire you to unlock the healing potential of sound and vibration in your own life.
Timestamps
0:00:00 - Intro
0:13:29 - Vibration and Sound Healing Power
0:16:34 - The Body's Emanations and Tuning Forks
0:21:35 - Tuning Fork Therapy for Pain Relief
0:24:59 - Discovering Memory in Energy Fields
0:31:33 - The Power of Human Witnessing
0:35:31 - The Language of Emotions
0:41:02 - Healing Through Connection
0:47:08 - Anxiety and Excitement in the Same Family
0:57:56 - Emotional Intelligence & Becoming A Better Human
1:01:32 - Healing Through Vocal Toning
Connect With Eileen:
Website: https://www.biofieldtuning.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eileen.mckusick
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biofieldtuning
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biofieldtuning/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eileenmckusick/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EileenDayMcKusick
Become A Qualified Sound Healer: https://www.simoneniles.com/sound-healing-practitioner-training
More info at: https://www.simoneniles.com
About Simone Niles:
Transformational Coach
Sound Healer and Vocalist
Empowering conscious, soul-driven, creatives and entrepreneurs to use their voice for healing, transformation and impact.
You can follow Simone at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simoneniles/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simonenilesofficial
In this soulful conversation, I had the honour of speaking with psychic medium and author Bill Philipps, who shared his journey of discovering his spiritual gifts after a challenging childhood and the passing of his mother. Listen in as Bill talks about how his spiritual gifts were able to break through the trauma and heartbreak of his childhood, opening him up to the white light of spirit. He emphasises that these spiritual gifts can be a great gift in the darkest moments of life.
Together, we explored the power of stillness, the magic it can bring to our lives, and the importance of being present in the moment. Bill shares his experience using sound and music to heal personal challenges and how connecting with nature can help us to connect to our higher self and source. We also discuss the power of forgiveness in letting go of toxic relationships and how gratitude and higher awareness are important tools for achieving this.
Lastly, we dive into the power of vibration and how it can help us heal and connect with our spiritual team. We examine the spiritual web we are woven into, including our loved ones, guides, Ascended Masters, and angels, and how we can cultivate a relationship with them by giving them permission to meet us halfway. This conversation is filled with insights on how we can use sound and vibration to manifest healing and wellbeing in our lives. Don't miss this enlightening episode with the incredible Bill Philipps.
Timestamps
0:00:00 - Intro
0:01:40 - Connecting With Higher Self and Spirit
0:09:55 - Inner Self and Spirituality
0:23:09 - Forgiving Toxic Relationships
0:31:52 - Taking Responsibility, Forgiveness, and Spirituality
0:38:03 - Connecting With Spirit and Intention
0:49:27 - Memories and Energy Boundaries
0:55:20 - Energy Liberation and Trusting Intuition
Connect With Bill:
Website: http://www.billphilipps.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/psychicmediumbill
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billphilipps/
Become A Qualified Sound Healer: https://www.simoneniles.com/sound-healing-practitioner-training
More info at: https://www.simoneniles.com
About Simone Niles:
Transformational Coach
Sound Healer and Vocalist
Empowering conscious, soul-driven, creatives and entrepreneurs to authentically express themselves and create a more meaningful life.
You can follow Simone at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simoneniles/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simonenilesofficial
podcast #soulfullsound #soulfullsoundpodcast #simoneniles
On today’s episode of the Soulfull Sound Podcast, I enter into conversation with the beautiful Natalie Munk, the founder of Kaylo, who is on a mission to be a catalyst for change. Opening hearts and minds through the integration of modern science, ancient wisdom, and natural medicine centred around consciousness, love and creativity.In this episode we delve into aspects of the body, the mind and the spirit. She is an explorer, artist, innovator and entrepreneur … passionate about changing the future of well-being. When not focused on Kaylo, her other passions include giggling with her three children, husband Taran and dancing in nature with friends and family under the stars.
In this episode we talk about her personal journey from illness to health and her mission to be a catalyst for change.
Points Of Discussion: - Personal Story & Journey to Kaylo
-
What Missing In The Health Care System
-
Becoming a Student Not A Patient 16:55
-
Definition of Healing
-
Sources Of Inspiration
-
Motherhood Wish For Children
-
Connection and Intuition
-
Kaylo Offerings
-
Wave a Magic Wand
Resources/Links:
Learn more about Natalie and Kaylo
Connect on Instagram
Watch on YouTube
About Natalie Munk
I Am
An explorer, artist, innovator and entrepreneur … passionate about changing the future of well-being. When I am not focused on Kaylo, my other passions include giggling with my three children, husband Taran and dancing in nature with my friends and family under the stars.
I Believe
We have a crisis in humanity. Our transactional society, the technological revolution and the rise of social media have sped up the disconnection from ourselves, and others, leaving us in a crisis of mental health and in dis-ease. As a community, we need help to return to ourselves and allow us to thrive, not just survive.
My Purpose
To bring self-empowering tools and transformational experiences to the world and inspire others to live their lives to the fullest, in whole health; aligned to their authentic selves; their communities and the planet.
My Mission
My mission is to be a catalyst for change. Opening hearts and minds through the integration of modern science, ancient wisdom, and natural medicine centred around consciousness, love and creativity.
My Journey
Thanks to my own health journey and the need for a whole health approach within the medical system, I learnt that ‘health’ is a mutually dependent balance between the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional. Only by treating the whole person can real healing be found.
I founded Kaylo in 2019 to fast-track healing and transformational modalities allowing us to live with self-love, living more consciously and in better health.
Join me in this movement! It is time to Awaken. Connect. Transform.
simoneniles.com/blog/healing-through-modern-science-ancient-wisdom-and-natural-medicine
On today’s episode of the Soulfull Sound Podcast, I enter into conversation with the beautiful Amelia Griffiths who is a trauma informed sexual healer, bodyworker, and spiritual guide who inspires visionaries, creatives, thought leaders and entrepreneurs to alchemise shame of their body, pleasure and sexuality into love.
In this episode we delve into aspects of the body, the mind and the spirit.
Points Of Discussion: * Journey into Spiritual & Sexual Healing * Trust In Spirit * Rebellion and Coming Home * Disconnected from The Body * Old Conditioning Into Being Worthy * Body Celebration * Being In Flow * Stepping Into Sovereignty * Attuning To Intuition * 'Failure is Feedback' * The Power of The Spirit World * An Intuitive Approach To Daily Practice
Resources/Links:
Learn more about Amelia
Connect with Amelia on Instagram and LinkedIn
About Amelia Griffiths Amelia is a trauma informed sexual healer, bodyworker, and spiritual guide who inspires visionaries, creatives, thought leaders and entrepreneurs to alchemise shame of their body, pleasure and sexuality into love.
Amelia curates safe, loving and sacred spaces for radical transformation. Her gifts includes inner world journeying, energy healing, coaching, tantric bodywork (including yoni and lingam healing), breathwork and guided visualisation.
Amelia's background weaves together a 10 year career in senior management positions in the luxury industry, with six years dedicated study into the spiritual and healing arts.
On today’s episode of the Soulfull Sound Podcast, I am joined by the wonderful Lisa Schuster who is a Munich-based Medical Doctor, Acupuncturist, Meditation Teacher, Mentor, Sound & Yoga Therapist. She is known for her unique ability to support people in releasing unhealed traumas so that they can deeply relax and reconnect with their full potential.
In this episode we delve into how she uniquely brings Sound Medicine into the world.
Points Of Discussion: * Intro * Journey into Sound Medicine * Connecting To Intuition * A Calling * Heart and Head * Singing Bowls * Improvisation and Free Expression * Trusting Higher Self * Sound Medicine Through DJ-ing * Personal Sounding Practice * Definition of Healing * The Two (Double) Slit Experiment * Healing and Transformation
Resources/Links:
Learn more about Lisa
Connect on Instagram
About Lisa Schuster Lisa Schuster is a Munich-based Medical Doctor, Acupuncturist, Meditation Teacher, Mentor, Sound & Yoga Therapist.
Her work combines different holistic modalities and focuses on sound therapy to offer an integrative approach to healing. Lisa is known for her unique ability to support people in releasing unhealed traumas so that they can deeply relax and reconnect with their full potential.
Lisa has developed cutting edge sound healing techniques using crystal singing bowls and other high vibrational instruments that help people to find healing and live a life they truly love. Her internationally renowned Sound Bath Meditations are described as fluidly powerful and sonically alive.
Lisa is also the creator of the Crystal Bowl Brand AkashaBowls® and leads courses, workshops and keynotes all over the world.
https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/bringing-sound-medicine-into-the-world
On today’s episode of the Soulfull Sound Podcast, I enter into conversation with the gorgeous Mathias Omotola who was wakened by the voice of the Divine to his purpose at age 12. Mathias is on a lifelong mission to heal the relationship between men and women by guiding individuals to connect with their authentic self and fully express their greatest version of that self to the world.
In this episode we delve into aspects of healthy relationships between men and women and how you can start cultivating what you truly desire, and it all starts with being your authentic self.
Points Of Discussion:
- Intro
- Childhood awakening to purpose
- The healing thread of authenticity
- Masculine & Feminine
- Meet my other whole
- The 'sacred' dance
- Finding your purpose in union
- And so much more...
Resources/Links:Learn more about Mathias
Connect on Instagram
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/healing-relationships and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
On today’s episode of the Soulfull Sound Podcast, I enter into conversation with the beautiful Dr Saida Désilets who is a body philosopher, counter-culture creatrix and advocate for sexual sovereignty. With a PhD in Trans-personal Psychology her research has opened the doors to helping women world wide to reclaim, enliven and ignite their erotic genius.
Saida also happens to be my bestie and in this episode we discuss our thoughts on refining sisterhood through the lens of our personal relationship.
Points of Discussion:
- What is sisterhood
- Intimacy & Connection
- Nature Vs Nurture
- Practice - listening, fierce compassion, self-soothing
- Non-judgemental and growth
- Healthy 'competition'
- Doing the inner work
- And so much more..
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/refining-sisterhood and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
In this Soulfull Sound conversation, I am joined by the gorgeous Scarlet Fitzgerald who is a Self-Love and Sensuality coach, on a mission to empower women to embrace their Sensuality, stand in their Power, live their Truth, and unapologetically LOVE themselves!
Scarlet Fitzgerald (née Yelena Jackson) teaches, coaches, and empowers over-worked, over-giving, and over-whelmed women to find their way back to their inner truth and awaken to their full and true Divine Feminine potential, where they can find self-acceptance, self-confidence, and self-love.
In this episode we delve into the topics like radical self-love, aligning your inner and outer beauty and choosing the siren within you.
Join us for this wonderful conversation.
Learn more about Scarlet:
Linkr.ee: https://linktr.ee/scarletssirens
Website: https://www.scarletssirens.com
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/self-love-and-sensuality and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles
We're back for part three of the 'family affair'!
In this Soulfull Sound conversation I’m joined by a group of amazing individuals who happen to be some of my nearest and dearest. I am fortunate to be joined by Raphan Kebe, Calvin Niles and Dr. Saida Désilets.
If you haven’t already watched/listened to our previous episodes make sure to check out “Finding Opportunity Within Challenge” and "The Inside Out Approach To Life".
In this episode, we share our thoughts on 'The Four Agreements', extracted from the book written by Don Miguel Ruiz, which are as follows:
- Agreement 1: Be Impeccable With Your Word.
- Agreement 2: Don't Take Anything Personally.
- Agreement 3: Don't Make Assumptions.
- Agreement 4: Always Do Your Best.
- Agreement 5: Be skeptical, but learn to listen (a bonus one recently added)
Tune in for the full scoop!
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/thoughts-on-the-four-agreements and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles
In this Soulfull Sound conversation I am joined by the wonderful Nikki Slade who is a leading pioneer in the field of chanting, core voice and sound work in the UK. Her mission is to provide an empowering and safe space that unconditionally encourages individuals to connect with their true inner voice, so that they may transcend all limiting beliefs that prevent their authentic and free self-expression.
In this episode we talk about Nikki's spiritual awakening, the impact it had on her life and how she overcame the challenges. She opened up about her earlier years and shared some key learnings and healing that has taken place for her.
This conversation is deep, heartfelt and I am honoured to have entered into Soulfull conversation with this beautiful soul.
Plus a treat of chanting together - 'Om Namah Shivaya'.
Tune in to this heart warming episode.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/free-your-inner-voice and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles
In this Soulfull Sound conversation I am joined by the wonderful Melissa Acuña Dengo who is a Mindfulness and Meditation teacher, Reiki Master and Inner Transformation Coach. She helps people release and break free from their past trauma and subconscious blocks.
In this episode we explore yin/yang, (feminine/masculine) and ways of being aware of one's imbalances and how to move into a more balanced state. Melissa speaks about using emotion as a guide, shares her personal healing journey through overcoming anxiety and physical challenges and the importance of recognising that we are not our thoughts. She also touches on one of my favourite topics - curiosity.
Tune in to this heart warming episode.
Resources/Links:
- Learn more about Melissa.
- Connect with Melissa on Instagram and Facebook.
- Join her Facebook Community.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/conscious-healing-curiously-connected and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles
In this Soulfull Sound conversation I am joined by the beautiful Monica Douglas, a wellness coach and mentor who helps courageous people transform pain into power after loss or life challenge - so they can reclaim their freedom, restore vitality and live life purposefully.
Over the last 20 years Monica has inspired thousands of driven and sensitive people to take stock, make time to recover, find purpose and thrive after challenge, loss or life change.
She’s passionate about professional development, personal growth and practical spirituality for people of any faith or none. She believes that wellbeing and practical spirituality are the foundation for growth and success.
In this episode we delve into the topics of grief and loss and explored some practical steps in consciously uncoupling.
Tune in for the full scoop!
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/grief-conscious-uncoupling and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles
In this Soulfull Sound conversation I’m joined by a group of amazing individuals who happen to be some of my nearest and dearest. I am fortunate to be joined by Raphan Kebet, a somatic movement teacher and trainer who offers grounded and practical teachings focused on helping conscious, intuitive, and artistic teachers to share their unique approaches to the practice of yoga, movement, and somatic inquiry. He also happens to be my wonderful husband.
Also joined by Calvin Niles, a passionate communicator and mindful living coach making a positive impact on the lives of leaders, entrepreneurs, coaches and wider society through his services and products. This guy is my awesome brother.
And last but not least, joined by Dr. Saida Désilets, a counter-culture creatrix, body-philosopher and advocate for sexual sovereignty, Saida has also written The Emergence of the Sensual Woman followed by her newest book Desire. This beauty is one of my dearest friends.
So this is pretty much a family affair and we have conversations like these all the time. If you haven’t already watched/listened to our first episode make sure to check out “Finding Opportunity Within Challenge.”
In this episode, our conversation runs along the thread of the inside out approach to life. We speak about taking responsibility for your own thoughts and behaviours and equally knowing when it’s not your responsibility. We speak about the importance of doing the inner work for social change and change vs transformation to name a few points of discussion.
Tune in for the full scoop!
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/the-inside-out-approach-to-life and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles
You are powerful. Within every cell of your being there is energy and vibrations which resound powerful frequencies into being, of which you are made. There is nothing you cannot be, nothing you cannot do and nothing you cannot have if you choose to step into and claim that power within you.
You have the power to overcome the obstacles in your life. You have the power to achieve your dreams and goals and you have the power to be all that you were created to be because that power is within you, around you, above you, below you, it envelops you, that power is YOU.
There are moments in life when we feel weak, tired, defeated and uncertain and sometimes powerless. Yet even in those times, the power that dwells within each and every one of us never goes away. It’s just covered up by all the doubts, fears and insecurities that we allow to pile up if we are not aware. It’s like being in a dark room. The dark is just the absence of light and as soon as you turn on the switch the dark disappears, no questions asked. Your power is that switch. All you need to do is turn it on and you will light up the room, the sky, the planet and warm humanity.
You are the power of the sun, the moon, the earth, the sky, the sea, because you are part of nature. Part of the universal source that runs through your veins and creates the vibration that we all made up of.
Do not undervalue, underestimate or discourage the powerful being that you are. Instead, praise, encourage, be filled with gratitude and generate your power. Do not waste, refuse, or belittle your power. Instead, use it, accept it and let it rise and move through you so that it can ripple out into your thoughts, choices, behaviours, actions and daily life. In doing so, you ignite the power in those around you, you vibrate optimally, and this can be felt far and wide. Activate your power, calibrate it to all that you are and all that you are becoming. Can you imagine how much you will light up when you are resonating in your inner power?
You create your own reality and how you create that reality is up to you. You are not assigned a limited amount of power, different to me, different to your neighbour or friend. We all have access to the same power and this power is abundant and enough for all of us. However, you must acknowledge its presence and practise calling it forth. You must get in touch with it through silence, through questioning, through the challenging moments.
Exercise your ability to choose to be powerful even when things seem bleak and uncomfortable. Power doesn’t always feel like a lion’s roar, sometimes it’s a quiet voice that whispers, ‘you can do it’. Sometimes it’s a blaring blast that shouts ‘move, and move now!’ Sometimes it’s just a gentle breeze floating across your face that reminds you of how impactful the wind can be.
But it’s there, it’s yours to claim. That power is within you, around you, above you, below you, it envelops you, that power is YOU.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/you-are-powerful and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles
In this Soulfull Sound conversation I’m joined by the wonderful Jay Bradley who is a Breathwork healer and teacher living in Los Angeles. He is the author of LIVE LOOK FEEL – The 12-week guide to live longer, look younger & feel better and the creator of Chakra Balms™
In his book LIVE LOOK FEEL, Jay has taught readers how to find balance in all areas and to forge ahead through even the toughest of times.
Over the past few years, Jay’s passion and purpose became even more clear. After attending a small BreathWork class where he had a life – changing and out of body experience, he knew that he had found something beyond important! Knowing that if he could literally release a lifetime of pain and grief in one session, what could this do for others?
He has since trained with some of the top Breathwork teachers and has gone on to share this incredible healing modality with thousands of people both privately and in groups.
In this episode Jay talks about the power of using conscious breathing to relieve stress and anxiety, physical pain and overcome addiction - a few benefits of breathwork. He opens up about his personal story from being bullied as a child, to experiencing depression, and how his experience of breathwork helped him overcome and heal. Jay also drops a few tips on first steps for anyone new to breathwork.
Points of Discussion:
- Jay's take on Breathwork (03:10)
- The Benefits of a regular Breathwork practice (04:00)
- How he uses Breathwork to help others reconnect with their inner power (08:09)
- Tips for those new to this healing modality (09:38)
- His story and journey into Breathwork (11:40)
- Struggles that he has overcome? (25:28)
- When he feels most in his light? (30:30)
- His definition of healing (33:49)
Resources/Links:
Learn more about Jay and his work.
Check out his product Chakra Balms.
Connect with Jay on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
About Jay Bradley
I grew up in a small town in Canada called Thunder Bay. I guess you could say that I was extra sensitive. Kids picked up on that pretty early, which led to constant bullying and physical attacks from Kindergarten to high school.
I learned to hide who I was and slowly but surely, put layers of protection up in order to fit in and at the very least, to survive. Knowing I was gay didn’t help matters, so I worked even harder to hide the truth.
I used overspending, sex, sleep, coffee, and perfectionism to numb out.
The pain prompted me to begin a spiritual and emotional journey at age 20, because I knew that I deserved to feel better! I began to understand that my lack of self-love, self-worth, and the shame I felt for simply being me had taken over and that it would require work to remember who I really was.
I’ve worn many hats. I have worked as model and actor, catering manager, fitness trainer, health & wellness coach, Reiki Master, Hypnotist, and Massage Therapist and have experienced numerous healing modalities in my search to reconnect with my center.
All the while, just under the surface, lay the truth. That I was worthy beyond measure and that once I fully stepped into this, I could have all that I desired.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/the-power-of-the-breath and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles
In this Soulfull Sound conversation I’m joined by a group of awesome individuals who are experts in the field of voice, sound and music, just to name a few.
I’m joined by the wonderful Michelle Escoffery who is an Award Winning British Singer, Songwriter and Vocal Producer, having consistently amassed accolades as one of the UK’s most respected songwriters.
Also joined by the beautiful Juliet Russell who is a singer, composer, vocal coach and choir director. She is passionate about supporting individuals and communities to develop their voices and creativity.
And last but not least, the lovely Alexandra Rigazzi-Tarling who is a Voice and Singing Coach, Sound Therapist and Teacher for the College of Sound Healing.
In this episode we explore how to access your authentic voice, the role identity plays and the importance of play in reconnecting to your sound.
How connected are you to your voice? Do you feel it truly represents who you are and your expression? Are you speaking, singing or simply sounding with intention and purpose?
Join us for this thought-provoking conversation.
Points of Discussion:
- First thoughts on finding your authentic voice (02:36)
- We explore the concept of 'finding' your authentic voice (05:33)
- Identity and authentic voice (20:00)
- Practical tips on reconnecting with your authentic sound (32:36)
Resources/Links:
- Learn more about Juliet, Michelle and Alexandra
- Connect on Instagram - Juliet, Michelle and Alexandra
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/how-to-find-your-authentic-voice and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles
Was there ever a time where healing wasn't needed? No, but if there was a time that it was truly required, that is now.
You can't heal something that you're avoiding or ignoring. It must be faced head on. Open your eyes. Open your hearts. Enough is enough.
The world is going through major shifts right now. This also means that we as individuals are going through major shifts right now; as everything that is happening on the outside is a reflection of what’s going on the inside. This means that healing needs to start within each and every one of us so that something better can be reflected into the world. We need to do the work, inner and outer if we want to see change and healing occur.
The time for healing is now.
We must reach deep within for the strength and compassion needed. We must heal our wounds and traumas. We must connect deeply with that part of us that knows better and that infinite wisdom that is there to guide us and we must act from this place, but, we MUST act. We must decide to heal, set the intentions for growth, peace and connection riding on the wings of love.
This all starts at home, with you.
The veil has been lifted and what we have managed to brush off, avert our eyes and minds from will no longer be ignored. It is evident and plain for all to see! Now what will we do?
We must stand together in unison for healing and change. We must take bold steps in spite of fear. We MUST rise to the occasion and make a choice to be better and do better.
The time for healing is now.
We must open our hearts, open our eyes, open our mouths, open our arms and embrace the new world we yearn for. For this world is filled with love, compassion, grace and peace and so how can we be more loving, more compassionate, more gracious and at peace.
Love yourself and others, be kind, make better choices, be silent, speak up, be daring, be committed, be open, be inspired and inspiring, be creative, be all the good you were created to be!
For if not now when? How long are we willing to wait and more importantly, what are we waiting for? Be a leader, join a cause, take one step in the right direction towards healing humanity. We can’t be an activist for everything, but we can be for one thing, ONE thing that truly matters to us. What matters to you right now? In this moment?
If there is one thing you can do right now, let it be this…
Make a conscious decision to love more, starting with yourself and share that love as liberally as you can. For this healing balm needs to spread across the world and touch the hearts of humanity starting with those closest to us. For this love is what will heal the disease and dissonance we are experiencing right now. For this love is what will ignite the action needed for positive change. For this love is our birth right and we must allow it to rise and heal the world because the time for healing, is now.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/the-time-for-healing-is-now and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
In this Soulfull Sound conversation I’m joined by a group of amazing individuals who happen to be some of my nearest and dearest.
I am fortunate to be joined by Raphan Kebet, a somatic movement teacher and trainer who offers grounded and practical teachings focused on helping conscious, intuitive, and artistic teachers to share their unique approaches to the practice of yoga, movement, and somatic inquiry. He also happens to be my wonderful husband.
Also joined by Calvin Niles, a passionate communicator and mindful living coach making a positive impact on the lives of leaders, entrepreneurs, coaches and wider society through his services and products. This awesome guy is my brother.
And last but not least, joined by Dr. Saida Desilets, a counter-culture creatrix, body-philosopher and advocate for sexual sovereignty, Saida has also written The Emergence of the Sensual Woman followed by her newest book Desire. This beauty is one of my dearest friends.
So this is pretty much a family affair and we have conversations like these all the time. In this episode we spoke about how to find opportunity during challenging times. How do you navigate through those which you encounter? What's your perspective on the role of challenges in your life? Are they there to break you, or make you? We share thoughts on action and surrender, first steps when facing a challenge, a victim mindset and the power of choice just to name a few points explored in this conversation!
Tune in for the full scoop!
Points of Discussion:
- First thoughts on finding opportunity within challenge (02:00)
- Thoughts on action and surrender (13:35)
- First steps when facing a challenge (23:20)
- Victim mindset and the power of choice (31:00)
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/finding-opportunity-within-challenge and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
In this Soulfull Sound conversation I’m joined by the beautiful Michelle Escoffery who is an Award Winning British Singer, Songwriter and Vocal Producer, having consistently amassed accolades as one of the UK’s most respected songwriters.
Michelle's metamorphic journey has been one of internal exploration and experience. Coached by her father in the early years, Michelle has been heavily involved in every element of songwriting, singing, directing, producing and vocal coaching and continues to do so to this day.
A multi-hyphenate, Michelle is also a qualified life coach with almost two decades of experience. She supports makers & professionals to find constructive stillness in life's chaos, to balance creativity with the demands of daily life so they can increase the life energy we all need to avoid burn out.
In this episode, Michelle speaks about her musical journey and her expansion into life coaching. She talks about the importance of taking responsibility for your own healing and opens up about her own personal healing journey. We delve into visions, spirit and thoughts on life and death as we explore past experiences.
Join us for this deep conversation.
Points of Discussion:
- Balancing the ebb and flow (02:46)
- Her definition of healing (05:40)
- Her personal healing journey (07:47)
- Her musical journey so far (13:22)
- Advice for aspiring creatives on life balance (18:18)
- Her expansion into life coaching (24:32)
- Obstacles that she has overcome (36:50)
- Self-care tips (42:50)
Resources/Links:
- Learn more about Michelle.
- Connect with Michelle on Instagram and Facebook.
About Michelle Escoffery
Michelle Escoffery an Award Winning British Singer, Songwriter and Vocal Producer. Having consistently amassed accolades as one of the UK’s most respected songwriters, Michelle is making a return with her solo album ASÉ aka LOVE and ABOVE due for release Summer 2019.
A member of family singing group, 'The Escoffery’s', signed to Atlantic Records USA in 1991, Michelle cut her teeth in the studio with sister Sandra Escoffery, learning to write and arrange, which led to independent success with chart topping UK girl band Truce. Michelle went on to become one of only 2 female stock writers at EMI Music Publishing at the time, alongside Cathy Dennis. READ MORE...
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/music-spirit-and-life-balance and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
Whose life are you living? And are you loving your life? We all have an opportunity to create and design a life we love. A life that is filled with joy, happiness, fulfilment and a life that is aligned with our authentic selves.
Too often though we are caught up in the expectations and status quo of society that we lose touch with what truly matters to us, with what truly is meaningful. It's never too late to change and create a life you love.
Start by exploring what you really want. If you could wake up tomorrow and your life be everything you wish it to be, what would it include? What work would you be doing? Where would you be living? Who would you be? Which people would be in your life? The more clarity you have around what you want the easier it will be to create it, attract it and manifest it.
Then set intentions that are aligned with what you truly want. One of the primary ingredients of success is being intentional about who you are, what you do and how you do it. When you set intentions, your actions become more purposeful and compelling. Decide now what your life will be, the life that is all about joy, all about love, peace and success – whatever that means to you. Bring your intentions to life through vivid imagination and visualise the absolute best for yourself. Dream far and wide and go beyond what you imagined possible because now is the time to create the life you truly want the life you deserve. When visualising, feel connected to your vision in all its glory. How do you feel living your best life? How wonderful is it to be the best version of yourself, do the things in your life that matter, and have abundance and joy across all areas of your life? Sit with that feeling breathe it in and taste it as if it's already yours. Lean into your daydream and let your imagination take charge.
With powerful intentions in place you can then create your goals which are all about bringing these wonderful intentions into fruition. What’s you’re a year from now? 6 months, 1 month, 1 week? What would you need to change today to make tomorrow better? Remember that we are all responsible for our own lives and destiny. The choices we make in this moment, will impact the outcomes of tomorrow.
Kickstart your ideas with decisive action. Stay aligned with your authentic self, wants and desires. Love yourself along the way and you will radiate love to those around you. The ripple effect will impact your life in such a beautiful way that the life you love will begin to unfold right before your eyes.
You deserve joy, you deserve love, you are worthy of happiness, you are enough and the life you love is right around the corner. Take bold steps, walked confidently, stay focused and even if all you can do right now is hear a whisper, here this… I am life, full of love and happiness and I am yours.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/create-a-life-you-love and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
Motivation is a huge topic, but there are some simple strategies that can help you be a self-starter so that you can get things done efficiently and take action on what matters to you. What I want to share with you is how to motivate yourself, so that any external motivation is a bonus, but not the only way for you to take action. So that instead, you rely on your internal sources of motivation to propel you into action.
Normally when we are not motivated to do something it tends to be because we have lost connection with our big why. The reason we're doing this particular thing in the first place. Over the years working with creatives, we would speak about the importance of practice. When I checked in, for some it was not always easy for them to stick to their practice because they didn't feel motivated to do so. I realised that for those clients who found it hard to motivate themselves to practise, it was simply because they lost their connection to why they must practice in the first place. For them it felt more like they should practice rather than must practice.
When this is the case, the first thing to do is to reconnect with your why, so that you can separate the ‘shoulds’ from the ‘musts’. This applies to anything you need to motivate yourself to do, not just the practice of a skill, but also general tasks or actions you need to take. Think about some area of your life right now where you may be lacking motivation and therefore not following through. What is the big why behind what you’re wanting to achieve? What are the rewards that this achievement will bring? Really go big on this and draw from it everything you can, so that you reignite your purpose and drive.
Being a self-starter requires you take responsibility for your own actions.As such it means being honest and direct with yourself when things aren’t moving or when you become complacent. Do your best to witness your own drawbacks so that you create the habits to support your own success. This type of awareness will encourage you to pave your own way forward.
Tune in for full episode!
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/how-to-be-a-self-starter and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
Sometimes we feel as though we have reached a place in our lives where the path ahead of us is unclear. I mean right now this is the case for a lot of us during this global shift.
Living from day to day not quite sure where your life is heading. Some people are happy to be in that place where they allow themselves to end up wherever the tide takes them. And there are those who feel that they would like to take proactive approach and determine where their boat ends up. Only you can decide where you are now.
So how do you get clarity on which path to take at various points in your life?
Be flexible
When you are in a place where things are unclear and life feels a bit turbulent and unsettling, remaining flexible is very important. In stormy weather it is the tree that bends with the wind that does not break. Allow yourself to be like that tree and you will be standing strong when the storm clears. Being flexible requires an ability to see life’s obstacles as a right of passage. It requires a surrender to the moment so you can let things pass through you, with least resistance.
And a breakthrough occurs because of the perception of ‘the wall’. When we realise this, the wall becomes part of the process rather than an obstacle.
So whatever confusion you might be experiencing right now about what’s next, breathe through it. Do your best to let go of the frustration. The answers are there and will come to you when you’re ready to listen.
Get in touch with your intuition
There is a thought in coaching that ‘we have all the answers we need within us’. That if we can ask a question, on the other side of the same coin is the answer. In order to get in touch with our inner wisdom or intuition we must allow ourselves to be open to receive.
Intuition is a huge subject on its own, so I’ll just share a few ideas on how you can start tapping into yours. For me intuition is an inner knowing and sensory based response to the answers I might be seeking. Our bodies create different sensations to something that is a yes and something that is a no. You can sense this by asking yourself a question that you know the answer is an absolute no for you and then the same where you know it’s a definite yes. Just notice how differently yes and no feels in your body. It’s all about tuning in.
Look at it this way…
If you are listening to music, you may choose a specific CD or artist to listen to and by doing this you tune out other music for the time being. If you switch on the radio, you may tune in to your favourite station. What I am asking you to do, is to tune into a different station, one which you may or may not have yet discovered and allow your antenna to pick up its signals.
How will you know which songs to tune into specifically? The interesting thing is you don’t, but we all have a filter. You allow everything to pour in and your filter will decide what to let in and what is too coarse to fit through. Ask yourself a question, (what is the next for me to take right now?) allow whichever thoughts that pop up to come through and those that you find yourself attracted to the most are the ones that got through your filter. Now what is your sensory response?
Trusting your inner wisdom or intuition takes awareness and practice so you must hold the vision and trust the process.
Tune in for full episode!
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/how-to-get-clarity-on-your-path and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
In this Soulfull Sound conversation I speak with the lovely Birgitta Ronn, who is a solution focused hypnotherapist passionate about helping people transform their lives.
In this conversation Birgitta shares her journey of healing the body through natural juicing to healing the mind through hypnotherapy. She delves into a deeper understanding of the mind, the importance of changing internal dialogue to ignite changes in behaviour and our need for stillness in this busy world.
Birgitta breaks down some of the myths out there about hypnotherapy and shares some tips for self-care and the importance of a holistic approach in healing - body, mind and emotions.
Join us for this exciting conversation.
Points of Discussion:
- Her story – from juicing to hypnotherapy (02:50)
- Breaking down some of the myths out there about hypnotherapy (09:35)
- The importance of your narrative or inner story (14:20)
- Tips on how to change your habits (19:50)
- Her definition of healing? (31:30)
- What obstacle/s have come up for you on you path so far and are 1 or 2 ways that you have used to overcome them? (36:00)
Resources/Links:
- Learn more about Birgittaand her work.
- Connect with Birgitta on Instagram and Facebook.
About Birgitta Ronn
Birgitta Ronn is a practicing clinical hypnotherapist based in south west London, with a clinic in East Sheen. She’s passionate about helping people transform their lives, seeing them arriving in pieces and leaving in peace.
Having had hypnotherapy herself years ago she was impressed by the transformative power of the mind and it's potential to change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviour.
As no two individuals are the same, she will work collaboratively on enabling clients to identify what is causing their concern, establish a desired outcome, set individual goals to work towards that outcome. By enabling them to access their own inner resources and capabilities they will be better equipped to manage their emotional and mental state and respond to challenges feeling empowered, calm and in control.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/healing-the-body-and-the-mind and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
Today’s topic is about change. Change is not easy, simply because requires you to move outside of your comfort zone. Also, because our unconscious minds are naturally wired to avoid pain – part of our innate flight or fight response to danger – if change is perceived as something scary, it can bring up discomfort, resistance, fear and so on. However, when you’re really ready to change something in your life there are signs that pop up to suggest you’re ready.
Staying in your current situation is no longer an option.
Whatever your situation is, you are most likely frustrated and know that you just want to do something differently. However, this isn’t enough to make a successful change. What’s different is that you no longer feel that staying put is the better choice; in fact, you know it isn’t and you’re ready to do something about it. When the pain of staying in your current situation is bigger or impacting you more than the fear of change, it’s time to make a move. The good news is, that it is from this place of awareness and recognition that helps to ignite the change you are likely seeking.
In the past when I used to work with clients wanting to leave their corporate job and start their dream business, there was always that point where they were ready to make the leap. The pain of going into their 9-5 job one more day felt so excruciating that any fears of moving on were outweighed and as such were no longer in the driving seat. So once you get to the point where whatever you’re wanting to move on from is worse than staying put, that’s a sign my friend that it’s time to change!
You let go of the excuses why not to change and instead find the reasons why you must.
You’ve stayed where you are long enough, and this has most likely been spurred on by the excuses you gave yourself not to leave a current situation. Often some of those excuses come as a result of the common resistance to change and unfamiliar territory.
I don’t know about you, but I can talk a pretty big game to myself sometimes, telling myself the story I want to hear to suit my circumstance. So, it’s really important to tell yourself the story that will support your need or want to change something in your life.
Interestingly, once you make the change, you create a new, better place to familiarise yourself with. So, what are those reasons why change is now a MUST? Start from there.
You do not let anyone influence you negatively.
Who are you to truly be yourself and make changes in your life? The truth is, you are joining a special group of people who have courage, who know how to move forward despite the odds and who know that they have a say in how they design their lives. Not everyone gets this and often people try to warn you against the ‘unknown’.
So when you are in that place where you can hear those thoughts or comments from others, but not listen to them or adopt as your own, then you’re in a stronger position to take action on what you want. You are able to remain connected with your goal and any negative comments do not affect you.
Tune in for full episode!
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/5-signs-that-you-re-committed-to-change and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
Today is all you have, don’t wait for tomorrow to start.
If you’re working on something meaningful and important to you, then you’ll never feel ready. You will most likely at times feel uncertain, inadequate, and not prepared.
Being ready is an illusion. Ready just means prepared to do something now. Do your best to prepare and then make a move. Learn to be ok with uncertainty and learn to experiment; success is never guaranteed.
Taking action creates momentum, triggers motivation, invites inspiration which all promote a sense of achievement. When you take action, you get insights along the way about what to do next, what to change or how to improve. You don’t need to know everything before you start, but you need to start to learn and grow.
Choose development and growth over comfort and certainty. Most of our growth happens outside the comfort zone. Almost everything you need to bring your goals into fruition requires new experiences, skills, and development. You must do things differently and give new things a chance.
Starting before you’re ready isn’t easy, but if you want to create powerful shifts, it’s required.
Don’t let fear of not being good enough stop you from going out into the world making bolder steps. What you have right now is enough. You can organize, edit and defer, but not at the detriment of your success. Not as the response to fear. What you have now is enough to start. It doesn't matter if you're trying to start a business, write a book, realise a creative project - who you are, what you have, and what you know right now is good enough to get going. And you can learn the rest on the way. You must hold the vision and trust the process.
Having the courage to fail — in whatever you’re attempting to achieve, with whatever you’re wanting to express, on whatever challenges you’re undertaking — is a pivotal step in actually creating and releasing something meaningful. Embrace the possibility of failure and then keep moving.
One small step is better than no steps at all. Take small steps. Act now and reflect along the way. You will learn about yourself, create new exciting ideas, open the door to new possibilities. You will be able to reflect on what’s working, what’s not working and refine your actions on route. Get experience. There’s nothing more in important that getting skin in the game. You need to touch it, taste and experience to really know it. This does not happen from the sidelines. So get moving, as this is often the best way to get ready!
Don’t wait on figuring it all out, because in reality it is in the doing that you do just that. Thinking and theory will only get you part of the way, now is the time to add the practice. To make moves, to explore and create an adventure. Take a chance on you, take chance on success. You are worthy! You are enough! That’s why you must start before you’re ready.
Remember, today is all you have, don’t wait for tomorrow to start.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/start-before-you-are-ready and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
I really wanted to touch on the topic of certainty from the perspective that certainty is a myth. With everything that's going on in the world right now people are feeling insecure and uncertain about things in their life or about what their future might hold. I would like to use a quote from John Allen Paulos to sum up the theme of this episode. That quote is:
“Uncertainty is the only certainty there is and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security.”
When you get into a relationship, you're never certain if it will last. You might hope it does and do your best to make it so, but you have no control over the outcome. When you get a job, you don't know if it's yours for life. You might do everything you can to make it so, but you have no control over the outcome. When you start a business, you can pull out all the stops, but success is never guaranteed. Yet somehow, we manage to do all those things even though we can’t be certain on any of their outcomes.
What's happening right now is that people are feeling even more uncertain because there are a lot of things outside of our control. I get that. What I’d like to share with you today is not how to gain certainty because one can never be certain – we can only take actions that lead to outcomes. Instead let's look at ways that we can feel more stable in uncertainty and comfortable with not feeling secure.
Embrace uncertainty as a natural part of life and learn to let go.
Pause, take a breath and let it go. Change is not easy, but necessary and while you may not always be able to control an outcome, you have control over your response to it. When I say ‘let go’ it doesn’t mean inaction or being passive, instead it means letting go of old notions of what was to make room for the new. It means surrendering to the fact that you can’t control everything in your life.
Replace expectations with plans. Use wisdom and careful thought to guide you forward and know that it’s also ok to pause and take a breath.
What you’re really seeking is a sense of control because again certainty is a myth.
Focus on what you can control.
What are some of the things in your life that you have some control over? Decide what you feed your body, decide what you feed your mind because these have an effect on you. Add some daily rituals into your life or continue with the ones that currently work for you because consistency helps you to gain some control in your life and it allows you to remain focused on the things that are important – your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Uncertainty can be healthy. It activates our "fight or flight" response - the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers adrenaline to help us make a move. So, make a move! What are some of the things you can take action on right now? This you can decide, this you can control. Not the outcome, but the actions. Start there…
Tune in for full episode!
BONUS TRACK
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/the-myth-of-certainty and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
In this episode of the Soulfull Sound podcast, I’m joined by the very talented Solomon Golding. London born; Solomon is quickly becoming one of the brightest talents in the dance world and has made history by becoming the first black British born dancer in The Royal Ballet's 85-year history. He has worked with some of the world’s leading choreographers including Wayne McGregor, Crystal Pite and Hofesh Shechter to name a few, casting him in leading roles and world premieres.
He has also begun generating interest in the fashion world having been photographed by some of the world’s top photographers including Harley Weir and David LaChappelle and been featured in fashion films for I-D Magazine and Selfridges. He also had a ten-page spread in BoysbyGirls magazine and was featured in the 2018 September issue of Tatler magazine.
In this episode Solomon talks about his experiences in the dance world so far, from being a black man in ballet to the resilience and stamina needed to become successful in this arena. We talk about not being a victim of your circumstance and the importance of taking responsibility for your own outcomes – both the good and the not so good.
Join us for this real conversation.
Points of Discussion:
- His story and how he fell in love with ballet (02:28)
- How he deals with the demands of the dance world (12:57)
- Overcoming adversity as a black ballet dancer (18:00)
- His thoughts on changes in the industry (27:00)
- Advice for aspiring creatives (34:30)
- Some of the biggest lessons he learned in his career so far (43:40)
- What's next in his career? (52:00)
Resources/Links:
- Learn more about Solomon.
- Connect with Solomon Instagram.
About Solomon Golding
Solomon Golding trained at The Royal Ballet School for 8 years , graduating and joining The Hong Kong Ballet in 2012. Six months into his contract, Solomon was offered jobs at The Boston Ballet in the United States and The Royal ballet in London. Upon finishing the remainder of his contract with The Hong Kong Ballet, Solomo n returned to London to join The Royal Ballet in 2013 becoming the first Black-British born dancer to do so. Solomon was offered a contract to dance with The San Francisco Ballet and has been dancing with them since June 2017.
Solomon’s interest in the creative arts doesn’t stop at ballet – Solomon collaborated with his brother, Amartey Golding, on an art film exploring black male sexuality and masculinity and its representation within modern day narratives. The film was shown at The London Art Fair 2017 garnering rave reviews and being hailed as “The London Art Fair showstopper…” by The Art Newspaper. Solomon also has a keen interest in fashion. In 2015 Solomon had a two week internship with Anna Valentine, designer of The Duchess of Cornwalls wedding gown, which included helping create garments and set-up the seasonal fashion show at the brands atelier in Baker Street, London.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/the-inner-and-outer-world-of-dance and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
Build the plane as you fly it in simple terms, implies that you get things moving or in flight before all the pieces are in place. Personally, I experiment in this arena a lot and it’s not comfortable but change or progress rarely is!
Being ready is an illusion. Ready just means prepared to do something now. So all we can do is our best to prepare and then make a move. Learn to be ok with uncertainty and learn to experiment because. success is not guaranteed.
I remember 8 years ago when I was getting ready to launch my book ‘Coaching for Performance Excellence’, how hard it was to let go and put it out there. But in truth I had finished writing it, I learned the necessary parts of launching a book and so I was prepared. I knew intuitively that the only way I was really going to learn about the process was to jump in deep and let my wings take flight.
Taking action creates momentum, triggers motivation, invites inspiration which all promote a sense of achievement. When you take action, you get insights along the way about what to do next, what to change or how to improve. You don’t need to know everything before you start, but you need to start to learn and grow.
If you’re working on something meaningful and important to you, then you’ll never really feel ready. You will most likely at times feel uncertain, inadequate, and not prepared. Choose development and growth over comfort and certainty. Most of our growth happens outside our comfort zone anyway. Almost everything you need to bring your goals into fruition requires new experiences, skills, and development. So you must do things differently and give new things a chance.
Building the plane as you fly it isn’t easy, but if you want to create powerful shifts, it’s required. Don’t let the fear of not being good enough stop you from going out into the world making bolder steps. What you have right now is enough. You can organize, edit and defer, but not at the detriment of your success. Not as the response to fear. What you have now is enough to start. It doesn't matter if you're trying to start a business, write a book, realise a creative project - who you are, what you have, and what you know right now is good enough to get going. And you can learn the rest along the way. You must hold the vision and trust the process.
Having the courage to fail — in whatever you’re attempting to achieve, with whatever you’re wanting to express, on whatever challenges you’re undertaking — is a pivotal step in actually creating and releasing something meaningful. So it is important to embrace the possibility of failure and then keep moving anyway.
Still, the illusion of being ready lingers, while you’re out there doing your best to build something, to be creative and get things off the ground.
You’re getting ready, to be ready, so when the perfect time arrives, you’re ready!
You say, “Once I gain the knowhow, all the skills, connections, confidence, money; once I’m sure I can make it happen, then I’ll start’. Guess what? The perfect time is now.
Tune in for full episode!
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/build-the-plane-as-you-fly-it and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
You are enough. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise! When you go out there, be your authentic self and do so with confidence. Make no apology for your differences, instead celebrate them as your unique qualities.
There is always an opportunity to be your best self, an opportunity to let down the veil and step into that authentic version of who you really are! As you grow and evolve you need to constantly check in with yourself, so you can remain aligned with your heart’s desire, with your inner wisdom, your best self. You are enough.
What does authenticity really mean here? I am referring to honouring yourself, what truly matters to you and being bold enough to express it. As such being authentic is not a one-way street. Think of it as a revolving door between your inner and outer worlds. A dance between the deepest parts of you and the way you express that boldly into the world. As such this is not a static approach, instead that dance continues throughout your life as you grow and evolve.
Ask yourself, what truly matters to me right now? Reflect on who you really are! Explore the deepest parts of you and be open, honest and willing to step into that authentic space where you are enough.
This does not mean that you must not strive for excellence in all that you do, nor that you must not work on bettering you and your place in this world. What it does mean it that just as you are, you are enough. The seed in the earth is enough and has everything within it to become the mighty oak, but it requires nurturing, the best environment to grow and light to make its appearance. You are that seed that has everything within you.
How will you nurture yourself, create the best environment for your growth and generate your light, so that you can stand tall, strong and beautiful like the oak tree?
So many of us have our guards up right? Life has dealt us some big challenges and so we find ourselves hiding from the world in fear of being seen, judged or disliked. Don’t we all want to feel accepted for who we are deep down?
What would it take for you to step into that authentic version of you? What if being you, just as you are, is enough? What if by being you more, you inspire others to do the same. I honestly believe that the more we are able to be our best selves in the world the better the world will be!
So own it! You are beautiful, you are loved, you are special, you celebrate your uniqueness. You are worthy, you are incredible, you are resilient, you are wanted, appreciated and truly valued. You are enough.
Say it with me, I am enough, I am enough, I am enough, I am enough...
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/you-are-enough and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
Hey beautiful souls. I’m really excited to jump into this topic! Before I do let me warn you, this is going to be blunt and direct and is not for everyone. The title is how to be bulletproof against rejection not how to overcome it. In order to be bulletproof, it requires a thick skin and some pretty heavy armour. So this is my approach today.
Everyone at some point or another in their life experiences rejection, whether that’s in a relationship, work related, family related or any situation where you put yourself out there and get a no. And yes, when we get rejected it sucks, we feel hurt, it’s hard to go through it, and it’s important to grieve that. However, if you could view rejection in a different way, it would be much easier to put yourself out there in many different situations without worrying about being rejected. It doesn’t mean you won’t be rejected it just means your feelings towards that will no longer affect you and this is where being bullet-proof comes in.
Growing up in my family we had a saying passed down from our parents, and that was, if it’s for you it’s for you, and no one can take it, if it’s not for you thank God and move on. What I love about this saying is that it implies that anything that you do will work out the way it supposed to, when it supposed to and how it supposed to, for your highest good. It doesn’t mean you that you will always like the outcome, and it requires a sense of trust and faith, that this outcome is what is needed right now. What if you tried on this way of thinking? How would it affect the way you then approached anything that you could potentially be rejected from? I walked into audition rooms with a sense of peace knowing that if the gig was for me, I’d get it. Interestingly, it was often why I think I got the part. I think it’s because there was a sense of personal power and peace that came across. That being said, it was also because I did the work, I did the prep, let’s not pretend that I just showed up and luckily got a part. I put the work in, honoured the struggle, but also I wasn’t so attached to the outcome that if it didn’t happen, it would negatively impact my life by deciding to stop pursuing my dream.
The other piece of being bullet-proof is recognising that not everything is about you. If someone rejects you for a job, a part in a play, a relationship, it’s not all about you unless you make it so. It does not reflect your worth unless you let it. Often what happens is, when we’re rejected, we sometimes close ourselves off or try not to put ourselves in situations again where a NO is a possibility and as such we live in fear of this rejection. Let me ask you, are you willing to give that power to someone else? Are you willing to say no to the possibility of greatness because someone in the past told you NO? Which is worse, the possibility of another rejection or living your life in fear and later having regrets for not putting yourself out there. Seriously answer that. Which is worse?
I can tell you that I wouldn’t be here talking to you right now if I let the Nos in my life stop me. I got plenty, but what it did for me was give me an opportunity to be constructive and focus on what I could learn from the experience and this is what I would encourage you to do. It gave me fuel to do better and learn more so that eventually some of those Nos became yeses.
Tune in for full episode!
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/how-to-be-bulletproof-against-rejection and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
In this episode of the Soulfull Sound podcast, I am joined by a beautiful soul – Alexandra Rigazzi-Tarling.
Alexandra has been a qualified Sound Therapist for the last 10 years and a Tutor for the College of Sound Healing and offers Sound Therapy and Healing as a complementary therapy, as well as teaching courses and workshops on the subject, specializing in using the Voice as a healing tool.
In this episode, Alexandra opens up about her journey from Opera to Sound Therapy and the importance of being authentic and aligned with your truest desires. She speaks on her role as a sound therapy trainer and her approach to balancing the science and theory with the intuitive and spiritual aspects of this healing modality.
Tune into our sounding experience and feel free to join in!
Points Of Discussion
- Alexandra shares part of her personal journey (02:35)
- All about Sound Healing (11:59)
- How she teaches this modality balancing the science and the practice (32:54)
- Her definition of healing (44:38)
- Client stories (47:35)
- Tips to nurture your authentic voice in the music industry (54:45)
Resources/Links:
Learn more about Alexandra and her wonderful work.
Connect with her on Facebook.
About Alexandra Rigazzi-Tarling
Alexandra is a professionally trained Opera Singer with over 20 years international performance and teaching experience. She trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and the Zurich Opera Studio studying the workings of the human voice and its effect on the body and mind.
Alexandra has been a qualified Sound Therapist for the last 10 years and a Tutor for the College of Sound Healing and offers Sound Therapy and Healing as a complementary therapy, as well as teaching courses and workshops on the subject, specializing in using the Voice as a healing tool.
Alexandra has taught singing and a system she calls Singing Therapy and Voice Reconnection®, throughout Europe as a workshop leader, working to promote the many benefits of singing for stress relief and other conditions such as Dystonia, Asperger's, and Dementia.
Very often when we speak of success, we do one of two things, follow the status quo of what success means these days, or we put the word success in inverted commas because we know that not everyone’s version of success is not the same. Working with so many clients over the years I’ve heard versions of success like owning my own home, making six figures, to living off the grid and travelling, to being able to wake up without pain or feeling like a good dad to my kids. So, as you can see from these examples, everyone is looking at success through their own lens whether that’s material gain or personal growth.
So how does one define their own meaning of success? How do you know what success actually means to you? It all starts with defining what is meaningful to you. For those of you who’ve known me for a while, you know that I am all about the inside out approach, meaning what’s going on within you so that you can reflect that outwardly. So, by defining what’s meaningful to you, you’ll be able to feel much more aligned with the successes you wish to create in your life.
To do this, you must get as detailed and specific as possible around the things that matter to you. For example, when I ask someone what success to them is, they might say ‘to feel fulfilled in life or to feel like they’re making a difference.’ What precisely does this mean? You want to break that down specifically, what is being successful in life mean to you? What does making a difference mean to you? How will you know when you’re making a difference? Is it when you are creating a service in your business that’s helping others? Is being fulfilled in life when you get your master’s degree or some other qualification? Is it when you start your own family? When you get that number one hit? We need to break these things down, otherwise they feel like wishy-washy dreams that don’t really give us a bull’s-eye target. And we want a bull’s eye target, so that we can make practical decisions in our day-to-day lives to create our version of success.
Tune in for full episode!
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/how-to-define-your-own-meaning-of-success and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
There is no time like the present. In fact, now is all you really have. In every moment you have an opportunity to do something great, to do something kind, to be a shining example to others.
When you wake up in the morning, ask yourself:
How do I want to show up in the world today? That answer will influence the way your day unfolds, the way you show up to your family, friends, colleagues and everyone around you.
Then take action on this intention – words and thoughts are not enough. Take action on being kind, on being focused, determined, healthy. Take action on being a better parent, friend, brother, sister, a better partner. When you become intentional in your life you don’t just accept life, you design life.
Stop making excuses or pointing fingers for things not going the way you want them to and instead take responsibility for yourself, for your feelings, your behaviour and your results. The only person stopping you from doing better today is you!
You are in charge of your destiny and that starts here and now. Right now, you have an opportunity to make today a day you’ll never forget. This moment is a new beginning, a fresh start and a chance to start over and wipe the slate clean.
Just focus on today, not what happened yesterday, not what you think tomorrow will bring. Focus on the here and now and that will impact the rest.
Notice how moment to moment things in your life change when you begin to show up in the way that best serves you. Imagine how choosing to be focused will show up in your work and projects. Or how showing up as being kind will impact how you treat someone you know or someone you meet for the first time. How about showing up today with gratitude, with compassion, with drive? How will each of these impact today?
I know that life’s difficulties and stresses don’t make it easy to always show up positively. However, through these difficulties, there is always an opportunity to grow and to change – and this is when you must choose to be and do better for yourself and others. It all happens in this moment, today, all you have is now.
Decide today that you will no longer allow other people to determine how happy you will be. Decide today not to settle for anything less than you deserve, which is love and joy! Decide today not to settle for the average and to be extraordinary at whatever it is you do.
What if you decided to show up today, committed to doing one random act of kindness? Or to be more loving, more fun? It only takes one moment, one decision, one action to change today for the better. Just ONE! Before you know it, your days become weeks, weeks become months and moths become years filled with joy, bliss, adventure. A lifetime filled with love, kindness and compassion.
Start each day with this question and make it part of your morning ritual, “how do I want to show up in the world today?” or “how can I be the best version of myself today?” Then take action! Do something that will positively impact your day. Remember, it only takes one moment, one decision, one action to change today for the better.
Today is your day, this is your time, this is your moment, what are you going to do with it?
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/today-is-your-day and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
This is quite an important topic and it’s one that I cover and talk about a lot, because in my time as a teacher working with students and working with clients, it is one of the biggest things that come up. Anyone who knows me, will have heard me say at least once, that failure is feedback; mistakes are feedback. So what I want to do is cover what I think are the five steps, at least five key steps that you can take to help you overcome failure and the first one is your mindset.
How you view mistakes is really important. The biggest difference between those who succeed and those who fail is how they deal with it. In fact, most successful people fail more often because they know that failure is just part of the process on route to success. I think about failure and success as two sides of the same coin; you can’t have one without the other. So when you fail at something, remember that it’s just part of the journey towards succeeding and when you succeed, remember it’s part of the journey towards another failure, towards another success and so forth. How we overcome failure is by understanding that all it is, is just feedback. When we go into any venture, project or anything that we’re doing, we must understand that there will always be ups and downs. There will always be duality in our experience and so our mindset around it is to recognize it as part of the process rather than seeing it as a downfall. It’s really just all feedback. So how you think about failure is a really key and important factor, so look at how you think about it and try on my view. It is just feedback on what’s not working what might need to change and how you can do differently next time.
The second step would be to let go of any self-judgment. The truth is, you will fail not all the time, but some of the time and when you do it doesn’t define your character or who you are as a person, unless you let it! When you fail in fact, it implies that you’re taking action, that you’re possibly trying something new and these are in fact great character-building exercises. It is like one of those quotes that I love by Wayne Gretzky - “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”. So it is better that you take those shots and miss and miss again, until you’re finally able to understand the best way, the best angle, the best height; you get the point. So, let go of self-judgment. If you failed at something, it doesn’t mean that you are not capable, it just means that you didn’t do it in the way that would allow you to succeed. And when you let go of that self-judgment and labelling like ‘I’m a failure or I always make mistakes’ which by the way isn’t true unless you choose to believe them, then it frees you up to move past it. I encourage you to let go of the self-judgment that can come up around making mistakes or failing at something. There’s always an opportunity to make a better choice, remember that.
Tune in to full episode and grab steps 3-5!
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/5-steps-to-overcome-failure and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
In this episode of the Soulfull Sound podcast, I’m joined by the beautiful Juliet Russell who is a singer, composer, vocal coach and choir director. She is passionate about supporting individuals and communities to develop their voices and creativity.
A vocal coach on ITV’s The Voice, The Voice Kids and BBC’s Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, Juliet has also worked with Grammy, Brit, MTV Europe and MOBO award winning artists. She has collaborated and performed with innovative artists including Damon Albarn, Imogen Heap, Paloma Faith, alt-J, Yoko Ono, Seal and Ringo Starr.
Committed to artist development, Juliet mentors and coaches emerging artists, working with management, record and publishing companies as well as independent artists.
On this episode Juliet shares her story around music and helping to uplift and inspire communities. She talks about her healing journey with sound and how she serves others. Juliet drops some wisdom for aspiring creatives and discusses what she would like to see change in the music industry. We also speak about tuning in to intuition and using fear as an ally.
Super cool episode…I’d love you to join us.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/singing-creating-healing-communities and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
We all go through moments of feeling down, hurt, frustrated and just tired. Such is the nature of life – its ups and downs – darkness and light. Yet even in those moments we have a choice in how we respond and react, firstly to ourselves and then to others. I’m not saying this is easy, just that you have a choice and it starts with self-awareness. It starts with knowing that in any given moment you have an opportunity to choose to feel better, be better and do better. And from this space of being self-aware you can be compassionate with yourself and others, so that you can make better choices.
In every given moment we are at a crossroad, in the sense that we can decide to behave this way or that or say this or that. Our response is normally a reflex based on our unconscious patterns and habits. How can you be more conscious of your responses and reactions on a daily basis?
Pause, ask & listen, and then respond.
We’re all at different stages in this triad. Some people naturally pause, perhaps to compose themselves; some just lash out immediately and some of us fluctuate between the two. You know which way you tend to go with this. Some people don’t ask themselves questions until after in reflection and then some do in the moment and then ignore the response! This approach is flawed! This triad works when you move through each corner efficiently, so let’s look at each piece.
Tune in to learn the how you can use the 'Interaction Triad' to help you respond better in your interactions.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/how-to-respond-better-to-interactions-that-trigger-you and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
The world is going through so much change right now and it’s hard to witness what we are doing to mother earth and by extension her inhabitants. You can see all the negativity splashed all across the media and sometimes it’s easy to feel defeated, deflated and on the verge of giving up. But we’re not defeated because we have created the space we now find ourselves in, and so it is us who is responsible for creating the positive changes needed in the world today. It takes one individual to affect another and so when we come together as families, communities, cities, countries with a want, a need and a proactive approach towards creating a better world we can make miracles happen.
It all starts with you! your want, with your need and you taking action on the things that matter to you. You can’t be and activist for everything, but you can for at least ONE thing – one thing that truly matters to you. You can’t directly change everybody’s lives, but you can help positively change the life of one person. If we all made a positive impact on one person at a time – that multiplied WILL change the world.
What can you contribute to? What can you change? Don’t listen to that voice inside that says ‘it doesn’t matter what you do, because nothing will change’. That voice is wrong, because it does matter so instead say to yourself that, ‘I am the change I want to see in the world. One act of kindness can change a person’s life. I matter, so what I do matters.’ If we all stood up for change, no matter how small the step you think you can take right now, we would see a rippling out of positive transformation in the world.
Thinking about things and making plans are just the first steps, but so often it stops there, but If you don’t do it, it will not be done. You are a conduit for the universe, an instrument for change, a catalyst. How will you serve the world? How will you use your gifts and talents to create the shifts you want to see?
The effect you have on others in the most valuable currency there is. To change the world you have two choices, love or fear. Choose love and don’t ever let fear turn you away from your playful heart. Love yourself first and express that through everything that you do.
You are able and ready to do great things in this world. Expand, grow, serve, improve the quality of your life and others around you.
Decide to make a difference. Make a positive impact in someone else’s life. Create healing in the world through your thoughts and your actions and start with one step. What one change can you make today to uplift you so you can uplift those around you? What one action could you take this week to help someone else?
The world needs your love, your attention, your respect and you have a choice in how you express that. It’s never too late to change, it’s never too late to rise and it’s never too late to make a positive impact.
You can change the world and it all starts now, in this moment. What are you going to do to make a difference?
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/you-can-change-the-world and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
When I was growing up and we were starting a new year, my mum would always say ‘Happy New You’ instead of new year. After a while that became a private eye rolling event between my siblings and I. It was only in growing up and reflecting that I understood the power of the message she was giving us. That there is always an opportunity to be your best self, an opportunity to let down the veil and step into that authentic version of who you really are! It also implied that sometimes through our natural growth and evolution as human beings that we need to check in with ourselves so we can let go of the old, outdated stuff – old patterns and ways of thinking, doing and being.
So, with that in mind, I want to share with you a few things you can think about and do in order to step into your authentic expression and be more of You this year.
What does authenticity really mean here? I am referring to honouring yourself, what truly matters to you and being bold enough to express it. As such being authentic is not a one-way street. I like to think of it as a revolving door between your inner and outer worlds. A dance between the deepest parts of you and the way you express that boldly into the world. As such this is not a static approach, instead that dance continues throughout your life as you grow and evolve.
So being more You requires a few things.
Firstly, you need to reflect on who you really are! Ask yourself, what truly matters to me right now? By exploring your values, you can get some clues into who you are beneath the internal conditioning and external expectations. Your values are the significant truths within you that make you YOU.
What truly matters to me is love, service, authentic connection and growth (to name a few of my values) and when I am connected to these, I am much more capable of expressing them through my interactions, my business, relationships and all parts of my life. They are the filter I use to express my inner world into my outer world.
So how about you? What truly matters to you? Take some time to explore this because it can literally change your life.
The second piece is that once you know what matters to you, how do you be bold enough to express it! So many of us have our guards up right? Life has dealt us some big challenges and so we find ourselves hiding from the world in fear of being seen, judged or disliked. I get it! But here’s the thing, don’t you love being around people who are so comfortable in their skin? Don’t we all want to feel accepted for who we are deep down? Yes!
What would it take for you to step into that authentic expression? What if being you, just as you are, is enough? What if by being you more, you inspire others to do the same. I honestly believe that the more we are able to be our best selves in the world the better the world will be! Now I know that what I’m suggesting here is not easy, but let me ask you, how much is it costing you? How long are you willing to go on feeling out of alignment with your higher self? Most things in life that are worth this much, requires us to do the work!
Tune in to find out the 6 Steps I offer to help you step into your authentic self more!
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/how-to-be-more-you-this-year and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
In this episode of the Soulfull Sound podcast, I’m joined by the wonderful Calvin Niles who is a passionate communicator and mindful living coach making a positive impact on the lives of leaders, entrepreneurs, coaches and wider society through his services and products.
In our conversation Calvin speaks about the power of mindfulness and how you can start developing a mindful practice. He shares how he integrates mindfulness and storytelling to help people impact the world.
"Mindfulness is purely and simply being aware - now."He also shares the importance of telling your story, offers tips on how you can figure out what your story is and how to tell it well. He shares the depth of what discovering your story through mindfulness can actually do for you - helping you to reframe positively and let go of things that no longer serve you. This step can then lead to your story becoming the vehicle for your mission, message and your impact in the world.
Don't miss this fun, inspiring episode where you can witness the conversations I often have with my brother!
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/storytelling-mindfulness-and-connection and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
How often do you feel stressed and what stresses you out? Often, we say we’re stressed because of a sense of upheaval or overwhelm in our day or lives. Let me ask you, ‘Do you know what specifically triggers you to feel this way?’ I would like to venture a guess; that it is related to how you view the small and big challenges in your life, simply put, your thoughts about them.
The thing is, not all our thoughts are true. Sometimes they’re just stories we make up and tell ourselves to make sense of a situation. But what if you could change your thoughts, tell yourself a different and better story to then impact how the events in your life affect you? Why is it that the exact situation could affect two people very differently, where one thinks ‘this struggle will end me’ and the other, ‘this struggle will strengthen me’? How you view life’s stresses can only be determined by you, just know you have a choice in the matter.
So my story…
On waking one morning, I DECIDED, today is going to be a good day.
Okay so honestly that could have gone either way as I only had about five hours of sleep and my first thought was, I wish I could stay in bed. Then I noticed the sun streaming through the curtains and thought about how wonderful it is to have a sunny day. That was it; today is going to be a good day. If only everyone else decided the same! On my way out this morning, I had a whistle blown pretty close to my ear by a train station guard which for a few minutes almost threw my decision (of having a good day) especially since my ears were ringing. This was swiftly followed by almost being knocked over by someone rushing for a train, “no apology necessary sir!”
Okay so at that moment I could have forgotten about the beautiful sunrise and decided to be miserable and stressed instead, after all these two people were out to get me and it wasn’t even 8am! How was I supposed to survive the rest of the day sticking to my decision of no stress!
This may sound simplified, but I just let go of the thoughts that suggested I be stressed instead. I thought about how I could reframe the incidents that happened in a better way. I reminded myself that after going to a good dance that my ears would sometimes ring because of the volume of the music (I know better now and have great pair of earplugs), but never got upset with the DJ. I also told myself that this guy rushing for the train was on his way to something important and he was a nice guy.
While these examples of triggers of stress are pretty small in comparison to other challenges we experience in life, I’d like to think the principle is still the same. That we have some say in how we let triggers affect us and how our behaviour and actions follow suit. My mother used to say “when you walk under a tree and a bird does its business on you, the bird didn’t say, oh there’s that person I want to do my stuff on, no, it just did its thing, and you happen to walk under it.” So, you can either brush it off and get cleaned up or be upset with the bird all day long.
So, there are a few things I did there. I set an intention of having no stress that day. Then I was mindful or present in the moment of potential stressful triggers and finally I changed my thoughts or story about them.
Here’s how you can implement this practice.
· Set an intention for your day.
· Be mindful and present when triggers arise.
· Reframe your thoughts to something positive instead.
This, like all things you want to master takes practice, so take it one day at a time.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/choose-no-stress and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_ni
We all have dreams and desires in life - whether related to our work, family, health or other aspects of life. To bring these dreams and desires to life you need to acknowledge them, appreciate them and take action on making them a reality.
Just because your dream hasn’t happened yet it, doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. We all go through ups and downs, disappointments and all have challenges, because pain is a part of life. Sometimes the things we experience just don’t make sense and we fall into despair or sadness and think, why me? There will always be forces trying to convince us to settle where we are, and it is easy to settle for mediocrity even though we have so much potential.
Pain is not there to stop you, it’s there to prepare you for all that is yours for the taking. Challenges create an opportunity to grow, to learn, to gain confidence, to rise and to conquer so that you can make the changes you want in your life. So that you can vibrantly express your dream into the world.
It is not too late to become all that you were created to be.
Sometimes our dreams get covered up by fear, rejection, past failures, hopelessness or by playing small. But deep inside you there is also joy, hope, desire, will and limitless possibility. So, what are you going to uncover? What are you going to tap into? Is it the fear and hopelessness? Or is it the joy and potential that is yearning to be explored?
You are not alone on this journey, but only you alone can choose to ignite your dream, to nourish it and to live it! Only you can uncover it by peeling away the layers that have overtime created a cocoon. Well - now it’s time to fly! Time to spread your wings in all their glory and move forward. Take a step towards your dreams.
All the resistance that is coming up for you just tells you, that your dream is still alive; that there is work to be done. There is always tension before there is release. Use the tension don’t resist it. The more tension there is right now, the bigger your release will be. See your challenges as temporary, and as lessons, so that as you spread your wings and grow, you are stronger, more resilient and more determined.
Your dream is yours. You have a choice to stay asleep or to right now wake up and live your dream! Shake off the fear, shake off the doubt, shake off the negativity and breathe in an unshakable knowing that this your time, your dream and you can make it a reality.
You deserve abundance, love, joy, friendship, fulfilment. Whatever it is that you dream for yourself, it is yours. Take these steps: acknowledge your dream (make no apology for having it), appreciate your dream (be filled with gratitude now for what you want in the future) and take action on making it a reality.
Step into your strength, your willingness, your determination and align them with bold action. Open yourself to greatness, to success, to going beyond expectations and in all this remain flexible. Your dream is calling your name! Answer…
Go out there and live you dream!
*With thanks to Antoine Cotton for his piano compositions.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/live-your-dream and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
This month’s question comes from James.
I'm so tired of being unfulfilled in my current job and working for someone else. I would like to move into work I love by building my own business, where do I even start?
This episode is all about making the changes that get you closer to doing what you love. Too many people are in work they don’t love – let’s face work they hate, that drains them, they can’t wait to leave! If this is you or maybe work is ok, but you want to love it, put these actions in place and see how things can shift for you.
Here’s a snapshot of the first 2 actions:
Action #1: Know what it is you want to do.
Okay so you are most likely frustrated and know that you just want to get out! However, this isn’t enough to make a successful change. You might be clear on what you want to get away from, and it is super important that you know what you want to go towards. Be as clear and specific as you can be so that you have a ‘bull’s eye’ target to aim for. The clearer you are the easier it will be to achieve it. However, if you don’t know what you want yet, that’s ok, take the time to figure it out because you need to know to put a strong foot forward. The good news is that you really can’t get it wrong, because sometimes figuring out what you want means trying new things. Just know that there are options and you don’t have to settle for less because you can have more. And also know that clarity is a practice of questioning, so continue to ask yourself questions that guide you closer to your answers.
Action #2: Find out what has stopped you so far and do something different.What has stopped you from making this change before now? In order to move forward you need to remove the obstacles that have got or that can get in your way. Is it and internal obstacle like fear, self-doubt or mindset? Is it an external obstacle like lack of skill or not having your finances in order? Most likely a combination of both. Make a list of all your ‘obstacles’ in one column and then in the opposite side, write down what you’d like to feel or have instead, or the solutions or ways to get rid of them. You don’t have to have all the answers, but by doing this exercise you begin to open yourself up to the possibilities of overcoming the obstacles that come up for you.
Here’s a summary of all 9 actions:
- Action #1: Know what it is you want to do.
- Action #2: Find out what has stopped you so far and do something different.
- Action #3: Start setting goals for the short, mid and long term.
- Action #4: Create a plan of action to support your goals.
- Action #5: Make space and time in your life now to take action.
- Action #6: Make sure you create the energy and motivation to follow through.
- Action #7: Be consistent with your action.
- Action #8: Get support on your journey towards success
- Action #9: Celebrate your achievements along the way
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/9-actions-towards-doing-what-you-love and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
In this Soulfull Sound Conversation I am joined by the wonderful Stephen R. Marriott who is a bestselling amazon author, speaker and vagabond. His two books Candyfloss Guitar and Santiago’s Guitar are part of the Reluctant Pilgrim Series where he writes about self-discovery and hope - a journey both physical and spiritual, guided at times by the unlikeliest of angels!
Stephen transitioned from his background as an Investment Analyst to living life on his own terms. Through his work, he inspires others to walk their path with passion and purpose.
In this episode Stephen talks about his life changing 31-day walking along El Camino de Santiago in Spain, which leads to self-discovery, igniting his purpose and later taking action on realising it through his writing and speaking ventures. His story is inspiring, especially for those wanting to make a transition from a corporate job, or job you don’t love, into building a life filled with passion and fulfilment.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/travelling-towards-purpose and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
This week I’m going to offer some tips to boost your productivity.
These tips are all things that I do and have done in order to be more productive and use my time more efficiently. I don’t believe in a cookie cutter approach when it comes to strategies like these and so am simply inviting you to try them on and see what fits. By all means use what does and discard what doesn’t, and I am certainly open to hearing about some of the things that work for you if not mentioned here. So do leave a comment!
So we all know what it’s like to have lots to do and only 24 hours in the day. By the time you minus an average of eight hours sleep, you’re left 16 hours to get things done. When your ‘to do’ list reaches the floor, how do you manage to fit everything in?
Before I had anyone on my team, I did everything on my own and boy was that a ride. The benefits were that I learned about making and editing videos, basic design skills, website development and pretty much every aspect my business needs to thrive. However, it meant I was busy doing everything and those sixteen hours got swallowed up in no time, not to mention being busy mum of three! So, I know first-hand that getting things done had to be about working smarter not harder, and so I had to learn to simplify things to be more productive.
As Tim Ferris says - ‘Focus on being productive instead of busy’
Tune in for my 8 steps to boost productivity...
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/8-steps-to-boost-your-productivity and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
We are all perfect at our purest essence. Through life’s ups and downs and experiences we sometimes lose touch with this essence and lose connection with ourselves. However, when we remember that we are whole, and that harmony is our natural state of being, we can take practical steps towards reconnecting with our highest self. This is the healing I’m talking about here.
Whether you are experiencing physical or emotional pain it is important to acknowledge it. Acknowledging your pain, however, doesn’t mean to give it power by focussing on it, but simply to recognise that it is present. This recognition gives you an opportunity to uncover the cause, so that you can efficiently deal with the symptoms and invite healing to take place.
Everything that you do is consciously or unconsciously supported by an intention. When you want to create balance and wellbeing, you must have that intention in mind so that it becomes your reality. An intention doesn’t have to be complicated or elaborate. You only have to tune in to your body, mind and soul to find what it is that you truly want. Set your intention - “I am healthy, I am whole, I am at peace”. Focusing on your intention can help you get back into the flow of universal energy bringing you back to harmony and reflecting this outwardly into your life.
Your thoughts and words have power. While you may have little control over the thoughts that enter your mind, you do have control over whether you give them power, by focussing on them, or whether you believe them to be true. The key is to accept them as they come into your mind with the awareness that they are just thoughts. Acknowledge them; let go of the ones that do not serve you and replace them with empowering thoughts instead. Just like it is important to feed the body food that will nourish you back to health (or keep you in good health), it is important to feed your mind words that will nourish your soul.
Choose your words wisely and affirm them as we create as we speak.
I am in good health - my body, mind and soul are in perfect harmony with the universe. I trust the process of life.
Utter the words and be receptive to your healing.
Being receptive is all about allowing yourself to be in the flow – connecting with that universal energy or frequency that runs through each of us. Remember that harmony is your natural state of being and so when you accept and surrender to that knowing; magic happens.
To surrender, just be open, relax and let go of the need for a particular outcome. It is not always easy to relinquish control and the key is in recognising that being in the flow is not about control, but instead about letting go and coming back home to YOU.
Tune in to the frequency that supports you, then you are more receptive to healing taking place. Think of it like tuning in to your favourite radio station. The music is playing whether you tune in or not, but when you do, you find joy in listening to the sounds that uplift your spirit!
Take responsibility for your own healing because remember, Your Healing Starts with You.
*With thanks to Antoine Cotton for his piano compositions.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/your-healing-starts-with-you and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
Welcome to a new episode of Soulfull Sound Coaching! Each month, l’ll be answering your questions about anything related to healing and transformation, connecting with yourself, discovering your gifts and practical strategies on sharing your gifts with the world, or... any burning question you have and sense that I'm the right person to answer it.
This month’s question comes from Jessica.
I need to take charge of my life and set clear boundaries. What are some ways that I could implement healthy boundaries in my life?
Here’s a snapshot of the first 2 steps you can take right now!
Step 1 - Know your parameters
Know your parameters around work, relationships, and other areas of your life.
A healthy boundary just means you know what you are willing to and not willing to accept in your life, and healthy boundaries are linked to knowing your worth.Let me start by saying here, you are worthy of being treated with respect and that the only way you will teach others how to respect you is to first respect yourself. So when you’re wanting to create a healthy boundary, implement it for yourself. For example, if you have a tendency to let people pressure you into doing things you don’t want to do then look at how you pressure yourself into doing things you don’t want to do and stop! You allowing others to pressure you simply means you are pressuring yourself. This isn’t to say that you will never have to do things you don’t like or want to do, but more so, know your boundaries and choose you! This leads me on to the next step!
Step 2 - Don’t be a people pleaser - it’s ok to say no.
This one I had to learn for myself because I associated yes with be helpful and selfless, but when it got to a point where my well-being was the cost of so many YESes I practiced the NOs more often. It is great to be helpful and serve others, but not so much if the cost is you, because in reality the only way you can truly give to others if you have something to give. It is important to give to yourself first. We hear all the time the example of being in an airplane and the oxygen masks drop down. The first thing you’re told is to put it on yourself first then help others. There’s no point in passing out trying to be of help to someone else! So the same applies here. Fill up your cup to overflow and then you have plenty to share around.
Summary of all 4 steps:
Step 1 - Know your parameters.
Step 2 - Don’t be a people pleaser - it’s ok to say no.
Step 3 ⁃ Take responsibility for your choices.
Step 4 - Practise consistency.
Listen in for the full scoop!If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/4-steps-in-creating-healthy-boundaries and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
In this Soulfull Sound conversation I speak with the fabulous Lucinda Allen who is a proficient and successful Voice & Singing Coach who works in both the Creative and Corporate sectors. Lucinda also leads the Vocal team at ICMP London in her post as Teaching Fellow in Vocals.
In this episode Lucinda shares her take on healing and rehabilitation in the voice world and how she works holistically with clients.
"Healing is getting back to something that is already there."
A lot her work is about being the bridge for her clients to help them manoeuvre between their challenges and the creative work they do out in the world.
She speaks about honouring the authentic and primal sounds we make as a starting point for technique, expression and adding creative elements to one’s voice. She expresses primal sounds as a safe and neutral place where authenticity can be explored.
Also listen out for our heartfelt, spontaneous sounding near the end of this fun episode!
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/voice-rehabilitation-healing and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
This week’s episode is all about the Power of Collective Intention.
Deepak Chopra says,“Intention is the starting point of every dream. It is the creative power that fulfils all of our needs”
I use intention a lot in my practice because I notice that when we set an intention for anything, it guides our thoughts and actions, which are equally important with how we follow through. Intention brings full awareness to our minds and helps to make sure our actions are fully aligned with what we truly want. It also makes us more receptive towards achieving our goals.
Let us not confuse goals with intention.
Goals target a specific outcome that is future based and often combines outlines and plans, laying out the steps you need to get there. Setting a goal is mental process of left brain thinking, analyzing and reasoning. While I’m big on setting goals, I also recognise the importance of what drives them and that is intention.
For example, you may have a goal of making £10,000 per month, but what drives you to make that amount of money? The intention behind it could be something along the lines of “I have peace of mind and am free to travel when I want which makes my heart sing!” So again, we’re looking at what drives the goal and not the goal itself.
In order to look at the power of intention I’d like to invite you to try on the following perspective, to be receptive and open to possibly a new way of thinking. This is to understand that everything in life is essentially one. All energy on this vibrational planet is connected in one form or another. The foundations of mind and matter is consciousness - universal consciousness. And universal consciousness is a unified field of energy. Over the years several studies and research has been done about this unified energy field which connects all matter that exists on this planet.
So when you hear the statement "we are all one" it is not just about a want or need to create unity in this world, but also to reflect that energy field that connects all atoms, all molecules and form as we know it.
Listen to full episode for all the tips!
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/the-power-of-collective-intention and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
I AM love and I am loved. Love runs through every part of my being and I feel loved by me and by others. My heart is open and ready to receive love. I am deserving of love.
I AM light. Light surrounds me, lifts me, shines through me and is of me. I shine my light brightly and create a beautiful rainbow that ripples out into the world. I light up the world.
I AM abundant – all blessings flow through me and I have enough money, joy, happiness and my needs and wants are met because I AM ENOUGH. I am connected to my source and am grateful for all the channels through which my abundance flows. I receive my divine inheritance.
I AM beauty - inside and out. I respect and love my body because it is my temple. I see beauty all around me in art, music, science and nature and express and reflect this beauty out into the world.
I AM peace and I am at peace with myself, my family, friends, community and am one with nature. Peace expands and touches everyone and everything around me. Peace spreads across the planet and transcends all turmoil and conflict.
I AM creativity personified. I am the muse through which the Universe creates its masterpiece that is me. I am creating all the time and make a positive impact with my creation.
I AM receptive. I am ready to receive all that is already mine. I tune in to the frequency that supports my growth and wellbeing.
I AM grateful. I am fill with gratitude for all that the universe provides. Thank you for the love, the guidance, the lessons, the connection and all that I am, because I am, enough.
I AM growing. Like nature of which I am, I plant seeds, nurture and release my roots deep into the earth so that I may stand strong, spread my branches and grow. I have everything I need - my soul is rich in nutrients and I am learning and growing every day.
I AM present. I am here now. I exist beyond hours, minutes and seconds. I live each day with awareness and mindfulness. I see, hear, touch, taste, smell and sense the universe around me and stand in awe of its presence which is me.
I AM enough. I am deserving of everything good. I create all the good around me by nurturing the good within me. I share my goodness with the world. All good things are coming to me now. I am enough.
I AM sound. I am the sound of the universe. I am a unique composition filled with harmonies, cadences and dynamics. My melody resounds beautifully into the world and works in unison with the universal frequencies of love, joy and happiness. I am the sound through which the universe chants and creates its symphony.
I am LOVE, LIGHT, ABUNDANT, BEAUTY, PEACE, CREATIVITY, RECEPTIVE GRATEFUL, GROWING, PRESENT, ENOUGH, SOUND...
I am that I am…
I am…I am…
*With thanks to Antoine Cotton for his piano compositions.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/i-am and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
This month’s question comes from Katerina.
I find myself blessed to have opportunities coming my way, but sometimes I don’t know which way to go. How do I know when to say Yes or No to an opportunity?
First thing that I want to point out is that you have started this question from a place of gratitude – being blessed with opportunity, so I just want to acknowledge that.
I’m sure there are many approaches to this type of question and so I’m going to share what personally works for me. You may have heard me say this before and I’m sure you’ll hear it many times in the future. My approach with most things is an inside out approach, meaning I focus on what’s going inside of me, as much as (if not more) than that outside of me. So, while I do know my goals and what I’m wanting to achieve from my business and life (which is not static and always evolving). I also know my personal and self-development goals related to the betterment of myself. And for me one of these is growth.
So, when I have to make to decisions around opportunities that arise, I do a few simple things as a litmus test of some sort.
Starting with the inner – I use my intuition. What is my first response to the offer? Notice what your sensory response is to the opportunity. Our bodies create different sensations to something that is a yes and something that is a no. With some body awareness, you can actually test this out for yourself with a simple exercise.
Sit/stand a relaxed manner and just notice your body so you have a starting point. Breathe deeply and relax your body. Then say the word Yes out loud at least 20 times and then stop and notice your body – what are you feeling now? Are you noticing any subtle changes?
Then do the opposite and say the word no out loud at least 20 times and notice the difference. You might notice that for the word yes, your body naturally wants to go forward or towards something and that with the word no, it wants to move backwards or away from something. Taking it to a mundane level, when someone offers us something, let’s say a food for example that we don’t like and we say ‘no thanks’, we often slightly bring our bodies backwards in response. It’s worth noticing these subtleties because when noticed, you can then tune in at a deeper sensory level. And when tuning in at a deeper sensory level you then have access to tuning into a tangible/palpable space where you can source your intuition.
Listen to full episode for all the tips!
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/how-to-know-when-to-say-yes-or-no-to-an-opportunity and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
On today’s episode of the Soulfull Sound Podcast, I enter into conversation with creative entrepreneur: Chantal Miller.
Chantal Miller is a creative synergist who is passionate about wellness, representation and joy and combining all three elements to curate experiences which tell the stories of the Caribbean in ways which inspire, uplift and heal.
What is a Caribbean woman? Is it her heat, her sizzle and her boldness? Is it her adaptability and her daring to rise even when it's challenging?
"Joy is an element that needs to be enabled a lot more."
Chantal opens up about some of the challenges for women of the Caribbean diaspora. She keeps it real about her personal experiences, talks about some big lessons learned in business and gives some tips to aspiring creatives.
Points of Discussion:
- What ignited the vision for her work (8:28)
- What is Island Girls Rock all about? (10:54)
- Chantal’s ‘definition’ of a Caribbean woman? (16:00)
- Some of the challenges for women of the Caribbean diaspora (20:40)
- Some big lessons learned in business (35:22)
- Fast forward 3 years … (52:00)
- Advice for aspiring creatives (56:15)
Resources/Links:
- Learn more about Island Girls Rock
- Check out the Podcast!
- Connect with Chantal onInstagram and with Island Girls Rock Instagram
About Chantal MillerChantal Miller is the founder of Island Girls Rock. Island Girls Rock was created mainly from love and a burning desire to ensure that Caribbean women were gifted a platform which represented them beyond the expected ‘norm’.
”We are just as dope, fly and dynamic as any demographic of women, but are often not presented as such or afforded the spaces to celebrate that.”
In addition to building IGR with her kick ass team, Chantal is also a producer/presenter (radio and podcasts),much sought after voice over artist and has an intense passion for Caribbean films.
She runs digital storytelling workshops for young people and is regularly commissioned to speak on matters related to creative entrepreneurship, wellness and the power of digital storytelling.
Chantal has curated exhibitions and panel discussion series related to these themes with the most recent being ‘Back Home’ where she collaborated with Gabrielle Smith of The Nu Black and Through Our Eyes a photography focused week of panel discussions and exhibitions exploring Caribbean representation in mainstream media (PhotoFusion UK).
Chantal is a day dreamer who gets s%&t done.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/lessons-through-life-business-culture and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
This week I’m going to speak about a hot topic for my community and that is how to explore what you’re here to do – your purpose.
First let me give you some context about my take on this topic. While I believe we are all here to play our unique part in the world and that we all have unique gifts to share, I do not believe that this is rigid or static. I think that as we evolve, the nature of what we’re here to do evolves and within that evolution we can tap into our natural gifts and express them into the world. So the steps I’m about to dive into are not a one-time experience, but instead a process that you can repeat throughout your life to stay within alignment with your purpose.
Here's the summary of these 6 steps:
1. Bring your head and heart together.
2. Remove obstacles.
3. Get in touch with your Intuition.
4. Explore the clues in your life.
5. Think big.
6. Go out and play.
Listen in for the full scoop!
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/6-steps-to-explore-your-purpose and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
Discovering your gift is the first part, living it is equally important. No one else has your unique gift and so only you can express it into the world. And every individual has a responsibility to humanity. A responsibility to share our heart vibration out to the world. You discover your gifts through tuning IN, so you can then serve OUT into the world – to be of service to what you are becoming.
When someone releases their gift, they’re releasing the next stage of their own evolution and activating that same vibration and frequency in others as well. It’s why we’re here – to uplift each other and raise the vibration of the planet.
To share your gift, start by taking action. Imagine that you wake up every day and can’t wait to do what you love. Imagine that your gift is tapping you on the shoulder and saying, ‘hey let’s do this!’. Take those feelings and explore all the ideas that come forth about how you must practically express your gifts.
This is where you connect your heart and head. Your heart and your head are like two advisors. They behave in different ways and use different vocabulary. Our head is where the reasoning, logic, and thoughts dwell. It’s what we use to think things through and debate the “pro’s and the con’s.”
Our heart is where our intuition resides. It is the source of that little voice that guides us, if we let it. Our heart is where our True Self resides, our Inner wisdom, Higher Self – the only one that truly knows what is best for us. Without practice, it’s harder to hear our heart.
The good news is, if you have discovered your gift, you have a great relationship with your heart and so now it’s time to bring your head more into the equation.
Ask Yourself:
- What is important to me in how I express my gift?
- What would allow me to fully enjoy my work life?
- If I could wave a magic wand and my expression be authentically shared what would I be doing?
- If I feared nothing, how would I share my gift?
Everything that you have done in your life so far is relevant, in that it has either taken you further away from your authentic expression, or it has brought you closer to it.
Be grateful for those experiences because they have all and I mean ALL, brought you to where you are now. What it all comes down to in the end, is what will you do NOW with everything you’ve learned so far.
Go out and dance and sing, paint, bake, draw, build, create and PLAY! Invite your gift along for the ride and see where the adventures take you. Then reflect on your adventures, so that you can hone your expression and continue the journey of authentic and joyful expression.
Express your heart’s song into the world through your skills, your story, your message, your thoughts and your actions. Remember that the world needs your gift, the gift that only you have.
*With thanks to Antoine Cotton for his piano compositions.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/sharing-your-gifts and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
Welcome to a new episode of Soulfull Sound Coaching! Each month, l’ll be answering your questions about anything related to healing and transformation, connecting with yourself, discovering your gifts and practical strategies on sharing your gifts with the world, or... any burning question you have and sense that I'm the right person to answer it!
This episode answers a question from Paul.
"While building my business, I sometimes find myself losing momentum or feeling stuck when doing tasks. How do I get myself back in the flow?"
There are some common reasons why people lose momentum or get stuck when taking action and so what I’ll do is touch on those here so that you have a few things to practise. And for all of you listening, whether you’re building a business or not, these tips will help you get through those moments when you feel stuck with a project, or just in general when dealing with having to do, be or have more and needing to take actions to support that change.
My approach with most things is an ‘INSIDE OUT APPROACH’. Meaning that if something isn’t working, I look not only at what’s going on around me, but also what’s going on within me.
Whenever someone says they’re stuck, the first thing I ask is, “What are you resisting?” Resistance is like building a dam which stops the flow of water so that we’re not flooded! And in the case of having plenty to do, flooding can cause overwhelm and stress and who wants more of that?
Resistance is mostly caused by a genuine desire to feel secure.
It often appears when something we have to do, be or have is not aligned with what our unconscious mind deems as safe.
Bear in mind that change is not comfortable and that our unconscious mind doesn’t see change as safe. So, when building your business, creating something new and generally upleveling your life, more often than not, you’re likely to feel some resistance until you can push through it. So, when it comes to losing momentum or feeling stuck, you want to move through the inner resistance first and adjust the outside to reflect that.
Listen in for some ways you can use to help you navigate through resistance and get back into the flow.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/why-you-lose-momentum-or-feel-stuck-and-what-to-do-about-it and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
On today’s episode of the Soulfull Sound Podcast, I enter into conversation with the beautiful Dr Saida Désilets who is a body philosopher, counter-culture creatrix and advocate for sexual sovereignty.
With a PhD in Trans-personal Psychology her research has opened the doors to helping women world wide to reclaim, enliven and ignite their erotic genius.
In this episode Saida shares her personal healing journey – from being told she had two weeks to live, to living a full and vibrant life. She speaks about sexual sovereignty and offers some practical first steps you can take to reclaim yours. Saida also talks about desire which she regards as an emerging, evolutionary force in our lives to be both harnessed and trusted as our own unique compass.
Saida gets personal and delves deep into her story; dropping nuggets on the steps she took towards healing herself. Her short poem (below) beautifully expresses her take on healing.
It is through loving that we heal, because in truth there is nothing to heal, only the loving to reveal.
Join us for this juicy episode!
Points of Discussion:
- Saida breaks down the meaning of body philosopher (02:20), counter-culture creatrix (3:30) and sexual sovereignty (5:25)
- Some practical first steps to reclaim your sexual sovereignty (8:05)
- What ignited the vision of her work (14:40)
- Part of Saida’s story and the healing that has and continues to take place for her (15:25)
- One of her client’s powerful transformations (31:20)
- Sources of inspiration (37:00)
- What is DESIRE? (47:40)
Resources/Links:
- Learn more about Saida.
- Watch Saida’s short documentary – The Journey To Sovereignty
- Check out her amazing bookDesire.
- Grab the resourcesto accompany her book.
- Connect with Saida on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram.
About Dr Saida Désilets
Dr. Saida Désilets wants to live in a world filled with audacious, sexually sovereign women, living life on their own terms.
As a counter-culture creatrix, body-philosopher and advocate for sexual sovereignty, Saida has also written The Emergence of the Sensual Woman followed by her newest book Desire.
Her innovative method has been featured in Dr. Christiane Northrup’s bestselling books: Women’s Wisdom, Women’s Bodies & The Secret Pleasures of Menopause, as well as in the books of Dr. Rachel Abrams: Multi-Orgasmic Woman and BodyWise.
Saida is renowned for being the founder of the modern Jade Egg movement and visionary spokesperson for sexual Sovereignty, and has created The Daring Project—a growing online membership of women from around the world—assisting women to audaciously move from being a victim to confidently thriving in life.
When she’s not dancing with her husband, you can find Saida leading Wilderness Safaris for women in South Africa or writing deliciously sensual poetry.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/healing-through-sovereignty-and-connectedness-empowerment-through-desire and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
In today’s Soulfull Sound Coaching episode, I talk about being authentic and it starts with being true to YOU.
The world is full of ideas, influences, information and countless ways to create the life and business of your dreams.
One of the things that I know through my many years of teaching and coaching is that people don’t ‘get you’ unless you ‘get yourself’. In the world of expressing your gifts through a business or cause, it’s hard sometimes to see through the fanfare and the circus of options around us, so we sometimes find ourselves buried beneath the status quo and anything we dare to explore outside of these walls is considered taboo.
Well it’s time to get real!
The hard part of getting real is being courageous enough to be different, to venture outside your comfort zone and to care less about that others think. Why am I telling you this?
Because to express yourself authentically you must first be real with yourself about what you want and be willing to not see things as ‘black and white’, but instead with vibrant colours shining with possibility.
Okay but let’s be honest, this can be a big ask for some right? Let me ask you this, would you be willing to step into greatness if you knew how and had help?
I know, I know, society has made us this way. We were taught that work and play are two separate things. Do any of these sound familiar? “Finish your homework, then you can go out to play. Be serious at work and then play on the weekends.”
This conditioning goes deep!
We had numerous messages from our influencers whether from parents, teachers, religious leaders and so on, about the order in which things were supposed to unfold. Something along the lines of ‘get your education, get a job, get married, buy a house, have kids’ – well boy did I get that ‘wrong’!
The thing is we need to stop blaming society now, because are society!
We need to take responsibility and change the cycle, so that we create a society that is more about expressing our authentic selves.
Listen to full episode and learn how you can dare to be YOU!
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/to-be-or-not-to-be-you and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
The best way to find yourself and your gift is to lose yourself in the service of others – Ghandi.
Service doesn’t have to be something huge and extraordinary. It can be a random act of kindness to the person next to you on the train, your neighbour, a stranger on the street, your partner, your family, anyone you come into contact with today, tomorrow or next week.
How do you discover you gift?
- Practise more solitude – spending time in solitude helps you be present to your own presence.
- Practise more silence – spend time in silence every day, even if you start with a few minutes at a time. For it is through silence that you will hear the whispers of your heart, its melodies and cadences.
- Be around nature – the universe is speaking all the time and when we connect/reconnect with nature we are open to conversations with our higher self, our source.
- Pay attention to what you love – what you love evolves as you do. And it gives clues to your heart’s desires.
- ASK yourself questions and LISTEN for the answers. This is how you then become receptive. It is important to ask quality/positive questions rather than negative/disempowering ones. How can I serve others rather than why can’t I figure this out?
Ask empowering questions like
- What gift is trying to emerge?
- What power is trying to be conscious of itself as me?
- How can I be more myself?
- How can I activate my potential?
Who I am is an emerging possibility.
Now LISTEN, stop and listen, be silent and listen, open your heart and listen.
If you want to create a positive environment for your gifts to flow through you, give energy to the things you like and take energy away from the things you don’t like. Use the words that encourage you and others around you, because we create as we speak.
Our words our powerful because they are made up of vowels and consonants which carry their unique sound print and vibration. So let’s choose to speak the words that uplift us!
There are some things you can’t get to through your mind, that you can only get through your heart. So, it is important to open your heart and listen to its song. Listen to how the notes resonate and the beautiful symphony that is being composed.
Every individual has a responsibility to humanity. A responsibility to share our heart vibration out to the world. We must start by healing our relationships with ourselves and with others, by healing past traumas and by aligning ourselves with positive energy and frequency.
We create our own reality by deciding what to focus on – we have a choice. So, what are you deciding to focus on? How about focusing on love, on compassion, on being of service? Focusing on making an impact in the world, being the change, we want to see in the world?
You know you’ve found your gift:
- When things begin to feel effortless.
- When your heart sings through your expression into the world.
- When you feel joy and fulfilment.
- When you feel connected with who you truly are.
When you come alive and want to share yourself with the world. Open your heart, for there is no one else like you and no one else who can do You better than You! The world deserves your gift and that’s why you have one – to leave your mark in this world, so go do you!
*With thanks to Antoine Cotton for his piano compositions.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/discovering-your-gifts and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
Each month, l’ll be answering your questions about anything related to healing and transformation, connecting with yourself, discovering your gifts and practical strategies on sharing your gifts with the world, or… any burning question you have and sense that I'm the right person to answer it!
This week I answer a question from Jenny.
"I finally feel like I’ve found my purpose and started my own business but ended up back in a job when it didn’t work out. How can I make sure that doesn't happen again?"
The #1 mistake to avoid BEFORE starting your transition from job to business is acting out of fear.
Fear is a big one for sure. Most people wanting to leave their jobs and start a business have fears about it. Fear of failure – what if I try and don’t succeed? Some have a fear of success – what if things go really well, how will I cope while still in my 9-5? Fear of uncertainty or financial instability -right now in my job I make a decent income, how can I be sure that I’ll be able to match that?
The thing is there are strategies to overcome ALL of these obstacles!
So you must avoid acting out of fear. Here’s what happens when you don’t avoid it. One of two things happen: you move quickly into something else without going through the proper steps and end up in the same position somewhere else. OR worse, you stay put because it feels easier, though that approach is a like double edge sword. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t, right?
Listen in for some of my top strategies on creating a strong foundation for moving from your job to your dream business.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/job-to-business-transition and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
On today’s episode, I am joined by the wonderful Dr. Ali Ajel Al-Khafaji who is a singer-songwriter and medical doctor whose vision is to overcome cultural barriers through music, fusing harmony, instrumentation and lyrics from English and Arabic backgrounds; an invitation to integrate and embrace diversity.
As a practising medical doctor Ali uses both his medical experience and his music to help others heal holistically.
From growing up in the traditional Muslim and rather restrictive society of Baghdad, to living in the diverse and vibrant culture of modern-day London, his music reflects his experiences and the transitions he has been through on his journey so far.
Join us as Ali shares his story of moving from turbulent times in Iraq, to the UK as a refugee and some of the strategies he used to help him adapt to a new and very different culture. He opens up about how his creativity and finding his voice through singing uplifted him and helped him overcome depression.
"Music was a tool to survive"
Ali also touches on being a medical doctor and how he links the physical ailments to the mind and emotions of his patients.
Points of Discussion:
- Ali shares his story of growing up in Iraq and moving to the UK as a refugee (4:25)
- Ali’s journey into music (6:48)
- Ali’s take on overcoming cultural barriers and embracing diversity (17:55)
- How he links the mind, emotions and spirit of his patients to their physical ailments (34:50)
- Ali’s definition of healing (47:35)
- Morning ritual… (51:20)
Resources/Links:
- Connect with Ali on Facebook, Instagram.
- Check out Ali’s Music on iTunes and YouTube
About Dr. Ali Al-Khafaji:
Ali Ajel Al-Khafaji was born and raised in Iraq during a period of upheaval and war, which had a major influence on his outlook on life. Although he was always passionate about writing poetry, songs and singing, he felt obliged to follow family and society traditions which dictated ‘that he studied medicine and became a doctor’.
The tragic violence in Iraq forced him to leave his home ‘Baghdad’ and he eventually settled in the UK to practice as medical doctor. At the same time he began to realise that he had a growing passion for music and writing. Taking a brave step, he decided to shift his focus and create space in his life for what he always loved and desired; music.
Ali now has a songwriting degree from the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (London) and he continues to write music to heal and inspire others. You can also find him working in hospitals as a medical doctor where he supports is patients on their healing journey.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/healing-diversity-and-overcoming-barriers and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
Ever feel that setting goals is a pointless exercise? Or that even when you set goals, you never follow through? That might be because you’re not making your goals compelling enough!
In part one of this goal setting success series we looked at the 5 reasons why your goals fail – the old model of setting goals. In today’s episode we explore a new model – the 6 most important steps you must take to set compelling goals that make you fired up to achieve them.
A few great questions to ask yourself to check what is really important to you are:
“If no one else cared whether I achieved this goal or not, would I still want to?”
What would I do if I knew I couldn’t fail?
The truth is that behind old patterns of conditioning, current fads and those ‘shoulds’ you really do know what you want.
The key is to be open and honest with yourself and allow your truest desires to call your name.
It is then important to make sure you goal matches what is important to you. To know this, you must explore your values.
They help you to determine what is important to you in any given situation and often are what you attach an ingredient of worth to. And you have ingredients of importance and worth connected to your all areas of your life.
Check out these 6 steps you must take to set compelling goals:
- Know what you really want.
- Make sure you goal matches what is important to you.
- State your goals in positive language.
- Be detailed and specific.
- Make your goal compelling.
- Create a plan of action to support your goals and TAKE ACTION!
When you put these steps in place, you take out the guess work around setting goals and give yourself a strong foundation from which to leap into action!
Resources/Links:Download your Goal Setting Worksheet
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/6-steps-to-set-compelling-goals and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
In this Soulfull Sound conversation I speak with the beautiful Kiki Militsis who is a singer, a songwriter, recording artist and performance mentor, with diverse roots that bring a unique worldly quality to her musical passion and expression.
In this episode, Kiki shares her experience of starting over as an artist and shares her ‘formula’ for success – intuition + intention + action. She makes the point that everything we experience (even if unpleasant) gives us an opportunity to learn and grow.
Kiki speaks about the demands of the music industry and her wish for the industry to place more value on the artists and their artistry. She also expresses how important it is to look after ourselves as artists and shares some tips on how to do this.
Kiki also opens up about her personal healing journey and the realisations she encountered on her way back to health. A very heartfelt and touching story…
Points of Discussion:
- Practical strategies for ‘starting over’ as an artist in a new place (8:50)
- What Kiki would change about the music industry (15:40)
- Who she’d like to collaborate with and why (20:50)
- The role that her songwriting and performing plays on her personal development (23:00)
- Her personal self care tips being a busy performer (27:45)
- Her healing story and what she had to overcome (36:35)
- What inspires her (56:05)
About Kiki Militsis:Born and bred in Lusaka, Zambia to Greek parents, Kiki furthered her education in London with a BA in Music (Brunel University) and MA in Music Performance (Kingston University). Aside from her diverse live and studio experience, Kiki has taught at Performing Arts Schools and colleges, including The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP), London.
She has also regularly judged for “Live & Unsigned” and “Open Mic UK”, the UK’s biggest Nationwide Music Competitions for original bands and singers, and continued in this setting upon returning to Zambia where she was a judge on Nationwide TV Talent show “Dreams”.
She continues to mentor budding performers and has been a regular at various annual festivals where she has opened for various International headline acts including Brian McKnight, Joe and Josh Stone, gaining regular coverage in local media and newspapers.
Her music incorporates a fusion of pop, soul, rock and jazz with an ethnic edge in honour of her diverse roots and international upbringing.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/singing-sounding-and-healing-journeys and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
Goals are simply wants or desires with a directed outcome.
Why set them? The answer is simple. Without them, you may find that many times you end up where you don’t really want to be or that your life has no direction. By setting a goal, it helps you to be the director of your life story.
I know that there are many of you who may be wanting to set goals, but feel a little resistance because for you it’s all about the journey. Well the definition of a journey is – ‘travelling/going from one place to another’.
A journey exists because of a starting point and an end point. This does not mean however, that you need to be rigid or that your focus needs to remain on the destination rather than journey. In fact, once you have the destination sorted, I thoroughly recommend you enjoy yourself on route!
So allow yourself to relinquish any resistance you feel and know that the goals you set today will allow you to enjoy your journey even more as you see it unfold.
Now here’s why you’ve set goals in the past that you just let slide or didn’t take action towards achieving and how this old way of goal setting is a guaranteed way to sabotage your success.
Here’s what might be stopping you:
- Your goals are not aligned with what you really want.
- Your goals are based on a ‘should’ not a MUST.
- Your goals are not clear enough.
- Your goals are too big for the proposed timeframe.
- You recycle past unachieved goals.
Resources/Links:Download your Goal Setting Worksheet
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/5-reasons-why-your-goals-fail and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
When we are more connected with who we truly are, we create an opportunity to access our gifts – the things we are really here to do. I believe that we all have unique gifts to share. The world needs us to rise to the occasion and be bold in our expression. For it is within this space that we can truly serve others and create an impact in the world.
Remember a time when you were in one of your happiest moments. How did that happiness serve you and subsequently those around you? Most likely, it felt natural to smile or laugh, you felt lit up inside and it was contagious. Just like It’s natural for the sun to shine. It doesn’t stop shining at any point and stays in alignment with its gift.
When you are using your gifts:
- You have a sense of purpose.
- You are filled with joy and fulfilment.
- You connect with your natural state of being.
- Things begin to feel effortless and this is what ripples out into the world, starting with those closest to you and the domino effect it creates is endless!
When what’s inside ripples out, there is an energy exchange – the more you express your gift the more you inspire others to express theirs.
So what if more of us or all of us accessed our gifts and used them to serve the world? Could you imagine a world where there is more harmony and love? A place where people are more together than separate? Wouldn’t you like to live there? I know I would!
Your gifts matter because they are the essence of what you do. They are the cord that connects you to your higher self and when we’re connected to something greater, we are greater, we do greater and serve greater.
When we’re connected to something greater, we are greater, we do greater and serve greater.
There are several reasons why your gifts matter:
- No one else has your unique gift and so only you can express it into the world. You have the right shine your light as bright as you wish! Just like the sun.
- You serve others when you use your gifts and this impact creates ripple effect out into the world.
- You live more authentically because you are expressing yourself fully and you inspire others.
- You can make a living doing what you love and/or make a difference loving what you do.
- You raise the vibration of the planet.
It is your birth right and you are responsible for nurturing, expressing and honouring your gift. You take on that responsibility by giving yourself permission to love yourself – giving yourself permission to heal, to start over, to let go, to be yourself, to make mistakes, to grow and to keep going no matter what!
You can honour your gift by expressing gratitude and using it to serves others. After all, it’s called a gift for a reason because it something you give to others and not keep to yourself.
It’s never too late to discover and share your gift because whether you use it for a lifetime or just for one day, you can create in impact in someone else’s life and that is what it’s all about. It’s time to explore and express your gifts because the world needs that more now than ever and you deserve the joy and fulfilment that goes along with it! It’s time to express your heart’s song into the world and bless us all with your composition. And I for one, can’t wait to hear it.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/your-gifts-matter and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/
Welcome to the Soulfull Sound podcast!
For so long I’ve been wanting to create a podcast to offer value and put out content that I believe will serve others in being better and doing better so that we can positively impact the world. One of the things that I’ve learned early on my journey is that to be of service to others, you need to start at home with yourself. It’s inside out approach. We are all connected and I know that by me being the best version of myself, healing past traumas (physical and emotional), connecting with who I truly am and expressing that through my gifts, that that is what would will ripple out and change the lives of my family, my students, clients, my community and as far and wide as I am felt.
So I’m pretty excited because I am going to be sharing all that I can by entering into deep conversation with other leaders, teachers and coaches with the aim of igniting something within each and every one of you. Sometimes you will be inspired, sometimes uncomfortable, sometimes tickled, turned on, maybe even offended, but through each of those sparks, there will be an opportunity to learn, grow and evolve.
My soulfull sound to the world (my self-prayer or desire) is that we all live in our natural state of bliss and harmony, so that we not only raise the vibration of the planet, we uplift ourselves and each other on this path we call ‘LIFE’.
About the ‘Heal Your Heart’ track:This healing track is all about creating a relaxing, healing experience. It’s aim is to help you to connect with and open up your heart so that you may feel a sense of love and compassion towards yourself and others.
CLICK HERE to download the track separately.
If you enjoyed this episode, check out the show notes and more at https://www.simoneniles.com/blog/what-is-the-soulfull-sound-podcast and follow at https://www.instagram.com/simone_niles/