Happy International Women’s Day! I cannot think of a better way to celebrate this day than by sharing the story of an amazing women I have had the privilege to meet here in Bali. Nadine McNeil has one hell of a story to share with you today, one that will inspire you and move you to action. Through her activism, yoga, and healing journey, she shares incredible insights in today’s interview. Cheers to powerful women who are making the world a better place!
When I think of my friendship with Nadine McNeil, I found myself thinking, “lucky me!” In the new year, one of my intentions was the seek out friendships with inspiring, powerful women, and I am blessed to have found one here in Bali. I met Nadine at Yoga Barn here in Ubud, a beautiful space for all things yoga, wellness, and spiritual practice. In my first week here, I attended her women’s circle and was instantly transfixed by the energy she presented (and have tried not to miss any since).
In addition to leading women’s circles, Nadine is also an incredible yoga teacher and founded her own form of yoga with weights called Badasana (so fun!). Prior to all her healing work, she spent time working for the UN and was involved in relief efforts with Unicef throughout the world. It is so humbling to hold the story of a woman who dedicated a great part of her life to the service of others, in dangerous situations, and is still involved in activism. In addition, she is a public speaker, a transformational coach, a leader of badass workshops, and soon to be an author.
Needless to say, I’m impressed. I have found myself moved in every conversation I have been able to hold with Nadine and this is one of my favorite interviews I have ever done. In honor of Women’s Day, I invite you to dive into her story with me and enjoy her magnetic energy.
In this powerful interview, we discuss:
- Nadine’s journey to yoga, through the physical practice, and how it transformed her internally/
- Healing anxiety through pranayama and yoga
- Why it is so important that we make yoga more accessible to everyone, not exclusive.
- The way limiting beliefs show up in our bodies and hold us back (and what to do about it)
- Nadine’s path to women’s work – why female bonds are so important.
- The power and healing of women’s circles – the importance of sharing stories and holding space for each other
- Identifying spiritual bypassing – why we can’t just “focus on the positive” and must dig into the shadow work
Meet Nadine McNeil
I really encourage you to watch the ENTIRE episode, even if you have to take it in chunks. You don’t want to miss a moment of Nadine’s wisdom.
Some of my favorite bits:
I love Nadine’s pathway to yoga, because it is like so many I have heard before. Many of us come to the practice for a physical reason, whether trying to get fit, flexible, or relieve lower back pain. Yoga will inevitably move you beyond that, as we start to connect with our bodies in a new way and something much more powerful.
Nadine said, “Yoga changed how I looked at myself and how I looked at life.” Yoga helped Nadine to question her beliefs, to see people in a different way. She has been able to connect with people by the heart, through the practice, in a way that was new to her.
What is consciousness rising?
“Throughout the practice of yoga on and off the mat as you start to peel away the layers, how you see things, your perception shifts and that’s a shift in awareness. As you shift awareness, by virtue of that your, consciousness elevates, so you make choices, decisions from a different place.”
– Nadine McNeil
On limiting beliefs…
“We are so much greater than our mere mortal selves. We are capable of far more than we realize, if we can just step out of our own way. ”
– Nadine McNeil
Women’s Circle
Nadine got into the magic of women’s work as she began to explore as a UN worker and into her yoga practice. She began to shed away the cultural norms of seeing women as competition and trying to adapt to the “good girl” philosophy. She witnessed powerful women throughout the world and they inspired her to see women as strength.
According to Nadine, we all need a bit more community and intimacy in our lives.
- Community – come into unity
- Intimacy – into me, I see
Through work with women, she found that bonding and gathering makes you unstoppable. She also found how to accept people completely as they are.
“When people show you who they are, thank them.”
Nadine McNeil
The benefit of gathering in a Women’s Circle is that it hold tradition of the way our ancestors passed stories. A circle is significant, as it allows everyone to see and be seen, there is no beginning or end, and it symbolizes a womb.
Circle is a place to get uncomfortable and vulnerable. It is a reminder that we are not alone. It’s an opportunity to share without being interrupted.
Keep up with Nadine
Nadine is known as Universal Empress on all forms of social media. Follow her on Instagram for inspiring feed or look her up on Facebook and get involved in her groups. You can find information on all her upcoming workshops, trainings, and sign up for her newsletter at UniversalEmpress.com.
I’m telling you, if you can make it over to Bali, you don’t want to miss the experience to learn from this woman. I am so blessed to call her my friend and soul sister.
I would love to know, what about Nadine’s story inspired you most? How can you get more involved with powerful women in your life? Let me know in the comments below.
Have a magical International Women’s Day!
All my love,
