Gone are the days of burning out, depleting yourself, and feeling exhausted. Business in the feminine means filling your own cup up so that you give from a place of abundance.

The secret to sustainability is rest and rejuvenation.

The secret to rest and rejuvenation is slowing down.

The secret to slowing down is giving yourself permission.

It’s that simple: give yourself permission to prioritize your wellbeing. You will be more productive, more energetic, more alive than ever before.

If you stop working so hard, you can enjoy your work. If you stop going so fast, you can enjoy your life. If you stop trying to make it, you can finally realize you are already there. There is nothing to do, nowhere to go.

If you are constantly feeling exhausted, depleted and drained, you are not doing anyone any favors. This is how we exhaust and deplete the planet: by doing it to ourselves.

If we want to save the rainforest, slow down. If we want to stop pollution our oceans, first fill our own body up with love. It is no coincidence that our body is 80% water and mother earth is as well. We are mirrors. We are each a mini-universe inside the universe.

Self-care can be cultivated through ritual and practices, but ultimately comes down to saying no to “stuff” to say yes to yourself and your wellbeing. Ask yourself every day as much as possible: What actions should I take in my highest good? Is this decision for my highest good?

Seven Rituals to Fill Your Cup and Love Yourself:

1. Get a weekly chiropractic adjustment.

I thought the chiropractor was a hoax. I had a bad experience and felt ripped off and decided adjustments weren’t for me. But my spine was out of alignment and my neck was so stiff. My friend gave me an irresistible deal and I said yes. My energy improved. The range of motion in my neck improved. My digestion even improved. I am hooked.

2. Take a daily walk in nature.

My best ideas have come on walks. My biggest inspiration comes from being on a dirt trail. I love finding new trails in my city and when I travel. I love hugging redwoods in Northern California. I love taking photos at places like “Potato Chip Rock.” I love going barefoot on the sand walking the dog.

3. Free-flow journal three pages every morning to clear my mind.

This ritual came from The Artist’s Way and has unlocked my creativity, extinguished my anxiety and been inspiration for countless a-ha’s.

4. Soak in the jacuzzi, hot springs, or a bath tub.

I discovered the hot spring retreat center, Harbin, and have brought countless friends to discover the power of public nudity in becoming more fully self-expressed, self-confident and connected to humanity. Since I live 12+ hours from Harbin, I go in the jacuzzi in my backyard as much as possible under the stars. I love taking sea salt baths and reading a book.

5. Exercise first thing in the morning except when I’m on my period.

I love to alternate between yoga, Barre Method, and hiking at 8:30am every morning except on Thursdays and when I’m on my period because I want to rest and take care of myself when I am shedding. If I don’t do it in the morning, it won’t get done. This way, it’s in the schedule and nothing comes before it.

6. Dance.

I started going to Ecstatic Dance where community comes to dance and play and hula hoop. I learned how to dance freely, not worry about what other people think and not need a partner to dance wild and crazy. It has been a great way to let go of the week and get my energy pumping for the next.

7. Circle with sisterhood.

I am amazing at how much a sisterhood circle fills my cup and leaves me feeling energized, especially when I have felt like I had to drag my feet to get there. Sisterhood is a double dose of self-care medicine.

(Excerpt from, Open Your Heart: How to be a New Generation Feminine Leader)

February 2014 Issue