Meditation and mindfulness are thousands of millennia old. What’s been updated is a guru who’s relatable, has salon-fresh waves (no dreads here) and who gets that not everyone’s “buzz” is a silent retreat. Meet Gabrielle Bernstein, Oprah’s soul sister and the woman giving spirituality a fresh take.
In a former life she was a New York City publicist and party girl. Today, the “spirit junkie”, 35, is a bestselling author and Kundalini yoga and meditation teacher, who proves you can wear hot heels and still believe in miracles.
She “likes to curse”, cook brisket, wear Camilla Frank and she can help you through anything from addiction to burnout, breakups to resolutions. She shares her straight-talkin’ words of wisdom to whip your mindfulness game into gear.
1. IT’S OK TO BE JEALOUS
Falling into an Instagram k-hole? Want that body, career, outfit, heck, even life? “What you don’t like about other people is a disowned part of your own shadow side. When you’re jealous, it’s usually something you want for ourselves. Recognise what that is and go after it.”
2. TALL POPPIES
“You shouldn’t apologise for your successes, because with success comes an opportunity to grow, serve or lead. Gratitude for what you have also creates opportunities for what you want.” Act proud.
3. OH HONESTLY
“Being honest is the most radical thing you can do. Look at your life and ask, “Is this it?” Honesty opens the door for change and repetitive behaviours make it happen.” Same deal for that killer set of lunges.
4. THE UNIVERSE HAS YOUR BACK
“That might be the title of my next book.” Write this affirmation on a post-it next time you need a self pep talk.
5. HATERS GONNA HATE
“Bullshit. Accept what that person is, and what they’re putting out, but don’t stand for it. Send the intention for them to be happier.” Because Mr Happy was no hater.
6. 99 PROBLEMS
“Get to the core by recognising where you physically feel that problem in your body. Breathe into it for 90 seconds.” Like wind after a breakfast burrito, this too will pass.
7. BUILD A ZEN DEN
Create your own sacred space at home, in the backyard or at the beach. “Practice daily stillness here, pray, meditate and ask the universe, ‘where would you have me go what would you have me do?’.” Because everyone likes a giver, not a taker.
8. GENERATION YOLO
Like SPF for your skin, you have to be protective of your energy. “Being open is different is to being overly committal. ‘No’ is a full sentence, give yourself the freedom to say it”.
RISIS AVERTED
Good vibes, anytime, anywhere.
1. MINI MEDITATION
Diary too full for inner peace? No excuses. Place two fingers on your pulse, as you find it, recite the mantra ‘sut nam, sut nam’ which means ‘trutidentified’. “Repeating the mantra and feeling your pulse reorganises your attention.”
2. ONE MINUTE BREATHE
Change your life in 60 seconds, “Breathe in for 5 seconds, out for 5 seconds, and repeat for a minute”. Inner peace pronto.
Follow Gabby on Instagram @gabbybernstein
Follow Melissa on Twitter @melissashedden
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