NOTE: This podcast was transcribed by an AI tool. Please forgive any typos or errors. AOLC === [00:00:00] Cara: Retreats can change people's lives for the better. I had the pleasure of going to the art of living center in Boone, North Carolina. I believe. Retreats are a powerful way for you to come home to yourself. I've been giving myself retreats for the last few years to make sure that I am listening to what I need. Mind, body, and soul. We don't always have a chance to leave our house to experience that. But when we do, and it's amazing experience, and I've had the pleasure to go to the art of living center two times now. [00:00:32] Cara: The first time I did it with a yoga studio here in Raleigh. And the second time I went for their happiness retreat and it's a retreat about meditation and breath work. And it's a powerful practice. [00:00:45] Cara: The experience itself really allowed me to connect with my deepest desires and what I'm trying to create, especially with showing up here on my podcasts and YouTube. It's important for me to stay aligned [00:01:00] with my desires so that I know that what I'm doing has purpose and meaning. And being able to go to somewhere like the art of living center. [00:01:08] Cara: Gives me the time and the space to be able to process that. And not only did I have that experience, I really connected with some other people on the trip as well, because I decided to go on this trip solo. And I think sometimes doing that, it really. Sets the tone for you to do the things you desire and not have to allow someone else's energy or wants to influence you while you're on the trip. [00:01:34] Cara: So I had this beautiful experience and. It's something that if you want to know more about, I'd love to chat about, but this episode is talking with Kelsey Daniels. She [00:01:46] Cara: is devoted to serving as the event, supervisor and partnership manager at the art of living retreat center with her strong organizational skills and attention to detail. She ensures seamless execution of [00:02:00] events And Foster's valuable collaborations. [00:02:03] Cara: Kelsey shares her passion for personal growth and self-discovery As she leads a transformative soul purpose workshop at the center every week. Her workshop empowers individuals to connect with their true calling and embrace a purposeful life. Kelsey's expertise and compassionate approach. Make her an invaluable asset. To the art of living community. This was a beautiful interview and I loved connecting with her and I know that we will stay connected even after this. and I can't wait to dive in. [00:02:32] Cara: Welcome to floductivity. The podcast that guides you on a transformative journey towards spiritual wisdom, self development and healing practices. All aimed at elevating your intuition and aligning you with your soul's purpose. I'm your host, Cara Dempsey. And I'm thrilled to have you joining me today as we learn together. [00:02:55] Cara: ​Hi Kelsey, welcome to the show. [00:02:56] Kelsey: Hi Kara. Thanks so much for having me. [00:02:59] Favorite Self-Care Practices: Nurturing Rituals for Mind, Body, and Spirit --- [00:02:59] Cara: So I always love to [00:03:00] dive in and ask what your favorite self-care practices are. [00:03:04] Kelsey: Ooh. So this has changed many times over the years, but right now my absolute favorite rituals in the morning is always starting off with yoga. Tuning into the body and getting out of the mind and doing some movement, and I absolutely love following that with my breathwork practice, which is the sky breath meditation, which allows me to calm my nervous system and gives me energy, and makes my meditation right after super easy. [00:03:33] Kelsey: And because I'm a little witchy, I love Oracle card pulling every morning, followed by some journaling. [00:03:40] Cara: I love that. Those are all beautiful practices. I Pivot on what my practices are. One thing is about my cycle where I'm at, and sometimes yoga just feels like too much for me. But breath work, Oracle cards are usually always in my morning, so I love that. Was there any special messages that came in your [00:04:00] card pulls today that you'd like to share? [00:04:02] Kelsey: Yes. You know, today was all about freedom and discipline and how they work with each other, even though they're kind of contradicting. And that in order to really embody freedom and feel freedom is to be disciplined in your rituals and in your practices that allow you to feel that freedom throughout your day and life. [00:04:23] Kelsey: So I thought that was really beautiful. [00:04:24] Cara: Ooh. I love that so much. And I feel like in general, the Art of Living Center has, that is like finding those rituals, having the freedom into nourishing yourself, but also, yeah, like you said, like having the discipline to keep those practices in your life Merging. [00:04:43] Kelsey: consistency is key. [00:04:45] Cara: It is and like merging the spiritual with your daily life because I have a hard time balancing that sometimes I'm really into my spiritual practices and then I'm like, oh wait, you know, I have a family. [00:04:57] Cara: I have all these things that I [00:05:00] need to do, so how can I like merge those two? So yeah, it's finding that balance. So that's beautiful. [00:05:04] Kelsey: Thank you. Yeah. And I feel, you know, we are such intellectual beings and we're constantly learning new knowledge and wisdom, and our day-to-day lives is our chance to practice what we know and what we preach. [00:05:16] Cara: for sure. So the first time I came to the Art of Living Center, I, my son was about, Almost a year old. My health was terrible. Life was like super overwhelming for me, and I ended up coming for a yoga retreat, which was very nice. Unfortunately, I must have started getting sick right before the retreat, and so the retreat wasn't as nourishing as I wanted, and I just like longed for this. [00:05:44] Cara: Moment while I was there. It was a little bit disappointing in the end, but I knew in my soul I'd be back. even having that experience of having that hard point of my life, it was still a blessing to be able to. Be sick by myself having two young [00:06:00] kids. And there's a total difference of being sick with two kids at your bedside versus being sick by yourself. [00:06:07] Exploring the Art of Living Center: A Holistic Haven for Transformation and Connection --- [00:06:07] Cara: And so I would love to dive in on what the art of Living Center and like, if you could break that down for listeners that have never heard of it. [00:06:16] Kelsey: Yes, absolutely. So the Art of Living Organization is a non-for-profit, humanitarian, and educational organization, and it's been around for over 40 years, and we're located in over 180 different countries. So we are all over the place and we have impacted over half a billion lives. So it's a very large global movement, and it's really here to provide meditation and breathing techniques. [00:06:42] Kelsey: As well as way to transform your inner and outer worlds. Now the actual retreat center is a physical place where people can come, connect within, connect with others, and hopefully take some tools that you can use in your everyday life. We're located in Boone, North Carolina, right on top of [00:07:00] the mountains in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and we're sitting on about 380 acres of land. [00:07:06] Kelsey: So it's a very large property we have about. Five meditation halls and we host tons of different types of courses that allow people to deepen their practice and and deepen their connection with themselves. [00:07:19] Cara: I love it so much. It's different from anywhere that I've experienced because I feel like it's got a little bit of luxury, but a lot of nature and connection I've stayed in the hotel rooms, but you guys also have retreat rooms for a more affordable option. [00:07:36] Kelsey: Yes. [00:07:36] Cara: And explain the food hall a little bit about what the premise of that is. [00:07:41] Kelsey: Yeah, so what I love about our dining hall is it is all plant-based. So we are vegetarian and vegan friendly. We are also Ayurvedic inspired, meaning we do our best to really cook what's local and what's in season. so you will see different types of produce and vegetables and fruits that [00:08:00] we use depending on what season we're in, and we're also internationally in. [00:08:03] Kelsey: So you will see different cuisines every single day. [00:08:06] Cara: Yeah, I love the food there. I, I love that I can come there and not have to worry about my dietary restrictions. [00:08:13] Kelsey: Yes. [00:08:14] Cara: time I came, I had a lot, and the second time it was nice to be able to kind of lean in and have whatever I wanted. But every time I've left, there It feels like a detox, but in a way that you're not like withholding food. [00:08:28] Cara: The food is really good. [00:08:29] Kelsey: Yes, and it's buffet style, so you can choose how much you want of each dish, which is the best part. Yeah. [00:08:36] Cara: I love that. So the first time I came was for a yoga retreat from a yoga studio local in Raleigh. The second time I came was for the Happiness Retreat. [00:08:46] Discovering Retreat Options and Dynamic Presenters at the Art of Living Center --- [00:08:46] Cara: I would love to know what different types of retreat options and courses that are reoccurring and other, presenters that maybe come on site to teach their teachings. [00:08:58] Kelsey: Yes. Great [00:09:00] question. So within the Art of Living Organization, we have what we call our signature programs. And these programs are what we have designed ourselves and the one you attended, which would include the Happiness Retreat, which is the retreat that goes into explaining and teaching the Sky Breath meditation, which is one of my favorites. [00:09:17] Kelsey: We also have a meditation retreat. Which, is a mantra based meditation technique that really allows you to go deeper into meditation. We also have a stepping into silence course, which is amazing for folks who aren't quite ready to have this intense, you know, five day long silence. What it does is it merges the happiness course and the silence course together, so you're getting a little bit of both. [00:09:42] Kelsey: And then we have a dive deep into silence for those folks who are ready to really, dive deep within themselves and, and take silence to a whole new level. [00:09:51] Cara: And how long is that one? [00:09:52] Kelsey: That one is four days and it's complete silence. And the stepping into silence is five days. But the first two days we focus [00:10:00] on the sky breath meditation, and then the remainder is, silence. [00:10:03] Cara: Yeah, the silent retreat, is definitely the next one that I would wanna do. Or if there was a presenter that spoke to me, those are like the two that I'd be on the fence about. [00:10:13] Kelsey: Yes, and our pre our presenter programs, I mean, Each year we have around 75 plus presenters that come. So how our presenter programs work is we call them faculty, and these are people that our organization will research and invite them to come host their programs and events here. And this year we have one of my favorites. [00:10:33] Kelsey: The Ram DOS foundation is coming, which is called L love Server Member Foundation, and they're absolutely amazing. We have a Jan Le Van Zant coming, Matt Kahn. our calendar, if you go to our website, it'll show everyone coming this year and who's attended previously. And yeah, those presenters typically will come Friday through Sunday and it ranges anywhere from yoga psychic abilities. [00:10:57] Kelsey: Trauma courses. You [00:11:00] name it, it's someone's presenting it here. [00:11:02] Cara: So if someone wanted to host a retreat, what would the process of that look like? [00:11:06] Kelsey: Yes. Okay. Great question. Please, anyone out there, we would love to support you here on this mountain. We have a group form that you can fill out on our website. Site, it's super simple. it's under Host your event here on the tab and you just fill out your name, your group number, and the dates that you want it. [00:11:25] Kelsey: And myself or one of my, teammates or coworkers will reach out. And that's how we begin the process of seeing how we can support you and collaborate together and, and be able to provide you a space where you can share your wisdom and gifts with others. [00:11:39] Kelsey: I love that. I hope I'm one of those people in the near future. believe you will be. [00:11:45] Cara: I think it will come true. We'll see when, when it aligns with my, my timeline. [00:11:50] Kelsey: Yes. It, it's more It is. It is happening. It's just when, [00:11:54] Synchronicity Confirmed During Profound Healing and Self-Discovery --- [00:11:54] Cara: I had kind of like a. Coincidence type, situation when I came [00:12:00] for the Happiness Retreat, the author of Emotion Code? [00:12:04] Kelsey: Dr. Bradley Nelson. Yes. [00:12:07] Cara: Yeah. He was right next to us and In the middle of my spiritual awakening, I would say I had someone who wanted to practice the emotion code on me, and she kept bringing up this age that I was having difficulty, and I was like, I don't know what you're talking about. [00:12:23] Cara: I never really thought more about it. I kind of just left it how it was. I had a session with someone while I was on. The property, but like from someone outside of the property. And she also had brought up a situation at that age, and I was like, oh, okay. And during the happiness retreat, in meditation, I had this moment where I realized that I had this wound of passing out in front of a class. [00:12:53] Cara: I was giving a presentation. And it affected me more than I realized. Like I would always joke about it. And I think [00:13:00] sometimes when we have in events, you know, big trauma, little trauma where wherever that fits in there, sometimes we think maybe we've forgotten it. I knew about this, but I never really brought it to light. [00:13:10] Cara: And in this meditation I had this powerful moment where I was on stage. It was my future self giving. A presentation in front of all these people, but I was giving this presentation in honor of this inner child who felt depleted and sad about this whole situation, this embarrassing moment. But the funniest part was as I had this realization of me giving remembrance and like saying like, I'm doing this for you inner child, There was applause from the emotion code next door, and I realized how it was all connected, about how it was at the same age as this emotion code had come up. It was this full circle moment where I was just kind of like, am I? Where am I? Like, [00:13:52] Kelsey: Wow. And the universe was like, well done. It was like the perfect synchronicity. [00:13:57] Cara: It was. And if it wasn't for that emotion [00:14:00] code session, if it wasn't for that session I had on site, and then just with the meditation, it was like it all came full circle and was like, I'm meant to heal this right now. And I'm meant to kind of like push through and, show myself like You can do it. You don't have to hold onto this anymore. it was beautiful and it was like these healing things can really help us push through to that next level. And especially, it was something holding me back from sharing my voice, being more authentic in my self, which is important when you have a podcast and you're showing up on YouTube. [00:14:31] Cara: And so it was that moment where I feel like it really helped propel me forward. [00:14:35] Kelsey: That's so profound. I know. the more techniques, the more practices. I'm like, share them with me because this is a school I'm here to learn. [00:14:42] Cara: Yeah. I think that is a big piece in what we're doing. Like if we can one figure out ourselves, we can really like dig deep, who are we? How are we operate? What can we do to really fulfill our passions and learn along the way? [00:15:00] Just even what you said about the self-care, it's like what we do today for self-care is gonna be different tomorrow. [00:15:05] Cara: And if we're just open to pivot and not being too like this is the way it's gotta be, it's like, oh, today's a little different, so let's take it easy and then tomorrow maybe we can step back up and do it. [00:15:17] Kelsey: Yes, and honoring what feels right for you in every moment, even if it's not what you are envisioning or thought it should be. And like you said, I feel we're so easily distracted by other people's opinions. Technology. I mean, we have access to so much information 24 7. It's so overstimulating and to be able to tune in and be like, okay, who am I in this moment? [00:15:39] Kelsey: What is true to me? And how can I be of service to myself and others right now? [00:15:43] Cara: Yeah, that's beautiful. I feel like the first two years of me trying to build this business, I was like following the blueprints of other people, like taking the course, how I start this, how I do this, and I got to a point I. Probably in November, December of [00:16:00] 2022 of it was so overwhelming and like what I've been doing since then is like simplifying and just throwing out all these shoulds and really just following what feels good because that is the whole reason I. [00:16:12] Cara: Started this business. That is the whole reason I started this journey is to really figure out what fills my soul and how I can kind of propel myself forward. So I think having places like the Art of Living and courses that you can do, and that's a beautiful thing. You could do some of this stuff online. [00:16:31] Cara: It's a different experience if you go, but knowing that if you can't go somewhere, if you could just take a few days to focus on yourself, how much growth you can get from something like that. [00:16:41] Kelsey: yes. It's accessible anywhere, anytime, no matter your circumstances or situations. And what's so beautiful, we forget. You really need to show up fully for yourself, which means, you know, go to that course, take time for your practice, take time for yourself, and that way you can sh fully show [00:17:00] up for others as well. [00:17:01] Cara: there was a point, especially. Being a mother of two young kids where I was like desperately hoping people would step up and help me, but I wasn't doing it for myself. And so I found this power when I actually took care of myself and made myself a priority and started doing these things. I started to realize how much power was behind that. [00:17:23] Cara: And so I say like, If you can't go somewhere for a weekend, start with 24 hours, make a 24 hour devotion to yourself from morning till night, I would tell my husband and my kids, I'm not cooking, I'm not cleaning. If you're up stairs, I'm downstairs. If you're downstairs, I'm outside. You know what I mean? [00:17:45] Cara: Like. Let me get my own space and it's so important. And my family, my husband, they see how much better I am, a mother and a wife. And when I devote that time to myself, cuz then I can fully be present. Whereas[00:18:00] when I'm trying to do all the things all the time, my kids are only getting, you know, a low percentage of what I truly can be for them. [00:18:09] Cara: And it's not selfish. It's honestly the opposite. It's like, Being able to give so much fully to those around you. That's important. [00:18:18] Kelsey: That's powerful. [00:18:20] Nurturing Wellness Through Ayurvedic Spa and Soulful Connections --- [00:18:20] Cara: Now one thing, I didn't experience this time that I went, but the time before I did go to the spa, and so I would love to know the concept with that a little bit too. [00:18:30] Kelsey: Yes. So for those who are unfamiliar, we have an Ayurvedic spa. An Ayurveda is an ancient science of wellbeing. it's the sister science of yoga. And in short, really what it does is any imbalances you may have in the mind, body, soul, and spirit. It rebalances through herbal supplements, oils, detoxing, and lifestyle choices. [00:18:53] Kelsey: So this spa really dives into the, spa services surrounding Ayurveda. So [00:19:00] lots of hot oil massages, detoxing massages, cleansing, massages. We have our own oil line and we also have Ayurvedic practitioners on site where you can learn more about your constitution, how your body is and, and what your specific constitution needs in order to thrive and to heal. [00:19:19] Cara: That's beautiful. I mean, I loved my services The last time I waited too long to book this time I was like, no, you know, I'm not gonna do it this time. And then I was a little disappointed. But the one oil, pouring that I had seen some people do, I'm like, [00:19:34] Kelsey: yes. The aga, yes. [00:19:37] Cara: Have you done that before? [00:19:38] Kelsey: Oh, it is my absolute favorite. There we have this one called, it's called the royal treatment, and it's aga with the Shera Dara, and that's when they pour the hot oil. On your third eye for like 20 to 30 minutes straight, and it just takes you in this insane trance with the hot oil massage. [00:19:56] Kelsey: And it's, it's, it's intense, but [00:20:00] so beautiful. And you feel amazing afterwards. [00:20:02] Cara: Okay, I'm putting that on my list for the next time when I book. I'm immediately [00:20:07] Kelsey: Yes. And you just feel so balanced afterwards. I mean, The retreat center with the spa, it's all about balancing everything that's going on within our nervous system. [00:20:16] Cara: You know, a few things that I love. I love that it's spread out, that if you want to be able to go for a walk, you can walk to all the different places I've hiked on the trails. And then I love that there is a. Ultimately, like buses, vans, in transit at all times. That if you don't wanna walk, because I know if you're walking from the spa up to the food hall, that is a little bit of a trek down, [00:20:39] Kelsey: is a nice workout. [00:20:41] Cara: Yes, [00:20:41] Kelsey: Yeah, we've got a labyrinth walk too, which is a beautiful meditation walk. We have bonfire pit, we host fire ceremonies every Saturday and Thursdays, and yeah, it's, it's truly a beautiful campus with 360 top views. [00:20:56] Cara: I love it. I do take [00:21:00] photos as a hobby and so that was one thing I definitely made sure to do in one of the mornings for the sunrise. And it is beautiful there is like a spiritual sense when you're on that property. There's. Places in this country that I feel pulled spiritually, and that is definitely one of 'em. [00:21:17] Cara: I had not had my spiritual awakening, as you would call it, the first time I went, but I knew there was something for me. There was always this longing that I was meant to kind of go back and really be able to connect myself with that. And I think a part of it was this, my body. Started to detox while I was there and I think it overwhelmed me a little bit because there was so many aspects. [00:21:41] Cara: after having my son, I think there was hormone issues, there was GI issues and then add another layer to it. We found out our house had mold and so I think my body was like, went to a place that was so pure and clean and like it was just like, whoa. I love that I had such a different experience [00:22:00] the second time. [00:22:01] Cara: And the connection I got the time while I was there, the ideas and thoughts I had just even for this podcast just like came to me and it's like sometimes when I sit in my office, it's like I work so hard for nothing. Like nothing comes to me. The creativity just kind of stops. And so if you're someone that has like a creative aspect to your work, going somewhere like that is going to ultimately rejuvenate that and then, You're gonna have that connection with other people. [00:22:31] Cara: I left, really connected with some people, and I truly felt in some of the meditations, their soul came to my soul and said, I want an episode on this. And it was so simple and brilliant and it just was kind of like, oh yes, I needed this. Just a few days. How that can just reset yourself to really be invigorated, to kind of have a different aspect with life and then, I came back with all these tools that can help support me in [00:23:00] my daily life, no matter if I want it to be five minutes or if I want it to be an hour, that really can support me bridging the spiritual worlds and you know, the real world that we're living in. [00:23:11] Kelsey: Yes, absolutely. And I, what I love about the center as well is it doesn't matter. You can be coming by yourself and it's so easy to connect and make new friends, lifelong friends who are on the similar journey with you, who, you know, wanna have these conversations and, and wanna dive deeper into the healing experience. [00:23:29] Kelsey: Or you can come with friends already and do it as a group, or maybe you're someone I'm. Trying to be a hermit when I come and I'm not really here to connect with anyone but myself on this campus. Any, any version of yourself that you wanna go, that you can and it, it's super easy. [00:23:45] Cara: Definitely. I actually went to be by myself. And it's funny, my daughter was like, well, are you going with a friend? And I was like, no. And [00:23:52] Kelsey: Yeah. [00:23:53] Cara: Are you going to meet friends there? Like she didn't understand the concept and I was like, no honey, I want to go, I don't wanna [00:24:00] be with anybody. But I still ended up leaving with connection and these people that I will always have a place in my heart for them and that I've left actually still being in conversations with them. [00:24:12] Cara: So it is beautiful and it's being open to what. Does my soul need for this trip and not really having a set like this is what I wanna get out of it. [00:24:20] Kelsey: yes. It's like a spiritual camp for adults, [00:24:23] Cara: It is. I [00:24:23] Cara: love [00:24:24] Kelsey: essentially. [00:24:24] Kelsey: Yes. [00:24:25] Cara: the only disappointment I had, and it was all for myself, was I did the labyrinth walk and I did not take my shoes off. I don't know what I was sinking. [00:24:34] Kelsey: You're gonna have to come back and take those shoes off. [00:24:37] Kelsey: And I was wearing like my hiking boots, like the most, you know, like disconnected. Yes. I dunno what I was thinking after, like the whole time I was like, my feet are suffocating, but like, I didn't even think to take, and I love walking out in barefoot, like, I don't know what I was thinking. know what, maybe the universe was like, I'm gonna, you were gonna step on a B and that's why you had to have the shoes on. You just [00:25:00] never know. [00:25:00] Cara: I guess I, yeah, I was so disappointed with myself. I was like, what was I doing? And at the end of the retreat I stayed and did a little bit of a hike, and I considered doing it again once I realized, but it had started raining. But it put me in contact with your hospitality manager because of it. [00:25:17] Cara: So there was a lot of, like, this happened because of this happened, because of this happened on that trip and it was because I was open to what was coming my way. So it was beautiful. obviously why we're in conversation was because of it started raining and then she was like, hop in the van. [00:25:33] Cara: And I was like, okay. So, being open for that stuff. [00:25:36] Kelsey: being open, present, and accepting all the abundance that the universe has to provide for you. And I feel like all it is, is a shift in perspective cuz it's always there. It's never not, you're never, no one is ever doing anything wrong. To not receive what they need in every moment is just tuning in to what's being offered constantly all around us. [00:25:56] Cara: Yeah, I'm actually in this 60 day [00:26:00] intensive, integration, so, Community, I guess, container. And it's ultimately trying to find like the spiritual lesson, and I don't even wanna say lesson, it's just like what? In this moment, if I'm getting frustrated, what in this moment can I look at is like a spiritual, guidance? [00:26:19] Cara: And so it's been very helpful when I get frustrated or things aren't going my way, and it's like, okay, I'm open. Tell me, get me. And so it's, brought my patience level up because patience is not something that, I'm bored with. [00:26:33] Kelsey: I, we have that in common. It's. [00:26:35] Cara: It's. [00:26:35] Cara: a manifesting gener. Yes. I think a manifesting generator. We don't know what that looks like. [00:26:40] Kelsey: We're like, go, go, go, go. I need everything done right now. [00:26:43] Cara: Yes, yes. [00:26:45] Embracing the Unique Power of Manifesting Generators in Human Design --- [00:26:45] Cara: So I wanna touch a little bit on your human design cuz we have a lot of things in common. So you are also a manifesting generator and we have this powerful design that most people cannot keep up with our productivity. And we have a [00:27:00] built-in gut response when we are connected to our body. [00:27:02] Cara: And so I think the most powerful thing for myself is. Knowing that sometimes I have these really high expectations and I get disappointed because I put myself up to these expectations. And then knowing that like other people cannot fill those expectations we put on ourselves or that we think other people can do. [00:27:24] Cara: was that a moment when you realized as a manifesting generator that our expectations are too high? Probably. [00:27:30] Kelsey: Oh, absolutely. And it made me realize how much I attachment that I have to my own storyline of what I think something should unfold, or how I think something should manifest in. And it was a huge lesson, like actually the universe knows better than I do. My tiny human little brain can't comprehend what's way more magical than the vision that I created for myself. [00:27:53] Kelsey: So yeah, definitely a big lesson in that. [00:27:55] Cara: It's still a lesson. I have not figured it out, but find when I let go of the how, [00:28:00] like when the how is taken away, I let the universe figure out how to do the things. It's just like I have these visions. I can work towards 'em, what it actually will look like. That's up to the universe. [00:28:11] Cara: I'm not gonna force or control what the, what the end result looks like. [00:28:16] Kelsey: Surrender keyword, surrendering and accepting and allowing and creating space for it. I mean, I feel like that's a lifelong journey, but it is. I feel very grateful to have learned that through human design. [00:28:28] Cara: Yeah. I find that anytime I get. Well, frustrated or angry, that's our not self theme. I usually will look at my human design and say like, what am I trying to do? Where energetically am I stopping that flow? And so like one of the channels is like the power of now instead of planning, enforcing, instead of like getting frustrated, things didn't work out. [00:28:52] Cara: How can I just be in this moment? And a lot of the times, The people, the places, the resources will come to me. when we [00:29:00] find that flow, it's like we have to work way less hard for the things that we want. [00:29:04] Kelsey: Yes, it reminds me of work smart, not hard. We do not have to hustle and bustle for the things that we want. We simply have to create space for it. And allow it to come through and almost choosing, right? We kind of get a buffet as manifesting generators. Like we get all of these different opportunities, connections, places, people, and then we tune in like, oh, which one of these dishes do I want? [00:29:30] Cara: someone that's not a manifesting generator is like, you have so much going on and it's just like, yes, I'm built this way. So that was one of the things when I realized I was a manifesting generator, I was like, Oh, now that makes sense. I feel so much seen and heard in how I am instead of forcing myself to live in this expectation. [00:29:48] Cara: Other people live by themselves. [00:29:51] Kelsey: Yes, such a great point too, and feeling kind of almost guilty. Like, why can't I just choose one thing and dedicate my life to that? Or why can't I, I'm like, what's wrong with me? [00:30:00] Rather than, oh, there are other people like me. There's nothing wrong with me, and now I know it's okay to change my mind a million times, or to be working on four different projects. [00:30:09] Cara: you know, I started looking at my life as a puzzle and instead of forcing myself to be done with the puzzle, because in my eyes, as soon as you put that last piece in, We're not here anymore, so there's no rush to it. You know what I mean? But it's like every piece of that puzzle is a tool that's gonna help us build this beautiful picture. [00:30:29] Cara: And that's just kind of the life as a manifesting generator is. It's a wide array. And this picture could have things that don't seem like they go together, but if it makes sense to us and it really kind of gives that sacral response that we want, that's all we, that's all we need. [00:30:45] Kelsey: Yes. And I feel like at the end of the day, it's also coming back, taking ourselves out of the intellectual mind of how we think things look, and just tuning in. Well, I know my brain says this doesn't make sense, but my body's giving me a heck. Yeah. [00:31:00] So I'm gonna go with it. [00:31:01] Cara: I know if people could understand that we really are not meant to make decisions from our minds. Truly we're not. And so learning how to use your inner authority or how you should make decisions honestly changed my life knowing that we have a sacral response, that we are meant to follow our gut, whether it makes sense or not. [00:31:21] Cara: truly since I've switched my decision making, it's like, oh, life is flowing to me instead of like trying to go up a, you know, raging river. And you're like, I can't, I can't keep up. It's just like, oh, this is so much easier. Why have I been forcing myself to be away that I, it doesn't feel right? [00:31:40] Kelsey: I, I couldn't agree more. And it's not to be biased, but I feel like we have one of the most simplest ones tuning into the gut being present, which is what we're taught. [00:31:50] Cara: yes. And you know, I know you brought this up with like choosing a dish. Like our strategy is to wait to respond. And that is [00:32:00] like making sure the dishes are in front of you and then easy as that you get to choose what you want. You know, my husband would be like, what do you want for dinner? [00:32:06] Cara: And I'm like, give me options. I need something to respond to. I can't just like decide to it. And if I. If none of those sound good, then it's not important enough to me to make that decision. I'm gonna put that on you. [00:32:18] Kelsey: Yes, and it helps so much understanding your partners and your friends, all your relationships, how you respond and what you need. And it makes the relationship a lot stronger and easier and more flowing. Be like, oh, my partner needs options, like you said, or, oh, my partner needs 24 hours to ride the emotional way before making a decision. [00:32:38] Cara: Yes, that's my husband and he's always told me that, but it wasn't until I looked at his human design and I was like, oh, you need time to make decisions? And he's like, yes, I've told you that for 20 years. [00:32:49] Cara: so a couple other things about your human design. So there is, some things different. So all the things that we just talk about, we have same in common, but your, you have a left angle and that means[00:33:00] everyone you meet that comes into your life is for a reason. [00:33:05] Cara: So you have this like karmic encounters to bring this. Interaction with people and it brings that fulfillment it fulfills you. Mine's a little different. Mine is to honestly figure out like who I am and how I operate. And so that's where I've gotten so much of human design and cycle vitality to really help understand how I operate and then help other people. [00:33:26] Cara: And it doesn't mean that. For me, these interactions aren't important. It's just that's your destiny is having these interactions and kind of bridging these gaps between people are gonna help fulfill you in your soul's purpose. some people might be more open and talking to you because of this, because there's probably more of a familiarity about your presence. [00:33:48] Cara: And so how does that feel with that? [00:33:50] Kelsey: that makes absolute total sense. I remember I used to live in Chicago before moving to Boone, and I kid you not every day a stranger would sit down next to me on the [00:34:00] L and tell me their life story and I. Loved it, of course. Cause I'm like, oh wow, you feel so safe and comfortable to sit down next to me and just tell me every trauma you've lived and every exciting moment you've experienced. [00:34:12] Kelsey: And I feel I also how people feel comfortable. It lights me up and fulfills me connecting with others and talking to people and being able to provide a safe space. And it allows me, I'm constantly learning through conversation and other people's energies and. That makes total sense and it makes me really excited. [00:34:32] Kelsey: helps me really see someone, every connection that I make, cuz I know how important it is for my design. [00:34:39] Cara: and most people on this like spiritual path are already living within their human design. And then when they hear it, they're like, [00:34:46] Kelsey: duh. [00:34:47] Cara: oh, duh, okay, now I can lean into that more. If that feels good, I'm gonna lean into that. [00:34:52] Kelsey: Confirmation is so key as humans, like it feels so good to have confirmed what you already know and be [00:35:00] like, wow, I don't have to resist this anymore. [00:35:02] Cara: It's that resistance that we had of like. Is this, how life [00:35:05] Kelsey: yeah. [00:35:06] Cara: I be forcing this? And then it's like, oh, okay, I'm gonna lean into that. you're a line five, which means you're a problem solver. [00:35:13] --- [00:35:13] Cara: You have a need for leadership and influence over others with direct, inefficient advice. [00:35:19] Cara: So that comes to the point of people coming to you. And you're kind of a creative rebel. Learning how to master your own projection field will help you attract what is meant for you. So that's the first piece. And then the second piece, You know, I love when I go through this cuz like as you're talking, I can be like, oh yeah, that's her line five. [00:35:37] Cara: Oh wait, that's her. You're line two. And so you had mentioned that you need alone time. And so your line two is that you're selective. You are an introvert you need that time to kind of retract, be with yourself and follow what feels good for yourself. That way you can show up as a problem solver and show up with that leadership or that influence. [00:35:58] Kelsey: Yes, absolutely. [00:36:00] it's funny, I feel like five and two are such opposites. It's such an extroverted line and then an introverted line, and together I need them both in order to feel sane you know, to respond to life. [00:36:10] Cara: yeah. I mean, having tools like this, I feel like anybody that's lost on their spiritual journey, they don't really know how to reconnect with them themselves. I feel like human design is a beautiful way to just. Be open, listen to what resonates at that time, because there's things about my human design that felt really resonant when I first heard it, and then, you know, years into it, I'm like, oh, I look at it totally differently. [00:36:34] Cara: And knowing that there's times where it supports you one way and then it can shift and, and change down the line. [00:36:39] Kelsey: Yes. And it gives you so much permission, permission and acceptance and confirmation and knowing no one here is crazy, and no one here is doing anything wrong. We are, are all so divinely perfect. And to lean in into our, into our strengths. [00:36:56] Cara: Yes, that's it. Stop trying to lead a life through other [00:37:00] people's expectations and understand we are all built with beautiful strengths. So if you stop comparing yourself to other people and understand what your strengths are, you will flourish a [00:37:09] Kelsey: Absolutely. [00:37:10] Cara: Yeah. So could you tell the audience how they can find the art of living? [00:37:15] Kelsey: Yes. So Instagram is our most productive way to find us, and you can do Art of Living USA, or Art of Living Boone. And then we are on Facebook, same tags, Twitter and YouTube as well. [00:37:31] Cara: Perfect. I will make sure everything mentioned in today's episode will be in the show notes, and I just appreciate your time and connecting it with me here on the podcast. [00:37:43] Kelsey: Thank you so much, Kara. I had an absolute blast today, and I love that I have a new connection with you, so thank you. [00:37:51] Cara: Thank you so much. We'll chat soon. [00:37:53] Cara: Thank you so much for joining me this week. If this was your first time. Welcome. And if you've joined me for previous episodes, thank you [00:38:00] so much for coming back. Before you go, could you share this episode with a friend or subscribe? If you haven't yet, those few seconds make a huge impact on my show and I'd be grateful for the support. [00:38:11] Cara: This interview with Kelsey was amazing. I love the art of living center, and I know I'll be there so many times in the future. If you want to find out how to connect with the art of living center, check the show notes. And all the links mentioned will be caradempsey.com/75. Thank you so much for being here and we'll chat soon.