Why do we flock to social media? What do we gain by engaging in online communities, and what is lost when we engage through systems that extract our information and hold us in silos of algorithms?
These are questions I’ve asked myself for many years. Two years ago, I started an online community of my own. It was a wonderful space to organise my thoughts, create courses, and hold specific communities for specific programmes. That was ‘The Joy Body Network,’ and now it’s coming to a close.
It’s finishing because I’m done working in a silo. I cannot sustain individual integrity without the support and nourishment of others at the same level of creative and spiritual awakening as I am. I need to be with people who can pause their own offerings for a moment and lift me up when I need to bounce around ideas or express some form of uncomfortable growth. It’s a game-up situation. I won’t carry everything alone anymore.
So what does that look like? Haha, I don’t know, and that’s the beauty of throwing yourself off a cliff—somehow, your wings will unfurl, and you will fly. Already, I’m getting picked up in the subtle eddies and wakes of another’s genius. I’m now flying with a friend, and we’re calling to others: “Jump off, jump in. No, I don’t know what it will look like, but it will be amazing!” That’s our message as we soar past the cliffs, calling to our friends.
Kara-Leah is the friend I’m flying with, and boy, are we learning, growing, and flying high. It’s amazing to step into such a rich learning environment, and there’s no one else in the world I think is more capable than her. We trust each other. We trust ourselves. Most importantly, we trust the deeper nature of the soul’s awakening. So, when we’re in opposition, we allow it to be a growth space. I feel safe with her, but I also feel scared very often.
If you’ve read my latest article about ‘The Tribe Wound,’ you’ll know what I’m talking about. Allowing someone into my life has been hard enough, but trusting that person with the sacred and precious learnings I hold within me—that’s next-level trust. Kara-Leah never ceases to astound me with her deep compassion. She isn’t the Buddha, but she’s pretty amazing.
Both of us are frustrated with the old systems of teaching, capitalism, and modern spirituality. We’ve both been kicked out of our old ways of doing things, and we’ve both given everything over to the Goddess. What does that mean? It means aligning oneself with the highest expression of the soul’s potential and allowing that to resonate with the field of creation that nourishes it—aka the Goddess, God, Spirit, or whatever name you choose for the unnamable. And it’s bigger than both of us. Thank God for that.
The ego can only go so far in delivering spiritual teachings and practices. And as cheesy as it sounds, and as uncomfortable as it makes me to say it, I am a spiritual teacher. Yes, I teach the physical practices for maintaining the vessel, but it always comes down to making a good home for the soul and a comfortable place for consciousness to dwell.
So here we are—me and Kara-Leah—jumping off cliffs, flying high and low, and receiving inspiration. It’s led us into some pretty heated conversations, but when the dust settles, the gold left behind is what we take action on. And that action, so far, is an online community called ~ Shelter ~. It’s hosted on a platform called Skool, and it’s a practice community. This is the key to understanding: we are teachers, we transmit the teachings and practices, but ultimately it is in the practice that one cultivates the internal understanding and depth of clarity for spiritual awakening.
For us, the most important thing now is to offer a space where equals can step in, be accountable, and be supported in their practice. With loving care, we are creating virtual practice spaces, classrooms, and council chambers. Those who are stepping in are powerful voices of truth, and we want them to be supported in expressing the fullness of who they are here to be.
This is an environment of generosity, and we are doing it all for love, knowing the community will uplift us and the work we do. In this spirit, we are inviting practitioners to offer their services for reduced rates and to engage in the ancient practice of dāna. This is ultimately about deep trust and faith. We’re doing this because it’s part of the spiritual teachings: that we must give without expectation of return. We’re doing this because personal liberation is our goal, and the ego attached to teaching continues to reveal layers of conditioning.
I think I can safely speak for Kara-Leah when I say that liberation of the soul in this body, in this lifetime, is the ultimate gift we seek to give the world. And this is a manifestation of us doing that work.
At this time, ~ Shelter ~ is just beginning to take form. We’re at the start of something beautiful, and we want to invite you to be part of it from the very beginning. This is more than just a community; it’s a co-creation, where your voice, needs, and vision truly matter.
We want to hear from you. What do you need from a space like this? What do you think would make it thrive? How do you feel about joining a community dedicated to spiritual awakening, mutual support, and generosity?
We’re hosting a Vision Call to gather and connect with those who resonate with this mission. This is a chance to share your thoughts, ideas, and dreams for what ~ Shelter ~ could become. It’s a place for you to ask questions, express your desires, and help us shape a space that serves not only the community but also your own growth and practice.
We believe that in listening to each other, we create a space where everyone feels heard, supported, and uplifted. This Vision Call is the first step in building that foundation, and we would love for you to be a part of it. Whether you’re seeking a community of like-minded practitioners, a place to deepen your practice, or simply an opportunity to be heard, we’re ready to listen.
Come join us and help us craft a space where we can all grow, support, and uplift one another.
My Joy Body 