Julia Weekes is the poster child for resilience.  Spend any amount of time with her and you walk away stronger.  Not only does she model accountability for the “energy” she puts into the world, but she also inspires you to set boundaries, even when it is difficult. 

I knew this even before I actually met her.  My body had a visceral reaction to the knowing in her voice.  Tears streamed down my face as I listened to her heart-wrenching story from across the room at a leadership retreat.  

After we created the space to reconnect, I was so honored to hear more about her practice.

While I originally planned to limit the book to individuals who went through the certification program with me, I knew people would personally benefit from her story.  I was so grateful that she agreed to write more about it in my book project.  Thank you, Julia, for saying yes!   I am in awe of your courage to be vulnerable at a time when it would have been easier to disappear down a rabbit hole. 

Life now with COVID-19 brings its own new challenges and has upended her leadership and use of her gifts at a special camp.  I remain hopeful that unexpected opportunities will surface for her.  Please take the time to read the excerpt below and her challenge to you to listen without judgment. Timely advice.  .

See Julia Weekes website here or on Linkedin here.

LIVING FULL CIRCLE EXCERPT By JULIE WEEKES

I was a sickly, anxious child who grew into a sickly, anxious adult. Every few years, I was diagnosed with a new autoimmune condition. In between the diagnoses, my ever-growing cadre of doctors would scratch their heads at my mysterious symptoms, offering pills to suppress them. A rheumatologist diagnosed me with systemic lupus erythematosus.

All the pills and tests and doctors didn’t make me healthier. I grew sicker and more anxious. I had two little boys who needed me. I knew I had to stop being a victim of my body and, instead, learn to listen to what it was telling me. It told me it was sad, angry, and scared.

It’s been fifteen years since the diagnosis. For ten years, I committed my time to listening to my body and practicing kind and healing acts (see Judge-Free Zone, page 88).

These have included energy work, sound meditation, guided imagery, mandala drawing, qigong, and forest bathing. I am now healthy, happy, and strong. I don’t practice the same way these days. All of that good work is still in me, but now I sing and dance, listen, laugh a lot, talk to animals and trees, and notice wonderful things. This is my practice.

Julia Weekes’ Ancient Ritual:

•  Listen without judgment and notice if judgment pops in while you are listening. 
• As you listen, focus on each word and the message being delivered. 
• Ask the speaker if they are ready to hear your response. 
• Repeat back the main message that you heard and ask if it was accurate. 
• Respond with words that are easily accepted and convey understanding. 
• Suspend your own beliefs.

Have you started Living Full Circle yet? It’s easy to do and will bring immediate value to your life through simple, actionable steps of bringing these ancient tips into your everyday life. Click here to get a copy and start your journey today.

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