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Welcome to my island of sanity and serenity. I'm Sandra Pawula - writer, mindfulness teacher and advocate of ease. I help deep thinking, heart-centered people find greater ease — emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Curious? Read On!

Need Inspiration? 10 Remarkable People to Follow Right Now

Need Inspiration? 10 Remarkable People to Follow Right Now

Sandra Pawula
Self-Development

I need regular inspiration to stay positive, keep focused on what’s important, and remember to keep my heart open.

I’m selective, however, about who I follow for inspiration in the realms of personal and spiritual growth.

In particular, I’m wary of male teachers.  There have been far too many revelations of abuse perpetuated by male teachers upon their students.  

At the same time, any group or program, regardless of whether the teacher is male or female, can encourage a group-think mentality. In that kind of conformist ambiance, you can gradually lose your ability to think autonomously without even realizing it.

Because of these dangers, I don’t see the people I choose to follow as above me, better than me, or more evolved than me.  Instead, I see them as companions on the path.

With those cautions in mind, here are the main people I currently follow for daily inspiration. Get cozy and enjoy!

I need regular injections of inspiration to stay positive and motivated, especially when times are challenging. If you do too, check out this post where I share my favorite inspirational speakers (think YouTube), best blog writers, captivating emai…


Before we continue, please know this article contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking them. There is no cost to you and your support enables me to continue writing free articles for you.  Thank you!

Glennon Doyle

Glennon Doyle writes and talks about women’s empowerment.  She is the author of New York Times bestseller Untamed, which I’m reading right now.  If you want to drop people pleasing, find out who you truly are, and stand unapologetically in the center of YOU, follow Glennon.

At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Glennon began “morning meeting” live videos, which I watched later. In these videos, which I have loved, Glennon has touched on topics from deep self-care to living with mental differences.  

Nicole Cardoza 

Nicole Cardoza is the Editor-in-Chief of the Anti-Racism Daily.  As she says, these daily emails will help you keep your anti-racism practices consistent and persistent.  They’re incredibly well written, amazingly in-depth, and indispensable to those who want to be part of making real change happen.

In addition to her anti-racism work, Nicole is a yoga teacher and founder of Yoga Foster, which fosters yoga and mindfulness in school settings. She is passionate about making wellness accessible for all.  

Irene Lyon

Irene Lyon is a nervous system expert and somatic practitioner who teaches people how to become their own medicine and free themselves from the toxic effects of past trauma.

I’ve taken Irene’s 21-Day Nervous System Tune-Up and am part way through her longer Smart Body, Smart Mind Course. 

Almost all of us have been subjected to some form of trauma, whether it’s developmental trauma in our growing years, shock trauma from a particular adverse event, or the trauma of racism.

There are hundreds of videos on healing trauma and addressing related mental and physical health issues on Irene’s YouTube page.  There’s so much you can learn for free, and it will give you a sense of whether you’d like to take one of Irene’s paid courses.

Nicole Cody

Nicole Cody is a psychic, channel, and metaphysical teacher.  She can help you learn to connect with your intuitive wisdom. 

I’ve been following Nicole’s blog – off and on – for years.  I’ve come back to it recently thanks to some powerful posts she wrote related to the pandemic and how to manage if you’re immune-compromised or have another chronic condition.  One year, I purchased her planner as well.

I recently joined Nicole’s free Facebook Community called The Journeymakers.  In this group, you can follow her free 6-part video course called “What Is Intuition?”  Nicole also offers “Colour and Cuppa” online gatherings every fortnight with free coloring downloads. She has many other offerings as well.

Adyashanti

Adyashanti is an American-born spiritual teacher who has been teaching for more than 20 years.  His main training has been in the Zen tradition, but he’s also studied traditions like Advaita Vedanta. His teachings are more eclectic rather than rooted in one tradition.

I feel comfortable following Adyashanti because he tells his students to never give away their spiritual authority to a teacher or anyone else.  I’m not a student of Adyashanti, but I especially enjoy his books. These are my favorite:

I could read these books again and again.  And honestly, I think that’s precisely how we benefit the most from profound teachings.  It’s not about more, but allowing what you’ve already read or heard to deeply sink in.

Cait Flanders

Cait Flanders stopped regular blogging two years ago, but she still pops into my inbox periodically with long, intimate emails.  I loved Cait’s first, memoir-style book, The Year of Less, and have pre-ordered her new book, Adventures in Opting Out.  It will be available soon.

Cait describes herself as someone who has been on a “journey of less.”  But she’s also someone who has had the courage to remake herself, again and again.  I always find something useful or insightful in her words.

Website:  Cait Flanders

Susan Piver

Susan Piver is a Buddhist Meditation Teacher and another New York Times Bestselling Author.  She has penned 9 books in total.  

I reconnected with Susan recently when she shared a free course on the Enneagram on her Facebook page, and have since taken her paid Enneagram course as well.  Right now, I’m watching her free series of video teachings called “How to Create a Sane World.”  Susan is the founder of the Open Heart Project, the largest online Buddhist community in the world.

Sadly, her Buddhist tradition is rife with abuse issues, but she has separated herself from the organization.

Michele Obama

I felt filled with joy to see thousands and thousands of people show up to hear Michele Obama speak during her book tour for her memoir Becoming.  It gives me hope to see people of every color and race come together to listen to a black woman share her joys, sorrows, and special brand of wisdom.

In the first season of her new podcast, Michele focuses on the relationships that make us who we are, including our relationship with ourself. 

Pam Gregory

I appreciate the insights that astrology has to offer, especially when they come from someone like Pam Gregory who is committed to unity consciousness.  Pam Gregory is a new find for me, and I absolutely adore her presence, clarity, and knowledge.  I will definitely be watching her new videos every two weeks moving forward. 

YouTube: Pam Gregory

Elizabeth Gilbert

Almost everyone knows Elizabeth Gilbert, of Eat, Pray, Love fame or Big Magic. I’ve especially enjoyed Liz’s Facebook videos on how to manage during the pandemic. They have been the best medicine for me in moments when I felt hopeless or despairing.

Inspiration = Nourishment for the Soul

I try to make time for inspiration like this at least 3-4 times a week.  It’s nourishment for my soul.  If I find myself feeling down, tuning into a video, talk, or uplifting book, gets me back on my path.  

But I don’t wait till I feel down. I feed myself with this inspiration, love, and wisdom as often as possible.

As you can see, my list is heavily weighted with wisdom from women. I think that’s positive. It’s time we listened to women more in this world.

If you’re needing more inspiration in your life, I hope you’ll find something in this list that brings you “ah ha” moments as well as joy.

Your Turn

Do you make space for inspiration in your life?  I would love to hear more in the comments.

Thank you for your presence, I know your time is precious!  Don’t forget to  sign up for Wild Arisings, my twice monthly letters from the heart filled with insights, inspiration, and ideas to help you connect with and live from your truest self. 

You might also like to check out my  Living with Ease course or visit my Self-Care Shop. May you be happy, well, and safe – always.  With love, Sandra

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