“Within the depths of authenticity lives integrity; waiting for our return. When we arrive, we are met with effortless joy, abundant living, peace and wholeness–nothing lacking, nothing broken. This is soul equanimity, the state of pure alignment with will of Source and will of self” – LaShaun Middlebrooks Collier
You know those moments where everything just aligns so perfectly and for an instant you can see the entire bigger picture and the divine perfection in it all. Those moments of absolute realisation and clarity that lift you to new vibrational heights. I find most of these happen to me when I’m out in nature. Walking on the beach, watching the sun set, climbing boulders in the hills, swimming in the ocean, chasing rainbows.
These photos were taken during yet another stunning WA sunset. I was feeling more aligned and clear than ever before. Deeply connected, embracing the magic of the moment, feeling the love and expansion of my heart. I was so happily adorned in a whole lot of lace and some divine vintage turquoise.
I hope these images bring inspiration, love and light to you all.
I still remember the day I opened the email from Free People inviting me to Sydney for their FPme Australia experience! I was jumping for joy in my computer chair and dancing my happy dance :) Then to discover I could bring along one of my best friends, Nat from Melbourne, who I hadn’t seen in sooooo long! It was seriously a dream come true.
From beginning to end, this was the dreamiest, most amazing experience of my life. I could not be more honoured and grateful to Free People for the opportunity and experience.
Here’s a little about our day, and a collection of my behind the scenes photos along with some amazing photos taken by Katrina Parker who was our beautiful photographer on the day.
Awaiting us upon arrival to Sydney – the most gracious host we could ever have wished for, the hallway lined with racks of free people clothing, jewelry, accessories all ready for us to style, delicious healthy food to feast upon, and an incredible inspirational space with every single detail taken care of.
We spent quite a few hours giggling, styling, connecting while we discovered our looks for the FPme shoot and the pop up shop opening night. This was more fun than I’ve had in a long time. Sharing it with a bunch of awesome girls who love style and free people as much as I do, was simply the BEST!
That night we got all dressed up for the pop up shop opening, where I had the chance to meet so many gorgeous artists that have been a part of my insta-family for so long. A wonderful night of connection, laughter, and shopping of course! ;)
We arose bright and early the following morning as we readied ourselves for a full day of photoshoots. This was such an exhilarating moment. The entire day I felt like a tourist, seeing more of Sydney than I ever had before. The bondi to bronte walk was by far my favourite. To be right by the ocean and watch all the different shades of blue mix together like tie-dye was magic. Hanging out with the FPme girls, enjoying breakfast, lunch, laughs and getting to know one another as we were shooting, was the time of my life. No work involved whatsoever!
After this amazing exploration of the coast we changed into our lunch outfits and strolled the wintery streets of Sydney, followed by a nourishing and delicious lunch at the Book Kitchen. We also just happen to come across an old Valiant as it pulled up at the crosswalk. The owners happily accommodated us with a chance to photograph inside this iconic car. Such a wonderful spontaneous moment fuelled so much excitement and joy.
And the magnificent finale for the day – watching the sun set over sydney from the most beautiful view I’ve ever seen of the city. I took a deep breath in this moment to relish in the beauty of this very special day and all the precious connections I had made.
“Dare to love yourself as if you were a rainbow with gold at both ends” – Aberjhani
I’ve been asked quite a lot recently about finding peace and love, so I want to share just a little in this post that I feel may be of help to some of you.
Each day I wake up I consciously choose to focus my thoughts upon LOVE. I focus my attention on all that I love, all that is working in my life, all that brings me joy. The more attention I give to it, the more I create and amplify my experience of this in my life. When I catch myself headed down a path of stressful worrying thoughts, I stop. I look at the layers that hold them in place. I provide these painful thoughts with the loving space they deserve. I question their validity, I imagine how I’d feel without them. I discover a blissful state of peace and lightness without them. I wonder if they are in fact really true and I look deeper at their roots. I dig these up and plant new loving, peaceful seeds in their place. Ones that will blossom and bring forth the great fruits of life. I feel a lightness wash over me as I empty out those stressful thoughts that really don’t need to be on repeat anymore. When we run the same painful programs over and over in our minds, we only cause more suffering to ourselves. We can choose what we wish to believe, and what we wish to think and feel. It takes some practice firstly to become aware of these thoughts, to question them, and to realise that you yourself are the one who can set free your mind and allow peace and love to flow in.
Each day practice the art of forwarding your focus to all that is magical, magnificent, amazing and wonderful. Focus on what you have with love and with gratitude. I guarantee you, the more you do this, the better you will feel, and the more awesomeness you will naturally attract into your life through the universal law of attraction.
I gaze upon this expansive landscape, taking in every inch of this golden horizon. I feel the glowing sand beneath my feet, the warm sun kissing my skin, the salty taste of the air. The wind gently lifts me and I am flying free.
These things and more bring a sense of freedom to me. To really feel free though, no matter what is going on, no matter where I am, I find the key is right there within myself. It’s in the unconditional acceptance of self. My daily morning mantra is “I love and accept myself just as I am.” It reminds me each day that I am already enough, and there is no need to control the flow of life. I trust in life. In love. In myself. And I feel free.
As I peel back every layer, examine every unquestioned thought, I discover a peaceful path of love and acceptance. I find the truth, the untruths, simply what is. I surrender to this seemingly vulnerable state where freedom, peace, love and connection exist and it brings me great joy in this amazing life we are blessed with.
May you find the peace within and allow yourself the time and space to simply be.
A blend of soft flowy laces, cotton gauze and light wool, cool lilac tones, topped off with some ethereal crystals and earthy shells. This has to be one of my favourite outfits I’ve styled. And I’m wearing two of my favourite Byron bay designers in the one shoot! Each piece holds so much beauty, though together they create a little magic for me. I felt like a bohemian princess as I strolled along my local beach. Definitely an outfit that reminds me of the goddess within.
Have fun with your wardrobes lovelies and keep on playing dress ups. Do it for yourself, because at the end of the day, it’s your thoughts and the way you feel that matter most. Never stop exploring, experimenting and bravely sharing who you are through your style. Let your creativity and joy shine on!
As I walked along the warm, glistening sands, watching the turquoise water smoothly form into perfectly shaped waves, I listened to the crashing sounds and the quiet peaceful in between. It was there I felt the heart beat of the great mother.
The ocean’s movement has always reminded me of a mothers cradling arms, as it sways back and forth in the most natural way. Even the sound of the waves evokes this memory and lulls me into serenity. There is nothing more invigorating and healing for me than swimming in the ocean. To float within the great mothers womb. She nourishes, nurtures, replenishes, cleanses and energises us. The salt water and fresh air, bare feet in the sand…it surely is a perfect cure all. This is my therapy these days. My ocean therapy. It keeps me balanced in every way I need.
This post is dedicated to the our beautiful earth. To say thank you for housing us, providing us with resources and nourishment. For the gift of breath, life, love and joy.
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“Within the depths of authenticity lives integrity; waiting for our return. When we arrive, we are met with effortless joy, abundant living, peace and wholeness–nothing lacking, nothing broken. This is soul equanimity, the state of pure alignment with will of Source and will of self” – LaShaun Middlebrooks Collier
