True Self Profile - Lindsey from 'AdZENtures Yoga'
This month we are featuring one of the most beautiful people I have met on my travels around the world; Lindsey. Lindsey is one of those people you meet, that makes you feel warm, welcome and like you are important. I was fortunate enough to attend one of Lindsey’s week-long AdZENture retreats in Slovenia through my love for yoga. Be prepared to get your mind blown as Lindsey shares her insights and life lessons.
My name is Lindsey, I'm the owner of AdZENtures, an Experiential Travel company. My passions are travel, nature, adventure sports, community and active learning through experience...this is how AdZENtures was built, with those values in mind. I've built my life and livelihood around my strong beliefs and passions and have loved nothing more than sharing that with others. I spend half the year leading AdZENtures in Slovenia (my favourite place in the world) and the other half of the year in the U.S. leading domestic AdZENtures and making plans for new experiences around the world.
If I'm not working or leading experiences, I can be found outside, barefoot, exploring my own backyard or someplace new with my favourite humans and adventure partners. I love living life to the fullest and couldn't imagine doing it any other way. If I'm not doing any of the above, I can be found napping somewhere - I love naps!
You can find me online at adzenturesyoga.com (IG: adzentures_yoga) or leading virtual yoga classes for a wellness collective called Online Wellness Experience which is a platform bringing people a variety of virtual wellness content.
1. What inspires you in your everyday life?
I am constantly inspired by people who follow their passions and put dreams into action. The world is full of people who actually DO...they have a desire, they seek out ways of making it happen and they execute. This keeps me motivated to follow my dreams and create unique ways to make them a reality.
2. Tell us your favourite: stress release practice, the thing you are most grateful for, book
My favourite stress release practice is yoga or playing with my dog. Both practices keep me present and remove the common stress-inducing practices of the mind and body. In these moments, I am completely free from stress.
The thing I am most grateful for is the community I have. My blood and chosen family are the best humans I could possibly hope to have in my life and I am forever in awe of them and grateful for the universe for bringing them into my life.
3. What has been a life-defining moment for you?
When I was a young working professional, 24, I was on a corporate career path, driven by predefined 'success measures' and well on my way to reaching superfluous goals. Then I was fired. I was fired to cover up someone else's mistake. It was unfair, unethical and earth-shattering. I had never received anything other than the highest reviews, raises and remarks from my managers and now, after all my hard work and contributions, I was being let go...because that's how things are in corporations. Everything was money and outcome-driven. There are no teams, everyone is out for individual advancement. I started to realize that what this company did, wasn't actually serving people. It wasn't contributing. And therefore, I wasn't contributing. I wasn't growing as a person, not in a way that really mattered. I started to look at what was important to me...how I cherished every moment I was out of the office. How I viewed this work as an exchange for being free 5 weeks a year. And I realized that I was giving up my time, my life to something I didn't believe in...for what? Because I was told 'this is how it's done'. Society told me that I had to forfeit my time and energy for a job that I might not love, in order to spend a fraction of my life doing the things I am passionate about, and that's just how it's done. It took me 24 years and an abrupt experience to realize that life didn't have to be that way. I could define my own path and create a way of life that I believed in, that was contributing to the betterment of the world in some way, a life that I was passionate about. That was the worst and best moment of my life.
4. What is the most important thing you have learnt about yourself in your life’s journey?
That I am capable of achieving my dreams. Even when it seems ridiculously unachievable, I am capable of finding a way to make my dreams into my own reality.
5. Who are you currently learning the most from?
My mentor and friend, Gia. She happens to be my teacher issuing my 500hr yoga certification but she has also been an amazing friend and life coach for years. She lives her life similarly to mine, following her dreams and surrounding herself with others who inspire, support and encourage her.
6. What is your best life tip for others?
Do not let other people's insecurities or lack of imagination deter you or negatively influence your dreams. Your dreams are yours for a reason, because you are capable of achieving the things your mind conjures up. Others might not be in the same place or mindset that you are, so if they have negative input on any of your dreams, it's because they don't understand, they aren't you. Take advice if it's valid, be respectful, but ultimately, you're the only one who knows how to make your dreams come true. So dream it, plan it, create it. If you fail, plan it again and recreate it. Do this as many times as you have to until you find a way to make your dreams come true.
7. How do you deal with negative energy?
This is a tough one. But I try to understand that people are negative because they don't understand or they are projecting their own issues onto others. When someone has negative input on my dreams or ideas, I try to remind myself that it's because they don't see the same things I see...they don't have the same creativity that I do when it comes to my dreams, so how could they understand. I try to decipher the root of their negativity and sometimes it's coming from a place of fear...for my well being or happiness, in which case, I smile and remind myself that they are just concerned because they don't understand. And sometimes, when people are just plain mean, I move on because not everyone in the world is worth your stress or time.
8. What's one thing you like to do every day that cultivates peace and happiness?
I communicate with someone I love. People are my biggest treasure and connection with them ignites my soul.
9. How can we make a difference in the world?
By doing what you love and finding a way to bring that into the world for others. Even if you are actively living a life that you love, that will inspire others to do the same. You don't have to cure cancer (although if you can, please do) but simply by living a life that is true to your beliefs and passions, you're inspiring others to do the same. If we are all living a life of passion and working for what we believe in, the world would be a better place.
10. Outline a perfect morning routine for us
A wonderful morning (in my opinion):
Wake up feeling rested (learn how much sleep you need to feel rested and allow yourself time for that restorative rest each night)
Drink at least 1 full glass of water, maybe 2
Sit for 5 minutes and breathe intentionally (this can be in bed laying down, sitting on the floor, standing, whatever is most comfortable)
30 minute routine without electronics: Read, listen to music, enjoy tea or coffee, sit in nature, etc.
30-60 minutes of physical activity: yoga, walk, run, bike, etc.
Go outside for at least 15 minutes and walk barefoot on the earth (not concrete, find grass, sand, dirt, rocks, etc.)
A healthy meal that you enjoy (smoothie, oats, eggs, etc.)
Work on something you're passionate about
Wow Lindsey. How incredible you are and such an inspiration!
To view past true self profiles click here.
Each month an inspiring human being will share with us their personal story and tips on how to live your best life. If you would like to be featured in the upcoming months then please drop us a note below…