Vanessa Metcalf on self-sabotage and self-care
Below we interview Electric 9 Leader and Coach, Vanessa Metcalf, about what it means to be an Electric Woman, her personal journey and self-care practices, and her hopes for the upcoming Electric 9 course starting in May.
The Electric 9 is a transformational group coaching programme that leads you through the 9 stages to becoming your most vibrant and powerful self – your Electric Woman. We are inviting 12 women from around the world to gather in a dynamic virtual group, led by CTI trained Electric Woman coaches. The next course begins on 14th May.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO JOIN ELECTRIC WOMAN?
The mission and the community of women. I feel strongly about women knowing their power and their worth. And I know how important positive community is for our health and happiness. Electric Woman is full of unique, inspiring, and supportive people and I love getting to know them!
WHAT DOES BEING ELECTRIC MEAN TO YOU?
To me, being Electric is about being confident in yourself, feeling vibrant and inspired, and lovingly embracing (and expressing) the fullness of who you are – body, mind, heart, and soul. It is following your own compass, living a meaningful life, and sharing your passions and gifts with others.
WHAT IS A HOT TOPIC OF DISCUSSION FOR YOU RIGHT NOW?
I’m usually passionate about many things, all at the same time. But there are two topics I’m really into right now. One is boundaries and self-care for empaths – when we are sensitive to other people’s energy, moods, etc., it’s important to know when we are absorbing other people’s stuff, how to deal with it when we do, and how to set up our lives so that we are not so exhausted and confused (which happens when we’re absorbing what’s around us). The other topic is how to balance the practical and the spiritual in our lives. I am particularly drawn to studying mindfulness and meditation right now because they support this balance.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
I am proud of my resilience and my passion for life – even when things are hard.
WHO IS AN ELECTRIC WOMAN YOU ADMIRE AND WHY?
There are so many! Lately I’ve been in deep admiration of Tara Brach. I’ve been watching a lot of her talks and I appreciate how grounded, generous, wise, and openhearted she is. Plus, I admire her accomplishments as a teacher and advocate for the union of western psychology and eastern spirituality (which I love!). She is electric in her passion and her purpose, and holds space with an ease and gentleness that feels so nurturing.
WHICH MISS GUIDED DO YOU / HAVE YOU STRUGGLED WITH AND WHAT IS YOUR REMEDY TO OVERCOME THIS?
I’d have to say that my top one is the Perfectionist. And the ways that I overcome her influence are positive self talk, shifting my perspective, self-acceptance practices, and lots of good self-care (especially yoga, hot baths, and spending time in nature). When I’m more relaxed and loving with myself, my perfectionist is less active (she thrives on fear and stress).
WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR WOMEN TAKING PART IN THE NEXT ELECTRIC 9 PROGRAMME IN MAY?
My hope is for them to trust and value themselves. To know their feelings, ideas, and desires matter. And to see that the things they may have judged about themselves or felt hindered by may actually be their gifts! It’s so empowering to flip that story and embrace who we really are.
WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER OR SPIRIT ANIMAL?
My superpower is my intuition and perceptive ability. My other superpower is my ability to take complex ideas and make them really accessible so that everyone benefits from my love of learning!
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF WISDOM YOU'VE RECEIVED?
Take what you like, and leave the rest. Meaning that we get to make our own choices about what feels true and what is best for us.
And if you missed it, check out the Facebook Live video from Vanessa and Electric 9 co-host Harriet Minter answering all your questions about the upcoming course.