Jo Essentially (2025)

My intention is to share time-honored tools and techniques that have inspired me to navigate the different challenges that I've faced throughout my own life. Not too long ago, I had accepted that chronic and high stress, sleeplessness, a history of constant digestive issues, and a long run of bad relationships were all just part of life. Stop listening to people who tell you it is. For me, it wasn't until I had hit rock bottom, completely depleted, and nearly unrecognizable to myself that I finally (actually forced by beloved friends) to take a much needed vacation. But, this wasn't just any vacation. I actually returned home to me. At the time, I was living in Tanzania and running an international nonprofit I had founded. I loved what I was doing, so much so, that I put everyone and everything ahead of myself. And that kind of disconnection and dishonoring towards my body and spirit was costing me. Not liking who I had become, I went to India in hopes of reconnecting with parts of myself I once knew. I spent 40 days in daily yoga, meditation, rituals, as well as intense detoxing, cleansing and rejuvenating of the body through a 5-therapy Ayurvedic system called Panchakarma. All the medicines used in every session, from topical applications to those ingested were completely natural, coming from the plants of Mother Earth. When I aligned with and allowed in Nature, a beautiful partnership of harmonizing happened in my body and mind that moved me into healing and wholeness. I could literally feel my cells vibrating with so much joy. With connection. I didn't find my way back to the person I was. Instead, I found the true me that I never knew existed. She was buried beneath the stories, the excuses, the stress, the constant struggles with my health. I even broke my pattern of attracting the wrong kinds of men and found my true love within that same year. Through this experience, I reignited my passion and commitment to the practice of yoga, mindfulness, and meditation. I also developed a deep respect for the healing power of plants. This was my wake-up call to start making different choices that served me in body and mind, so I could be of greater service to others. It was a call to freedom for a better future. But here's the thing. I didn't know any better, until I got myself better! When you learn you are worthy, really worthy of living your best life, you do. When you are open to the simple ways that Mother Nature can heal you, She does. When you decide to get out of your own way and allow your body to function optimally, it does. When you introduce small rituals that create big impact, you thrive. When you thrive, your family, your relationships, and your life does too. We may not have a choice in what happens in life, but we always have a choice in how we respond. What that now looks like for me is staying consistent with my yoga practice, prioritizing connection to my breath, slowing down, softening. Living a mindful lifestyle, including the use of essential oils as my emotional allies keeps me connected, grounded. And, I've never looked back. Now my life's work is about guiding others to do the same while also uncovering the unconscious blocks keeping them in struggle. It is each of our birthright to live our deepest calling in joy and ease. If this speaks to you, send me a message and let's chat.

06/01/2025

You know the drill—holidays are officially over, family members are back in their respective homes, the sugar high has barely faded, and bam! Everyone’s expected to dive back into work and personal goals with renewed energy.

Now this may be true for you. Or, perhaps you’re feeling torn between the need to still take things slow and the push to start the year strong.

If the latter rang true for you, you’re not alone because... it’s STILL winter. 🌨️ Nothing in nature is blooming right now—why are we expected to?

Every year we’re caught in this cycle of hustle when our bodies are still craving hibernation and reflection. As much as we may want to slow down, we’re also addicted to do-ing that getting still feels wildly uncomfortable and frankly, it’s the unknown for many of us.

But let’s be real: by February, most of us feel burned out, overwhelmed, and low-key mad at ourselves for “failing.”

It’s not failure—it’s misalignment. Winter is about letting go, resting, and quieting down, not diving headfirst into a marathon of goals. When we act out of sync with the season, no wonder we’re stressed and tired soon after the New Year.

Now, I’m not saying quit your job or ditch your goals (follow and know your own energy). What I am saying is that life feels so much better when you align with your natural rhythm—because alignment isn’t laziness, it’s wisdom.

That’s why I created ALIGNED. A 21-day journey starting 13 January. It will be an emergent soulful experience to help you continue to honor winter, embrace rest, and create space for renewal—without guilt.

You’ll walk away feeling grounded, connected, and renewed while being guided by the sacred magic of Black Spruce essential oil.

Link in bio to join us.

02/01/2025

New year. New you. New attitude. New (fill in the blank).

Yes, that’s all true.

But it’s also true that feelings such as uncertainty, overwhelm, or doubt may be alive too.

It’s easy to think something is wrong with us because we believe we *should* feel differently—more excited, more motivated, more “together.” Especially when scrolling through social media or looking around at the seemingly fresh faces and sparkly new beginnings (nothing against sparkly—I love fresh and sparkly!).

But let’s be honest. As we step into the new year, there’s often this unspoken expectation that everything, including us, should be shiny, new, and ready to go full speed ahead.

For some, that might be true. But for many, the truth is gentler: we are still in winter.

The cold invites us to hibernate, to reflect, and to move slower—especially after the hustle of the holidays. Nature isn’t in full bloom yet, and perhaps neither are we.

So wherever you are, know that it. is. ok.

Today, while walking on the beach, I was searching for guidance about something I’ve been ruminating about. Moments later, I stumbled across a heart (pictured here).

The message was simple: Love is always the answer.

So I’m sharing this with you, wherever you may find yourself right now.

Love is the answer.
Loving thoughts.
Loving perspective.
Loving what is.

I love you.

From my soul to yours.

16/11/2024

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗴𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗽𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁…happening next month!!

When we step into the wild, away from screens and endless to-do’s, something profound happens—we begin to remember.

The raw beauty of nature mirrors back the truth of who we are: free, untamed, and whole.

The wild spirit within—the one clouded by expectations, perfectionism, and people-pleasing—awakens.

Imagine this moment stretched across days, surrounded by the heartbeat of South Africa, and guided by the wisdom of the animals, and the untamed wilderness.

Two weeks left to say “𝗬𝗲𝘀.”

Will you (and a friend) answer the call of your wild before the year ends?

Dm with any questions.

Link in bio for all the wild and juicy details!

28/10/2024

A retreat isn’t an escape; it’s a homecoming to yourself.

When I think back to my recent retreat in Sardegna, Italy, that I attended with my incredibly amazing mastermind sisters, I’m reminded that journeys like these are not simply a break from life—they’re a sacred return to our truest self.

There’s something profound about stepping into a different land, where the energy, the history, and even the air hold a frequency that transforms you.

In new surroundings, a different field of consciousness that opens doors within ourselves is gifted, inviting fresh thoughts and deeper insights that just aren’t possible in the rhythm of everyday life.

And the real magic? The women who say *yes* to this journey alongside you. These aren’t just travel companions; they become soul sisters, reflections, and catalysts for a new understanding of who you are and who you can become.

The relationships born on these retreats - whether you know the women beforehand or not, go beyond friendships—they are bonds that continue to hold you, remind you, and inspire you long after the journey ends.

My experience in Italy was a profound shift. I returned home with new ways of relating to myself and the world, held by the deep honoring of love and energy of the women who shared that journey with me.

I know the power of retreats-as a participant and a leader. My heart still swells as I continue to reap the harvest from the decision to invest and saying “yes” to coming home to me-more, deeper, fully, completely.

If you feel the call to truly return to yourself, to awaken the spirit within, while being surrounded by soul sisters, let this be your nudge to listen.

I’m offering a retreat just like this in South Africa, 9-16 December to help you shift, transform, and remember the incredible potential within.

Ready to say “yes” to your own homecoming?

If so, click the link in bio for details or send me a dm to have a chat.

Only a few spots left!!

21/10/2024

Imagine returning home lighter, more resilient, and deeply connected to yourself than ever before. This journey is your chance to step into your wild spirit.

Will you answer the call?

𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐟𝐞𝐰 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 - 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬!

Link in bio for more information. ✨

Feel free to dm me with any questions.

Address

Opening Hours

Tuesday	09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 18:00
Saturday	09:00 - 17:00

Website

http://www.mydoterra.com/jolonganilla

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