Embracing the space between: In Bloom Session 8 with Mara Anderson
A qualified high school teacher, Mara Anderson left everything a couple years ago in New Mexico to live in Stockholm. She is an inspiration in that she is embracing where ever life guides her without really needing a huge purpose right now. A different kind of feature on my In Bloom Sessions, with Mara openly admitting to not having any creative outlet in particular right now. But something about her ability to embrace the space between, really drew me to getting her on here: as a refreshing example of how magical just not knowing can be. So much growth happens when you can release the pressure of it needing to look a certain way.
In all her free-spiritedness, she was called to the Coffs Coast in the name of love. I caught Mara in a beautiful life transition, in a sort of aftermath of things not working out to plan for her. Rather than running to the next place, she decided to stay in the hard-stuff & stay put in this magical place for a little longer.
Mara got in touch with me through Instagram (of course) a couple of months back & she was curious as to how I trained as a yoga teacher. Finally we met up & it was so magical to witness someone going through challenging transition with such grace. She truly has a way of shaking up the norm & got me really thinking: maybe we don’t always need to have a deep reason for doing certain things or feeling a certain way. Maybe sometimes it just is, & it’s best left in that untouched form.
find her on instagram here
enjoy, jessi x
1. What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a formula one race car driver, writer, painter and baker... In that order.
2. Three words to describe your now-season?
Uncomfortable, love and healing
3. What is it that inspires your creations/practice/ or just inspires you generally?
I have four sisters and they all inspire me. Each one of us possesses such a different lifestyle, yet I am still able to learn and be inspired by how they live and love day to day. They are the most selfless, independent, compassionate women I know.
4. 5 words to describe YOU?
Sociable, empathetic, easy going, impulsive, and compassionate
5. What most people wouldn’t really know about you?
People wouldn't know that I have flown an airplane.
6. What lights you up?
People light me up! I'm a massive extrovert. I surround myself with people to rejuvenate and humble myself.
7. Do you manage a day-job-hustle? How do you find that balance?
I'm always hustling. I get bored and disinterested too quickly if I'm not always on the move and keeping myself busy in work or in life. Balance is necessary, and if I'm honest, I do struggle to find it.
8. Where are you being called towards in future?
Do I have a calling? Not really. If anything, I'm being called to keep on travelling because that is how I truly learn about life. I'm not ready to grow roots anywhere soon.
9. Anything you are working on within yourself right now?
I'm working on living in the uncomfortability of being restless. I usually stretch myself too thin, but right now I feel I need to be in this state of restlessness to grow and heal.
10. What is most coming forward / blooming within you currently?
I'm turning 30 in a few months and I'm beyond excited to enter a new decade; I didn't think I'd make it this far!
11. A little piece of advice for anyone following the non-linear whispers of their heart in this linear world?
It's simple, yet difficult; don't be afraid to be vulnerable and honest in this life because if you let that fear of getting hurt take over, then you are not truly living.
