We recently connected with Rita James and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Rita thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My current project Vows to Venus is one that is very meaningful and close to my heart. It’s really a beautiful story of self-love and an homage to awaken the inner goddess of love, the venus, within us all.

There are so many versions and seasons that women experince in life with little to no acknowledgment, understanding, or validation. As I began to study and dive deeper into my own relationship with how I cared for myself vs. how I loved myself, Vows to Venus was born. It had been peruclating within my spirit for a lot longer than I had realized, until I put the pen to paper, I was able to see how much other women would benefit from this ritualistic gathering.

The project became so clear that it was downloaded into my heart within 20 minutes. This offering is so dear to me because I have survived many life/death/rebirth cycles and each time I come out from one of these cycles. I am more creative, more tender, and more loving towards myself each time.

I love guiding others to the unveiling of their woven wisdom within, and disarmoring all that is in their way of the true love that awaits them,
That true love is YOU, and Vows to Venus is part of the path.

Rita , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve learned a lot about what I don’t want in a job through trial and error. While my intuition has always been a guide, it’s taken practice to trust its rhythm. My journey as a healing arts practitioner began in 2007 when I attended a couples yoga class to cope with heartbreak. That experience changed my life, giving me a glimpse into my future work and the never ending inner work of yoga.

The peace, bliss, acceptance, joy, and love I felt in that class inspired me to become a yoga teacher. As I studied and practiced more, my passion became clear: creating experiences for people struggling with life’s challenges, discovering what their passions are, or unbecoming old patterns and conditioning due to the past, and/or traumatic events.

I became more and more interested in rest, slowing down, trauma in relation to addiction, and the nervous system. I realized I had a natural ability to hold space for women and their pain. This led me to create the Restorative Wellness Experience, which has evolved into a space for people to gather, commune and heal from emotional pain, and the business of life. I’m most proud of the people who show up in their vulnerability and allow the experience to bring out their own humanity.
The Restorative Wellness Experience is a personalized approach to rest that combines real-life themes, attunement to your nervous system, and Somatic Experiencing techniques.

I’ve come to understand that everyone wants to be seen, heard, and witnessed, compassionately. I am fortunate and grateful to know that this is my gift.

I offer Reiki energy sessions, Somatic Expereincing sessions, Recovery Addiction support at Four Moons Spa in Encinitas. These are all a blend of energy work, compassionate inquiry and holding space to allow your body and mind a place to begin to heal.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Unreasonable Hospitality by, Will Guidara
The Creative Act: A way of being by, Rick Rubin

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

“The ability to continuously create and contribute to the world is a gift. Knowing that my work can help others find their path is truly meaningful.”

Contact Info:

• Website: http://rita-james.com
• Instagram: @edgeofzen @mandalamija

Image Credits

Stephanie Helguera (second photo, me in the outdoors)

and

Micaela Malmi-Lowery (all the rest)