We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bernadette Pleasant. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bernadette below.

Bernadette, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

In April of 2023 after years of pushing a stretching myself and my team to grow our business which had been struggling for some time, I decided to listen to my body and pause. Yes. I closed up shop to rest. I was in deep need of taking care of my nervous system. Two weeks later, I my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and I got to spend my needed time with her before she passed on September 1st. I listened to my body, made space for what I thought would be rest and received the gift of time. I am slowly returning and rebuilding my brand now and am grateful for what I’ve learned about deep listening and doing what is unheard of… resting.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi! I’m Bernadette Pleasant, my favorite color is orange. I am a proud mom to an amazing daughter, I love to dance… “I’m FINE!!!” Just like many of you I needed a space where I could unleash the full spectrum of my emotions – from growls to howls, and even the occasional scream! After years of therapy, I still couldn’t find a place where I could freely express my deepest feelings. So, what did I do? I decided to create it!

Enter The Emotional Tour, a mesmerizing somatic healing experience like no other. It’s a journey where we dance to the ancient beat of African drums, a dance that heals the soul and frees the spirit. Thousands have embarked on this transformative adventure with me, and it’s been nothing short of awe-inspiring.

In a world that constantly tells us to “keep it together,” I’m here to tell you that it’s perfectly okay not to be okay. We all have a beautiful mess of emotions inside us, and suppressing them can have dire consequences on our physical and mental health. I encourage you to be honest and embrace the messiness of life. Let’s shout from the mountaintops that we’re happy, angry, grieving, and so much more!

I’ve trained over a hundred passionate individuals to lead The Emotional Tour classes and workshops, spreading the magic far and wide. We’ve crafted signature workshops that have touched lives for generations to come, unlocking the doors to a more authentic and expansive existence.

Alongside The Emotional Tour, I’ve birthed a constellation of incredible experiences:

1. **Sacred Silence:** A journey into restful rituals, guided, silent, and moving meditation. Discover the power of inner peace and stillness.

2. **Rest As Ritual:** A calming sanctuary where you’ll find support in the art of rest. Because taking a moment for yourself should be a sacred act.

3. **Sacred Rose Ceremony:** An enchanting ritual where you can receive and be witnessed. It’s a celebration of your essence, your beauty, and your strength.

4. **What Wasn’t Said:** A profound grief ritual that will help you heal and honor the emotions buried deep within.

I work with clients in various settings – privately, in groups, and even on retreats. It’s all about finding the path to healing and empowerment that resonates most with you.

If you’re ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, authenticity, and healing, come join me on The Emotional Tour. Let’s dance to the rhythm of our own hearts and embrace the beautiful mess that is life. Together, we’ll change lives and make this world a more vibrant and honest place!

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Absolutely! If I could make one change, it would be in the way we’re conditioned to define our professions. Growing up, we were often asked, “What do you want to be?” I thought I wanted to be a surgeon, and when my dreams of being a surgeon hit the hard wall of calculus, I felt like I had failed. What I truly wish for is a more profound and beautiful question: “What problem in the world do you feel driven to positively impact?” For me, it’s been about supporting people on their healing journeys, and I’ve been fortunate enough to do that through the body of work I’ve created. So, a resounding yes to that!

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Always being a student and staying curious. I never tire from learning more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theemotionalinstitute.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tei_emotionaltour/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theemotionalinstitute
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+emotional+institute
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Citizen Rob