We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Laura Alyn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Laura , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

Being in academia, it was difficult for me to open up as a spiritualist and astrologer in the publishing world. I struggled so much to publish my spiritual work that my first book is titled: “All About Sex”, to position my work as unconventional. My debut novel, “Monterai: Passage Through Water,” follows Rainna Villaseca as she embarks on a journey to return home to Monterai after getting trapped in a dark, mysterious world by exploring her inner self, communicating with nature, and traveling through portals, all while navigating the complexities of a love triangle.
The novel intentionally breaks traditional writing rules. It’s written like a colloquial journal, using italics instead of quotation marks, and even includes some purposeful typos. This was meant to symbolize that, much like the chaos of the universe, everything we perceive as out of control has an intention behind it. We should strive for the same—be intentional in all we do. Writing in this freeform style was liberating for me, as I had only ever written academic papers before. It taught me to embrace my own path and be proud of it.

Laura , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My work spans several disciplines. I started my career as a web developer, which inspired me to teach computer science to K-8 students. From there, I moved into education policy research, focusing on knowledge accessibility and the inequities in how knowledge is shared. Currently, I’m finishing my PhD in Education Policy, Reform, and Evaluation while running various creative projects that reflect my journey of discovering my inner world.

I’m the founder of ILA Institute, where I explore how museums and astrology can revitalize education (currently on TikTok and instagram but set to open the school in 2027). In the meantime, I’m delving into polymathy through the lens of astrology and career paths on ILA Radio, a podcast available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. My other podcast, Grounded Spirits, is a solo exploration of the inner world. The current series is how to dream and the archetypes (Carl Jung’s, Astrology’s, and Tarot’s) that may appear in them. Lastly, Belaspri Productions, my publishing company, is a platform for telling impactful stories that connect the inner and outer worlds. Each of these ventures reflects different aspects of my journey, but they all center around making knowledge, art, and spirituality accessible and meaningful to everyone.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how I’ve integrated my diverse interests into platforms that benefit others. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my work is driven by a desire to inspire and empower others to embrace their own unique paths. Whether through my writing, podcasting, or coaching, I aim to help people find the balance between personal freedom and contributing to the collective good.

I offer a variety of creative works and services, including publishing, birth chart readings, and dream interpretation/spiritual coaching. I’ve published over 10 books and now help others do the same with Belaspri. Don’t forget to check out my books on Amazon (including two guided journals on dreaming), and feel free to email me at [email protected] or DM me at @itslauraalyn if you’d like help publishing or want more info on my readings and coaching services.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Thank you for this question! Without books, I wouldn’t be here. They have been my gateway to exploring my inner self and have contributed to my understanding of myself and the universe. I love reading as it is an opportunity to converse with the great minds of the past. One of the first books I always recommend is “The Game of Life and How to Play It” by Florence Scovel Shinn. This book revolutionized my perspective on creative work and helped me break free from the “struggling artist” trope. Another essential read is “How to Be Rich” by J. Paul Getty, which shifts your mindset toward leadership and abundance, allowing you to dream bigger.

The most impactful series for me is the Carlos Castañeda books, which detail his experiences as the apprentice of Don Juan, a sorcerer. Castañeda was a UCLA student during his apprenticeship. The third book in the series is his doctoral dissertation verbatim. While some scholars dismiss his work as fiction, the anthropology department granted him his PhD based on its authenticity as anthropological research. Reading these books can profoundly alter your reality, if you are open to it. Castañeda’s detailed narrative allows readers to step into the role of the sorcerer’s apprentice themselves, even without the use of drugs! I am currently diving into the fifth book of the series. P.S. I recommend reading all the books again after finishing each new one to deepen your understanding, reinforce key concepts, and appreciate the connections between different ideas, allowing for a richer, more integrated perspective on the material.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A significant lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that success is solely measured by external achievements, such as titles, degrees, or financial gain. This mindset was deeply ingrained during my years in academia, where I was constantly surrounded by a competitive environment that emphasized accolades and traditional metrics of success. I also learned that hard work often felt like just a way to prove my worth. In reality, we need to pick the path that has the most heart and dive in with the utmost faith.

The turning point came when I began exploring my creative side through podcasting, writing, and art. As I embraced my spiritual and artistic interests, I started to see the value in connecting with others and fostering community rather than merely chasing accolades. This shift allowed me to appreciate the richness of my experiences, the lessons I learned along the way, and the positive impact my work could have on individuals’ lives. It’s a classic example of the cliché: “it’s not about the destination, but the journey itself.”

Unlearning this lesson was liberating. I now focus on my unique journey, aligning my work with my values, and prioritizing connection over competition. After all, only I can be the best me and only you can be the best you! Learning this has enabled me to create platforms that reflect my diverse interests and foster empowerment in others, reminding me that true success lies in the authenticity of my work and the relationships I build along the way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/itslauraalyn
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itslauraalyn/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Itslauraalyn
• Other: https://instagram.com/ilainstitute
  

  @ilainstitute

  
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grounded-spirits/id1615128734
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ila-radio/id1766422947