Life and Work with Marlene Kamo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlene Kamo.

Marlene, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
From a very young age, being a guide in people’s lives felt natural, like second nature. It was easy to recognize that I would grow up to be of service to others. Born and raised in Chula Vista to immigrant parents, I became a guide to my family as a first-generation daughter. My parents looked up to me and depended on me from a very young age to help them navigate in a country that is different from home. Taking on that role as a kid strengthened my innate leadership qualities and quickly taught me to be a dependable woman. My background sets up the foundation for my success today. As a Mexican/Iraqi (Chaldean) American woman, I feel deep connection to my ancestors and a responsibility to heal much of the toxic patterns involved in the cultures of my upbringing. In that, I am better able to highlight the empowering, mystical, and rich teachings both cultures have to offer me.

The first cultural connection that I remember kickstarted my journey as a Spiritual worker was at the age of nine years old. I was heavily drawn to Astrology *cue applause from Babylonian ancestors*. My curiosity for the universe expanded greatly thereafter. From that, during my early teen years, I expanded into Wicca, Yoga, and learning about the subtle energy body. I was desperate to understand myself and my connection to existence better. Living my life connected to mysticism, the subtle energy body, nature, the universe… all felt deeply familiar to my being. I realized this is what my life is meant to consist of; I am picking up where I left off in my previous lifetime. At the age of 19, while working on my Psychology BS, I took a Yoga Teacher Training to immerse more deeply into my yogic studies and begin my teaching journey. During that time, I also learned about Reiki Energy Healing and became a facilitator. Now, I serve myself and the community through different healing modalities– all of which ultimately serve to reunite us with the inner self, surroundings/each other, and higher consciousness.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I am grateful to say that success on my path has shown up with few obstacles to consider. The biggest struggle has been trying to navigate Eastern teachings and practices in a Western society that doesn’t value cultural roots so much. Much of the challenges have been internal, in being frustrated with the disconnect to nature the west has or to ancestral practices. In some instances, I have been questioned about this work being my livelihood, as if this were seen as just a hobby or part-time work, which is far more sacred than that. It’s my life.

A more tangible obstacle is the pay yoga teachers are offered. Unfortunately, yoga teachers aren’t paid great living wages at some studios, so one of the challenges became making a comfortable living while doing something I love. Thanks to this, I became motivated to pave a smoother road for myself by offering my own donation-based community classes outdoors at Mountain Hawk Park. On top of teaching some studio classes, my park classes have become a crucial part of getting to live out my dharma (purpose) in an expensive city.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work consists of teaching yoga, guiding meditation, facilitating energy healing, hosting spiritual gatherings, oracle card readings, and sound bowl energy healing. In the very near future, I’ll be humbly adding Ayurveda counseling to that list *wink wink*. First and foremost, I consider myself a student of everything I have to offer; I am merely a vehicle for divine wisdom to pass through me and onto those I get the honor to work with. What I care about most is being a guide for people to recognize their own power and connection to divine sources.

I am proud of my pure heart and dedication to spiritual service. I am no different than my students and those I get the privilege to serve. That is what I’m known for, my selfless service so that one no longer needs my guidance and instead can confidently welcome trust in their own divine wisdom. Through feedback, I’ve learned that what sets me apart from others is being a genuine leader devoted to spiritual evolution. I am eternally grateful to this work and those who trust in my guidance. We evolve and heal by learning from each other.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck hasn’t had a very big role in my life. I believe that all I have in my life, including the abundance of my business, has been a reflection of my inner self. As my confidence in myself has grown and my healing deepens, I have manifested more inner and external success. I don’t connect with the concept of “bad” luck. All experiences that have led to discomfort or insecurity are lessons to be learned and opportunities for myself and my business to evolve.

Pricing:

• Reiki/Intuitive Energy Healing 1hr $65-$80 sliding scale
• Reiki/Intuitive Energy Healing 45min $55-$70 sliding scale
• Community Park Yoga $10-$20 sliding scale
• Private Yoga (depends on amount of people) $70+
• Oracle Card Reading (2hr limit) $50-$65

Contact Info:

• Email: marleneokamo@gmail.com
• Website: linktr.ee/mystic_marls
• Instagram: instagram.com/mystic_marls

Image Credits:
Rick Saavedra (@ricksaaproductions)