Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisha Hawrylyszyn Frank.
Alisha, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
While I was traveling in India many years ago, I had the opportunity to meet either His Holiness the Dalai Lama or Mata Amritanandamayi (also known as Amma the Hugging Saint). They were both holding space at the same time in different regions of India. I listened to my inner guru and chose to attend the Dalai Lama’s lectures rather than Mata Amritanandamayi’s. This turned out to be a choice with no regret. The Dalai Lama’s wisdom, humor and infectious laugh are, to this day, still with me. However, I yearned for Amma’s famous embrace for many years after that opportunity to be in her arms slipped by me. While I knew the time would come when we would meet, I had no idea that it would be in my homeland instead of hers.
A few days before Thanksgiving several years ago, I got word that Amma the Hugging Saint was in Detroit, Michigan. At the time I was visiting my auntie in South Tampa, Florida and was planning on staying through the holiday. But I knew in my heart that I had to change plans in order to meet this blessed soul. I booked a last-minute flight and headed to Detroit with an abundance of love in my heart.
I arrived at the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit the day after Thanksgiving in order to meet Amma. As I walked through the glass doors of this building, the spirit of my father embraced me. My father, in the 1970’s, was part of the team that built this magnificent skyscraper. He was an ironworker. And he sacrificed more than anyone will ever know to provide for his family. I took a deep breath and smiled as I continued towards the large group of people waiting to see this living saint named Amma.
Out of three thousand people Amma chose me to receive Darshan first. I, for some reason, did not feel special or overwhelmed with excitement at the time, but the beautiful people around me were very excited. It was as if they couldn’t believe it but something told me that this was the way it was supposed to be. Amma’s people escorted me to sit directly in front of her as she spoke. I looked upon this spiritual woman and felt her greatness. She truly is divine and her light shines especially bright. After she spoke, her people, once again, came to escort me to a set of stairs that led to her. I slowly walked up the stairs and across the stage. As I approached Amma, I asked myself, “Where am I supposed to be? Where am I supposed to be?” It was a question that I can honestly say I had never asked before. I continuously asked this question in my mind as I received darshan. Her embrace encompassed my entire spirit and the words she spoke into my ear took me into an instant meditative form. I felt as if I was blissfully floating. She then gifted me with a mantra. I bowed in gratitude and walked off the stage.
That evening, as I began to recite the mantra in meditation, Amma appeared before my eyes. With her hands in A prayer position, she said to me, “My dear, you are doing everything right but you are supposed to be in California.” Once I opened my eyes I knew there was no turning back from this vision and within a month I loaded my Volkswagen Beetle and drove across the country to a place I had never been before…San Diego, California.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth ride? Not exactly. My life has been filled with many a lesson. However, each “struggle” has created space for a deeper understanding of the Self. Here is one example:
Out of all of the people in the world, I tend to gravitate towards those that are labeled “sensitive.” Outwardly sensitive people, in my opinion, tend to embrace each and every experience with a compassionate heart and an understanding mind. I feel that most people (yes, you included) are sensitive creatures, but due to previous circumstances have built up walls of protection in order to emotionally survive. This internal blockage has the possibility to greatly affect one’s outlook on life and can determine the path in which one chooses to walk.
At one point in my life, my entire outlook shifted because I am a sensitive person. While I have never not been a sensitive person, I didn’t realize that my sensitive nature was actually creating chaos by attempting to build faulty walls. Furthermore, before my “walls” became a combination of self-destructive behaviors, they mainly consisted of one: a bad attitude.
On some level l understood my vulnerability as a sensitive person from a young age and did everything in my power (so I thought) to make sure that anyone around me never truly saw or experienced my sensitivity because I needed to be strong. I protected myself from those in close proximity by using snarky comments and sarcasm – all the while swallowing my hurt feelings, which eventually turned into anger. But the thing is, I could have avoided all of this turmoil because I didn’t need to stop myself from being sensitive. I needed to stop taking things so fucking personally.
In order for me to distinguish the difference between being sensitive and taking things personally, I had to look deep within myself to find answers. This is what came to me:
Every person you meet is operating out of their very own Universe.
Their energy, openness, and awareness is determined by their current understanding of themselves; current needs and desires; and, lessons previously learned. Rarely do two individuals simultaneously bond on a level that allows them to merge both of their “worlds.” Rather, one person either joins the other by embracing the opposing world; or, both individuals maintain themselves within their own universes without expanding into the other’s.
This explanation allowed me to see, in the most basic terms, that the world doesn’t revolve around me. It also allowed me to realize that the “protective walls” I had built were actually blocking me from connecting to my inward wisdom thus keeping me from inner growth. Time after time, I allowed my feelings to be hurt because it was all I could comprehend. It was the easiest way for me to dismiss my feelings without taking responsibility. Now, I see that we are all merely a reflection of one another, and anytime we feel as if we have been hurt, it is up to us to self-reflect in order to find what is truly happening within ourselves.
Being sensitive with greatly revolving stimulation is absolutely a gift; but taking everything personally is a way to stunt your growth. We each have to embrace our delicate nature and use it to find a deeper and more loving connection to ourselves. If we do this, we will naturally extend outward to others. Within every emotional experience lies a greater lesson.
So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Fiercely Optimistic story. Tell us more about the business.
Fiercely Optimistic was developed to help individuals facilitate positive change in all aspects of their lives through life coaching, Reiki, meditation and yoga. Clients have the opportunity to expand their inner growth gaining necessary self-confidence and to identify their own meaningful Truth including a clearer recognition of their personal values and realistic goals while being nurtured with positive reinforcement. Each journey is unique and personally created to best guide every client to achieve the fullest self-realization possible.
We are given choices & opportunities every day. Fiercely Optimistic is designed to help people like you learn how to recognize and enthusiastically seize those opportunities and then make informed decisions to maximize these chances to further their life goals.
I am a NYU certified life coach, Reiki Master, meditation teacher, yoga instructor and writer for MindBodyGreen and The Chopra Center who is best known for my empathetic nature, non-judgmental approach and light-hearted humor. My journey thus far has allowed me to experience an array of hardships and struggles, which led me to find an indescribable inner happiness that I share with all whom I meet.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe in karma
Pricing:
- 60-minute Reiki Session + Angel Reading $85
- 6 one hour Life Coaching Sessions $697
- 60-minute Power Session $140
Contact Info:
- Address: 1110 Torrey Pines Road
Suite 4
La Jolla, CA 92037 - Website: fiercelyoptimistic.com
- Phone: 3472680946
- Email: info@fiercelyoptimistic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiercelyoptimistic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FiercelyOptimistic/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fiercely-optimistic-la-jolla-2
Image Credit:
Hissa Igarashi
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
