Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen Grace Ordonio.
Colleen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
On this physical Earth – I am a womxn of color and eternal student based in Southern California. I have a deep passion for wellness and all things that fall under the category of feel goods.
Finding peace + comfort in tantric philosophy, I allow myself the exploration of spiritual practice in juxtaposition to “normal” life (I enjoy a good whiskey.)
Endless love, conscious growth, and personal exploration are what I believe to be the essentials of navigating this life, and I aim to share the tools that I have (and continue to gain) with anyone who feels called to delve deeper into the intersections of the self: mind, body and beyond.
For those who are here to learn about my wellness journey, my tangible wellness practice began at the tender age of 16, when I was attending my first yoga class and fell in love with the way it allowed me to find stillness of the mind but invigoration of the heart and body. Like many, this became my gateway to holistic study.
From that point, my curiosity grew and my innate desire to learn, to absorb, to practice all things wellness has only grown with time. I realized quickly, “The more I learn, the less I know,” which not only humbles me – but inspires me to explore all that I can in this lifetime, because why not?
As I explored wellness within my own personal healing journey, I found time and time again that I wanted to share the beauty of it with others. I began Om in Bloom, and through my studies of various modalities, began to share via writings, blogs, poems, and other informative material. Being amongst healers in my family, I became exposed to Usui Reiki Healing.
Attuned by my cousin, Melanie Esperon of Reiki Room San Diego, I became certified as a Usui Reiki Practitioner and a year later – a Usui Reiki Master. Working with life force energy allowed me the first extension of wellness, if you will, helping to open my mind and broaden my perspective of personal growth and self-healing.
Plant medicine came simultaneously as I studied herbalism under John Finch & Jane Richmond, of Self-Heal School of Herbal Studies & Healing. They carried with them teachings from beautifully renowned herbalists, like Rosemary Gladstar. Wanting to introduce others to plant medicine, I began Herb + Nectar Botanic Supply, along with a dear friend Jenn Rose. We used tea as a familiar vehicle so that others may also learn how to heal through consumption of the abundance of herbs the Earth has to offer.
From making plant medicine inspired tea blends with Herb + Nectar to creating plant medicine for my own home, there is always something to be done, herbs to be blended, and all things of the like. Now, Herb + Nectar is transitioning into experiential wellness, retreats, and education – a perfect representation of our growth and movement.
With the birth chart, I have been blessed with, I have known myself to be extremely ambitious and always in pursuit of something to expand my knowledge and occupy my creative energy. A dream of mine that I’ve always held is to own a wellness studio and live in a loft above. I’m excited to say that manifestation is my strong suit – but is always ever changing.
I offer my manifestations up as to receive what is meant to be. I offer service through Om in Bloom in support of my biggest mission: making wellness accessible to all beings regardless of their race, color, gender, or socio-economic status. As a womxn of color, I have experienced first-hand what it feels like to endure judgment, prejudice, and exclusion within many wellness facilities who fail to h
Healing modalities in present day have become adulterated, hyper-sexualized, and commercialized in a way that no longer respects the essence of practice, but also, in turn, creates boundaries that exclude. My mission is to break this stigma. Wellness has no face – no type – no look.
Wellness is for everyone and anyone – and my mission as a healer is to hold a safe space for my own offerings in hope of leading by example. It takes one drop in the water to create a ripple – of change. I honor those of course who have created the lifestyle they desire out of wellness – to each their own path.
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?
Struggle? Absolutely. There have been times where I had no idea whether or not I was going to continue with my business. My business has changed and shifted as much as I have. I’ve struggled deeply with issues of confidence, self-empowerment, “not-enough-ness” – even just being seen. The fear of failure especially was and even now is a challenge that I consciously work to keep my passions alive.
I read once, “It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop.” This Confucius quote stuck with me immediately and continues to resonate true for my journey now. When I am faced with an obstacle, I firmly believe that it has been placed to help me navigate to my true path – the right direction.
Working through struggles allows space for lesson learning – and I can only be grateful for how these experiences have helped build me. The key here is, to be honest with these experiences and how they can teach the body and mind.
I believe true strength shines through this honesty, this vulnerability, and this raw expression. This is what makes room for real growth.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Om in Bloom – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
In 2016, Om in Bloom began as a simple dream of sharing wellness with all. I’m passionate about is creating a space for wellness that is accessible to all beings regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status – along with any point in their journey of self-exploration & conscious growth. It’s an initiatory – or ongoing – dive into wellness and the Self.
What I have to offer is this: a channel to help facilitate your wellness journey with the tools I have to nourish the physical body, subtle body, and the energy beyond the vessel. I am a teacher (and student) of yoga, herbalism, and Reiki. Through my yoga classes and workshops, I also often incorporate reflection, sound healing, and meditation.
All of these offerings are the vehicle I use to harness attention and focus into the process of healing the self through the mind and body systems for a holistic wellness experience. I am the vehicle to help guide others along this journey through the power of healing practices.
What I’m most proud of is the chance to simply be part of the wellness journey of another. Whether its an initiatory journey or rejuvenation of wellness practices and self-care – the most fulfillment comes from the transformation of my clients.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
In the future, my hopes are to continue this path of wellness and education. Creating wellness experiences is my biggest motivator – local retreats, international retreats, workshops, and classes.
In the days to come, I plan to expand my reach beyond California by creating classes both online and on-site nationally and internationally.
I’m looking forward to sharing my offerings and learning from others all around the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ominbloom.com
- Email: hello@ominbloom.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/ominbloom
- Facebook: facebook.com/ominbloom
Image Credit:
Eden Tuesday, Twin Flame Photo, Diana Sciacca
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