Each and every moon cycle, we are interviewing a Circle Leader who has strong astrological connection to the Cycle at hand.
For the Generosity Cycle, we are featuring Joanna Andreae who leads a Wild Woman Project Circle in Washington D.C.
Meet Our Featured Circle Leader: Joanna
How did you find The Wild Woman Project?
Through a dear friend who interviewed Chris years ago for a local newspaper. She said she had met someone I would REALLY connect with and I had to get in touch. So I did!
How has your life changed since becoming a circle leader?
My life has changed tremendously. Before I found the wild woman project I was looking for a leader. After the project I realized I was being called to BE the leader I was looking for. I know it sounds cliche but it really is true. It made me realize I had an important role to play for a community of women in D.C. – a place many claim isn’t as conscious or spiritually connected as other parts of the world. I love de-bunking that and providing women in my community an outlet, a safe-haven, and a place to meet like-minded women. Many friendships have developed as result of this program and it is truly one of the best parts of the month.
What are the other key components of your life besides being a circle leader?
I am an entrepreneur, a wife, a yogi, and most recently, a new dog mom. Through my company, Wandering Wellness, I have devoted myself to empowering women. I work with women one-on-one and in small groups to teach them – or perhaps more accurately – help them remember how to love themselves, to find more joy and balance in life. Most importantly, I feel it my personal mission to help women enjoy the journey of their lives. The unfolding of it all – the good, the bad, the medium – it’s all beautiful. Sometimes this takes me to companies, or leads me to workshops around the country (which I love!), but I hope one day to work with women of younger generations as well. I think a connection to teenage or college-age women is hugely important in the wold of self-love and embodied living.
Are there any words you live your life by?
Find the silver lining. I am always, ALWAYS on the hunt for the good in every situation. In fact, when I think back to my own life – it was my dad’s sudden stroke a few years ago that gave me a major dose of perspective. It launched me out of a cold corporate career and into a healing profession that I believe is my destiny.
How do you feel that being generous in our lives relates to the common good of humanity?
Oh generosity is everything. It is everything. The more you give, the more you get. It’s so simple once we recognize that things move cyclically. And when we give to another we’re actually giving to ourselves by feeding the connection and richness of the human bond.
When do you find it most difficult to tap into your generosity?
It’s most difficult to tap into it when I myself am empty. When I’ve been burning the candle at both ends and haven’t taken good care of myself. What helps me access it is to practice a simple act of self-care. Usually through movement. A great brisk walk. A yoga class. Some breathwork. And poetry. Wise words of poets always gives perspective and helps me to feel more connected and generous.
Why do you think it is important that we maintain generosity in our lives?
Now more than ever there are people that would have us believe we are separate. Generosity reminds us that we are all part of the same human family. We all have a heartbeat. We all want to be happy. We all go through ups and downs. Generosity is the heartbeat of the world right now.
That generosity gives others permission to do the same. A generous act is one of the most profound ways to change the world. To create a ripple of kindness that truly can blossom and grow and unfold in ways we can’t even imagine. One kind word. Paying for the cup of coffee of the person behind you. A text to a friend. A call to your mom. It’s these acts of generosity that are our best hope of healing this planet. That makes it worth it — even when it’s not easy.
Is there one symbol, word, or phrase that comes to your mind when you think of generosity?
I think about loving kindness or Metta meditation actually. This idea that you can send out good feelings to those around you and it can create a positive impact in the world. In fact, it’s been one of my favorite “sneaky” ways to offer generosity to strangers these days. It’s a lovely lovely practice.
Want to join the Movement? Train to become a Wild Woman Project Circle Leader (registration is NOW OPEN, and our last 5 trainings have sold out, hurry)
Join Joanna’s Circle in Washington D.C.
Learn About this Moon Cycle
On the Horizon
Join us for an hour-long New Moon Meditation Adventure on December 2nd!
Online, from anywhere.
Using a dynamic meditation journey, we will tune into the New Moon, to your own Inner Guidance, synced up with wild-hearted women from around the world. This offering will include music, storytelling, meditation, journaling prompts & intention-setting.
Can’t make it live? No worries. All participants will receive a copy of the recording with 24 hours of the session.
Join the WILD WOMAN UNDERGROUND.
"The Circle Leader Training Program at The Wild Woman Project was one of the most transformative and healing experiences of my life. I have received many tools, resources, support, and connections that I will carry on with me forever." ~ Hannah Devin, Graduate
We have Wild Woman Project-trained Circle facilitators is 26 countries, and 44 out of the 50 United States.
Amanda is the Director of Communications & Creative Development for The Wild Woman Project, as well as: Wild Woman Project Circle Leader, a member of the Love Crew at the annual WILD WOMAN FEST, and a Mentor for The Wild Woman Project Circle Leader Training Program. She holds a B.A. in Theatre from California State University, Fullerton where she intensively studied Movement for the Stage. A self described Mystic, Artist, Witch, People Person, Beverage Aficionado from Los Angeles California; She is particularly passionate about the space where Art, Activism, and Spirit collide.