We recently had the chance to connect with Teresa Bennett-Yates and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Teresa, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Each morning, before the sun rises, I dedicate the first 90 minutes to renewal. No news, no phone—just prayer and meditation in the stillness. It’s in this quiet that I truly hear the voice and feel the presence of God and prepare for the day ahead. Embracing peace before the world wakes up.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Teresa Bennett-Yates, a lifelong native of Calabash, North Carolina. As the proud owner of Cloud 9 Reiki & Vibrational Sound Therapy, as well as Cloud 9 Retreats, I have dedicated my life to creating spaces where individuals can find peace, healing, and inspiration amidst nature’s embrace.
At Cloud 9, our commitment is to craft transformative experiences that nourish the mind, body, and spirit. We believe in the power of deep connections to our coastal heritage, and it is our mission to empower each person who walks through our doors to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and renewal. Together, with a dedicated team of local professionals, we strive to cultivate tranquility and growth for everyone who seeks our retreats.
In doing so, we honor the beauty of our land and the spirit of our community. We understand that the path to serenity and purpose is unique to each individual, and we are here to make those dreams a tangible reality. Whether through the healing vibrations of sound therapy or the calming practices of Reiki, our goal is to support and uplift all who join us on this journey.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
Growing up, I was fortunate to have a father who not only spoke about values but lived them every single day. His unwavering commitment to integrity and responsibility shaped my views on work in profound ways. From an early age, I learned that showing up is not just about physical presence; it’s about being mentally and emotionally engaged. My dad instilled in me the importance of commitment, demonstrating through his actions that reliability is the cornerstone of trust.
He often said, “Always do what you say you’re gonna do.” This simple phrase became a guiding principle in my life. I watched as he honored his commitments, whether it was at work or in personal relationships. His reputation as a man of his word was not just about fulfilling tasks; it was about fostering trust and respect. He showed me that when you make a promise, you create an expectation, and fulfilling that expectation is essential to building lasting relationships.
One of the most important lessons he imparted was that, at the end of the day, what truly matters is whether you did right by someone. This perspective shifted my focus from merely achieving personal success to valuing the impact I have on others. It taught me that work isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder or achieving accolades; it’s about the connections we make and the positive influence we can have on those around us.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Resilience. Experiencing hardship has strengthened my ability to cope with future challenges. It taught me perseverance and the importance of pushing through difficult times.
Empathy. Suffering as deepened my understanding of others’ pain, fostering compassion and empathy. It has encouraged me to support those who are struggling.
Perspective. : Difficult experiences has shifted my perspective on life, helping me appreciate the good moments more fully and recognize what truly matters.
Growth.. I have found that suffering leads to personal growth and transformation. It can motivate change, encourage self-reflection, and inspire new directions in life.
Acceptance. Suffering has taught me about acceptance and the importance of letting go of things we cannot control. It has helped me find peace in difficult circumstances.
Connection. Sharing my suffering with others has built strong bonds and have created a sense of community,
Mindfulness. Suffering has prompted me to become more mindful and present, encouraging me to appreciate the moment and live more intentionally.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Authenticity..
Authenticity is more than just a concept; it’s a guiding principle that influences my decisions and interactions. In a world saturated with curated images and filtered realities, the pursuit of being genuine stands out like a beacon of light. It urges me to embrace my true self—flaws, quirks, and all—rather than conforming to societal expectations or the pressures of fitting in.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
In life, we often define ourselves by the roles we play, the relationships we nurture, and the possessions we accumulate. But what happens when those external markers are taken away? When we are stripped of everything we thought defined us, we are left with a raw, unfiltered essence of who we truly are.
I know this feeling all too well. The loss of my first child shattered my world, leaving me adrift in a sea of grief. The love of my life, my husband, followed, leaving an echoing void that seemed impossible to fill. And then, as if the universe deemed it necessary to test my resilience further, a tornado ravaged my home, taking with it the last remnants of my former life.
In the face of such profound loss, it was easy to succumb to despair. I could have allowed the labels society had placed upon me—the mother, the wife, the homeowner—to become the very chains that bound me. But instead, I chose a different path. I embarked on a journey of rebuilding, not from the ashes of my former identity, but from a deeper understanding of myself, a light that had always flickered beneath the surface.
Stripped of my labels, I was left with a raw, unadulterated truth: I am resilient. I am capable of transformation. I am a soul that can find strength in vulnerability. This realization was not instantaneous; it was a gradual awakening, a gentle whisper reminding me that my worth is inherent, independent of my losses and the roles I had played.
As I began to rebuild my life, I focused on nurturing that inner light. I surrounded myself with new experiences, sought connection with others who had faced their own storms, and embraced the beauty of starting anew. Each step forward was a testament to my strength and an affirmation of my identity beyond societal labels.
Now, I stand in the radiant glow of who I truly am—a survivor, a seeker, a spirit unbroken by the trials of life. The journey of self-discovery has taught me that our true essence cannot be diminished by loss. Instead, it can shine even brighter when we let go of the confines of our identities and embrace the boundless potential within us.
In sharing my story, I hope to illuminate the path for others who may feel lost in the aftermath of their own storms. We are not our losses; we are the resilience that emerges in their wake. And when all else is stripped away, what remains is a light that can guide us back to ourselves, reminding us that we are enough, just as we are.
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LUVJOYSTUDIO
