"My coaching with Nina is a weekly opportunity to open up about the effects of Crohn’s disease on my life. She is more understanding of the trauma we face than any therapist I know, specifically because of her experience with a severe digestive illness. Our sessions provide an open forum and offer support and advice. For anyone struggling with IBD, Nina offers a knowing non judgemental forum where one can open up and gain insight into coping with the mental and emotional aspects of a chronic illness."
This Program Is For You If...
You are faced with a potential ostomy and are seeking guidance
You are looking for support in adjusting to a new ostomy
You want to be part of a community that understands what it’s like to have a chronic illness
You are determined not to let your ostomy hold you back from living your best life!
Why it's so essential to cultivate Self-love and empowerment...
We don't get to choose what happens to us, but we all have the power to choose how we respond to adversity. But, how do you respond with the necessary self-love that leads to empowerment?
It is through acceptance and compassion for your body and your unique set of challenges. It is letting go of the desire to compare yourself to others and knowing that you are perfect exactly as you are.
Unconditional self-love is a challenge to almost everyone, and especially difficult for those of us confronted with a chronic illness. However, as ostomates, your experiences provide you with the opportunity to transform pain into purpose. It’s time to celebrate everything that’s gotten you this far, and step into your limitless potential.
Redefine what it means to live with an ostomy and become the most expansive version of yourself.
I’m here to support you on your healing journey!
What it Includes:
✓ Comprehensive Course: 7 Self-Paced Virtual Modules + 2 Bonus Modules
✓ Movement, Mindfulness, and Self-Care Video Tutorials
✓ Guided Visualization Audio Recordings
✓ Weekly Live Video Circles Facilitated by Nina
✓Private Community Group
✓ The Blossom Digital Workbook
✓ And more!
Intro
Preparing for Your Ostomy
This module will provide you with the resources to reduce anxiety and make the transition to an ostomy gentler.
- Assessing Your Support System
- Getting Ready for Your Hospital Stay
- Recovering Well: Walking, Breathing and Advancing your Diet.
Module 1:
Ground and Balance
Just as you wouldn’t build a house on sand, you can’t transform without building a solid foundation.
- Move out of "fight, flight, or freeze" into "rest, repair, and restore."
- Create nourishing a relationship with food
- Establish rituals around work, family, and home that promote stability
Module 2:
Alchemize Challenging Emotions
Fear causes us to remain in low vibrational states including anxiety and depression. However, when properly understood our emotions can be utilized to promote equanimity, or calmness in an uncomfortable situation.
- Master techniques to move through challenging emotions without getting stuck
- Forgive yourself and others
- Manifest the life you deserve
Module 3:
Own Your Power
We carry programming that limits our confidence, this is especially true for those who have experienced extreme health challenges. How do you speak to yourself and your body? Are you comparing your life to the lives of others?
- Learn to trust your body
- Apply positive self talk
- Embrace yourself exactly as you are now to get where you want to go later
Module 4
Open Your Heart
The daily stress of a chronic illness can lead to isolation. When we feel lonely and disconnected from others, our mood and health are both negatively affected.
As humans, we aren’t designed to go through tough times alone.
- Build social connectedness into your life
- Enjoy the benefits of laughter
- Meet new people and experience the power of community
Module 5
Speak Your Truth
When we are not truly understood or heard by others (family, friends, and medical practitioners) our inner voice becomes quiet.
- Share your unique story
- Advocate for yourself
- Set healthy boundaries
Module 6
Trust Your Intuition
Learning to trust your intuition is a skill that requires practice, though it can be cultivated by everyone. Your intuition, or that “gut feeling” is your greatest asset in overcoming roadblocks in your path to healing.
- Reduce overwhelm
- Find ease in making tough decisions
- Reclaim your intrinsic power
Module 7
Realize Your Higher Self
If you are willing to use all that life offers as fuel for understanding, then there are no mistakes or regrets. Could your illness be a blessing in disguise?
- Practice gratitude
- Aquire mindfulness practices
- Awaken the healer within
Bonus Content
A Few Final Things
Here you'll find an ever-expanding toolbox including:
- Food Lists
- How to Handle Leaks
- Traveling with an Ostomy
- Ostomy Fashion
- Breath Awareness
- Prayers for Healing
- Resources: Books, Films, and Organizations
- Much more!
Live Calls
Join Weekly Live Calls with Nina, on Tuesdays at 5PM PST starting March 21, 2023.
Live Call Schedule:
1) March 21
2) March 28
3) April 4
4) April 11
5) April 18
6) April 25
7) May 2
8) May 19
For optimal experience, I recommend you join as many live calls as possible, but if you can't make a call, don't sweat it! All calls will be recorded and emailed to participants the next day.
Hi, I'm Nina!
I wear a few hats - a yoga teacher, spiritual teacher, and ostomy coach. My mission in life is to guide you to move from shame, insecurity, and isolation to deep self-love and empowerment. I will support your journey as a catalyst to deeper healing physically, emotionally, and at the level of the soul.
I’ve devoted my life to the study and practice of yoga, meditation, trauma-informed coaching, intuitive eating, and a myriad of healing modalities for the last two decades. I believe that through combining this wisdom profound healing awaits us.
Are you anxious, depressed, or feeling isolated in your pain? I've been there, I understand, and will provide you with the tools and support to step into your enormous potential. I've had 20+ major colorectal surgeries and am now thriving with a permanent ileostomy. I went from not wanting to live to traveling the world leading retreats and experiencing, rather than watching, life. You, too, can live your best, most impactful life not despite but because of the wisdom on the other side of extraordinary challenges. You are loved, you are strong, and you are deserving.
I can't wait to support you throughout this course.
Love & Light,
Nina
Background & Certifications
- Bachelor of Science, magna cum laude, Health Science and Dance: University of Massachusetts Boston
- Research Assistant: Harvard Cancer Center, Children's Hospital Boston, Canyon Ranch
- Advanced Certified Yoga Teacher: E-RYT 500
- Yoga for Trauma
- Yoga for Cancer
- Holistic Health Practitioner: AADP
- Vegan Lifestyle Coach and Educator: VLCE
- Reiki II
- Transcendental Meditation
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."
-Anaïs Nin
Testimonials
"Nina has one of the most beautiful souls I have ever encountered. She emanates kindness, compassion, and love in all she does.
When I first spoke with Nina, I was on the brink of great change; I have had Crohn's disease for 20+ years and in order to get my life back, I needed a permanent ileostomy. I was devastated.
I decided to call Nina for help because I knew that I could handle the surgery, but I needed help getting there.
Nina has helped me see my ileostomy as a new beginning; a new chapter in my life. Since we have been working together, she has helped me on so many levels. It's so comforting to hear another woman say, "I understand. I've been there. Here's how I handled it, let's figure out how we can make this manageable for you."
I have blossomed under Nina's loving guidance. Nina, I am so blessed that our paths crossed. I am so grateful for you."
Erin Carlson, Crohn's disease
I have yet to meet a woman as poised and resilient as Nina.
Where most would crumble, she grows stronger and more steadfast in her purpose. I greatly admire Nina's ability to withstand the trials that life has thrown her way. I can only assume that a source greater than her, knew that she would turn adversity into advocacy; inspiring everyone in her path.
What I have still yet to figure out is how she has been able to do it with unwavering style and grace.
Britany Hart, Ulcerative colitis
I’m blessed to have the opportunity to speak to Nina. Her insight and knowledge inspired me to just keep pushing through the whirlwind of emotions dealing with a chronic illness that has no cure.
My body will never be the same and she opened my eyes to see some beauty in where I’ve seen a flaw. I will embrace the change and fully surrender any more difficulties to God. I will accept my body just the way it is.
Niki Diraffaele, Ulcerative colitis
One Student's
Experience
Meet Bonnie
Board of Advisors
Robert Oh
Robert is a software developer (Swift and most recently React). Previously Robert was a consultant at McKinsey and Company. He is a graduate of Yale University (BA) and the Wharton School (MBA).
Yemisi Mokuolu
Founder & CEO, Hatch Ideas Worldwide Ltd. Yemisi is an award-winning independent producer and business consultant with over 17 years of experience supporting creative, cultural, and social entrepreneurs worldwide to realize their social impact and cultural change initiatives. Yemisi works with some of the world's leading government and development agencies. Her clients include; the Barbican, Bozar, British Council, Goethe Institute, Greater London Authority, Institute Francais, King's College London, and the Royal College of Arts. As an independent producer, she is the founder of "Out of Africa," co-founder of the 'Asa Baako – One Dance' festival in Ghana, and co-founder of the Five Cowries art education initiative in Nigeria.
