Meet Cara van der Bauwede — an artist, author, and yoga instructor whose near-death experience at the age of 16 profoundly transformed her life. Originally from the United States, Cara has called France home for the past eight years. Her journey through creativity and spirituality offers a fascinating glimpse into how life-altering experiences can shape one’s path in unimaginable ways.
The Early Years and the Move to France
Cara’s story began in the United States, where she grew up and eventually met her French husband. They first met when Cara was 12, and her husband was her soccer coach. Fast forward 15 years, and they found love during a chance visit to their hometown in North Carolina, which led Cara to eventually move to France with him.
The Near-Death Experience
One of the pivotal moments in Cara’s life occurred when she was just 16. During a soccer game, she sustained a severe concussion that stopped her heart for seven minutes. This near-death experience not only altered her perspective on life but also sparked a series of spiritual awakenings.
Cara describes being out of her body and witnessing the world from a vantage of pure love and light. Her anger and adolescent frustrations seemed trivial as she basked in the overwhelming sense of unconditional love and appreciation for everyone around her. This profound experience ignited her passion for art and spirituality, deeply influencing her creative expression and holistic practices.
The Intersection of Creativity and Spirituality
One of the fascinating aspects of Cara’s journey is her belief in the intrinsic connection between creativity and spirituality. She emphasizes that creativity is not limited to traditional artistic expression but is embedded in the essence of every individual. According to Cara, accessing this creative energy can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life.
She further elaborates on how yoga has been a powerful tool in her life. Practicing yoga helped her not only recover from the physical aftermath of her near-death experience but also enabled her to maintain a spiritual equilibrium. Yoga, for Cara, serves as an alignment of energy that taps into one’s inner luminosity, enhancing both creative and everyday pursuits.
Yoga: A Path to Inner Luminance
Cara has been teaching yoga for 14 years and strongly believes in its transformative power. Whether through physical postures, meditation, or simple breathing exercises, yoga offers a unique way to connect with one’s soul. She likens the experience to seeing oneself as a flame, with the body as the wick and the surrounding light representing the essence of one’s being.
In her teachings and daily practice, Cara aims to help people access their inner light and live more mindfully. She stresses that yoga is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, body type, or previous experience, and that it’s as much about mental alignment as it is about physical movement.
The Role of Creativity in Healing
Apart from yoga, Cara also finds solace and inspiration in various forms of creative expression, such as drawing, painting, and writing. She views creativity as a vital outlet that helps process the highs and lows of life. Whether it’s channeling the chaotic energy of a stressful day into a painting or writing about unseen energies, creativity allows for a harmonious balance between the light and dark aspects of life.
Mama Goddess Glow: A Book on Pregnancy and Spirituality
Cara’s creative and healing journey culminated in the writing of her first book, “Mama Goddess Glow.” Written during her pregnancy in France, the book serves as a guide for expectant mothers to connect with their inner goddess. Filled with yoga postures, affirmations, and practical advice, it aims to transform the pregnancy experience into a deeply spiritual journey. The book helps women embrace the changes that come with pregnancy while maintaining a glowing presence of mind and body.
Connecting with Cara
Cara continues to inspire others through her teachings, writings, and retreats. She recently announced an upcoming retreat at Beach Mountain Ski Resort, the highest point on the East Coast, where she plans to share her wisdom and guide participants through spiritual and creative rejuvenations.
Cara’s journey reminds us that life’s most challenging moments can be transformative, leading to profound personal growth and creative awakening. Her ability to merge spirituality with creativity offers a compelling blueprint for anyone looking to lead a more fulfilled and meaningful life.
For more information about Cara, her upcoming projects, and her book “Mama Goddess Glow,” you can visit her website at https://www.caravanderbauwede.com. Stay tuned for more updates and join her in exploring the beautiful interplay of creativity and spirituality.
