“From the Vault” - Niki Svara on Self-Forgiveness

Niki Svara on Self-Forgiveness was originally released on June 18, 2022

“To heal, you have to get to the root of the wound and kiss it all the way up” ~ Rupi Kaur

Welcome to another episode of Exploring the Seasons of Life, a podcast for women with a big heart on a spiritual journey. My name is Cindy MacMillan.

Do you ever feel like you are waiting on a permission slip to live the life you want? If you answered yes, then you are in the right spot. Each week I interview coaches and spiritual explorers, from all walks of life about beginnings, endings and the messy bits in between; and let’s don’t forget about those moments that we never saw coming.

Self-love well-being and mindset are at the heart of our conversations. Because once you change the inside, the outside will begin to change as well.

In this episode of Exploring the Seasons of Life, we are chatting about self-forgiveness and why it’s so hard to forgive ourselves.  And my guest is Niki Svara.

With a master's degree in spiritual psychology, and over 15 years of experience working with clients, Niki Svara has the love, the listening, and the tools that enable people to create deep and powerful growth, greater self-expression, and personal healing in their lives. Niki is the founder of Love The Way You Look and the author of Piece Talks: Messages of Love from your Body and Soul. 

Welcome to the show, Niki. Thank you for being here. 

I believe it was Brendon Burchard who said, “No matter how small you start, start something that matters.” And this series, “Self-care is more than a buzzword. It’s personal.” is what I am doing - because self-care matters. Throughout our conversation today we will be weaving in self-care tips.

2:23 I love the word explore; it's such a fun word. And it really it just it lifts my spirit. And so, to me, exploring the seasons of life means to get curious about them, to have a curiosity. And I’m going to say let go of resistance of those seasons. And I can tell you from my own personal experience that for a good majority of my early life, I resisted my seasons, I constantly wanted to be somewhere other than where I was, and it really wasn't a joyous and fulfilling experience.

6:25 I believe we're all in need of self-forgiveness. Because whether we realize it or not, there's always something that we're judging ourselves for. Could be something we said or didn't say, could be something we did or didn't do. We're not happy. And we're judging ourselves for where we are in life for whatever particular season, we are in.

7:50 I think, number one, is the idea of becoming willing, becoming willing to forgive ourselves, we have to have that piece because if we're not, it's just not going to work. And there are several different ways to become willing.

10:54 I wanted to add one thing, because self-forgiveness is not something I think that we think about. I know, it's not for me, so I must set reminders. I set little reminders so that I can make it a consistent practice. 

14:04 Practice helps us to remember the truth of who we really are; the truth of our being. And it's like I can be put in two awareness’s at one time - I'm aware of my human self and I'm aware of my spiritual self, and it's really just a fulfilling and peaceful experience.

19:32 And this was the aha moment that I came to, in an inner exploration, that love and loving somebody is not the same as being and feeling emotionally close to that person. 

23:15 Or we can take a step back, pause, and really begin to choose that gentleness toward ourselves and that self-love and self-compassion. 

Thank you for joining me on Exploring the Seasons of Life: Travel Edition! I’m Cindy MacMillan, and it’s an absolute joy to share this adventure with you.

I have something truly special to share today: picture a magical winter wonderland where enchanting Christmas markets come to life! Join us for a delightful getaway that blends nostalgia with festive fun—perfect for friends and empty nesters alike! Our group trip to the Christmas Markets of Montreal and Quebec City is scheduled for December 3, 2025. Visit my website PangeaWorldTravelAgency.com for more information.

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Travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s about who you become along the way. Let’s start this journey together.