We had the good fortune of connecting with Cindy Diaz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cindy, what matters most to you?
I would say the principle that matters the most to me is balance. I started The Healing Garden with the intention to bring wellness to WOC. The key to wellness is balance. My platform not only allows me to reach other women and create safe spaces for them, but it is also a safe space for me. I seek balance in all areas of my life, personal, spiritual and even as a full time nurse. I am able to bring healing online, because I also prioritize healing offline. Healing is not linear, there are ebbs and flows, and I embrace that. I have made it my mission to restructure what wellness looks like. Wellness doesn’t look like a strict diet and waking up at 5 am everyday. It looks like good days and bad days. It looks like indulging into your cravings while also practicing mindful eating. It looks like pursuing your dreams, while taking all the time you can to rest. There is not one without the other, and I think that is why it is so important. Restriction eventually becomes counterproductive and you create unrealistic expectations that no one ever placed on you. When you are operating from a place of balance, you feel peace, your cup is full with gratitude, and your health will be the best it’s ever been.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I got to where I am today because I was honest with myself. I was in search of an outlet to authentically express myself while helping others in the process. I knew that I had more to offer the world than just being a nurse. I knew I had a passion for health and wellness, for community, and being a voice for Brown and Black women, but for so long I didn’t know what to do with it. I did a lot of research in combination with inner work to really discover my purpose and the direction of my platform. In doing so, I have learned so much about who I am as an individual, about mental health, about healing, and the nature of our bodies. I went through my own challenges with grief and health issues, and navigating that was hard, but in the same breath, it was so worth it. I constantly reminded myself that I am on the right path and that my experiences simply add to the depth of my calling. As another WOC who was seeking healing and restoration, I know how transformative holistic practices can be. Navigating the industry thus far, I’ve learned just how much our voices need to be amplified. And I want people to know that The Healing Garden is a digital community that empowers WOC to reclaim their healing, even the parts they haven’t gotten to yet, because even one person’s healing is worth a thousand.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to a different spot every morning, to pick up some chai tea or a green juice of course. Then, I would probably take them to Blue Nile, a local herb shop, to pick up whatever herb they may need at the moment. I love all forms of art, so I would also make sure to take them to all the museums we can get into, then take a walk by the monuments at sunset. I would also stop by the amazon bookstore in Georgetown, because you can never have enough books. While we’re there, we would get food anywhere from Italian to Thai (my favorites). Then the day would end with either a speakeasy in downtown DC, or a night in with some wine, overlooking the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shout out my partner for being my inspiration and reminding me of my innate creativity. I also want to shout out my friends, family, and mentors for their unconditional love and support, when I need it the most. Lastly I want to highlight a book called The Seat of The Soul by Gary Zukav. This book brought clarity and healing, not just to the superficial parts of me, but to my soul!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healinggardenco/

Image Credits
Cindy Diaz

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