MODERN MUZE X NINA PUREWAL

MODERN MUZE X NINA PUREWAL
MODERN MUZE
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
NINA
Taking a risk and following my truth when I felt like I was going against the grain. In 2010, I left my corporate career, sold my dream home and put family planning on hold to move to northern California to unplug and live in an ashram for a year. It was during an economic crisis, I was scared and conflicted but also had an inner knowing that this is what I had to do. That year has been instrumental to what I do today - spread ancient wisdom and making it practical to everyday life.
MODERN MUZE
How do you embrace your vulnerabilities?
NINA
I don't judge myself. Whatever comes up for me, I embrace. Whether I'm suddenly triggered by an event that took place 20 years ago, someone saying something subtly upsetting or just having an off day. I honour all of my emotions, because you can't let them go without acknowledging that they are there. There is no shame in feeling what you need to feel, we are all human after all. I also do my best to share my vulnerable self on social media - no one's life is perfect.
MODERN MUZE
What is your most powerful and authentic quality?
NINA
To inspire others to live their truest seles. (Took me decades to do this for myself!) We live in a society with so much pressure - to look a certain way, to live a certain lifestyle, to have the perfect family - but there is no right or wrong. The pressure to conform to societal norms i s eating away at people's mental health. We are more stressed than ever before because we are living in the 'shoulds' of society instead of living our truth. Once we honor ourselves - it's easy to watch the magic unfold.
MODERN MUZE
What do you feel is the purpose in your work?
NINA
Undoubtedly my purpose is to help others find peace and happiness despite the adversity the have faced and also in the everyday. Having lost my entire nuclear family, (my dad and brother at 16 and my mom while pregnant at 33), I have had no choice but to pick up the pieces and find my way. It's my greatest hope that others know that there is a way through the dark. You can be served with the worst of life circumstances, yet still live your best life.
MODERN MUZE
What qualities do you admire most in others?
NINA
People who aren't afraid to own who they are. Who speak their truth, even when they are judged. Who honour what is best for them and no one else. It's so inspiring when I see that person who followed a career their entire family was against or show up online despite haters or speak up in a room that has opposing views.
What advice would you give your younger self?
NINA
Oh man, where to start?! I would tell her to stop being afraid of who she it - all the way from her big hair and brown skin to her soft and expanding heart. That said, I would also tell her to not give that heart to those who don't honour it. I was a chronic people pleaser and gave to my own detriment. I wouls also tell her that while life will have it's challenging moments, it will all be ok.
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Photo credit: LEZLI + ROSE/@lezliandrose