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Kristena West M.A.

Learn, discover, and identify personal patterns that shape our world view. Using Kristena's prompts reveals the treasure of our deeper stories.  We wake up to who we are and can identify our behavior patterns and where we might be stuck.

We realize that we control our life by the choices we make. Then we can make conscious decisions to release patterns that keep limit us in order to create healthy changes in our lives now.

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Learn, discover, and identify personal patterns that shape our world view. Using Kristena's prompts reveals the treasure of our deeper stories.  We wake up to who we are and can identify our behavior patterns and where we might be stuck.

We realize that we control our life by the choices we make. Then we can make conscious decisions to release patterns that keep limit us in order to create healthy changes in our lives now.

Learn and implement these powerful techniques rooted in psychology, mindfulness, and spiritual wisdom, proven time-tested prompts bring awareness  and aha. revelations.  When we understand our patterns- we can can choose what we want to keep and what to release.

  Through introspective exercises, journaling prompts, dreamwork and contemplations you'll unravel the layers of your psyche, gaining clarity on your beliefs, desires, and emotional patterns.

Discover the profound impact of inner work on your self-esteem, as you cultivate a deeper sense of self-acceptance, compassion, and inner peace. Release limiting beliefs and negative self-talk, empowering yourself to embrace your unique gifts and strengths with confidence and excitement.

As you uncover the hidden treasures of your story you align with your life's purpose and can actualize what you are here to do. Gain insights into your passions, values, and aspirations, empowering you to live a life of meaning, fulfillment, and authenticity.

Join Kristena West M.A. on this transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Answer the questions who am i? what is blocking my success? how do i unlock my potential?
  • Learn cross cultural spiritual practices from shamanism to psychology to dreamwork to access your deeper story..
  • Learn your personal beliefs, fears, and unconscious behaviors that shape your world view. discover how you adapted from the modeling of parents and culture..
  • Take control of your life by learning, using and understanding yourself and others at a deeper level.
  • Learning techniques of personal development can bring up objections, fears, uncertainty and self doubt.
  • Discover how to overcome these normal fears by understanding your deeper story, identifying patterns of behavior and taking action to create change.
  • Learn & use kristena's prompts for her men & women's groups and reveal your buried treasure!
  • Digital journal for your inner-work!

Syllabus

Understand the basics of Inner-Work, Self-Development and Journaling for writing your insights as you start this journey of transformation.

Introduces the concept of inner-work or personal development. How does Inner-Work  help and transform our world view, expand our concept of self and promote healthy self-esteem? Kristena shares stories based on her years of running groups and private practice. She gives the prompts of inquiry that has transformed her own life and those of her students.

Inner-Work gives the practical skill set that we can use on a daily basis to understand our behaviors, identify where they came from and we can decide what we want to keep and what we want to let go of. So many people can feel "out of control" and the good news is Inner-Work gives us the control to shape our own life and create healthy creative change based on deeper understanding of self.

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Outlines inner-work class and defines techniques and how to use them. Using the inner-work prompts as questions we can enter into the mindfulness technique of contemplation, the ancient technique of inquiry, pondering and with the addition of dreamwork we can open the doors to our inner life and deeper story.

Let's dive into the journey of inner-work via Kristena's creative imagination as you move through the audio explaining inner-work and the lively and sometimes humorous images that will capture your attention and spark excitement for your personal work.

Now let's dive together as we amplify and expand into our own personal history, stories of our cultural heritage and biography! The questions/prompts now gain momentum as we wake up to our world view and begin to understand how we got to where we are, and. identify what we might want to do next. You are on the voyage of self-discovery!

Learn the final piece of the inner-work puzzle! What shamans, psychology, artists, creatives and seekers the world over use to access information and start a spiritual practice. Kristena outlines the basics of dreamwork so you too can access inspiration every morning when you wake up from your dreams.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops schemas and maps out structures, which are core skills for psychology
Examines psychological and cultural behaviors, which are highly relevant to self-understanding
Taught by Kristena West M.A., who are recognized for their work in psychology, human development, and mind-body healing
Explores human nature and consciousness, which can open up perspectives for self-understanding and personal growth
Uses self-journaling as a self-reflection tool, which can help learners develop self-awareness
Teaches dreamwork techniques, which can help learners tap into their subconscious minds and promote self-exploration

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Reviews summary

Inner-work for personal transformation & self-discovery

According to learners, this course offers a profoundly transformative journey into personal development, emphasizing inner-work and self-discovery. Many highlight the engaging and empathetic instruction by Kristena, who guides students through powerful prompts and introspective exercises. The course's strength lies in its blend of psychology, mindfulness, and spiritual wisdom, providing practical tools like journaling and dreamwork. While largely a foundational and inspiring experience, some advanced students may find certain aspects introductory, suggesting it's particularly well-suited for those new to deep inner exploration.
Lectures are lively and capture attention.
"Kristena's creative imagination and sometimes humorous images really captured my attention."
"The audio explanations are clear and engaging, making the concepts easy to understand and absorb."
"I appreciated how the course uses stories and lively visuals to keep the learning journey exciting."
Offers actionable methods for daily self-reflection.
"The journaling prompts are incredibly effective for uncovering hidden stories and insights."
"I found the techniques rooted in psychology and mindfulness to be practical and immediately applicable."
"The dreamwork section was fascinating and gave me new ways to access my inner wisdom every morning."
Kristena's guidance is inspiring and supportive.
"Kristena is an amazing and incredibly empathetic teacher who truly connects with her students."
"Her stories and prompts are so insightful; I felt guided and understood throughout the entire course."
"The instructor's warmth and wisdom make the challenging inner work feel safe and accessible."
Delivers deep self-awareness and personal change.
"This course truly transformed my perspective and helped me uncover deep-seated patterns."
"I experienced so many 'aha' moments that led to significant personal breakthroughs."
"It helped me release limiting beliefs and gain a deeper sense of self-acceptance and inner peace."
Excellent starting point for inner work exploration.
"For someone new to personal development, this course provides a really solid foundation."
"While valuable, I, as an experienced practitioner, found some sections to be a bit too introductory for my level."
"It's a great initial step into inner work, but don't expect it to be an exhaustive deep dive into every technique."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Release Your Potential: Inner-Work for Personal Development with these activities:
Read 'The Power of Habit' by Charles Duhigg
Gain insights into the science behind habit formation and apply them to your personal development journey.
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly.
  • Take notes and highlight key concepts.
  • Reflect on the implications of the book for your own life and goals.
Join a Study Group for Discussion
Enhance your understanding through collaborative discussions and peer feedback.
Show steps
  • Find or create a study group with classmates.
  • Meet regularly to discuss course materials, share insights, and answer questions.
Journal Your Dream Analysis
Develop your ability to interpret and apply insights from your dreams to your waking life.
Show steps
  • Record your dreams in a dream journal.
  • Analyze your dreams using prompts or techniques provided in the course.
  • Reflect on the potential meanings and applications of your dream analysis.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Contribute to Online Forums
Engage with a community of learners and contribute your insights.
Browse courses on Community Engagement
Show steps
  • Join relevant online forums or discussion boards.
  • Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your perspectives.
Complete Self-Reflection Exercises
Deepen your understanding of your own patterns and behaviors through guided self-reflection exercises.
Browse courses on Self-Reflection
Show steps
  • Use the prompts and exercises provided in the course to explore your beliefs, values, and motivations.
  • Regularly reflect on your experiences and observations to identify patterns.
Develop a Personalized Action Plan
Translate your insights into actionable steps for personal growth and transformation.
Browse courses on Goal Setting
Show steps
  • Identify specific areas you want to improve or change.
  • Set clear and achievable goals.
  • Develop a plan outlining the actions you will take to achieve your goals.
Design and Lead a Personal Growth Workshop
Test and solidify your understanding of inner work concepts by applying them in a practical setting.
Browse courses on Facilitation
Show steps
  • Recruit participants and organize logistics.
  • Develop a workshop outline based on the principles discussed in the course.
  • Prepare materials, exercises, and activities for the workshop.
  • Facilitate the workshop, guiding participants through self-discovery and growth exercises.

Career center

Learners who complete Release Your Potential: Inner-Work for Personal Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Release Your Potential: Inner-Work for Personal Development.
Foundational text for unlocking creativity through journaling, particularly known for introducing the practice of 'Morning Pages.' It's highly relevant for those seeking to integrate journaling with artistic or personal growth. It's often used as a guide in workshops and is valuable for both beginners and those looking to deepen their creative practice.
A pioneering work in the field of self-compassion, this book provides research-backed insights and practices for treating oneself with kindness and understanding. It's essential for counteracting negative self-talk and building a healthier relationship with oneself, a critical aspect of self-discovery. , , , ,
Based on scientific research, this book explores the therapeutic benefits of writing about emotional upheavals. It's a key text for understanding how journaling can be used for healing and stress reduction, aligning with the course themes of detachment, grief, and therapeutic art.
Specifically designed for those new to mindfulness, this book serves as a gentle introduction to cultivating present moment awareness. It offers straightforward concepts and exercises, making it an excellent starting point before delving into more comprehensive texts.
Delves into the four pillars of meaning—belonging, purpose, storytelling, and transcendence—offering a contemporary perspective on how individuals can cultivate a more fulfilling life. It is excellent for gaining a broad understanding and exploring contemporary angles on purpose beyond just personal happiness.
Offers a structured approach to journaling with specific techniques and prompts for personal growth and self-understanding. It's widely recognized and used in therapeutic settings, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the psychological benefits of journaling.
A timeless classic by the renowned Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, this book introduces the art of mindfulness in daily life through gentle anecdotes and practical exercises. It's considered a must-read for those seeking clarity and inner peace and is excellent for gaining a broad understanding.
Another impactful book by Brené Brown, this work focuses on embracing imperfection and cultivating self-compassion and belonging. It directly addresses issues of shame and unworthiness that can hinder self-discovery, offering guideposts for living a more authentic life. , , , ,
This comprehensive guide features contributions from numerous experts in the field, offering a wide array of techniques and perspectives on journaling for personal growth, healing, and creativity. It's an excellent resource for gaining a broad understanding of the topic and exploring different approaches.
Aimed at professionals, this book provides an in-depth look at using journaling as a therapeutic tool. It's highly relevant for those interested in the application of journaling in mental health and counseling settings, offering a more advanced understanding.
Brené Brown's recent work explores the language of human emotion and experience, providing a framework for understanding the nuances of what it means to be human. is highly relevant for deepening emotional literacy, which key component of self-awareness and connection, contributing to a richer understanding of self-discovery.
A classic guide to writing practice, this book encourages a freeform, uninhibited approach to journaling. It emphasizes the process of writing as a way to access one's inner voice and is excellent for beginners or those feeling blocked. While not solely focused on journaling, its core principles are directly applicable and highly influential in the field.
Authored by a pioneer in the field of secular mindfulness, this book provides practical insights and guidance for cultivating mindfulness in daily life. It's a highly accessible and transformative read, suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners seeking to integrate mindfulness beyond formal meditation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of self-esteem, including its importance, how it develops, and how to improve it. It offers practical tips and exercises that can be used to build confidence and achieve success.
Serves as a comprehensive guide with tips, techniques, and exercises for making journaling more effective. Written by a psychotherapist and writing coach, it offers practical insights for using journaling for personal growth and self-discovery.
Another accessible and inspiring book by Thich Nhat Hanh, this work emphasizes finding peace and practicing mindfulness in the midst of daily life activities. It offers simple yet profound teachings that can help integrate mindfulness into even the busiest schedules.
Authored by the creator of the Bullet Journal system, this book provides a complete guide to this popular organizational and mindfulness method. It's highly practical for those looking to use journaling for productivity and goal setting, offering a clear framework and adaptable techniques.
This guided journal provides daily prompts and reflections specifically focused on mindfulness. It's a practical resource for incorporating mindfulness into a daily routine through journaling, directly supporting the mindfulness course themes.
Goleman's book on emotional intelligence is crucial for self-discovery as it highlights the importance of understanding and managing one's own emotions and recognizing the emotions of others. Developing emotional intelligence key component of self-awareness and personal growth, making thhighly relevant read for deepening understanding.
Focusing on the importance of living in the present moment, this book offers a spiritual approach to self-discovery. It helps in understanding how to quiet the mind and connect with one's inner self, which is highly relevant to the personal development aspects of the topic. is valuable for additional reading to complement psychological perspectives.
Focusing on the traits of passion and perseverance, this book presents research suggesting that 'grit' key indicator of success. While not solely about finding purpose, it directly relates to sustaining commitment to meaningful goals, making it highly relevant for deepening understanding of the practical application of purpose. It widely discussed contemporary work in psychology and education.
Explores the Japanese concept of Ikigai, which translates to 'a reason for being.' It offers insights into finding joy and purpose in everyday life by identifying the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.
Presents journaling as a tool for personal transformation and manifestation. It offers prompts and techniques aimed at unlocking inner potential and achieving goals, resonating with the course theme of releasing your potential.
In this book, Thich Nhat Hanh teaches how to transform suffering into joy and peace through mindfulness. It offers practical guidance on embracing and working with difficulties, providing a deeper understanding of mindfulness as a tool for navigating life's challenges.
Introduces a method of journaling that utilizes drawing and non-dominant hand writing to access deeper levels of self-awareness and creativity. It's a valuable resource for exploring the connection between art, writing, and the inner self.
Delves into consciousness and how to free oneself from limiting thoughts and emotions to access inner peace. It offers a spiritual and philosophical approach to self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of observing the self without judgment. , , , ,
This beautifully illustrated journal offers simple mindfulness exercises and prompts for integrating mindfulness into daily life through writing. It's a practical and accessible resource for beginners interested in mindfulness journaling.
A memoir and call to arms, Untamed encourages women to shed societal expectations and embrace their true selves. is highly relevant to contemporary discussions of self-discovery, particularly for women, focusing on authenticity and breaking free from limitations. It offers a personal and powerful perspective.
Emphasizes the process of creative expression through journaling for self-discovery and well-being. It's suitable for those interested in using journaling as a tool for emotional processing and creative exploration.
Presents the scientific research on how long-term meditation practice can lead to lasting changes in the mind, brain, and body. It's a compelling read for those interested in the empirical evidence supporting the transformative power of mindfulness and meditation.
Joseph Goldstein, a key figure in the Vipassana (insight) meditation tradition, offers a comprehensive guide to the four foundations of mindfulness. is excellent for those who want to deepen their understanding of classical mindfulness teachings and their practical application.
This guided journal combines Stoic philosophy with journaling prompts for daily reflection and personal development. It's relevant for those interested in using journaling as a tool for philosophical inquiry and practical wisdom.
This practical guide offers a structured eight-week program based on Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), which has proven effective for managing stress and preventing relapse in depression. It combines research-backed techniques with exercises, making it a useful resource for developing a consistent practice and deepening understanding.
Considered a foundational text in positive psychology, this book explores the science of happiness and introduces the concept of using one's strengths to achieve lasting fulfillment, which is closely tied to living a purposeful life. It's useful for gaining a broad understanding of the psychological underpinnings of purpose.
Bridges the gap between neuroscience and contemplative practice, explaining how mindfulness and other practices can change the brain for greater well-being. It's an excellent resource for those interested in the scientific basis of mindfulness and offers practical tools and exercises.
This reflective and concise book explores the idea of vocation not as a goal to be achieved, but as an inner calling to be listened to. It offers a gentle yet profound perspective on finding purpose that resonates with personal values and identity.
Focuses on integrating art with journaling, offering techniques and prompts for visual and mixed-media journals. It's ideal for those interested in combining creative expression with self-reflection, aligning with the therapeutic art course themes.
Offers guidance on developing a personal and enjoyable journaling practice. It provides tips and inspiration for making journaling a sustainable and rewarding habit, suitable for anyone looking to maintain a long-term practice.
Offers a wide variety of creative techniques and ideas for different types of journals, including art and travel journals. It's a practical guide for adding visual interest and creativity to journaling.

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