Photo by Kat Yukawa on Unsplash

by Linda Forrest

When I first launched this project, I began it with the idea of creating a membership community, as a place people could go when they needed to quiet their minds. I think it’s become that over the last four years, but I never did get around to charging those membership fees, and I’m glad I didn’t.

I’m still inspired to offer all of our early phase content free of charge. I love providing live content in “Did you know?” and the weekly guided meditation I’m now thinking of calling “Be stress-free.” I’m happy to offer classes like the Relief of Suffering and Become More Centered. I don’t want to charge people who aren’t in a place to give.

If you haven’t tried those, please do. My goal for providing free sessions is two-fold.

The first is to introduce people to what we do. I’ve seen people spend tens of thousands of dollars trying programs or treatments that didn’t work. I want to present the opportunity for individuals to participate in what we do and see if it works for them before they invest in it.

The second reason I offer my early program for free is for those who cannot pay. I often work with people who have conditions that inhibit their ability to earn income. For these people, I want to offer a program that doesn’t cost anything so they can focus on getting healthy enough to begin experiencing the kind of success that creates income. Financial struggle is a common experience when in a state of suffering, and I want to make sure everyone has a chance to move beyond it. When I needed Phase One and Two the most, I had the least amount of money.

It is after participants feel they’ve received everything they can from the Free Session content that I invite them to become more involved.

It has been an inspiring journey, giving so much away for free. I think it’s a rare thing I offer. People can completely transform their lives without spending a dime. I don’t want to change that. Still, for those who have benefited from what I give, if you would like to give back, I want to offer that option as well—for both our sakes.

Long ago, I invited those at the level of Phase Three Practices to participated through a suggestion to contribute. I asked for those who have benefited from the free sessions to give back, to raise their level of practice, and to help others get on their feet. 

At some point, most of us will evolve enough to experience some financial flexibility through our practice. In addition to this, our perspective of self is significantly impacted when we become a conscious contributor to our own health and well-being. It is human nature to respond to health practices according to the value we attribute to them. Free feels fantastic, and sometimes it is necessary. Still, when we can get to the point where we can invest in ourselves or give something back, we own a whole new perspective of our place in the world.

Following this model was easy when we sat in a room together. I could invite those who were able to contribute while offering information to people new to the practices, but being live on YouTube and Facebook is a different story. We aren’t in a room together, and without an easy way to contribute, it’s easy to forget. I forget to ask, and sometimes people forget I need the help.

So, today I spent my morning setting up easy ways to give. I have a $1 donate option, where you can choose how many units you buy. I also have a recurring $30/month option that breaks down to less than $5 per session if you participate in the free online videos. In addition, I have a contribution section in my store that offers contribution gifts to thank you for anything you do give. You can click here to contribute to the program, or if you want a tax-deductible contribution, you can contribute to my new non-profit online recovery program. It offers free online recovery options to those in need. Visit Your Way Recovery to contribute there.

I’ve given a lot away, and I’ll continue to give free services. It’s part of who I am. Maybe it’s my phase of practice. I don’t know, I just think it’s the right thing to do. Still, I won’t pretend I’m anywhere but where I am. I need your help. If it’s a dollar or if you can give more, I need your contributions. So, I can continue to give to those who can’t give themselves, especially now, when people need ways to manage stress the most.

Whether you give to invest in the value of who you are or are here to support us in providing free services, I promise to use every dime of your investments with the care and attention they deserve. I am also eternally grateful for your support.

The world needs a place to quiet their minds and break out of the patterns of stress and fear they might be experiencing. I hope to be here for everyone in that way if I can.

Thank you for your support. <3