I’ve always been a big fan of the goddesses. A picture of Lakshmi the goddess of wealth, prosperity (both material and spiritual), light, wisdom, fortune, fertility, generosity, and courage is hanging on the wall by my desk both in reverence and to remind me to be grateful for all the goddesses that came before me and paved the way for women’s rights. It also serves as a reminder of the importance to lift up and support all the mortal female goddesses who fill my life each and every day.

When I started my first blog, MariaMedia, that was my mission—to tell incredible stories about women and create a sense of sisterhood. My mantra was a quote from Wilhelmina Cole Holladay:

“When women help women, they help themselves.”

Imagine my delight last week when I was introduced to filmmakers Holli Thomas and Sara Landas, the geniuses behind The Goddess Project. Holli and Sara embarked on a cross-country trip a few months ago in a vegetable oil-powered bus to document the stories of extraordinary women living out their dreams.

The Goddess Project visits Vermilion, Ohio!

The impetus that sparked this journey was a lack of positive messages about women in mainstream media. Recognizing the imbalance of the media’s portrayal and the fact that there are far too many women in the universe realizing their potential, overcoming fears, being excellent role models for younger women, and spreading peace, Sara and Holli decided they must do something to spread the positive messages of these mortal goddesses that live amongst us. They made the brave decision to live on the road and use their talents to tell the stories of women who are propelling the world into new states of consciousness. Along the way, I’m positive that they are having a life-changing experience of their own.

“We have experienced the most profound and transformative moments of our lives. We wake up each day not knowing what adventures will unfold, but we set the intention to being open to whatever comes our way.”

– Sara Landas and Holli Thomas

What an awesome intention to set!

Last Sunday, a Daily Downward Dog beach yoga class came their way, and Sara and Holli got to meet a group of beautiful yogini goddesses that showed up to practice yoga with me on a gorgeous sunny morning on the shores of Lake Erie in Vermilion, Ohio. The theme of my class was about having the courage to let go of your limitations, to stop judging yourself, and to instead start breathing into the goodness that you are (which was inspired by a blog post from another yogini goddess, Lissa Bliss). Holli and Sara are following their dreams, so I encouraged the class to start seeing their dreams as reachable and to go for all they want out of life. We chanted this mantra throughout the class:

I am worthy.

I am abundance.

I am limitless.

I got choked up once or twice in class, partially because of the fact that I was nervous about being filmed, but mostly because of the incredible women who showed up for my class with very little notice. I was also humbled by the fact that Sara and Holli would show up and include me in their project.

The Goddesses that showed up for Sunday AM Beach Yoga!

I am so honored that I got to spend time with these two goddesses over pancakes and coffee after my class, hearing the stories of the goddesses they’ve met and getting the inside scoop on what it’s really like to take a road trip across America doing what you love. If you would like a sneak peak of their adventures and some footage they’ve captured, please take a few minutes to watch the video below.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqKhKXrNyZc[/youtube]

As soon as I saw the paintings of women in downward dog emblazed on the side of their bus, I knew I was going to love these yogini goddesses. If you believe in the work they are doing and want to help fund more time on the road for them to interview even more goddesses – and also to help them get back home safely – please consider making a donation to their campaign by clicking this link.

For a generous donation of $20, they will send you a digital download of The Goddess Project documentary when the film is complete. You will get to see the lives of over 100 inspiring women living out their bliss in various ways across America.

You can also support The Goddess Project by following them on Facebook and Twitter or by visiting the project’s official website.

Sending a big shout out and hug to fellow yoga teacher and blogger Heather Church of Namaste*Heather for introducing me to The Goddess Project. Please stop by her lovely blog, say hello, and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Following My Bliss...Teaching Yoga on the Beach!

Want to learn more about the beautiful artwork that adorns The Goddess Project bus? Watch this video…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFbYPNjb2fA[/youtube]