It has been said, “Compassion is the language of the heart.” This week’s featured guest on the Veganpreneur REVOLUTION™ podcast not only believes this to be true, she lives it. Elena Theis shares her personal transformation and journey towards veganism, and her work as a writer and energy practitioner sharing how she has integrated all of this into a life of compassion. The conversation was rich with insights about health, spirituality, and the deep connections between self-awareness and dietary choices.
Discovering the Path to Health and Veganism
Elena shared her profound transformation from a point in her life where, despite outward success, she felt deeply unfulfilled. She described how her initial step towards better health was influenced by an Ayurvedic dietician who recommended eliminating dairy and red meat. This dietary change led to significant improvements in her health, marking the beginning of her journey toward veganism.
A Life-Changing Journey to Hawaii
A pivotal moment for Elena occurred during a solo trip to Hawaii. Immersed in the island’s diverse lifestyle, Elena experienced a deep connection with nature and herself. This trip catalyzed her shift away from societal expectations and towards a more authentic, self-guided life. By the end of her stay, she had naturally gravitated towards a vegan diet, a change solidified upon her return to Germany.
Embracing a New Lifestyle
Elena’s story illustrates how personal growth and dietary choices are interconnected. As she became more attuned to her true self, she found it increasingly difficult to consume animal products. Her decision to fully commit to veganism came naturally and was a significant part of her overall transformation, which also saw her losing 60 pounds without intentionally trying to do so.
The Role of Writing and Advocacy
Elena’s journey didn’t stop with her personal transformation. She became an advocate for veganism and animal rights, using her platform to inspire others. Her blog, Vegan Ventures, https://blog.vegan-ventures.com/ features recipes and stories that encourage a plant-based lifestyle.
The Spiritual Connection
A recurring theme in the conversation was the spiritual aspect of Elena’s journey. She emphasized how reconnecting with herself and nature led to a greater sense of compassion and empathy for all living beings. This spiritual awakening was a crucial element of her transformation and continues to guide her life and work.
Overcoming Disconnects and Embracing Authenticity
Reflecting on her past, Elena noted how societal expectations had led her away from her true self. She spoke about the importance of reconnecting with one’s core values and how this reconnection played a crucial role in her journey. By letting go of material possessions and societal norms, she was able to create a life that truly reflected her authentic self.
Adapting to Change and Embracing Flow
The discussion also touched on change and its inevitability. Elena emphasized that while change can be challenging, it is essential for growth. She encouraged listeners to view change as an opportunity to dance through life’s challenges, maintaining a sense of flow and adaptability.
“That’s the beauty of living,” Elena shared. “You have to be adaptable. You can dance with and through challenges, keeping the flow going. Even if you can only see a dim glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, you have to know that it’s there.”
Mindfulness and Personal Growth
Elena introduced her book, “Shampoo Thoughts on Happiness,” a collection of epiphanies and reflections from her journey. The book highlights how everyday moments can offer profound insights when approached with mindfulness.
Elena recounted an early epiphany from 2012, titled “Frustration and Mindfulness.” Despite her practice of meditation and mindfulness, she realized that true peace required addressing underlying issues. “You can try to be as mindful as you want, but if you’re not working on what’s really underneath, you can be the most angry person on your meditation cushion,” she noted.
Language and Compassion
Elena’s passion for languages extends beyond mere communication. She founded a language school focusing on compassionate communication, recognizing the unconscious violence often embedded in language. She aims to teach languages in a way that fosters connection, understanding, and compassion.
“There is so much unconscious violence in language,” Elena explained. “Words carry energy, and the things we say can perpetuate harmful norms without us realizing it. My mission is to bring compassion into language and make people aware of what they’re saying.”
Supporting the Vegan Community
Elena also shared her commitment to supporting the vegan community. She plans to launch language immersion programs specifically for vegans, fostering a sense of community and providing tools to spread the vegan message more effectively.
“I’m at a point where I see my role as supporting those already aware of the need for change,” she said. “I want to help the vegan community connect and communicate better, whether through language classes or other forms of support.”
Conclusion
Elena Theis’s appearance on the Veganpreneur REVOLUTION™ Podcast was a powerful testament to the transformative power of veganism, spirituality, and self-awareness. Elena’s journey from a place of disconnect to one of deep connection and authenticity offers inspiration to anyone seeking to live a more fulfilling and compassionate life. Through her writing, advocacy, and energy work, Elena continues to inspire others to embark on their own journeys of transformation.
Episode Highlights
[00:00] Introduction
[01:30] From obese to healthy.
[03:45] Starting a quest for the meaning of life.
[06:00] The vegan doors begin opening.
[10:00] Connection to Source, animals and nature.
[15:00] Wherever you go, there you are.
[20:30] Getting out of the box we were taught to live in.
[25:15] The 11 year cycle.
[29:00] Shampoo Thoughts on Happiness book.
[32:00] Are you the angriest person on your meditation cushion?
[37:30] Be the change you say we need.
[41:00] The violence in language and what to do about it.
[44:30] Language immersion programs for vegans.
[48:15] Dare to be radically honest with yourself.
About Elena Theis
Born and raised in Germany, Elena Theis had two things from early on: a desire to write and a desire to learn. At age 4, she sat at a little desk in her bedroom, copying her favorite books, while her mom was blow-drying her hair. As soon as she had taught herself “real writing”, she moved on to creating her own texts. Her affection for the US and the English language brought her to Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, where she completed a Masters Degree in Mass Communication and Media Arts. Afterwards she started a successful career in Online Marketing and worked for international companies such as Google in Germany, the US and Ireland.
After a miscarriage in 2008, she started questioning her life decisions and her life as a whole and went on a quest to find herself, happiness and her purpose. Her intense journey through grief and lack of purpose led her to Hawaii, a trip which was to change her life for good and marked the beginning of her vegan journey.
Ever since she has been dedicated to promoting plant-based and cruelty-free living around the globe as a vegan writer, mentor and educator. Along the way she wrote books such as Shampoo Thoughts on Happiness to inspire other seekers of purpose and happiness with her story and learnings and became a certified life coach as well as a shamanic energy practitioner.
She is mom to two sightless cats, loves coffee and traveling, and has been a dedicated vegan since 2013. As such she is well-connected in the global vegan and animal rights community. Her network, as well as her interests span many industries and countries but her love for languages, learning, and all beings eventually led her to found ANASHA Sprachschule, a vegan online language school with a mission to connect people across the globe through language and compassion. The school offers German, Spanish and French classes for learners of various levels and particularly specializes in online and offline language immersion programs for vegans.
Websites:
Author page: https://anasha.de
Language school: https://sprachschule.anasha.de
Blog: https://vegan-ventures.com
SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: https://instagram.com/elenatheis/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/theiselena/
Books (in English):
Shampoo Thoughts on Happiness
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1514226022
Flow with Life and It Has Your Back (to be published in 2024)
About Kathleen Gage
Kathleen Gage is a multifaceted professional, renowned as the founder of Vegan Visibility and co-founder of Vegan Visibility Productions. With certifications in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Plant-Based Nutrition from eCornell University, she’s a seasoned business consultant, keynote speaker, and marketing strategist.
Kathleen’s impact extends to hosting the Vegan Visibility Virtual Summit, a niche event supporting vegan and plant-based entrepreneurs with top-tier training from industry experts. Since establishing her business in 1994, she’s navigated economic challenges across various sectors, including high-tech, healthcare, and publishing.
Her influential voice resonates through popular podcasts like “Vegan Visibility” and “Plant Based Eating for Health,” where she advocates for a sustainable, compassionate world and provides guidance to thousands globally. Moreover, as an award-winning speaker and past president of Utah’s National Speakers Association chapter, Kathleen excels in crafting effective marketing strategies.
Kathleen is a founding member of SAGE Circle Alliance, an organization dedicated to a plant-based lifestyle, animal compassion, and environmental regeneration. Founded by a group of passionate change-makers and thought leaders, Sage Circle Alliance aims to inspire individuals to make positive lifestyle changes for the benefit of future generations.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Kathleen resides in Central Oregon, where she champions animal rescue and enjoys outdoor activities. Her commitment to creating a more compassionate and sustainable world shines through in both her personal and professional pursuits.
About Vlynn Hawkins
VLynn Hawkins is a formidable figure at the intersection of vegan entrepreneurship, extreme athleticism, and business leadership. As the Co-Founder of Vegan Visibility Productions and the Chief Executive/Engagement Officer at P3Academy, she channels her expertise to elevate health and wellness businesses. With over three decades in commercial real estate lending, VLynn boasts a track record of leading high-performing teams to exceptional success, consistently generating substantial revenue for multi-billion dollar enterprises.
Transitioning from her corporate career, VLynn’s journey towards holistic wellness began after a knee injury redirected her focus. Exploring healing modalities like tapping, NLP, and hypnotherapy, she discovered a passion for holistic health practices. Today, armed with certifications in business development, hypnotherapy, joint venture brokering, and digital marketing, VLynn empowers Healthpreneurs to thrive in their endeavors.
As a Certified Plant-Based Ambassador, VLynn passionately advocates for the transformative power of a Whole Food, Plant-Based Vegan lifestyle. She hosts the insightful “Health Wisdom & Wealth Show,” sharing invaluable insights into holistic living. Additionally, VLynn serves as the CEO of CrowdfundingHacker.org, assisting small businesses and nonprofits in fundraising for impactful projects.
VLynn is a founding member of SAGE Circle Alliance, an organization dedicated to a plant-based lifestyle, animal compassion, and environmental regeneration. Founded by a group of passionate change-makers and thought leaders, Sage Circle Alliance aims to inspire individuals to make positive lifestyle changes for the benefit of future generations.
Based in Atlanta, GA, VLynn enjoys an active lifestyle, often engaging in workouts and leisurely walks with her Cairn Terrier, Hiro. Her multifaceted skill set and unwavering dedication make her an influential advocate for veganism, health entrepreneurship, and impactful business strategies.
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