An Interview with a Goddess: Tina Marks

This goddess is a precious friend of mine. I have admired and loved her from the moment I first saw her. I admire her strength, determination, honesty and deep devotion to those she loves. Not only is she beautiful, but she has a pure heart of gold. She possesses a delightful sense of humor, is very intelligent and quick witted. The Goddess shines so brightly through every thing she says and does that I am in constant awe of her. I am honored that she is my first interview with a goddess. 

I am delighted to introduce this months 21st Century Goddess to you: 

Tina Marks

5 Questions I ask of the Goddess in You:

1. 
How do you nurture & nourish your self so that you may embody the goddess?

This is a great question! And, one that I hope every woman who reads this will continue to ponder on a regular basis! Thank you for asking! My inner Goddess is confident and resolute in her purpose. She possesses an innate sense of knowing, that requires few words. She is the daughter of sacred ground, the kindred of holy lineage, and the guardian of  twinkling stars. She is brimming with radiant Light, and holds pools of sunlight in her hands. A woman of great dignity, poise and grace, She is my highest Self... magnified...uninhibited and free. I think I have a mad crush on her (*smiles*)! I choose to nurture, nourish, and honor her by engaging in simple pleasures, such as: connecting with the elements...stargazing, or reclining smack dab in the center of a wildflower field. Sprinkling baby powder on my sheets, to remind me of my childhood. Swaddling my Self in one of my daughter's blankets. Wearing my big, fluffy, yellow bathrobe given to me by my Mom. Bathing as a ritual. Delicious scents, like eucalyptus, vanilla, fresh rosemary, and slowly smoldering frankincense and myrrh. And, oh! Did I mention my private label aromatherapy blend, Floating Soulshine? Leaving Her love notes all over the house. A cracked, antique vase of fresh flowers on my dresser. Sitting in an old church - alone - in silence - for hours - simply listening to the sound of my own heartbeat as it reverberates from the caverns of my Being and against ancient walls. I end each day by climbing between the softest cotton sheets, offering prayers of gratitude to my Source, hugging my Self, infusing my Self with Reiki energy, and whispering, "Well done."  Regardless! 

2. 
What inspires you and expands your awareness?

Anything that nudges my senses to higher limits. Soul-stirring sounds. Raw, unadulterated images of everyday people. Working with the elderly...looking deep into the eyes of great wisdom and really listening to their life stories. Observing the subtle movements of a moth on the window-pane. Dissecting musical composition over and over again until I am able to fully appreciate each and every part. Animal and baby heartbeats. Anything HUGE and anything TINY... roaring waves...a single dewdrop perfectly poised on a flower petal. The vastness of the night sky, and the many fractals of a lone grain of sea salt.  Virtually anything that reminds me of my departed grandmothers inspires me, as they were both women of tremendous strength, courage, poise, and grace. The marriage of elements, like the sound of crackling embers in the fireplace as Earth and Fire become One and share their return journey to Source.  Spending time in the company of other women who, like me, genuinely aspire to evolve, learn, grow, and share themselves freely with the world. The sound of my only daughter's laughter coming from another room has always inspired the daylights out of me, and still does. Twenty-two years ago, I began "capturing" that sound over the baby monitor. And, I can truly say, it hasn't lost an ounce of charm over the years! Finally, as much as I don't like to admit it, certain emotions that may be considered less-than-desireable - fear or anger, for instance - inspire me. Because allowing myself to fully experience all emotion - without judgment, criticism, discrimination, or attempting to "fix" a single thing - reminds me that I am very much alive and human.

3. 
What poem, quote, song, or book breaks opens your heart? 

"Surviving is important; thriving is elegant."

~ Maya Angelou ~

Still I Rise  by Maya Angelou
ANYTHING by Iyanla Vanzant
This Time I Dance by Tama Kieves
*- the book that changed my life and the course of my career forever.

Imagine A Woman by Patricia Lynn Reilly

4. 
What truth do you live by that brings you back to your center, your place of balance? 

Without a shadow of a doubt, and very simply put: authenticity. And, on those times when I feel I've lost my way, I prompt myself with this one simple Q&A: "Where do you recognize your most authentic Self? That is where you need to be."

5. 
What are you creating now that may inspire our sistars?  

I am currently devoting much time and energy to planning 

my annual women's gathering, which will be held here in Southern Maryland, on October 29th. This years theme is, "Unearthing and Rebirthing", and will focus on the Divine gifts of birth that have been granted and are always available to each and every woman. Together we will work on peeling back layers, rediscovering these gifts, and reaffirming their value in everyday life. In essence, I am celebrating my own birthday by hosting a party for all women!

Please share a personal blessing for my readers as closing to this interview.

May all women love, honor, cherish, and respect 
themselves. Amidst the whirling and twirling of everyday 
life, may we not forget who we are and what we stand for. May we not lose sight of She - the beloved Maiden of Childhood Innocence, the Mother of All Creation, the revered Queen of Life Celebration, and 

the Crone of Wisdom, that resides within us each and All. May we be protected from harm and strife. May we each become our own best friends, sisters, and life partners. May we each know our Divine Truth, and walk in Love and Light every day of this precious existence. May we always be free.  And so it is.

Namaste.

Tina Marks Bio:
Tina is a certified instructor of Integrative Yoga Therapy, Usui Reiki Ryoho Master, creatrix of the women's collective known as "Faces of Eve," published writer, Mommy, and seeker of tiny miracles.  She resides in Southern Maryland, with her only daughter, and a host of wild and domestic creatures lovingly referred to as "Wild Kingdom."

www.ready-set-free.com
http://tlytc.blogspot.com/
www.mybeautysociety.com/tinamarks   

Thank you, Tina

Lovingly,