ABOUT NICOLE
WELCOME.
I am a researcher, writer, and crystal enthusiast who explores the intersections of ethics and well-being—rethinking how we engage with personal development and spirituality, social constructs, and the world around us.
On lifelong learning…
I’m committed to lifelong learning—continually expanding my ideas through deep study in psychology, sociology, philosophy, and beyond. My work is rooted in both the classics and contemporary theory, but always interrogated with care and guided by a desire to contribute to the common good. Because I take critical inquiry seriously, I refuse to prioritize output over depth, integrity, or the quality of thought.
Education
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Johns Hopkins University
Master of Liberal Arts - December 2025
Capstone Project: My thesis traced the historical emergence of hustle culture and its ethical implications, with particular attention to its impact on individual and societal wellbeing.
Savannah College of Art & Design
BFA Film & Television - May 2009
Concentration: Writing and Producing; Narrative and Documentary -
Mindfulness and Wellbeing Specialization
Coursera: Rice UniversityReiki Master
Usui Ryoho Reiki -
Moralities of Everyday Life
Coursera: Yale University
We can love crystals, sound baths, and energy vortexes without abandoning critical thinking or becoming caricatures of ourselves; it’s not magic, it’s you. When mystical curiosity meets rigorous inquiry, both become more expansive, more meaningful, and more transformative. My ultimate goal is to ground the “woo-woo” (new age, pop-spirituality, and mysticism) in real scholarship—showing not only how anchoring these ideas and practices in the established arts and sciences deepens individual spirituality and wellness, but also how that growth ripples outward into our communities and culture.
I tend to work through the intertwined lenses of existentialism and humanism—extensions of one another, or a kind of philosophical handshake—which guide my writing by highlighting how choice, meaning, and the common good are inseparable. Beyond mysticism and spirituality, I also work deeply in the psychosocial space, exploring how we might rethink our interactions with human inventions like capitalism and the phenomenon of hustle culture. Yet all of this ultimately circles back to ethics, well-being, and our spiritual lives. Stick around… you’ll see.
THE GOAL
MY ‘WOO-WOO’
My Scorpio Sun fuels my emotional depth and passion, pushing me to dig beneath the surface and facilitate meaningful transformation—both within myself and in others. With my Gemini Moon, I am emotionally adaptable and intellectually curious, always eager to explore different perspectives and communicate ideas with ease. My Virgo Rising helps me project a grounded and practical presence, often channeling my energy into refining details and supporting others through organization and acts of service. As a 2/4 Manifesting Generator in Human Design, I thrive on both initiating and responding quickly, adapting to new circumstances, and turning ideas into tangible results. I am both a doer and a thinker, constantly balancing action with reflection. My Life Path 8 fuels my ambition and leadership, giving me a strong sense of responsibility and a desire to create lasting impact. As an individualist and reformer, I am always looking for ways to improve systems and structures, especially in the areas that matter most to me. Being an INFJ-T, I am guided by a deep sense of purpose and compassion, even through inner conflict, as I work to bring vision, harmony, and transformation to the world around me.
A Personal Note on Spiritual Development Practices and Ethics
My curiosity about energy, embodiment, and spiritual development led me to formally study certain cultural practices, including completing training as a Reiki Master and currently pursuing certification in yin yoga and pranayama breathwork. These are practices that align with many of the core principles of Terra Ardor.
At the same time, I hold an ongoing tension with becoming a practitioner of these paths. I am conscious of the risks of appropriation and whitewashing. These practices do not originate from my own cultural lineage, and acknowledging their histories, philosophical foundations, and cultural contexts is part of my ethical responsibility.
For that reason, if you are interested in pursuing these modalities as they were intended to be practiced—for example, understanding that yoga is a practice for the mind with a byproduct of physical strength—I strongly encourage you to seek out Indigenous or lineage-based practitioners whenever possible, and to approach these traditions with humility, study, and respect.
When I share practices that originate outside of my own cultural lineage, I commit to including their histories as a way of preserving cultural memory.
Published Poetry
Where the Ocean Kisses the Sky is a collection of poetic mediations of the ego, the soul, and the chaotic human mind that were birthed during a dark night of the soul. The sometimes painfully beautiful prose were an unconscious way of processing past wounds, present fears, as well as feeling and visualizing the life I wanted.
As I went back through the two and a half years worth of writing, I noticed the un-linear thoughts had repetitive themes -- love, time, and peace. Things we all want, need, and deserve.
My belief in collective consciousness and energetic connection guided my decision to publish these personal thoughts. We often feel that we are alone in our feelings, our darkness. This is proof, for whoever needs it, that you are not alone.
May these meditations touch your soul in a way that leads you to uncover the love, time, and peace that already exists within.
NOURISH
The first pillar of Terra Ardor is nourish.
We spend so much time tending to the mind and soul, but the body is part of the equation too. Nourishment isn’t just about food—it’s about choosing activities, spaces, and natural rhythms that support your whole being. Still, what we eat and how we prepare it matters. I want each of us to approach food with intention and tenderness, to cook with love, and to savor what we create.
Sharing meals with the people I care for most has always grounded me, uplifted me, and reminded me what connection really feels like. I wanted to offer a bit of that magic here—so I’m sharing some of my favorite recipes, whether you’re cooking for yourself or gathering your community around the table.
IN THE PRESS
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The Next Act: Pursuing Purpose as a Non-Traditional MLA Student
Johns Hopkins MLA Substack
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Refocusing the Spotlight on Humanism: A Hopkins Student's Mission
Johns Hopkins Krieger School of Arts & Sciences
Want to Support the Mission? Leave a Tip!
Embarking on a transformative journey, I am thrilled to announce a significant shift in my website structure, transitioning from a membership-based model to a tip-based approach. At the heart of this evolution lies my steadfast belief that education and personal development are fundamental rights, and everyone should have unrestricted access to invaluable information and resources.
By embracing a tip-centric framework, we break down barriers and foster a more inclusive community where financial constraints no longer impede personal growth. This change reflects my commitment to democratizing knowledge, ensuring that individuals from all walks of life can embark on a path of self-discovery, learning, and empowerment.
Your contributions, no matter how big or small, will play a pivotal role in sustaining this open-access platform, enabling me to continue providing high-quality, rigorously researched content that empowers and uplifts. Together, let's build a future where personal development is accessible to all, fostering a community that thrives on shared wisdom and collective growth. Join me in this exciting new chapter as we pave the way for a more equitable and enriching online experience for everyone.
Investing in Future Scholars
While Terra Ardor is built on the belief that self-education is powerful and deeply accessible, I also recognize that what happens in a classroom setting—the mentorship, the structure, the community—is invaluable. To honor both paths, 10% of all annual tips will go toward establishing a scholarship fund on Bold.org that supports BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students pursuing studies in the liberal arts and humanities.
This commitment reflects my core values: learning should be accessible, equity matters, and expanding knowledge is a collective effort. Through community support, I hope to open more doors for those whose voices and perspectives enrich the world of ideas.
Indulge in a flavorful twist on traditional meatballs with these delectable eggplant and artichoke meatballs.