ABOUT NICOLE
WELCOME.
I am a researcher, writer, and crystal enthusiast who studies the intersections of ethics and well-being — rethinking the ways we engage with personal development, spirituality, 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 - in progress
Interdisciplinary Concentration: Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology & Religion
Savannah College of Art & Design
BFA Film & Television - 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 metaphysics 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’
As a Reiki Master, I feel deeply connected to energy work, always motivated by the need to create balance and well-being not just for myself but for those around me. 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.
Book Services with Me
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Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive energy healing practice that promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and supports the body’s natural healing processes. Through the transmission of universal life energy, Reiki aims to balance the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of your being.
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Pranayama is the practice of controlled breathing techniques derived from ancient yogic traditions. It focuses on regulating the breath to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
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Yin Yoga offers a gentle yet profound approach to wellness, blending mindfulness with deep physical release. By holding poses for extended periods, Yin Yoga targets the body's connective tissues—ligaments, tendons, and fascia—promoting flexibility and joint health.
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Life coaching provides tailored guidance and spiritual support to empower individuals in manifesting their life purpose, transcending obstacles, and realizing their fullest potential.
LATEST RELEASE
This book is a collection of affirmations designed to help you align your chakras and connect with their individual energies. Each affirmation is crafted to evoke the unique qualities of each chakra, inviting healing and growth. By regularly practicing these affirmations, you can cultivate awareness, release blockages, and experience the full spectrum of your emotional, physical, and spiritual potential. Embrace these affirmations as tools for transformation, allowing them to guide you toward greater balance and inner peace.
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
Indulge in a flavorful twist on traditional meatballs with these delectable eggplant and artichoke meatballs.