Meet Rachel Gilbertson, Author of “Aligned Enchantment”

I enjoyed learning more about Rachel Gilbertson, a soulpreneur and new author.

During our conversation, I asked her to share insights into her life, her experience as an author, and details about her upcoming book.

Read on for a glimpse into our engaging discussion.

Rachel’s Favorites:

• Favorite Color: Dark Teal

• Quotes: “Your presence is your power, your presence is your freedom, your presence is your happiness.” Sarah Blondin

• Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

• Guilty Pleasure: Hmm..I’m going to have to think about this. Maybe having margaritas on a summer evening, except I don’t feel guilty about that…

  Rachel’s Book: Aligned Enchantment: 100-Day Self-Reflection Journal

  

I’d love to learn more about you. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for?  What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?

My name is Rachel Gilbertson, and I own “Art of Presence.” My mission is to inspire others to practice the art of presence and support whole-person well-being by aligning intention, attention, attitude, action, and impact through coaching, classes, and creativity.

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by the human experience and exploring personal development. I love learning and have earned my undergraduate degree in Community Health Education and completed a Master of Education with a graduate minor in Integrative Therapies and Healing Practices.

I am a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, a certified Intrinsic Coach, an A.C.E certified personal trainer, and a mindfulness facilitator.

I am also an artist and author committed to following inspiration, tuning into intuition, and trusting the unfolding to see what emerges. I believe that although art is often made in solitude, it is a healing form of connection.

I feel most proud of the life I’ve built with my husband, three kids, three dogs, and two cats. We enjoy everything from life’s big adventures to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Could you tell me more about “Art of Presence.”

In 2022, we lost someone important to us. At his memorial service, they talked about how he was gone too soon but lived a life full of love and joy as he pursued his dreams.

One of those dreams fulfilled was starting a company with my husband and another friend. His family shared that one of the best ways to honor his life was for everyone to live their lives to the fullest, follow their dreams, and pursue their passions.

At that moment, I knew that creating “Art of Presence” was something I needed to take action on. My dream of being an author and artist has long been in my heart and mind, but I was too busy and worried to make it a reality.

When you lose someone, you are reminded how special and fragile life is. It brings up big questions like:

✨ How do you want to live?

✨ What is important to you?

✨ What is your purpose?

✨ How will you honor what you are meant to do with your life?

✨ What do you want to be remembered for?

Life-shifting events like loss and crisis can bring both overwhelm and clarity. Overwhelming emotions and an untethered feeling can accompany crystal-clear priorities about what really matters.

I aim to live with purpose and make a positive impact each day.

I want to live in a world where everyone is free to be their full self and is supported in designing a life aligned with their dreams.

I knew the “Art of Presence” needed to be multidimensional, interconnected, and expansive like everyone. As it unfolds, I’ll be working on creating space and time for developing opportunities for wellbeing coaching, classes, and retreats, continuing to share my art, and inviting others to follow inspiration. It’s also important to me to give back and support important causes.

Can you talk about the book project- its development, why you wrote it, what felt good, and what was a struggle?

I love thinking back to the ripple effect of this project. A friend connected me with Heather and I attended her Tumbled book launch. We then collaborated on a mini-creativity session where Heather mentioned participating in the Creative Soul Retrieval 100-day project hosted by Sarah Seidelmann. It’s where folks commit to doing something creative for around 15-minutes per day for 100 days. I had already considered signing up, but talking with Heather sealed the deal.

I hadn’t intended for this project to turn into a journal, I just simply set out to make a mini watercolor painting each day for 100 days. As part of the process, I would go through the day and see what images and phrases caught my attention. I would then paint a picture of this theme and find the word that resonated with me. I also included the definition and origin of the word, why the image or word came to mind, and three related reflection questions to ponder. It was exciting to see what bubbled up, fun to follow inspiration and delightful to find enchantment hidden in everyday moments.

One main lesson I learned was a shift in the way I think about inspiration and creativity. I used to wait until I felt inspired to do something creative.

Throughout this project, I realized that inspiration also shows up when I sit down.

I wasn’t always in an inspired flow state while creating.  I didn’t usually see the bigger picture or know the deeper meaning then, but I held space for the unfolding. More often than not, I was surprised at how little bits of curiosity and the consistency of daily creativity allowed inspiration to pull it all together.

I was also surprised that so many memories of my grandma and things that reminded me of her kept popping up throughout this project. I miss her dearly since her passing, but still feel her presence. I dedicated this project to her and all the love she gave so freely.

Have you learned any interesting or unexpected lessons while writing a book? About the process? Yourself? 

Observing my thoughts and behaviors around this project has been fascinating. I can see how silly my mind is sometimes …like the mental gymnastics and interesting irony. The words and themes of the day were many times the opposite of how I was feeling. I now see these as things I need to see and practice for myself.

I’m grateful for the Internal Family Systems Parts Work session we did with Laura Lively, Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner, during the Creative Soul Retrieval group.

The session helped me to recognize better when parts of me show up:

The anxious part of me in which my thoughts are on a loop between too much, enough, and not good enough; “the rusher” who is usually running late and worried about being behind (and perhaps even being left behind),  partnering with my perfectionists part who wants it done right and invites my impatient part who has NO time for interruptions.

I’m befriending my inner art critic, who likes to pop in with something negative to say.

I learned that each part is just trying to protect me. I can now assure them that it’s all okay, thank them for their effort, and invite them to rest.

This leaves more space for the curious and creative parts to show up and the courage to be vulnerable by putting my work, art, and ideas out there.

How are you building your audience as an author? What marketing strategies resonate the best with you?

I am noticing that self-promotion is a bit of a struggle, which I’m sure is common. I have social media accounts for Art of Presence and intend to post something once a week. However, I promised myself I would only post when inspired, not because “I should, or I have to.”

I am grateful for all the support of my friends and family and feel lucky for their support and willingness to use their sphere of influence to share my work.

Once the book is available, I’ll be hosting a private Facebook group for folks interested in going through the Aligned Enchantment Journal together in a safe space to share what comes up for them during the 100 days of reflection questions.

What is your wildest dream for Aligned Enchantment?

My wildest dream for this journal is that it provides a space for each person’s inner wisdom to emerge.

I hope those who use this journal notice any inklings of insights arise, feel any glimpses of soul shimmers, and follow the subtle hints of curiosity.

I have found that these seemingly insignificant places are where intuition, enchantment, and inspiration hang out.

Not just in the grand gestures or the big bold moves, but that the extraordinary is hidden in the ordinary.

What are your plans AFTER Aligned Enchantment? Do you have more writing ventures up your sleeve?

Yes! I know I will continue creating art and writing. I just have to see what emerges over time.

A friend and fellow health coach, Hartley Newell-Acero,  just recently pointed out how I

listened to my intuition to see that these little paintings wanted to become a journal, and now I get to see what this journal wants to become!

What advice do you have for anyone who thinks they might want to write a book but hasn’t started?

I believe we are created to be creative and made to be makers.

So, if you have dreamed of being an author and have a story to tell, start putting it on paper. The hardest part is often getting started. Trust the process of seeing what emerges.

Contact Info

• Instagram @Art of Presence RMG

• Facebook @Art of Presence

• Email: rachel.artofpresence@gmail.com

• Website: www.artofpresence.org

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My name is Heather Wilde, but my dad used to call me Hezzie Mae. I am a writer, educator, indie-publisher, artist, and trauma survivor. Visit HezzieMae.com for a sea change paradigm shift in author mentoring, publishing & living.