In this episode, Reggie D. Ford interviews Andrea Torrey Balsara, an award-winning author and illustrator who has transitioned from creating picture books to exploring the depths of energy medicine. Andrea shares her journey of integrating her artistic talents with her newfound passion for Reiki and energy healing, discussing how it has helped her heal from childhood trauma. The conversation delves into her acclaimed book, *The Great & the Small*, and the personal and creative growth that led to its creation. As a volunteer at a donkey sanctuary, Andrea also shares insights into the autobiographical nature of her characters, the healing power of compassion, and the lessons learned from working with donkeys. She emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and offers inspiring advice for sexual assault survivors, exploring the intersection of writing, healing, and the resilience of the human spirit.  

Highlights: 

⭐️ Andrea shares her unique method of grounding herself by standing barefoot in the grass and visualizing roots growing into the earth. 

⭐️ She reflects on vulnerability as embracing her true self and shedding layers of pretense. 

⭐️ Andrea recalls a profound moment on a mountaintop in the Cascades, surrounded by a serene meadow and majestic peaks. 

⭐️ Andrea discusses her experience visiting a concentration camp in Germany as a child and the powerful moment of encountering a priest whose presence illuminated the darkness, instilling hope. 

⭐️ Andrea talks about her book, The Great & the Small, which explores the dualities of human nature through a fictional story of rats, inspired by historical figures and personal insights. 

⭐️ Andrea delves into her healing journey through energy medicine, discussing the trauma from her childhood and how she has been working to reclaim her sense of self. 

⭐️ She reflects on the ongoing process of healing and growth, emphasizing the idea that we all have the tools within us to overcome challenges and find light within the darkness. 

⭐️ Andrea discusses how each character she writes has a piece of her, even the seemingly unlikable ones, emphasizing the complexity of human nature and the importance of everyday choices in shaping our paths. 

⭐️ Andrea shares her touching experiences at a donkey sanctuary, where she learned about resilience, love, and the impact of energy work on animals, highlighting a poignant moment with a donkey named Darwin. 

⭐️ Andrea opens up about her journey of forgiving the person who sexually abused her, understanding their past, and finding peace through compassion, stressing that forgiveness does not require reconciliation. 

⭐️ Andrea offers profound advice to trauma survivors, encouraging them to recognize their intrinsic worth and beauty, and to embark on a patient journey towards self-discovery and healing. 

⭐️ Andrea provides practical tips for aspiring writers, including finding mentor books, taking writing classes, and using creative tools like soundtracks and magazine holders to organize and inspire their writing projects.    

📲 Connect with Reggie 

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Podcast - https://reggiedford.com/vulnerabilitymuscle 

📲 Connect with Andrea 

Website - https://www.torreybalsara.com/ 

The Great & the Small by A.T. Balsaral - https://www.torreybalsara.com/pre-order 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andreatorreybalsara/