I always excelled at math and even though I didn't like it. I kept at it because that's where I would receive praise. I liked being the youngest or only girl or only Mexican in my higher-level math classes, as I skipped a grade in math. But because I focused so much on math, I didn't feel like I could allow my creative side out. Adults would also dissuade me from pursuing the arts.
At Pepperdine University, I studied Psychology and Mathematics. I figured that these were broad enough to be able to do anything that I may happen upon in life. When I graduated in 2014, I still had no clue what I wanted to do.
During this time, I taught middle school computer science in a low-income school that taught me firsthand all the injustices of the American Education System.
This experience led me to pursue a Ph.D. in Education at Claremont Graduate University while still teaching. I have taught every grade from K-8th grade. I loved being a teacher but I knew that I wanted more.
I finished all my Ph.D. coursework in three semesters. I presented at conferences at Stanford and Westmont College. I loved learning about the school system and how it should be but I hated that the academy was a gatekeeper to all this wonderful, useful knowledge.
Then COVID hit and I went even deeper in my questioning of the world.
I realized that I had no idea who I truly was. The only decision that was truly mine was marrying my husband in spite of the pandemic canceling our wedding.
On Facebook, I got added to an Abundance Challenge Group, where every day, there was a new video and journal prompt to look more deeply into oneself.
After it ended, I yearned for more. I read so many books and watched tons of videos about anything that called my attention.
I learned about the chakras. I connected to the elements (water, fire, air, and earth). I balanced my masculine and feminine energy because before I hated my masculinity and feared my femininity. And I dove so deep into astrology and uncovered how to use it as a guide as my life was falling apart.
I started my podcast, Grounded Spirits in September 2020. It started as a way to document my spiritual journey (and has now turned into a self-expression podcast with an emphasis on astrology). I just had so many thoughts and theories about the universe that I need an outlet. The podcast has been the only consistent "job" I've ever had. I usually have to switch things up annually.
In 2021, I quit school even though I just had my dissertation left to have a doctorate. I quit my job even though I loved being a teacher. I moved out of the city and spent so much more time in nature (my backyard, where this picture was taken).
Through diving into my spirituality, I learned that witchcraft and religion are one and the same. Everything is connected. We are all one. I became so deeply connected to my intuition which I have allowed to lead me to where I need to go.
in 2022, I wrote 8 books in less than 6 months. I still can't believe that's real but as Bob Proctor says, "when you slow down, that's when things speed up".
I have built this business from nothing. No followers. No money. No support for anyone except for my husband and my two German Shepards (pictured are Mandi and Billy).
I now realize that I've always been an educator. I have been a teacher for over a decade. I've taught hundreds of students. I've spoken to crowds of over 1000.
Through ILA Institute, I have consolidated all my spiritual knowledge using the structure that I learned from years in the Ivory Tower.
Thank you for being here, really. I hope that you'll decide to join ILA Institute or Club!
FAVORITE BOOK
The Game of Life and How to Play it
by Florence Scovel Shinn
FAVORITE TV SHOW
Sabrina the Teenage Witch
FAVORITE WORKOUT
Pilates
GUILTY PLEASURE
Weed
(Getting better at not feeling guilty about it)
B.A., Pepperdine University, 2014
Psychology
Applied Mathematics
M.Ed., University of San Diego, 2018
Instruction and Curriculum Design
Ph.D., Claremont Graduate University, ABD
Education Policy, Reform, and Evaluation
Religion & Gender Studies
BIG 6
Leo Sun, Sagittarius Moon,
Aquarius Rising, Leo Mercury,
Leo Venus, Gemini Mars
PERSONAL MISSION
I just want everyone to enjoy life for the pure sake of enjoying life.
PERSONAL PURPOSE
To become the light in the darkness
and help others become the light
so that we can eliminate the darkness
WE ARE ONE
Laura Alyn, who has always had a passion for sharing and creating knowledge, went from a public school teacher to the founder of ILA (Inner Light Activation). ILA is a place that helps future leaders gain confidence and clarity on every aspect of their lives to unlock their full potential. Laura, being the oldest of four daughters, felt the pressure to excel academically. She became a people pleaser and suppressed her creative expression. In 2020, after feeling burnt out from her Ph.D. program, she turned inward and discovered the spiritual path, which led her to start Grounded Spirits Podcast, a podcast that delves into the spiritual side of self-expression. Through her spiritual journey, she connected to her intuition, allowed it to guide her, and discovered the magic of the universe. In 2022, she wrote eight books/guided journals in less than six months. Laura’s expertise in spirituality and education has been consolidated into the ILA Institute. Laura has been an educator for over a decade. She has taught hundreds of students, spoken at conferences, and motivated large crowds. She firmly believes that everyone can be a leader and has the inner power to make the world a better place. All we have to do is activate that inner light that is inside ourselves. Learn more about Inner Light Activation and Laura Alyn at itslauraalyn.com.
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