The most real and rewarding feeling for us in this life is that of our own blissful, weird authenticity.

But for those of us who walk through life feeling like we don't fit in - the weirdos, the sensitives, the misfits, the black sheep, and the visionaries who see what others can't - it can be difficult to access this. My mission is to tap into my own authenticity - to "follow my weird" - by creating joy, ease, and inspiration in my own life and work, and to help other women do the same. If you're ready for a path to life and leadership beyond the status quo, you're in the right place!

"I cannot thank you enough for walking this journey with me. Your support and strength is powerful and allows me to realize that I am not alone in my quest for a better more balanced connection with myself and others."

~ Christy R.

What do you get when you combine poetry, Reiki, neurodivergence, and leadership?

An unapologetic mishmash of weirdness that is ME!

I'm a recovering people-pleaser and rule-follower, multi-passionate creative, bridge-builder, and liminal being on a mission to encourage people to FOLLOW THEIR WEIRD!

Let's read poetry! Let's learn Reiki and use it to be even better leaders! Let's unabashedly embrace how we're naturally, beautifully wired!

Let's use our weirdness - our authenticity - for the greater good and turn life and leadership on its head!

MORE ABOUT ME

WE'VE DONE "NORMAL" FOR SO LONG NOW. HOW HAS THAT WORKED OUT FOR THE MAJORITY OF US?

The old ways of being have forced us to contort ourselves into roles and situations that simply don't fit our amazing and beautiful selves. And that in turn, has diminished our personal creativity and innovation, decreased our ability to fully express our true selves, disregarded our natural intuition, and limited compassion and empathy as valuable - if not essential - skills for life and leadership.

And we can't live and lead authentically under these conditions. But no more!

As women, have the power and capacity innately within us to birth a new paradigm of being where the energies are more balanced and supportive for everyone.

Where we are allowed to be in tune with and show up as our whole selves so that our energy naturally inspires others to join us in a shared vision for the future.

Where we can follow our weird, intuitive nudges into unknown territory to bring forth more holistic ways of being in the world.

And this work starts within each of US.

When we can tap into our own inner well of joy, ease, and inspiration - there is no stopping the impact we can have!

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MY BOOKS

"Ashley found ways to articulate feelings I’ve struggled to describe in The Rising. I felt so much emotion as I read and related to many of the poems and the feelings of frustration and empowerment they invoked within me. This is a beautiful, timely book of encouragement for any and all who feel helpless to the pain we feel empathetically from the world around us."

"This is a beautiful book and I highly recommend it. Ms. Barnes has a way of articulating the heart in a way that is both achingly sad and also infinitely hopeful. She lends words to a movement many of us are collectively experiencing. Are we really doing this spiritual work alone? Or are there so many others out there shining their light into the darkness? Ms. Barnes' words remind us that we are a community focused on revolution. Treat yourself, buy this book and allow the prose to ignite that fire in your heart."

"Beautifully written and inspirational. As a yoga instructor this book is always by my side during a yoga practice. My students always ask me what I am reading. As for my everyday life, this book is like an angel bible that I have read over and over again. Invest in this treasure and enjoy it’s inspiration for years to come . You’ll want to gift a copy to friends as well."

"Ashley has done it again! Such inspiring work, I'm going to use the poems has daily reflections. The more I read and think about the poems, the deeper I feel them; she has touched my soul!"

"I absolutely loved this book! I loved all the different personal stories included and how each person was able to describe in their own way how being an empath has changed them or made a difference in their lives. Many people don’t understand or know about empaths and this book helps give a clear explanation from many angles!"

Refreshing, reassuring and hauntingly familiar,
this simple, intimate book seemed to be reading my mind!

Simultaneously, I found myself wanting to anchor
quietly deep, deep within AND dance wildly among the stars!

I recommend it to every woman who is
longing for a more authentic life and ready to fully be herself!

"I just started reading your book and I’ve got tingles! All I want to do is journal through my thoughts on every poem! This is beautiful! Did you write this book for me!???? I love it so much!"

"Ashley Castle Barnes’ book captivated me with the title Liminal – Between Life and Breath. She perfectly captures what is means to be a liminal person through her poetry. Her work speaks to what it means to navigate different worlds, situations, experiences, and emotions where you may not feel like you fit in. And, by being a liminal person herself, Ashley has made space to thrive and create this beautiful work of poetry encompassing 365 days to read and absorb the beauty of her words. Every poem touches and kisses your soul. Her poems had me asking myself the “what if” questions and lingering on other questions she poses throughout the book. I highly recommend this outstanding book of poetry that is easy to read and deep in meaning."

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RECENT POETIC HEALING

Daily Bliss – September 14

And then a new sprout emerges Through the fertile soil of her mind, Making its presence known With both gentleness and determination, It’s time for her to grow Something new ©Ashley Castle Barnes It’s that time of year for old things to die and new things to start their journey through the cool, damp soil […]

Daily Bliss – September 13

All this time And still she finds herself From time to time retreating, Finding refuge in avoidance Rather than the firmness Of ground beneath her feet Or the softness of skin Holding her together ©Ashley Castle Barnes No matter how much personal work I do, I find myself at times reverting back to old patterns. […]

Daily Bliss – September 9

She shivers with anticipation,  Memories long awaited  Surface and retreat, Like a wave undulating as her breath, A veil billowing as her hope  ©Ashley Castle Barnes Sometimes change feels like disruption. Sometimes it feels like waves or wind. A rhythm, a hum gently (or even violently) moving the energy. No matter what, it feels like […]

BROWSE ALL POETIC HEALING

"Peace, joy and play didn't seem to be an option in my life. My truth is that my life requires these elements and now I learning to incorporate them in my day-to-day lifestyle."

~ Lori T.

I WOULD LOVE TO WORK WITH YOU!

Schedule a no-cost Energy Assessment to learn if I’m the right person to help you follow your weird and find your joy, ease, and inspiration!

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