Disrupting "normal" one poem at a time!

Poetry for women who feel like they don't fit in (and don't really want to). We are disrupting normal - finding our voices and contributing to a better world, simply by being ourselves.

"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.

MY BOOKS

“Liminal” is not just a compilation of beautifully crafted poems: it’s a call to come alive to yourself. Ashley’s genius is not only in writing thoughtful words, but writing words that make you feel seen… especially if you don’t feel you fully fit into the boxes others assume you do. It brims with possibility, truth, compassion, and a reminder there is something more that’s possible for you. Both a balm to the soul and a gentle fire to light you up, this is one I will dip into over and over again. Thank you for this beautiful work, and for bringing the magic of liminal spaces to life so perfectly.”

~Marianne Cantwell, TEDx speaker, "Hidden Power Of Not Always Fitting In", and author of Be A Free Range Human

"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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WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU COMBINE POETRY, REIKI, ADHD, AND LEADERSHIP?

Ashley Barnes, Cat Lady Poet

An unapologetic mishmash of weirdness and passion that is ME!

I'm a recovering people-pleaser and rule-follower, multi-passionate creative, neurodivergent leader, holistic coach, poetry author, and Reiki Master/Teacher.

And I love cats.

As a writer, I believe in the transformational power of words to create powerful shifts and give voice to those who feel voiceless. I create poems for women who are disrupting what it means to be "normal", simply by being themselves.

Working with individuals, we focus on inner work. I help women access more joy, ease, and inspiration so they can lead their lives more fully. I especially love doing this work with leaders so I can support the ripple effect their presence and impact creates in their world.

Let's read and write poetry! Let's learn Reiki and use it to tap into our truest selves! Let's unabashedly embrace how we're naturally, beautifully wired! Let's strive to experience more joy, ease, inspiration - and a healthy dose of weirdness - in ALL we do!

MORE ABOUT ME

RECENT DAILY BLISS POSTS

Daily Bliss – June 2

What if her imagination Runs wild and free Running roughshod over the objections Which cause her to worry on How silly she might look Or how foolish she might sound And instead loosen her hair And her inhibitions For the moments that make her smile ©Ashley Castle Barnes

Daily Bliss – May 31

She dances To the music alive in her bones She sings From the verses coursing through her veins She steps forward Carried in the arms of all who came before her ©Ashley Castle Barnes

Daily Bliss – May 30

Sliding down the rabbit hole Of wonderland dreams Inexplicable yet daring to come alive Sucking in the air of every moment Breathing out the joy and peace she craves And she dances to the music only she can hear ©Ashley Castle Barnes

BROWSE ALL DAILY BLISS

"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 GET TO KNOW YOU!

I love to connect with new people and learn how we can support each other! Join me for a no-sales Virtual Coffee chat!

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