Shakti Sutriasa

Here’s the Official Bio

Shakti Sutriasa is the Founder of DecideDifferently.com, a personal development company committed to empowering people to live more connected and fulfilled lives through coaching, counseling and workshops. Her unique approach combines modern psychology & somatic (body based techniques) with spirituality to support people seeking positive change and self-transformation. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, and also has an MA in Education.

Shakti is a popular meditation teacher on the app Insight Timer and is the host of Love’s Refuge podcast.

Before becoming a life coach / therapist, Shakti worked as an educator for 20+ years, at private schools in the USA and Hong Kong. She also co-founded and served as Executive Director of The Willow School, a private K-8 school in Vero Beach, FL from 2004-2013.

shakti’s Education & Credentials

• BA with Distinction, Art History, Boston University

• MA Education & Curriculum Design, Michigan State University

• MSW, Social Work, Barry University

• Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)- in Florida, Massachusetts, and Washington

• Certified NET (Neuro-Emotional Technique) Practitioner

• Certified Happiness and Success Coach

Here’s What I’ve Been Up to Lately

following my joy

My 1st inquiry: Who am I when I’m not crazy busy? What am I supposed to do all day long?

Instead of pushing the discomfort at NOT being busy away, I kept stepping into it. Almost immediately, I had to unpack guilt - that I wasn’t serving others, that I was being “selfish,” that I was wasting time because I didn’t even know what I enjoyed doing! I also began to see how much of my life had been spent doing things because I felt obligated, or because it would make someone else happy and they would love me.

As part of my exploration, I read Gretchen Rubin’s Book, The Happiness Project. Her line, “the days are long, but the years are short” was exactly what I was experiencing. A day could feel eternal, but the year was gone in a blink.

As I processed this stuff, I also decided to use FUN as my guide. When looking to try something new, I’d ask:

My 2nd inquiry: Does this feel fun? Would this be fun to do?

And…

• I completed two memoirs.

• I’ve taken classes in creative writing, printmaking, beading, enameling, basket weaving, 3-d printing and podcasting.

• I enjoyed travel – skiing, hiking, and trips with my family.

I began calling this period, the undoing because I was consciously stepping out of what my family/society was telling me I should do, and really listening to, and cultivating, trusting my OWN inner knowing.

The undoing has been about making a conscious transition from filling my life with “have-to” and activity, to really being present, going within, seeking that inner guidance, and connecting to the Divine.

What’s fun for me now?

Working one-on-one work with clients - I LOVE helping people release pain and dis-belief and feel excited about their lives.

Writing - I’ve written two memoirs as well as a weekly letter/blog to my community. I’m currently working on a YA novel.

Doing Art - I enjoy collage/printmaking as well as beading/enameling. But my absolute passion is sculptural weaving! I use organic materials to make sculpture.

Travel - This past year I hiked, camped, and visited with family across the USA. I also went to Vietnam and Cambodia!

Meditation - In addition to my own silent practice, I offer guided meditations on Insight Timer and my podcast, Love’s Refuge.

Contemplation - I spend A LOT of time listening and being.

AND - most importantly- Deepening My Spiritual Practice!

In 2017, I received an embodiment of the Goddess White Tara, from the Buddhist lineage through shamanic journeying. Tara has helped me step more into compassion for myself and others.,

In 2019, I joined Dr Robert & Hollie Holden’s Everyday Miracles online community to further study of A Course in Miracles.

The following year, we were invited to live with Robert’s Course mentor, Tom Carpenter and his wife, Linda, for three weeks. During that time, we studied the Course together while we took care of them.

In 2021, we opened our home to a divine image of the Black Madonna. Meditating with her has offered profound healing. She encourages me to journey within, where she accompanies me into the places where I don’t love myself. At other times, she invites me in to her, to rest in her sacred being.

In 2022, my husband and I began leading a local Course in Miracles group.

In 2023, I received a blessing from Quan Am, goddess of compassion.

My current spiritual focus is on merging the Course’s teachings with the divine feminine to fully embody compassionate wisdom and love.

Learn More About Shakti