Cozy Hermit Coven

The Story of Forestmind: Join Us In This Cozy Community [Bonus Episode]

Cindy Norton Stokes

Hi there! I wanted to hop on to tell you the story of Forestmind thus far, what you can expect, and to remind you that the doors to Forestmind are closing at the end of this month, and they will not open again until July. So, if you’ve been thinking about joining, now is the time. There’s only a few days left.

During this bonus episode, I’ll share how Forestmind has taken shape over its first year, what members have to say about their experience in their own words, the details of what’s included with your membership, and a few parting thoughts.

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🍵 Work with Cindy by joining Forestmind, a comfy, cozy, private, small-group mastermind.

🏔 Connect on Instagram for more practical magick for your life and business.

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Hi there! I wanted to hop on to tell you the story of Forestmind thus far, what you can expect, and to remind you that the doors to Forestmind are closing at the end of this month, and they will not open again until July. So, if you’ve been thinking about joining, now is the time. There’s only a few days left. 

During this bonus episode, I’ll share how Forestmind has taken shape over its first year, what members have to say about their experience in their own words, the details of what’s included with your membership, and a few parting thoughts. 

But first, let me say what Forestmind is. Forestmind is a small-group mastermind for introverted and highly sensitive solopreneurs. I see Forestmind as a place for practical, nature-based, and magical support for your life and business. It’s like a combination of business and life coaching with a mystical, witchy flair. 

I want to take a moment to share a little more about Forestmind and how it has taken shape over its first year in existence. 

When I first had the idea for Forestmind, I was envisioning a group of between 10 to 16 people. But, it turns out that I found the sweet spot at only 6 members. So that’s where it’s going to stay. 

Forestmind first opened its doors in January of 2022 and 4 founding members joined in, with 2 more members joining in over the Summer. When we reached 6 members there was a magical alchemy and Forestmind felt complete. 

I’m truly grateful for the founding members of Forestmind as they helped it to take shape. 

When I had the idea for Forestmind, and began to create it I would sometimes find myself at a loss for words. I knew in my heart and soul how meaningful, special, and magical this space was going to be. But putting it into words was a totally different story. I must have done an okay job thus far as Forestmind has been full since last Summer. 

I’m getting better at talking about what Forestmind is, but I also want to take a few moments to share some words from those who have experienced this magical community for an entire year. 

It was really great getting feedback of each members experience as it will help me to more accurately portray the range of experiences. 

I’ll share 12 different questions and a sampling of answers. It really is my hope that these responses will help you to feel into what Forestmind is about so that you can make an informed decision as to whether it is right for you at this time. 

First question: How are you different as a result of being in Forestmind?

One member answered: I'm more aligned, grounded and at peace with myself and my offerings. 

Another member shared: I am much more confident and trusting in myself and the universe that I can succeed in building a business and life that I love. 

And another replied: I feel so much more comfortable expressing who I am authentically as a result of this lovely, supportive space. It was really powerful for me to be in this group during my numerology 1 year as I have gone through a lot of identity shifts. 

Second question: What are you doing differently (in business and in life) as a result of being in Forestmind?

One member answered: Saying no to things that aren't in alignment. I listen more to my intuition and have better confidence to trust it. I'm more patient with my processes. I'm co-creating with someone else and LOVING the chance to collaborate!

Another member shared: I am giving myself permission to let things be easy. I'm challenging myself when I feel constricted or impatient. I am more comfortable sharing my interests related to my nature-based spiritual beliefs. I have created a workshop that I am turning into an online course (and maybe a book one day) that I had the chance to practice with others during my time in Forestmind. 

And another replied: Lots of permission around slowness, coziness and embracing the energetics and soul of my business. 

Third question: What new strengths have you developed as a result of being in Forestmind?

One member answered: Patience. Trust. Slowing down. 

Another member shared: Increased confidence with sharing, speaking to groups. Increased confidence in how I run my business. 

Fourth question: What major insights did you receive? What major breakthroughs did you make?

One member answered: That it's ok to put my needs first in my business. To plan and create in accordance with what I'm passionate about instead of what I think other people want or are willing to invest in. 

Another member shared: The business tarot reading and my birth chart reading were both game-changers for me. I felt so much peace and support from the universe that I couldn't mess this up and I was destined to have and be all that I want and need. Once I was able to calm down and trust and be in more abundance mindset rather than scarcity, my caseload of therapy clients and income increased significantly. 

And another replied: Lots of emotional breakthroughs with vulnerably being myself in a group space. 

Fifth question: What limiting beliefs have you let go of? ("I no longer believe…")

One member answered: hustling and hard work is the key to success

Another member shared: I no longer believe I "have" to do anything necessarily for my business to thrive. 

And another replied: Lots of limiting beliefs about how to run a business, letting go of hustle culture, feeling like too much and needing to stay small to be safe. 

Sixth question: What positive new beliefs do you have? ("I now believe…")

One member answered: success is about doing what I deeply and genuinely love 

Another member shared: I can find and use what works for me specifically. I can be my authentic self and that's enough. I don't have to change who I am to be successful and happy. 

Seventh question: What have you learned about yourself?

One member answered: I'm very productive when I follow where my energy wants to go. This serves me WAY better than trying to direct it to where I think it's "supposed" to go, which in the past left me feeling burnt out and depressed.

Another member shared: That needing support and community is not weak. 

And another replied: So much! Lots of human design, ennegram, the list goes on and on! 

Eighth question: What are you most proud of yourself for?

One member answered: Continuing to show up day after day even through "failure," challenges, immense self doubt and fear

Another member shared: Facing my fears. Staying dedicated to integrity and personal growth. 

Ninth question: What did you most benefit from and/or enjoy the most in Forestmind?

One member answered: The camaraderie and the constant reminders to slow down and listen to myself

Another member shared: Cindy's unwavering support and care. The tarot reading with Cindy. Seeing how other members were making it through challenges and what they were accomplishing in their businesses. The mighty networks areas available whenever we needed it. Checking-in and goal tracking with Cindy in individual sessions. 

And another replied: I loved the book club, I am such a book nerd! Loved having Dani Gardner come to our meeting. I really liked the presentation on attachment styles and business, very eye opening. Discussing the witch wound was very healing. The group plus individual coaching sessions plus fun spiritual/educational material was a highly supportive format for me. :) 

Tenth question: What was it like working with Cindy?

One member answered: An absolute joy. You are a ray of sunshine on a crisp, cold day. You inspire comfort and clarity just by being you! The way you show up for yourself and your business has really helped me see what's possible. It's blessed me with hope for myself and my business. You do this with such authenticity and humility. I love that you never present yourself as an authority. You never make empty promises, condescend, judge or tell anyone what to do. You simply share yourself and offer insight as it comes and I love how this facilitates genuine connection and personal insight.

Another member shared: Gentle, reassuring and powerful, a really beautiful experience. You are incredibly present and generous with your support. 

Eleventh question: Did Forestmind meet your expectations? If so, how? 

One member answered: I honestly didn't know what to expect. I think I went in hoping to find some sort of key to making more money. I didn't find that but I found a key to being more true to myself, which is so much better!

Another member shared: Yes. I thought I wanted more concrete business how-to's in the beginning because my business was new and I was not earning enough to support my family. However, it wasn't strategy that improved my business or finances; it was spiritual peace and trust in myself and the universe. That was the key that unlocked my success. More money, peace, happiness, fun, rest, and connection! 

And another replied: I didn't know what to expect with Forestmind other than my body said yes to it :) It was such a lovely, supportive, comforting experience. 

Twelfth question: If you were to create for yourself a message or mantra to carry forward with you that sums up what you want to remember about your experience in Forestmind, what would it be?

One member answered: Slow down and listen.

Another member shared: Its okay to be happy, chatty and take up space. :) Tell stories, share your energy. 

So I hope that this Q & A segment has helped you to understand more about Forestmind and what you are likely to experience as a result of joining. 

While what I just shared was more about the feeling and the experience of this group, I’ll also share with you some of the details. 

Throughout the year we’ll have 18 live mastermind sessions that are 2 hours, or more, in length. That’s over 36 hours of small group support where you can share your struggles and successes and feel overwhelmingly supported along the way.

These mastermind sessions are normally on select Wednesdays from 10am to 12pm Eastern. 

I say “over 36 hours” because, although the sessions are scheduled for 2 hours, I will stay on as long as I need to in order for you to feel supported and that you got what you needed that day.  

All mastermind sessions are recorded in case any member has to miss a session. The recordings will be available to you for 30 days. Because we are such a small community, it’s nice to be able to keep up with one another and become familiar with one another’s concerns so that we can provide tailored and thoughtful responses and support. 

You will also receive individual coaching from me while you are in Forestmind. There will be a total of 9 hours that we will spend together throughout the year. You’ll receive 6 hour long individual coaching sessions. As well as 6 30-minute tea chats, which are basically mini-coaching sessions. We’ll work on whatever you come to the session with that day. 

There’s also 24/7 access to our own personal online sanctuary hosted on Mighty Networks, where you can post at anytime for support. 

During the year you can sign up for a business tarot reading with me which consists of an hour long session and I will design a custom 13 page .pdf of your reading that you can keep and refer back to. 

I also purchase a 90-minute intuitive astrology reading with Liz Gunn for your birthday. Liz is absolute gold, so I know you’re gonna love this. 

We also have 4 book clubs throughout the year, and I’ll purchase your books and mail them out to you. 

I also pay guests to come into Forestmind and host informative workshops. We’ll have 4 guest workshops throughout the year. 

There’s also a New Year Intention Retreat that I host online for all members on February 1st, and you’ll receive a surprise gift afterwards. 

There’s also more special surprises throughout the year as well. I would tell you but I don’t want to ruin the fun and the mystery. 

As I said earlier, it’s really difficult to explain everything that Forestmind is. But I think that’s a good thing. I believe that it’s through the unknown that we can truly learn about ourselves and connect to our inner knowing. 

Programs that are very specific and have a neat and pretty outline and syllabus may be more appealing at first glance because there is clarity and structure. You really can see exactly what you’re gonna get. 

But what about all the beautiful surprises and helpful insights that you can get when you allow the space for them? These things can’t be planned for or predicted ahead of time. When you allow space for what wants to enter, you get the exact medicine you need (not the medicine that someone thinks you should have). 

I believe that a tight structure doesn’t allow for personal, intuitive growth based on your own inner knowing. When you’re following an outline, or someone else’s prescription of how something should go, it stunts your growth and takes you further away from yourself. 

I firmly believe that everything you need to create a successful business and fulfilling life is already inside of you. And my main mission within Forestmind is to help you connect with this inner guidance. 

I want this for you so that you will never, ever give away your power to anyone or anything again. 

I want you to seek out programs and services - not because you need them, but - because you know that they can support your growth in becoming more of you YOU are, not more of who someone else wants you to be. 

I created Forestmind…
-to have genuine conversations with you
-to support you in designing a business that truly works with your life
-to help you to trust your intuition
-to support you in rejecting the hustle culture and grind mentality
-to create a quiet space for you to discover your true essence
-to guide you in discovering the beautiful traits of introversion and high sensitivity, and help you to learn about and appreciate their unique gifts

I’m sending out a sincere invitation to you to join me in Forestmind. I don’t have a complicated sales funnel that hits on all of your pain points and then goes into expertly explaining away all of your objections. I’m only sharing, to the best of my ability, what I’m creating here and if there’s a call or a resonance or a “yes” response in your gut, I’d love to spend the next year in community with you. 

Forestmind is a year-long experience that opens twice a year (in February and August), provided that spots are available. I am currently accepting applications for those who would like to join the community on February 1st. Applications will be open until the end of this month - so just a few more days.

Head on over to mountainpracticejourneys.com/forestmind or to the show notes to learn more and apply. May the forest be with you. 

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