A: My journey started in Israel, where at age nine I made a commitment to serve “the highest.” But I took a little detour first: I got a degree in economics and decided to pursue a career in finance (FOREX, a foreign exchange analyst for two years). Marriage and three kids later, I started working in a recording studio and managed artists/events. This didn’t align, however, with my “home,” that sense of doing my true life’s work. The yoga and meditation classes that I’d been taking daily began to point me in a new, more self-fulfilling direction. I took yoga teacher training in New York City, having no intention of becoming a teacher. But teaching took me by surprise and I realized how much I was inspired and passionate in this role. The ancient philosophy behind yoga juiced my life and I realized it was already part of our being, and yoga, simply, awakens that part of us.

The highpoint of my teaching career was when my sixteen-year-old son asked me if I would teach him meditation. Here it is, I had taken yoga off the mat and it was totally present in all parts of my life.

A: I really admired Mother Teresa with all her compassion and deep devotion to humanity. As she once said: “Let us be very sincere with each other and have the courage to accept each other as we are. Do not be preoccupied with each other’s failures; rather, find the good in each other, for each one of us is created in the image of God.”

I also admired Princess Diana — she had the strength to stay true to her heart and to value herself. I am sure it was not easy and yet she dedicated her life to humanity and to children around the world.

A: Honesty, integrity and humility.

A: I am hoping to create a big impact on women’s consciousness and to hold a bright light to women so they can see their highest, and move from the small me to the big me. I am starting with myself, looking inside, facing all fear and all judgment, and opening my heart for other women from my yoga classes to the orphanages around the world.

A: I think women over-work in general. The first step is rest and having time to contemplate and some quiet time alone. I am inspired by walks in nature, a quiet day of meditation and contemplation, practicing yoga or being fully present with my kids. I get earthy, with simplicity, clarity and vision — creativity ends up flying.

A: My advice for woman afraid of change? Well, change is scary — that is why no one does it. People would almost rather die than change. So expect to feel afraid when you are in the midst of change, and be sure to find the right people to help illuminate your new path. You don’t need a whole army of people; all you need are one or two women who think your ideas are the greatest thing and who’ll hold a space open for you, a space that you haven’t already held open for yourself.

In my opinion that is the meaning of true charity: to hold a space open for someone, to believe in her before the change is actually manifested.

And remember why you came to this earth — to love, and if the work you are doing is not congruent with the love in your heart then you must find what it is that makes you feel alive and trust in that. I believe that we were not born to have a career. We were born to love one another, and if we put that first, all other issues will fall into place. So life is all about getting your priorities straight. By this I mean learning how to love, honor and respect yourself, then others, then career.

A: I spend a week each summer at the Omega Institute’s teen camp and I end up falling in love with the teens. I mentored one kid last year who had problems at home and decided not to continue her college education. I helped her for a year with one-on-one sessions, talking things through. I held a light to her and she started to see how bright she is, truly worthy of going back to college. Young adults are often confused and they need support and love and guidance. This kid lived with us for few a months and we gave her the love of a family. I felt happy beyond words!!

A: I would say to my 13-year-old self: Trust yourself. Trust what you feel even if it’s the wrong decision since there are wonderful opportunities to learn from our mistakes. There is no wrong path to be on so make whatever path you are on the right path. This means speaking your mind and respecting others even if you must walk way from someone or something. Never stay in a relationship where the other person is incapable of treating you with respect or where that person can only think of their needs, where the person leaves you feeling smaller than you felt before you entered into their presence. Treat people with respect because everyone is fighting a hard battle in their own way, not just you. Never buy into the belief that if you do a lot for someone they will value or love you. And make sure you never look for love in another person — that is between you and your God only.

Most of all speak honestly. If people upset you tell them, even though you’re afraid. If they are meant to be in your life you will get to the other side of the issue. And if they are not meant to be in your life, they will go away and now you’ve just made room for a better relationship to emerge. God is always about correction, never punishment; make sure you are listening to God’s voice and no other.

A: Peace, balance, and self-love

A: A walk in nature, teaching a yoga workshop and seeing a student’s spirit shift. Helping a child. Being present for my kids.

A: I love life and I care for humanity and if I help one person at a time, that’s plenty.

A: I support Women to Women International; I grew up in Israel where war was part of our daily life. I know the importance of supporting women. My mom took care of 4 kids herself, sometimes for months.  I know the power of women and I believe that it takes a whole village of women to raise a child.

A: A year ago I created a fundraiser for girl orphans in Israel. Forty advanced teachers got to practice with the intention to support 12 children for an entire year in this country. The practice was very moving and emotional, and the love in the room went beyond words.

A: That loving oneself, really loving oneself is an inside job. Love cannot come from another person. It must be found from within and then given away. In theory, a woman should always give top priority to her own health in order to be in the best state to take care of others (family, kids, work, etc.). But in reality I’ve found that women generally take care of themselves last. I believe strongly that I must feed my soul first or I will have nothing to give. I am a true believer in taking care of myself first so that others can be cared for. I honor my cycles of opening and closing boundaries and I respectfully let those around me know that I am not available for this or that when I am felling depleted or too overloaded.

A: Israel, St. Bart, Costa Rica

A: Omega Institute

A: Spice market in Jerusalem

A: Angelica Kitchen and Raouls in New York City and Chez L’Ami Jean (Paris)

A: Relationship with my boys and my partner, relationship with my parents.

A: Being present for another person. Being a good listener. Don’t judge and don’t try to fix people. Acceptance is key too. I feel that if I accept my imperfections and honor all that I am, and all that I am not, then I can do that for another person.

A: You need to be become the person you want to meet. You need to fall in love with yourself first. You need to LOVE being alone. When you find your man you must communicate, with mindful communication. Ask for what you need and don’t assume the other person is reading your mind. Give each other space enough to miss each other. NEVER take him for granted.

A: Bohemian relaxed elegant with a kick of sensuality.

A: Urban Zen, Donna Karen, Stella McCartney, Roberto Cavali

A: Ralph Lauren runway dress, all handmade with beads … elegant and sexy.

A: Coconut, fish rice and beans. OR My grandma’s North African dish: homemade couscous with her delicious soup that goes with it.

A: Soul Money by Lynn Twist. Money is an energy that should never be overused or abused; we need to channel money and always keep it flowing. We walk around like there is not enough, but it’s much deeper than that. We have unlimited amount of resources if we don’t overuse. Our fear is what keeps us wanting more.

A: The ocean, the sun and the lakes….

A: Earn your own money, have your own bank account, always have a passion and a career you love.