In this compelling episode of the Permission to Flow podcast, host Jessica Hwang welcomes Gabrielle Kali Om, a Dharma Yoga instructor and owner of Ojas Retreat Center. This episode delves deep into Gabrielle’s journey of transformation and resilience, capturing her inspiring path from living a dream on a sailboat to the realization of opening a sanctuary for healing and growth – the Ojas Retreat Center. With over 20 years of yoga practice and mentorship under her belt, Gabrielle shares her insights into embracing life’s unexpected turns, the courage to dream beyond conventional paths, and the emotional strength found through her yoga practice.

Jessica and Gabrielle explore what it truly means to live with purpose and the power of being present in your journey. Gabrielle reflects on her challenges, from the pressures of a traditional career in yacht financing to the profound personal growth sparked by her mother’s illness. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that the road to manifesting your vision is rarely linear and often requires embracing vulnerability and showing up for oneself and others. This episode will resonate with anyone seeking to reconcile their career paths with creative, purpose-driven futures.

Listen in as Gabrielle offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and yogis, revealing the significance of patience, fortitude, and planning when working towards your dreams. The episode concludes with Gabrielle urging listeners to remain grounded, embody their unique journeys, and consistently take steps, no matter how small, toward the realization of their own dreams.

Topics Discussed in this Episode:

00:00 Seeking Purpose Beyond Dreams

09:38 Exploring New Paths

14:19 Finding Purpose Through Yoga Teaching

20:57 Overcoming Self-Doubt

25:03 “Striving for Inner Peace”

27:22 “What Do I Really Want?”

37:33 Finding Personal Paths Beyond Norms

38:37 “Envious of Contentment in Others”

47:24 Simplistic Lifestyle, Complex Challenges

52:01 “Showing Up Aids Personal Healing”

54:34 Embracing Growth as a Yoga Teacher

01:04:49 Plant-Based Retreats Spark Demand

01:09:15 Shifting Focus to Yoga Teaching

01:16:05 Embracing Difficult Experiences

01:17:33 Embracing Authenticity in Yoga Teaching

01:23:03 Searching for Retreat Center Locations

01:31:47 Growth Through Challenges

01:35:39 Embracing Challenges in Yoga Retreats

01:41:01 “Steps to Achieve Life Goals”

01:44:20 “Align Actions with Purpose”

01:50:52 “Dreams and Sailing”

01:55:59 “Subscribe and Create”

Quotes from the episode:

“What I’m saying here is this isn’t the truth. It’s just what our experience is.”

“So you just start putting in place these things step by step. It doesn’t have to be fast. You know, you can enjoy your life while you’re getting to this next thing.”

Connect with Gabrielle:

Join the next Dharma Yoga Retreat on June 25-29, 2025! Sign up on the Ojas website below.

Instagram: Gabrielle Kali Om

Website: Ojas Retreat Center

Instagram: Ojas Retreat Center 

Connect with Jessica:

Join the email list 

Book a free sales call

Instagram: @jessicahwangcoaching

YouTube: Jessica Hwang Coaching

Website: Jessica Hwang Coaching

Credits:

Music co-written by Steven Murillo (@someoneinatreeband) & Jessica Hwang (@jessicahwangcoaching)

Edit by Corey Stein (https://coreystein.studio)