In an enlightening interview with MysticMag, Lindsey Van Wagner shares the compelling inception story of “Spirit Vigilante,” a sanctuary for souls on the brink of transformation.
At the heart of this journey is Lindsey’s own profound metamorphosis, spurred by a dark period of mental health struggles and a deep-seated yearning for a life of greater purpose. Through “Spirit Vigilante,” Lindsey encapsulates her journey from the depths of despair to the pinnacle of spiritual and emotional liberation, weaving together diverse healing practices like nutrition, yoga, and shamanic ceremonies to support others in navigating their own paths to self-discovery.
This introductory glimpse, inspired by her conversation with MysticMag, beckons readers to embark on a transformative voyage with “Spirit Vigilante,” promising guidance toward uncovering one’s true essence and embracing the guiding light of the spirit within.
What inspired the creation of “Spirit Vigilante” and its mission?
In 2016, a few days after Christmas, I had to ask myself how I landed in 7 West, the psychiatric unit of Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, DC. I wanted it all to end. Struggling to balance my emotional health issues with early sobriety, consciousness seemed intolerable.
The mental angst I had been suppressing with drugs and alcohol was quickly rising to the surface. Working for the federal government, I knew I wasn’t living my purpose, and I felt like a bomb waiting to explode. I figured I had finally reached the end of my life, and that it was my natural time to go. Little did I know, it was just getting started.
This turning point, that I saw then as a breakdown, was actually a breakthrough that saved me and opened the door for the next phase of my journey. Through classical therapy and other healing modalities such as yoga, meditation, recovery meetings, shamanic ceremonies, and working with animals, I began the process of shedding old beliefs, harmful cultural programming, and societal conditioning to get back to who I really am. My truth.
The peace and freedom I feel now are indescribable, and I have made it my mission to help others identify their own barriers and blockages that impede the path for which they are destined so that they too can tap into their inner wisdom and highest self, allowing a higher Spirit to guide them. Utilizing my background in health psychology, nutrition education, writing knowledge, and yoga and meditation, I offer workshops, classes, and one-to-one coaching services in personalized formats for each particular client or group.
No matter the question, problem, or struggle, the answer is always Truth.
Can you describe the main services or practices “Spirit Vigilante” offers?
From nutrition consulting to elemental yoga, guided meditation, creative writing, and tuning into nature and the mystical as spiritual tools, I teach in a variety of formats and travel for special events and presentations. The five pillars I have developed as a framework for enacting change–Spirit, Physicality, Awareness, Connection, and Evolution–grew from personal experience as well as social behavior research, health psychology, and motivation to change.
Healing is a community-driven endeavour and the power of mutual aid and social support is integral to one’s wellbeing. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts and I am dedicated to bringing practitioners, instructors, and specialists together to create a more comprehensive wellness experience. Thus, I focus much of my energy on collaborating with those whose health and wellness expertise can complement my own so that in conjunction we can better serve the Universe. This led me to founding Haven 101 Wellness Studio in Rockville, Maryland, serving as a sanctuary and collective for complete transformation.
In my first book, Spirit Vigilante (scheduled for publication this year), I share my personal story, supplemented with my behavioral health expertise and aforementioned skills to provide a manual for fully aligning with one’s true nature so one may live life one deserves and for which they were destined.
How does “Spirit Vigilante” approach spiritual wellness and healing?
Spirit = a force within a human being thought to give the body life, energy, and power
Vigilante = The word itself is borrowed from the Spanish word of the same spelling that means “watchman” or “guard,” traced back to the word vigilant which means “to keep awake”
As Spirit Vigilantes, we guard our souls. We stay alert and aware. We are dedicated to protecting ourselves as we expand our energy, even if society at large may not understand or agree with our actions. Spiritual wellness is an individual and personal endeavor, as each person is the architect of their own healing, but we are here to support you every step of the way, cheering you on as you begin to recognize and implement your soul’s brilliance. Join our journey to uncover your hidden gifts, reclaim your power, and change your world. Transform into your full potential and become the main character of your life. Trust your Truth.
What unique methodologies or techniques does “Spirit Vigilante” utilize?
I have developed a Spirit-centered framework to support and strengthen the mind-body connection, melding the clinical and mystical, the logical and intuitive. These juxtapositions complement and corroborate one another, and can work in tandem rather than viewed as opposing forces. As a Health Studies professor at American University, I have learned that deep down we typically know the “healthy” things to do, but it takes more than cut-and-dry knowledge to make a change. There has to be a personal and emotional connection to something deeper than logic and reason. Spirit Vigilante offers the key to unlocking that door.
Because the healing process is not linear, I developed a system with eight components, driven by research as well as past experiences. The number 8 is an intentionally selected number, in that it represents infinity ∞ and symbolizes the cyclical nature of life’s journey rather than a linear series of tasks with distinct start and end points. While we walk through the phases in an organized structure, the lessons can be revisited and repeated over and over again throughout different stages, obstacles, and turning points, each time a new layer is revealed. The way we use these tools may change over time, but the principles and precepts will remain effective throughout a lifetime.
“Notice” raises awareness around behaviors that no longer serve your soul.
“Allow” guides you toward a willingness to open up so that the truth may enter.
“Shed” offers tips to chip away at the deep, stubborn layers of delusion.
“Uncover” helps you realize your true nature.
“Stabilize” assists in implementing personalized coping tools and healthy habits.
“Leap” opens your heart to letting intuition guide your direction.
“Evolve” affirms your ability to access the natural flow of life and realign with your highest self.
“Ascend” shows how to use your truth to share your message and gifts with the world.
Can you share a transformative experience or success story from your practice?
In a recent writing series I led on the topic of finding your authentic voice by tapping into Spirit, each student shared transformative experiences set into motion by their mindset shifts based on my guidance, lessons, and actionable advice.
They exclaimed that the compassionate safe and supportive space helped them feel confident enough to take risks and use their voices in ways they never had before. They found that not only did they approach their writing from a spiritual and holistic perspective they had never encountered, but that their psyche had transformed in ways that affected their overall day-to-day lives.
Receiving this feedback was so powerful, and added to the list of many moments in which I feel mind, body, and soul, that I am on the right path and using my gifts, skills, and personal experience to serve others.
How can individuals get involved with or benefit from “Spirit Vigilante”?
Subscribe to join my tribe! thespiritvigilante.com
I can be reached for individual and group services via [email protected]
Follow me on Instagram: @spiritvigilante
Upcoming Spirit Vigilante events:
April 2 – Meditation Soundbath 6:30 pm in Rockville, MD
April 9 – Goddess Gathering 6:00 pm in Rockville, MD
April 14 – Guided Journaling Workshop 2:45 pm in Bethesda, MD
April 20 – Stoking Your Creative Fire (a wood-burning art experience) 1:00 pm in Rockville, MD
and much more to come!
