Reiki energy healer, primordial sound meditation educator, spiritual psychology practitioner, best-selling author, and wellness entrepreneur. These are just a few titles that the unconquerable Devi Brown holds in the wellness industry. After reaching the peak of her career in the music industry and becoming a top-notch radio personality, she began to believe that something was missing. As she dug deeper into her spiritual and wellness journey, she began to share her healing and spiritual findings through Karma Bliss, which has ultimately put a focus on carving a space in the wellness industry for women of color.
Today, Devi Brown serves as the Chief Impact Officer at Chopra Global, where she will "help drive Chopra Global's creative direction, content strategy, and impact efforts, as well as provide guidance and insight to best serve the company's mission of democratizing well-being and bringing expanded consciousness to a global collective," according to a recent press release on behalf of Chopra Global. Tonia O'Connor, CEO of Chopra Global, says the team is "grateful to have her" and dubs Devi as "one of the most respected voices in well-being."
xoNecole caught up with the wellness expert, author, and Chopra certified educator of Primordial Sound Meditation about her devotion to spiritual connection, her passion for advocacy for women of color in wellness, and how her career as a music executive led her to her new role with Chopra Global, who recently launched a new mobile app.
On her initial interest in the wellness industry and carving spaces for women of color:
"Curiosity about personal transformation and spirituality has always been at the core of who I was since childhood. I believe that so much of who we are, our innate skill sets and even the longings and interests that we have were determined before we got to earth, so in that regard I know that so much of my connection to this work is above me. In real-world not just spiritual world reality though I was drawn to explore healing modalities and wellness as I began to experience 'busy burnout' while working in broadcasting and entertainment. I was hitting milestones and fitting the 'success' model that society had taught me to measure myself against but it always felt like something was missing, like there was a void, or like I wasn't really meeting my full human potential.
"As I began to explore that new understanding and started shifting my lens of perception, this new view also extended to the way I experienced my past, present and future. Once you start really working on yourself and accepting yourself, it's as if the floodgates open and an outpouring of deeper understandings begin to happen in every aspect of your life.
"For women of color, I believe access to tools to enhance overall life well-being is of the utmost importance. Women of color are the most marginalized and unsupported group of people in the world. Specifically, black women in the United States. We have to joyfully care for ourselves first which is so counterintuitive to anything we have ever been led to believe."
On how the music industry prepared her for her new career move at Chopra Global:
"Working in entertainment and broadcasting can truly prepare you for almost anything (laughs). Something that I loved about that time in my life was the way it fed my curiosity about the human condition. The way it allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life and all backgrounds. How to really get clear on my thoughts and how to read a crowd quickly. It also taught me how to not take things personally. When I was a little girl growing up in L.A., we were always stuck in traffic and listening to the radio.
"I remember being in awe of the sacredness I experienced with being connected to someone I didn't know over the airwaves and feeling like they were a companion on that leg of my journey, which at the time was just the freeway drive from home to school. That desire for connection to help people feel seen and heard is what still drives me today, except now I get to connect people to themselves and to tools of transformation as opposed to headlines and music."
On her plans on using her role and Chopra Global as a platform to elevate wellness for women of color:
"When I first deep-dived into my wellness journey, first starting with being a retreat and summit participant with various collectives, then as student of different schools and certification programs, then as an entrepreneur starting my own wellness business; it was never lost on me that 99% of the time I was the only Black millennial person in every single space I occupied. This was especially true when I first started almost a decade ago. Some of these events ranged in size from 40 people all the way up to 500+ people. No matter the size, I never saw anyone that looked like me.
"I've spent a very long time investigating what that understanding meant to me, the barriers to healing that exist for POC and how that impacted my/our journey (and sometimes lack thereof). Much of that and more is what I am incredibly excited about helping to shift not just within the company but within the wellness industry as a whole. I'm looking to get more [people of color] certified as teachers and healing practitioners and help create events that include more diverse speakers and attendees as well as implementing the best ways to apply knowledge of barriers various cultures and communities have to healing and how to most authentically help people expand emotionally and embody well-being practices based on those unique but pervasive barriers to entry."
Courtesy of Devi Brown/22 Spring
On how she has been personally impacted by Deepak Chopra's work:
"Deepak's work very literally changed the trajectory of my life and informed my ability to identify my purpose and mission. I think like most, by nature of him being a spiritual pioneer for the last nearly 30 years, I was aware of his books and some of his philosophies but it wasn't until a chance opportunity to attend one of his signature retreats at the height of my busy burnout/ego investigation while still working in broadcasting that I was able to access deeper parts of my spiritual experience. Deepak has authored over 90 books but my entry point to deeper understandings of higher consciousness came through his 7 Spiritual Laws of Success and Perfect Health. I first learned to meditate and how to come into a space of acceptance, detachment from outcome and peace through his life's work. He taught me how to really be with myself and experience a lightness of being in all I did and do."
On wellness, self-care and self-love practices in her everyday life:
"Personal wellness/well-being is the top priority of every facet of my life. It's my foundation and fuel. The quickest road to purpose and personal evolution is found in your daily spiritual practice or routine. For me that looks like an am and pm practice. In the mornings I meditate, stretch, pray, say affirmations, play my sound bowl and read a couple pages from a soul-nourishing book. In the evening I clear my energy, light some copal, pray, journal, play music to raise my frequency and dance. I've really taken advantage of COVID/social distancing clearing my calendar to supercharge my practice at night. I've been really intentional with how I use all this new 'me' time and I've loved the way it is sharpening me. This moment in time is truly an opportunity to become the 2.0 versions of ourselves if we let it."
On spiritual activism and generational trauma:
"I experience spiritual activism as a way of infusing your core spiritual beliefs into the way you show up for yourself and others. This past winter and spring, I noticed a lot of the traditionally white wellness and spiritual communities weaponizing systems of belief as a way to bypass what has been happening in the world and as a way to insulate themselves against deeper understanding of real world human experiences for people of color. I believe that if you have healed and expanded yourself, it is a spiritual duty to go out of your way to insert yourself and these compassionate understandings into the world in real time in a way that is of service to all oppressed and marginalized people.
"A core piece of dissolving intergenerational trauma is educating ourselves on our own family systems and adding in the lens of the role society, systemic racism and capitalism played in our brokenness. To be healed and have regular access to peace we must accept ourselves. To accept ourselves as Black women, we have to radically stand in our truths and regularly set self-honoring boundaries."
"We have to cast down the mechanism of forced resilience and emotional bypass and allow ourselves to heal. We need to prioritize our happiness and well-being first. As we do that, energetically we create healing and freedom for our entire lineage past, present and future."
For more of Devi, follow her on Instagram.
Featured image by 22 Spring
RELATED
Whether you're planning to meet a certain financial or fitness goal, or you're simply trying to maintain and build on the progress you made this year, having something to look forward to is always a good look. Setting actual goals, according to research, actually leads to more success than just playing things by ear. So here are a few to get you started, sis:
(Disclaimer: Not everything is for everyone, so do like my Granny always says: "Eat the meat. Spit out the bone." Take on five out of the 40 and focus on that for the remainder of the year, or do them all. Either way, this is just to get you started.)
40 Ways To End The Year Strong and Inspired
Money Moves
Riska/Getty Images
1. Increase your retirement (or other savings/investment) contributions by 1%.
Experts have found that you could be leaving money on the table by not upping your contributions when you can.
2. Cancel two to five subscriptions.
You could be missing hundreds, even thousands, of dollars a year due to sneaky price hikes and "updates."
3. Create a "fun" in a high-yield savings account.
This is especially important if you struggle with the dreaded b-word (budget) and will make next year's efforts a lot less intimidating. Even if it's $10 a month, do it.
4. Put on your big-girl panties, and set up automatic transfers and payments for at least one bill.
It reduces the stress of managing bills, lessens the chance of a missed payment---and the fees that come with that---and there can be cost savings for doing so.
5. Invest in a cleaner or housekeeping service.
Bosses who value their time (and mental health) invest their dollars into areas where the time they'd spend doing those tasks themselves could be better used to focus on other money-making projects. (And yes, rest is part of that.) Get a housekeeper, sis, or drop off that laundry, even if it's once per month.
6. Donate to a charity.
Beyond the tax benefits, it's a win-win for the greater good of communities you care about.
7. Review your insurance policies and negotiate a better rate (or move on) before their end dates.
Experts often agree this is a small but mighty step to take each year, especially since insurance rates are competitive, you could be spending more money than you need to (or not enough) and your insurance rates can affect your mortgage payments.
8. Call your loan provider and refinance.
As interest rates fall, “millions of borrowers may be able to refinance and get more affordable payments. As interest rates eased down to 6.5%, about 2.5 million borrowers could already refinance and save at least 75 basis points (0.75%) on their interest rate,” the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reports. You can also refinance student and other types of loans.
9. Stop buying individual items and stock up via going bulk.
Research has found that, among 30 common products, buying in bulk could save you 27% compared with buying in lower quantities. Water, paper products, and baby products like diapers, toiletries, and garbage bags are the top items where people see the most cost-effectiveness. (This has been a lifesaver for me—children, large family, or not—especially when it comes to toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products, saving stress, time, and money.)
10. Go cash-only for the holidays.
If you set smart goals and stick to limits on things like gifts, going out to eat, or groceries, you'll see the benefits of this. Cash-stuffing is one method recommended, but something as simple as taking a $10 bill out for lunch, disabling that card for an hour, and leaving your card in a safe place at the office can give you that mindset jump start to see how far you can take your money without the need to splurge.
Love And Romance
11. Say "no."
There are clear mental and physical health benefits to saying no including the setting of healthy boundaries, creating time and energy for other self-care activities, and protecting yourself from physically harmful situations (i.e. unprotected sex or abuse). Just say it, clearly and simply, when you need to.
12. Set a fun, free, adults-only date night for once a week or twice a month with your spouse.
If busy, high-profile folk have touted the success of this, even you can make the time for quality time with your partner. And it's even better when it costs nothing. The best connections are made doing something chill, challenging, or outside the usual dinner-and-a-movie date. Play a game that allows you to reconnect, take a walk in your neighborhood to chat and laugh, or try a little erotic chocolate/edible liquid/paint episode a la Mea Culpa.
13. Go out with Mr. or Ms. "Not My Type."
I love my man, but if I were waiting out for my "type" at the time, we wouldn't be celebrating seven (going on eight) years together. Sometimes having strict, unrealistic expectations for a spouse (especially related to things like height, physical features, or career path) is what's keeping you alone and lonely.
Take the pressure off and explore all your options. I'm not telling you to stop popping the balloon on the guy who earns $20,000 less than you if that's a hard no that Jesus himself told you to skip. I'm asking you to explore other options and see what else God might have out there for your love journey.
14. Immediately apologize and pray together.
I've learned that always being "right" isn't always ideal when you truly care about someone and you're in a relationship for the long haul. Defaulting to an apology when necessary, even when things aren't 100% resolved, is a good way to prioritize peace and save your energy for more worthwhile battles. Research has even supported the benefits of apologies in relationships, and how couples married for five or more years do it often.
15. Get a Rose and discover true self-love.
Do I really have to explain this? You've gotta know what satisfies you, and how better to figure that out than to practice self-love in the bed by yourself? You can also try this with a partner, but as a woman who got on this train very much later in my sexual activity journey. I have a lot more learning to do on my own, and even in a satisfying relationship, I like to find out new things about myself, by myself.
Figure out what you're into, watch what you want to watch, and read what you want to read to define pleasure for yourself. There's a freedom and empowering element there especially if you're used to prioritizing pleasing your partner.
16. Be direct and have the "money talk" with bae.
Money issues are one of the leading causes of divorce, so you need to have those conversations before you even think about marrying someone. And true, nobody can predict the future so you won't be able to avoid some challenges altogether, however, talking with your potential spouse about how they view money, their spending habits, and the pain points in terms of their approach to money management can at least give you a glimpse into what's in store if you do walk down the aisle, move in with them, or decide to share a bank account/business/child with them.
17. Invest in the "paid" version of that dating app.
I know plenty of successful, married folk who did this and met "the one" as a result. Let's be honest: The free version is for playing around. I had a lot of fun with my "free" profile back in the day, trust me. Upgrade that photo, profile, and package, and see if the quality of your dating adventures changes when you're serious about finding a true partner. Dating coaches and matchmakers cosign this.
18. Solo travel to meet that long-distance connection.
Sometimes, your perfect match isn't within 100 miles of you, and that's okay. Make it an adventure, enjoy the memories, and book that ticket. I met my man this way and it's been a whirlwind escape ever since. If you're not comfortable traveling solo, travel or (network to plan travel) with a group via Facebook.
Career And Business
Riska/Getty Images
19. Schedule coffee or virtual meetups with smart people from your graduating class, previous employer, or current employer.
I have gotten many freelance opportunities by doing this. It's as simple as connecting and offering value (or simply learning how you can better equip yourself to do so.) It's also a great way to expand your network, spark new friendships, or find out about new job opportunities.
20. Invest in a well-made suit.
I don't care what industry you're in, a suit says "power," and it's not as old-school or out-of-style as you'd think. Plus the whole experience of looking for a new one (or getting one tailored) is fun and affirming. Try these options. I swear, anytime I wear a blazer, I'm treated like a celebrity or boss, especially when traveling. I was once upgraded to first-class wearing a yellow blazer outfit, and the airline professional literally said, "You look like somebody important. Here you go."
21. Volunteer for a worthwhile project or cause that's important to your company.
If you're overworked and underappreciated, skip this one, but if you truly have the time, love what you do, and want to advance, this move is clutch. Volunteering for extra projects got me where I am today in media because I had foresight, and knew that was the only way at the time to leverage relationships, and I was able to challenge myself to learn skills that 20 years later are still bankable. That VP you can't get a meeting with will be at that gala your company is planning, so join that committee, sis.
22. Write down why you deserve a raise and ask for it in your next one-on-one.
Gather those receipts (ie sales increase numbers, KPIs met, deals closed, people acquired via recruitment, the impact of systems updates, or other tangible success metrics) and ask for that raise before the first or second-quarter budgets are being finalized.
23. Instead of quitting, write down your exit plan.
While revenge quitting is set to be a thing next year (and maybe you're among those who will be leading the trend), try the better boss move and quit with a real plan.
24. Start automatically separating that estimated self-employed quarterly tax estimate.
If you have side hustles (or you're collecting 1099 income,) baby, you do not want to neglect those quarter tax payments. Talk to a professional, do your research, and set up automatic transfers to an account specifically for paying these at the appropriate due dates.
25. Sign up for a free one- to 11-week course related to your industry—or the industry you want to be in next year.
Institutions like Harvard University and platforms like Coursera offer free courses that can enhance your skills. You can also invest in certificate courses with accredited colleges as well as tech training.
26. Hit "Easy Apply" for 10 dream jobs listed on LinkedIn.
While you shouldn't solely rely on this when actively job-seeking, using this convenient LinkedIn option is a great way to get into the habit of applying for positions. And if you're already employed, you should still be "dating" other employers if you're looking to make a move in the next six months. Keep your interview skills sharp, practice toughening up for the "nos," and get a bit of an ego boost in the process.
Self-Care And Wellness
27. Pre-schedule three month's worth of massages.
Oftentimes this is cost-effective since some spas offer deals for multiple bookings. Also, it makes an act of self-care deliberate and important, not an option. When you get that reminder call, you'll know it's real.
28. Fire that therapist and try another one.
Cultural competency in mental health support is one major problem that can hinder Black women from even bothering with therapy. And who wants the added stress of spending multiple, paid sessions explaining why something is a microaggression? Cut the cord and move on to try someone else, either via a Black women therapists channel or recommendations from others.
29. Join a small group at church.
Bedside service ain't gonna cut it and neither is going to the usual Sunday service. Join a smaller group and upgrade your efforts to connect, network, and elevate spiritually. Even if virtually, take a step to dig a bit deeper with more targeted Bible study and discussions.
30. Say no, even to loved ones.
This is on here twice, for a reason. Saying no is the simplest, most powerful micro-action you can take today to make 2025 better. No explanations. No guilt. Say no.
31. Choose one "luxury" beauty product for skincare and stick to it.
This was trending big on social, especially for millennials hitting their 40s. There's just something so freeing about not giving in to every trend and sticking to the basics that work, especially when there are quality, healthy ingredients involved. Put those orders on auto-renew.
32. Sign up for a new sport or fitness class just for fun, not for results.
It's great to be on a weight-loss or weight-lifting journey, but try something just for the fun of it. Switch things up with a couple of these fitness activities.
33. Book a staycation.
Leave the passport at home and explore a nearby community or another town in your state. There's so much enrichment in your own backyard right here in the U.S., and you don't even have to break the bank.
34. Pre-schedule your mammograms, Pap smear, and peri-menopause checkups for next year.
Take control of your health by pre-scheduling essential appointments like mammograms, Pap smears, and peri-menopause check-ups for 2025. Prioritizing these screenings early ensures you stay on top of your wellness and make time for self-care in the new year.
35. Cut off support of beauty and wellness professionals whose customer service is below standard.
This is another one that many Black women have been vocal about—from unrealistic pre-appointment requirements, to booking fees, to long waits, to unsavory in-salon experiences. Spot the red flags early, and just stop accommodating foolishness. Support salons or experienced stylists who are kind, have proper systems in place and value your time.
36. Schedule five to 10-minute moments of silence on your calendar.
Again, wellness is not optional, and if it's not on my calendar, it's not official. Sit quietly. Pray. Meditate. Or do nothing. The benefits of silent moments are almost endless.
37. Download a meditation app.
If you've found that meditation is difficult to schedule or to even start, an app can help. Try this, this, or this one, and take that step to embrace something new to enhance your wellness routine. If you're tired of downloading apps, create a playlist for meditation via Amazon Music or Spotify and schedule a reminder to do it once a day or week.
38. Invest in a healthy meal prep or delivery service.
Time is emotionally expensive, so save as much of it as possible. Getting into meal prep to keep to your goals is a great way to save time, stress, and effort. The health benefits of meal prepping have also been proven via research.
39. Create a positive playlist on Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, or other streaming platform.
It can be podcasts, music, affirmations, or somatic sounds. It's a game-changer. You can even set an alarm to wake you up to start your day with the positive playlist. Not into creating your own? There are plenty to choose from with a quick search.
40. Set up reminders for Alexa (Siri or other AI) to remind you, "You are loved," and "You are okay."
This simple effort can boost your endorphins and remind you that you're indeed, not alone, and you will be okay, regardless. To set mine up, I simply commanded, "Alexa, remind me everyday 'Jesus loves me,'" and like clockwork she does. She almost scared the ish out of me one day when I'd forgotten the reminder was active, but it was the reminder I needed when anxiety had gotten the best of me that week.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by
