Valerie Tejeda - Happiness By The Signs

Summary

Episode Summary: Valerie Tejeda - Happiness By The Signs

Self-Conscious with Chrissy Teigen
Host: Chrissy Teigen
Guest: Valerie Tejeda
Episode Title: Happiness By The Signs
Release Date: May 22, 2025

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Introduction

In this enlightening episode of Self-Conscious with Chrissy Teigen, host Chrissy Teigen welcomes Valerie Tejeda, a renowned astrologist and best-selling author of Cosmic Care. Valerie shares her unique perspective on blending astrological wisdom with practical guidance to foster personal growth and self-care. The conversation delves into how astrology can serve as a framework for understanding and cultivating happiness, emphasizing the role of the 12 zodiac signs as pillars of joy and well-being.

Guest Background

Valerie Tejeda is an astrologist who specializes in traditional planetary rulers and their archetypes. Her work focuses on using astrology as a cosmic tool to help individuals understand their strengths, weaknesses, and pathways to happiness. Valerie is the author of the Audible Original Happiness by the Signs, which explores how each zodiac sign can cultivate specific pillars of happiness.

Main Discussion Points

Connection Between Happiness and Astrology

Valerie explains how astrology acts as a map for self-discovery, allowing individuals to tap into cosmic energies to better understand themselves and navigate life's challenges. She emphasizes that astrology goes beyond daily horoscopes, offering profound insights into personal fulfillment and joy.

Valerie Tejeda [02:48]: "Astrology is a really great cosmic tool. It's almost like a map in a way for us to get to know ourselves better and to kind of see our strengths, our weaknesses or shadow traits."

Understanding Traditional Planetary Rulers

Valerie elaborates on the significance of traditional planetary rulers in astrology. Each zodiac sign is governed by a planet that embodies its core archetype, providing deeper layers of understanding about one's energy and characteristics.

Valerie Tejeda [03:44]: "Each planetary ruler has an archetype. So like Cancer, for example, is ruled by the moon. So the archetype of the moon is nurturing your home, your space."

Happiness Pillars by Zodiac Sign

The episode introduces the concept that each zodiac sign represents a distinct pillar of happiness. Valerie outlines how these pillars are not only astrological concepts but also universal principles applicable to everyone, fostering a holistic approach to well-being.

Valerie Tejeda [04:35]: "Each of the signs have a pillar that I assigned to them for happiness by the signs. They all are key pillars in their own way."

Importance of Gratitude

Gratitude emerges as a central theme tied to the Sagittarius sign. Valerie shares her personal connection to gratitude as a foundational practice for maintaining happiness and resilience, especially through challenging times.

Valerie Tejeda [05:46]: "Gratitude has always been my self care, well being happiness anchor. It keeps me grounded, keeps me my head above water."

Influences of Zodiac Elements on Happiness and Self-care

Valerie discusses how the elemental classification of zodiac signs—earth, fire, air, and water—can influence one's approach to self-care and happiness. Each element suggests different rituals and practices that align with the individual's astrological profile.

Valerie Tejeda [06:44]: "Earth signs benefit from grounding rituals in nature, fire signs from activities involving fire like writing and burning, water signs from moon-centric rituals, and air signs from journaling."

Favorite Rituals

Valerie shares her favorite happiness rituals inspired by various zodiac pillars, including gratitude, cord cutting, and savoring life's small moments. She emphasizes the importance of integrating these practices into daily life to enhance joy and resilience.

Valerie Tejeda [07:31]: "I love the savor pillar of Taurus—pausing to enjoy our coffee or pastry because these small joys add up."

Resilience as a Theme

Resilience is highlighted as a crucial element for personal growth. Valerie explains how building resilience through happiness practices acts like a battery, empowering individuals to withstand life's adversities.

Valerie Tejeda [09:16]: "Resilience is like a battery. The more you're building that battery, the better you'll handle when life throws something challenging your way."

Connecting Deeply with Partners through Astrology

The conversation explores how understanding one's own and their partner's astrological signs can foster deeper connections, empathy, and compassion in relationships. Valerie provides insights into how astrology can enhance mutual understanding and support.

Valerie Tejeda [10:00]: "Astrology helps build empathy and compassion, making us better partners and friends by understanding each other's needs and energies."

Understanding Shadow Traits

Valerie emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the shadow traits associated with each zodiac sign. By acknowledging these aspects, individuals can avoid common pitfalls and work towards a more harmonious life.

Valerie Tejeda [11:03]: "Every sign has shadow traits. Knowing them helps you know what needs to be pruned away so you can grow."

Practical Astrology Tips for Beginners

For those new to astrology, Valerie advises starting with understanding one's birth chart, particularly the sun, moon, and rising signs. She also recommends paying attention to moon cycles and incorporating rituals that resonate with these astrological elements.

Valerie Tejeda [14:47]: "Learning your birth chart and understanding your big three—sun, moon, and rising signs—is a great first step."

Guided Rituals

Valerie leads Chrissy through two specific rituals: a loving-kindness meditation aligned with the Cancer sign's compassion pillar and a gratitude ritual connected to Sagittarius' gratitude pillar. These guided practices are designed to enhance self-love, empathy, and appreciation for the present moment.

Loving-Kindness Meditation:

Valerie Tejeda [18:56]: "Close your eyes, relax, and take deep breaths. Think of someone you love and send them loving kindness phrases like, 'May you be happy, may you be healthy, may you live with ease.' Then extend those wishes to yourself."

Gratitude Ritual:

Valerie Tejeda [15:40]: "Reflect on a specific moment you feel grateful for, simmer on the associated feelings, and recite affirmations such as, 'I am grateful for the abundance of blessings in my life.'"

Concluding Thoughts

The episode closes with Chrissy expressing her gratitude for Valerie's insights and sharing her personal experiences with the rituals. Valerie reiterates the transformative power of integrating astrology into daily practices for enhanced well-being.

Chrissy Teigen [28:14]: "Thank you so much for being here. It's been a quick masterclass on the most beautiful parts of life."

Notable Quotes

• Valerie Tejeda [02:48]: "Astrology is a really great cosmic tool. It's almost like a map in a way for us to get to know ourselves better and to kind of see our strengths, our weaknesses or shadow traits."

• Valerie Tejeda [05:46]: "Gratitude has always been my self care, well being happiness anchor. It keeps me grounded, keeps me my head above water."

• Valerie Tejeda [09:16]: "Resilience is like a battery. The more you're building that battery, the better you'll handle when life throws something challenging your way."

• Valerie Tejeda [11:03]: "Every sign has shadow traits. Knowing them helps you know what needs to be pruned away so you can grow."

• Valerie Tejeda [15:40]: "Reflect on a specific moment you feel grateful for, simmer on the associated feelings, and recite affirmations such as, 'I am grateful for the abundance of blessings in my life.'"

Key Takeaways

• Astrology as a Tool for Happiness: Valerie Tejeda presents astrology as a comprehensive framework for understanding personal strengths, weaknesses, and pathways to joy.

• 12 Pillars of Happiness: Each zodiac sign embodies a unique pillar of happiness, offering universal principles to enhance well-being.

• Importance of Rituals: Integrating rituals aligned with one's astrological profile can significantly improve self-care practices and foster resilience.

• Gratitude and Resilience: Regular practices of gratitude and resilience-building are essential for maintaining happiness and navigating life's challenges.

• Deepening Relationships: Understanding astrological signs can enhance empathy and connection in personal relationships, promoting healthier and more supportive interactions.

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Listen to Self-Conscious with Chrissy Teigen on Audible to explore more insightful conversations and personal growth strategies.

Transcript

[Chrissy Teigen]

You're listening to Self Conscious with Chrissy Teigen, an Audible original podcast. Join me as we explore the cutting edge of health, wellness and personal growth with the world's leading experts and thinkers. From inspiring stories to actionable insights, our conversations aim to help you lead a healthier, happier and more productive life. For many, the search for happiness is an ongoing journey, something we glimpse only in before it slips right through our fingers. We invest in careers, relationships and material possessions, hoping they will bring us lasting joy, but more often than not, the satisfaction is temporary and the contentment we seek feels just out of reach. The challenge of obtaining happiness lies not just in its pursuit, but in understanding what it truly is, a challenge made more complex by the pressures of modern life, where we're constantly bombarded with messages about what should make us happy and yet so often find those things fall short. My next guest, Valerie Tejeda, is an astrologist and the best selling author of Cosmic Care, known for her unique approach to blending astrological wisdom with practical guidance for personal growth and self care. In her Audible Original Happiness by the Signs, Valerie invites us to look at happiness not as a constant state of bliss, but as a path we walk each day filled with meaningful connections, the personal fulfillment and self discovery. Through astrology, she suggests, we can tap into the energies of the cosmos to better understand ourselves, navigate life's challenges, and ultimately cultivate a deeper sense of joy and contentment. In our conversation today, Valerie will explain how she uses astrology as a framework for understanding and cultivating joy. Each of the 12 zodiac signs represents a distinct pillar of happiness that we are meant to cultivate. From the passionate drive of Aries to the reflective romanticism of Pisces. These pillars, she suggests, are not just astrological concepts, but universal principles that anyone can apply to enhance their well being. Valerie Tejeda, welcome to Self Conscious. First of all, thank you so much for being here. I love astrology. I think that I actually am way more into the stars and the moon and the planets way more than anyone would expect because I don't like really talk about it a ton. So for those of us with just a surface level of astrology who perhaps just maybe read their daily horoscope and things or go on Instagram and follow their sign basically, which is what I do. Explain what the connection is between happiness and astrology.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Well, astrology is a really great cosmic tool. It's almost like a map in a way for us to get to know ourselves better and to kind of see our strengths, our weaknesses or shadow traits. As I like to refer to them as. And so through that cosmic tool, we're able to see the things that can maybe bring us more happiness and more joy and help us feel more grounded. And so it is so much more than just a horoscope. And especially if you're also learning to connect to the moon phases and things like that, it can really help with just making yourself feel grounded and in tune with, with nature, with the universe. So there's really so much more to it than the horoscope. It's just a great tool, is what I always like to say. It's a tool that we all can utilize for our well being, for our happiness and things like that.

[Chrissy Teigen]

So you say that you're an astrologer who goes by traditional planetary rulers. Unpack for us what that means and why it's important to understand.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Okay, so each astrology sign has a planetary ruler. And some astrologers go by modern and traditional and some go by traditional. I like to go by traditional. I feel like it fits the energy of the signs better. And it also has been around longer. And each planetary ruler has an archetype. So like Cancer, for example, is ruled by the moon. So the archetype of the moon is nurturing your home, your space, like the things we were talking about. And I think it just gives this extra layer of maybe understanding your sign, understanding your energy. So that's why I like to use the traditional but modern. A lot of astrologers use it too. There's no really right or wrong way. I think it's more of a preference. But yeah, that's the one that I like.

[Chrissy Teigen]

This series is built on the idea that each star sign has a key happiness pillar as its foundation. What in your mind are the key pillars?

[Valerie Tejeda]

So it's interesting because all of the signs have a pillar that I assigned to them for happiness by the signs. And I feel like they all are key pillars in their own way. They all play an important role for us and the happiness that we deserve in our life and kind of using those as like direction to find that happiness. So I wouldn't say that one of them is necessarily a key. I think they all kind of flow together. Aries starts with passion as being their pillar, and then Taurus is savor. Gemini is playful.

[Chrissy Teigen]

I think that was gratitude, right?

[Valerie Tejeda]

Yeah, or Sagittarius is gratitude. So they all kind of tie in together. And I think it's almost about what resonates with someone more when they're listening to the project or connecting to the pillar. It's what kind of resonates most with you if all of them don't?

[Chrissy Teigen]

And you start with Aries, why?

[Valerie Tejeda]

So Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. So it's the first sign of the zodiac calendar. So because of such, that's why I started with that made it the first pillar in the happiness pillar. And it's always. It's the first one.

[Chrissy Teigen]

Explain to me how you use gratitude in your work and why it's so important to you.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Okay. So for me, gratitude has always been my self care, well being happiness anchor, you could say. I, I literally think about gratitude on the daily. It is, it is everything to me. I feel like because I have had, I've had trauma in my life. I've had, you know, some things in my life that's been challenging like everybody else, you know. And gratitude has always been the thing that, that keeps me grounded, that keeps me my head above water if needed. And, and I, I've always found that no matter what, like even if the circumstance is so shitty, I can always find something to be grateful for. So I think it's just, it's just a beautiful practice and it really helps with cultivating happiness, joy and just empathy for others.

[Chrissy Teigen]

Because you understand like how blessed and lucky you are.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Yes, exactly. Yeah. The, the empathy and compassion is definitely comes from gratitude as well.

[Chrissy Teigen]

How does your sign's ruling element, fire, earth, air, water, influence the way you approach happiness and self care?

[Valerie Tejeda]

I love to look at the elements for self care because I think it can help us determine a self care practice that can be good for us. When I look at earth signs, spending time in nature doing grounding rituals can be really effective. Fire signs, rituals that involve fire, like writing something down and burning it away and imagining it releasing and leaving is really effective. Water signs, things that usually are rituals connected to the moon or rituals connected to water can be really great. And air rituals involving journaling and writing and stuff like that, since they're like intellectual signs can be really effective. So the element can give you another piece of things to look at for your own self care and happiness.

[Chrissy Teigen]

Across all the 12 pillars, what are some of your favorite rituals?

[Valerie Tejeda]

Gosh, I do. I know I keep saying I love the gratitude one. I like the cord cutting one and the Scorpio pillar as well. It's this way of releasing some something that's no longer serving you. You imagine cutting the cord away so it's removing it from your life. It's a visualization practice because that pillar is release. I like the savor Pillar of Taurus. Just that idea of savoring, like, what we're doing because I think it's so easy for, like, life to just pass us by and we miss so many little things. So to, like, pause and savor our coffee or pastry or. I say coffee and pastry because that's like, my favorite thing. Yeah, it's all about those little small joys. I like that pillar a lot. I like them all, honestly.

[Chrissy Teigen]

So can you set up one of these pillars for us? Savor, for example, how does it work in connection with star signs? And why that word?

[Valerie Tejeda]

The idea was to create a happiness pillar inspired by each of the signs, energy, so it could apply to everybody. And when it came to savor with Taurus, Taurus has this great ability of being grounded and savoring what's in front of them and enjoying the little things. And so that just fit perfect, in my opinion. I was like, oh, this is a great one that we all can learn from. We all can learn how to savor. And so that was how I came up with that. And then same with cancer. Their pillar is compassion. And that's just because cancers, they have that deep empathy, that deep compassion, and it's something, again, that we all can learn from. And so that's what I did when I went through each sign. I thought about what the sign represents, their energies, and then thought of something that's kind of core to them that we all could. Could utilize.

[Chrissy Teigen]

So resilience is an ongoing theme in your work. How come?

[Valerie Tejeda]

Well, I think because I've had to be resilient and learn how to be resilient a lot in my life. And I think it is just an important tool for all of us because we just never know what, like, life is going to throw our way. And having that resilience. Resilience is like a battery. The more you're building that battery with, doing things like that make you happy and bring you joy. What people don't realize is that builds that resilience battery. So then when life throws you something shitty, it's like, okay, I'm feeling this, I'm moving through this, but this isn't ending me because I have this resilience. And so I think it's just something I've had to learn a lot in my life.

[Chrissy Teigen]

So now let's discuss how we can use all of this to connect more deeply with our partners.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Yeah, well, astrology and then just happiness, cultivating our own happiness is so great for connecting with our partners because it can help build more empathy it can help with compassion. It also. If we feel good, then we're better partners. You know, the more we're taking care of ourselves and working on ourselves, we're gonna be better partners, better friends. And then astrology is so great, too, because it can just help us get to know other people better. I thought it was so interesting because you're a Sagittarius sun and John has a Sagittarius moon. I don't know if he knows that. No, but you said that he has a lot of Sagittariuses in his life. And a compatibility marker for friendship or partners or whatever is if someone has the same sun as someone's moon. So I thought it was interesting that you guys had that. And that he has a lot of Sagittariuses is probably his moon sign drawing that energy.

[Chrissy Teigen]

How can understanding the weaknesses of your zodiac sign help you avoid common pitfalls and create a more harmonious life? Like, what are my weaknesses? Tell me.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Well, every sign has shadow traits. That's what I always say. And I think learning those is really great. If you don't know what needs to be pruned away, you don't know how to grow. So you have to know those things about yourself so you can change them. So knowing the shadow traits of a sign is one more controlling or is one sign more manipulative or whatever it is.

[Chrissy Teigen]

Stubborn.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Stubborn. Yeah. Yeah. And it just helps you know, know that about yourself. And then if you're like, okay, I wanna work on that, then someone can keep an eye on that.

[Chrissy Teigen]

As a Sagittarius, what are some of my shadow traits?

[Valerie Tejeda]

Gosh. Well, Sagittariuses sometimes can. Their shadow traits could be. Maybe they can have. They can struggle with staying in one spot or staying with one thing or committing to something, usually. And then also Sagittarius are known for their mouths. Getting them in trouble. No, like, not like. That's the. That's the biggie. Usually with them and then not kind of staying in one spot. They. They can, like, run if they're. If they're feeling. Yes. Scared. Yeah. Yeah.

[Chrissy Teigen]

I'm really good at just moving around in general. Always wanting to adapt to a new place is always a big thing. One of my personal worst traits is, like, I'm very. And I blamed this actually on, like, my upbringing, but. Because I never wanted to get used to something good for too long because it would always be, like, taken away or I'd lose it. So I'm very good at cutting people off. I can just never see. We can be extremely close. And then if I need to, I can survive pretty well never seeing you again. That is my absolute most toxic trait, is that I don't. But, I mean, life will go on and I'll think about. I'll think about it and how bad it was and stuff, but it comes back very naturally to me, and it's terrible.

[Valerie Tejeda]

That's definitely something that's connected to Sagittarius.

[Chrissy Teigen]

Yeah, it's a hod podge of both, because we are defined so much by the environments we grew up in, 100%. So that plus the actual moon.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Yes, because astrology is one piece, but we all have our own experiences and traumas and everything else that then shapes our personality.

[Chrissy Teigen]

Hey, it's Chrissy feeling today's conversation. Dig deeper with today's guest and hear more from all our groundbreaking breaking guests on Audible. From bestsellers and new releases to podcasts and Audible originals, discover the next step on your journey. Go to audible.com chrissyonaudible what does a Capricorn need? John is a Capricorn. He's very Capricorn. He's very calm, very mellow, and he's very go with the flow. So he's almost, in a weird way, willing to accept whatever I'm willing to give him and, like, feels fulfilled and happy with it. But I'm also wondering what he actually needs most of.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Well, Capricorns usually really love stability and support since they are a sign connected to, like, achievement and things like that. They like when they feel supported when they do those things and they like someone that they're coming home to and feeling supported by that. That's like a big thing for them.

[Chrissy Teigen]

So I just need to exist.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Yeah.

[Chrissy Teigen]

Cool.

[Valerie Tejeda]

They like stable home environment and stuff like that.

[Chrissy Teigen]

Yeah, it's very.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Someone cheering them on when they're doing things.

[Chrissy Teigen]

Yeah. Yeah, he does need a lot of praise.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Yeah, I do find that. Yeah, they like praise. Yeah.

[Chrissy Teigen]

And I'm like, you get it all the time. You're doing big shows. Those are. That's enough.

[Valerie Tejeda]

They're praising you.

[Chrissy Teigen]

Yeah, that's plenty. So for somebody new to astrology, what would you say is the most important first step in beginning to incorporate it into your life?

[Valerie Tejeda]

I think learning your birth chart, even just going on an app and learning about your birth chart, what is your big three sun, moon and rising are good ones to start with. And just learning about those signs and seeing if they resonate and then also paying attention to the moon cycles and kind of connecting with those, seeing if there's rituals that resonate with you because it's just. It's happening every month and it's something we all can connect to if we want to. And I think that's kind of an easy way in as well, like learning about that.

[Chrissy Teigen]

And now for the toolkit. Each episode, our guests distill their expertise into practical and actionable insights. Today, Valerie Tejeda teaches us how to read my astrological birth chart.

[Valerie Tejeda]

For a birth chart, you need to know your date of birth, also your time of birth and location. And it is a cosmic blueprint, so to speak, of the exact moments when you came into this earth. Okay, so you are a Sagittarius. And the happiness pillar connected to that is gratitude. But based on your birth chart, there's obviously a couple different happiness pillars. And I should clarify that the happiness pillars are. They apply to everybody. But if you have that sign, you might feel more connected to it, you might resonate with it more. But your chart, you also have a cancer moon and a cancer rising. And that happiness pillar is compassion. Instead of just like I'm a Sagittarius, you know, you can have the moon sign, the rising, all of that. So you have cancer moon, cancer rising. It's strong energy for you. So you're very connected to the cycles of the moon. We're actually filming on a full moon, which is so exciting.

[Chrissy Teigen]

I do feel so connected to the moon too. That's why my daughter's name is Luna.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Oh, my gosh.

[Chrissy Teigen]

When I first gave birth, there was this big, beautiful red moon and we had no plans for her name or anything, but I just knew that I wanted it to be in the realm of nature.

[Valerie Tejeda]

The moon is an important energy for you, very connected to the moon cycles being a cancer rising. The moon is your chart ruler. So your cancer moon is a prominent placement in addition to your Sagittarius sun. Which is so cool because someone with a cancer moon, a cancer rising, their home is really important to them. Having people into their home, they love a really warm home. They're very nurturing. Your sun sign, though, Sagittarius is in the sixth house.

[Chrissy Teigen]

I'm taking notes. Sixth house, how many houses are there? 12.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Yes, 12 houses. And yours being in the sixth house basically shows that you're someone who's very soothed by daily rituals by doing things for your wellbeing, because that's the house of, like, health. So the more you're kind of leaning into that, the more you're doing things for your well being, the more you're Doing those daily things for yourself, kind of the better you're going to feel. And then your moon and your rising are in the first house. So that is the house of self. So a prominent energy for you. People who have cancer moons, cancer risings, they're often, they're drawn to spiritual things, mystical things. They're very nurturing. You know, as we were saying, their home is so important to them. It's like their safe haven. They love to bring people into it. They really love to nurture other people and advocate for other people. And it's such an interesting combo with your Sagittarius because like we were saying, the Sagittarius, they really like to speak their truth. They are seekers. They're going to stand up for what's right. And so sometimes they're very misunderstood because of that reason, because they're speaking their truth and that's so important to them. They can just get misunderstood. That's definitely with you. You have such like depth and you, like you said, you're connected to the moon. You're this spiritual person on this well being journey. And that's a part of you people are learning more about. And I just think it's so beautiful. I love it.

[Chrissy Teigen]

So do you have a ritual we could do that would closely align with my birth chart?

[Valerie Tejeda]

I'm gonna lead you through a loving kindness meditation ritual. And this ritual in happiness by the signs is connected to the cancer pillar, which is perfect because you're cancer moon rising, but it applies to everybody. You're sending loving kindness to yourself, but also to other people. And the reason this one I did for the cancer chapter was because their pillar is compassion. So it's able to not only foster more love for ourselves, but also for other people. Okay, so to begin, you're gonna close your eyes and allow your body to relax. Get in a comfortable position. And then I'm gonna have you take a few deep breaths. In through your nose and out through your mouth. Just nice and slow. And that one more in through your nose and out through your mouth. And you can repeat that a couple times until you are feeling completely relaxed in your body. And so when you are ready with your eyes still closed, think of someone who you love. Someone who brings up positive emotions for you. Someone who gives you those warm, loving feelings. When you think of them, it can be someone from your past, from your present. It could even be a fur baby. Just someone who you, when you think of them, you feel good because you have a lot of love for them. Now I want you to Imagine that this person who you love is standing right in front of you. They are smiling with warmth and kindness in their eyes, and they are looking at you. And as you look at them, allow all the love and those loving feelings you have for this person or this furry friend start to bubble to the surface. Feel those feelings of love and kindness. Feel that love pouring over you. And as you continue to look at this person that you love, say the words, may you be happy, may you be healthy, may you live with ease. Do you want to say. Do you want to say it out loud? Okay.

[Chrissy Teigen]

May you be happy, may you be healthy, may you live with ease.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Perfect. And then you're going to repeat the phrase one more time. May you be happy, may you be healthy, may you live with ease.

[Chrissy Teigen]

May you be happy, may you be healthy, may you live with ease.

[Valerie Tejeda]

And as you are feeling these warm and beautiful feelings of love now, I want you to imagine that you are standing in front of yourself, and I want you to send that same love, warmth and kindness that you were just wishing on that person that you love and that you have love for and that they have love for you to wish that same love onto yourself. And then you want to feel that same love and that kindness and do so with a lack of judgment, Just so much grace and understanding for yourself. And then we're going to say those same phrases, but this time it is, may I be happy, may I be healthy, may I live with ease. So you say it.

[Chrissy Teigen]

May I be happy, may I be healthy, may I live with ease.

[Valerie Tejeda]

And then you're going to take another deep breath and say it again. May I be happy, may I be healthy, May I live with ease.

[Chrissy Teigen]

May I be happy, May I be healthy, May I live with ease.

[Valerie Tejeda]

And now you're gonna take a couple more deep breaths, and when you are ready, you'll open your eyes and you'll wanna carry that feeling of compassion that you have for yourself with you throughout the rest of your day. And then you can go back to that ritual whenever you're feeling like you need to, when you feel like you need some extra love for yourself or to send some extra love for someone else. So how did that feel?

[Chrissy Teigen]

I'll tell you. First of all, I picked one of my children.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Oh, I love that.

[Chrissy Teigen]

It was so easy to look at her and imagine that. And, yeah, it just brought up big feelings.

[Valerie Tejeda]

This gratitude ritual is connected to the Sagittarius pillar of gratitude. But it's a ritual that anyone can do at any time, and gratitude is just. Just it's just such a great thing to even do on the daily. Such a great practice, such an easy practice to do. So for this same thing, we're going to begin by closing our eyes, getting comfortable, and taking some deep breaths. I did want to add to. For people who ever want to. For any of these rituals, you can set your space beforehand that could look like burning some incense or lighting some candles or things like that, but it's never required. So for this, we will start by taking some deep breaths and okay, so with your eyes still closed, reflect on the specific moment in your life that you feel grateful for. This could be something that happened today, something that happened yesterday, or a moment that took place years ago. And when you are reflecting on this moment, really put yourself back in that moment where you felt that gratitude. And as you consider the event, experience or interaction, sit with the feelings that arise as you continue to take in a few more deep breaths. Now, while simmering on that feeling of gratitude and joy, think about something in your life that you are grateful for right now. It could be something that feels small but is actually big, like air in your lungs. Or it could be something big like a new job that you just started. Or it could be the love you have for a fur baby or friend or a child or a significant other. Just think about something that in this moment you are grateful for. And if you want, you could even take out a journal or a piece of paper and write about how you were feeling. The idea is to open up those feelings of gratitude. And once you do, it can call even more gratitude into your life. So, yeah, we're not gonna have her write that down, obviously. Okay, so with your eyes still closed here, actually, let me keep them closed. Let me start over. So now that you are thinking about the thing that you are grateful for right now, simmer on. How does it make you feel? Do you feel joy? Do you feel warmth? Do you feel love? Where do you feel it? In your body. And really simmer on and bask on those feelings while you are taking some deep breaths. And now, with your eyes still closed, imagine the feeling of this gratitude pouring all over your body like a warm hug. And with each breath, allow yourself to really sink into those feelings. And now we're going to recite a couple gratitude affirmations. So I will say them and you could just repeat them back. I am grateful for the abundance of blessings in my life.

[Chrissy Teigen]

I am grateful for the abundance of blessings in my life.

[Valerie Tejeda]

I welcome joy, love and positive experiences.

[Chrissy Teigen]

I welcome joy, love and positive experiences.

[Valerie Tejeda]

I appreciate the present moment.

[Chrissy Teigen]

I appreciate the present moment.

[Valerie Tejeda]

I am grateful for the little things.

[Chrissy Teigen]

I am grateful for the little things.

[Valerie Tejeda]

I give thanks to the universe for loving and supporting me always.

[Chrissy Teigen]

I give thanks to the universe for loving and supporting me always.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Then, when you're ready, open your eyes and carry that feeling of gratitude with you. And this is definitely a ritual that can be a daily practice or one that you can add, even, like, with a journal thing, too. You could write down what you're grateful for and do the same steps and then read them back and do that. But something that we can do on.

[Chrissy Teigen]

The daily one felt really special.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Oh, good.

[Chrissy Teigen]

And needed.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Oh, good.

[Chrissy Teigen]

And if I'm totally honest, I was. The thing I'm most grateful for now is this job. I needed something like this so badly in my life. My life is, like, really chaotic, and it's always moving and always crazy. And I don't put my own wellness or mental health at the forefront a lot, even though I talk about it a lot. It's hard to do that, especially when you have four kids and everything and you're always on the move.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Yeah.

[Chrissy Teigen]

But being able to do something like this and get to talk to people like you.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Yeah.

[Chrissy Teigen]

And it's like a quick masterclass all the time on the. The most beautiful parts of life. And I get to share that with, like, really cool people that are in my room. And this is, I think, the best thing that I've ever done for myself ever. So.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Wow.

[Chrissy Teigen]

Thank you.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Oh, yeah, thank you. That's amazing.

[Chrissy Teigen]

Thank you so much for being here. I've been really intrigued by astrology for a really long time, but also felt very ignorant to all the things I didn't know about it. So it's been a very daunting thing to want to be a part of, but I'm so glad you're here to talk with me about it.

[Valerie Tejeda]

Well, gosh, thank you so much for having me. I just feel so grateful to be on your podcast and thank you for welcoming me into your home.

[Chrissy Teigen]

I love the podcast.

[Valerie Tejeda]

It's so weird, I know, but I'm so grateful. Thank you so much for having me.

[Chrissy Teigen]

Valerie Teja, I want to thank you so much for joining me on Self Conscious. You can find Valerie Teja's Audible Original Happiness by the signs on Audible. Until then, tune in, turn on, and feel better. This is Chrissy Teigen, and you've been listening to Self Conscious, an Audible original podcast. This is been an Audible Original produced by Audible and Huntley Productions, hosted by Chrissy Teigen Executive producer for Huntley Productions Chrissy Teigen Executive producer for Audible Stacy Creamer Recorded and engineered by Alex Guy Mixed and mastered by Jeremiah Zimmerman Edited by Lisa Orkin Head of Creative Development at Audible Kate Navin Chief Content Officer Rachel Giazza Copyright 22024 by Audible Originals, LLC. Sound Recording Copyright 2024 by Audible Originals.