An Artist Interview with Psychotherapist, Author & Life Coach Ash Alves
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An easeful conversation with Ash Alves🌿 by The Easeful Place
How is your heart today? This letter is being written to a Sasha Marie mix which is one part Sunday cleaning vibes and two parts hazy afternoon dancing with yourself vibes, feelings that stream sweetly into Monday. A song, a word, an extra long laugh, or a somatic moment of release - however you take it - may it be what eases you back to reality - where reality is an entry point to presence and passion in the now. A welcoming of all that you are, which brings us to today’s artist feature.
Ash Alves is a psychotherapist, life coach and author who is a teacher of how self/community reflection and radical care fit into definitions of wellness. Alves’ work has shifted my personal connection with self and environment after reading and re-reading her book Highly Sensitive Warrior as well as witnessing the local and international impact she has had as a woman tapped into inner listening and path-making for a better world. It is an honour to introduce you to Ash Alves in this intimate series by The Easeful Place.
These interviews exist to inspire us on our journeys to creating the lives, communities, families, and inner environments needed to house ease. I select artists from around the world with different modes of creation and lifestyles to show how possible it is for us to build ease and art into our lives. The intention is to deepen our understanding of what is possible, to think limitlessly, in community.
In conversation with Ash Alves
Who is Ash Alves and what do you do?
As I reflect on this question, the first thing that comes to mind is that I am, first and foremost, a spiritual being navigating this physical reality. This feels central to everything I do and how I show up in the world.
In this earthly experience, I wear many titles. I am a writer, psychotherapist, life coach, and the founder of Warrior Reminder, a movement dedicated to supporting others on their journeys towards self and collective expansion.
Beyond my professional roles, at the heart of who I am is an intuitive writer, healer, highly sensitive warrior, teacher, and lifelong student. I am deeply curious about the human experience and the ways we can cultivate individual and collective fulfilment.
My days are spent in private therapy practice, writing, delivering workshops, and working part-time at a media communications company.
What is your one-word manifesto/mantra in life?
Service.
A quote that continuously resonates with me is by Muhammad Ali: "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth."
Giving back, whether to one person or many, feels deeply important to me. I recognise that life is bigger than the self. When I am in service to others, I contribute to elevating collective consciousness. And in turn, by being in service to myself, I enrich the world around me.
When I reflect on the greats, those who dared to share their gifts, their time, and their energy—I see how their acts of service have shaped the world. From those who set up food banks and shelters to those who shared words and ideologies that liberated others, their contributions remind me of the power of giving.
Also, as a Black woman, I think about the movements that paved the way for my freedom the sacrifices, the courage and commitment of those before me. It feels essential to honour that ancestral legacy by being in service to my community, to myself, and to others. And in doing so, I feel as if I'm claiming my own freedom.
That being said, I remain mindful of the fine line between service and self-sacrifice. People-pleasing and the saviour complex are shadows I continuously reflect on and work through. I acknowledge that true service does not come at the cost of self.
Who are your favourite artists?
If I had to choose my top five R&B and hip-hop artists (in no particular order), they would be:
- Jill Scott
- Little Brother
- A Tribe Called Quest
- Nas
- Che Noir
What or where is the most easeful place for you?
Home. There’s nothing like my bed, my star projector, a candle burning, incense in the air, my record player spinning, and the warmth of the heater.
It’s restorative. When I’m home, I feel at ease. I feel safe.
What are some of your favourite practices for grounding and remembering yourself?
Journaling.
Pouring my thoughts onto paper is like therapy. It’s a space where I can release without judgement—where my only witness is God. My deepest, most challenging emotions find expression and freedom on the page. Writing allows me to put things into perspective, let go of what no longer serves me, and realign with my values and purpose. It’s an act of self-remembrance.
Nature.
Taking a walk, touching the leaves, capturing moments through photos, or simply witnessing the world around me. Nature grounds me. I feel gratitude for its presence and the way it restores me. I release my burdens to the trees; they feel like silent witnesses to my joys and struggles.
You are so worthy of ease. How do you remind yourself of this?
As I read this question, I notice my body relax.
I remind myself that we live in a world designed to keep us disconnected from ourselves and our consciousness. A world that tells us our worth is tied to productivity and labour. Understanding this matrix helps me recognise the ways I have internalised these messages and how they have shaped my relationship with ease.
So much of what is placed in our way, systemically and culturally can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and disconnection. But awareness allows me to reclaim my right to ease.
I remind myself through action:
- Reducing my responsibilities where possible
- Saying “no” more often
- Saying “yes” to what I truly want
- Allowing myself to be present
- Taking life one day at a time
I affirm to myself that ease is not something I have to earn, it is my birthright.
Beautiful. How can we stay connected with you?
I've relaunched Warrior Reminder after a two-year hiatus. You can support us via our Instagram page @warriorreminder, where I will be announcing our upcoming support groups and events.
You can also connect with me through my website, Instagram, X or by email - ashalvesblog@gmail.com.
Gratitude to Ash for joining us in this space and sharing these wisdoms. Feel free to share the quotes or reminders that most nourished, inspired, or spoke loudly to you.
Prompts for a new week::
How do you remind your body to unwind?
What is one small act of love (care) that means a lot to you?
Think of a saying, mantra, or word that you can offer to yourself in the week to come. Invite it to teach you and bring you back to your centre. Imagine yourself offering it to others who may welcome the reminder.
Creativity corner
Creating what once lived in my heart and now lives in your inbox is a source of joy that is so meaningful to me. Kit (formerly ConvertKit) is what I use to send out these letters and build The Easeful Place hub. If you're a blogger, creator or someone building a community of any kind, I highly recommend checking out what Kit has to offer. Kit is an email-first operating system for creative entrepreneurs and writers trusted by over half a million creators.
Thank you for being a part of The Easeful Place community. Your presence is always appreciated. If these letters are useful to your journey, invite a friend over to join us in these letters and in future event gatherings. In the meantime, have an easeful rest of your week.
Love,
Amara Amaryah
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