203 | Into the Underworld: Mid-Life Initiation Through Life's Darkest Times with Chameli Gad

Today I’m sitting down with Chameli Gad, the founder of Awakening Women and a Goddess Wisdom Keeper, to talk candidly about a recent, challenging period in Chamelil’s life. She shares her deeply personal journey through loss, grief, and what she calls her "underworld experience," offering a raw and vulnerable look at how life’s hardest moments can become a gateway to deeper trust, self-love, and freedom.

Together, we talk about the concept of spiritual initiation, the power of mythology and storytelling, and the often-overlooked gifts and challenges of menopause. Chameli opens up about how her connection to Goddess spirituality, her regular practices, and the support of a trusted mentor helped her navigate a period of profound upheaval and ultimately emerge more aligned and whole.

This episode is part of a special series I’ve been sharing in celebration of my new book, Handbook for the Heartbroken. I wrote this book to support women through life’s toughest times and to show how heartbreak—whether personal or professional—can be a doorway to transformation and purpose.

If you’re going through a season of loss or seeking inspiration to honor the deeper truths of your life, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How spiritual initiations can guide us through life’s darkest times.
• The wisdom of mythology, including the story of Inanna’s descent into the underworld.
• How menopause can be embraced as a sacred passage.
• Practical tools and insights for cultivating trust and resilience during change.

May our conversation inspire and support you on your path of becoming.

⭐ And, as a special gift, I want to offer you free access to one of my most popular programs, “The IFS Kickstart Kit.” This will teach you the foundational concepts of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model—a proven framework that has helped me and countless others navigate challenges, build inner clarity, and create thriving, soul-aligned businesses.

Through this 7-part video series, you’ll gain a deep understanding of how IFS works and how to apply it to your own life and business. These are the same principles I teach in my advanced programs, now made accessible in an introductory format.

To receive your complimentary “IFS Kickstarter Kit,” all you have to do is:

1) Leave a review of this podcast. 

2) Email a screenshot of your review to hello@saraavantstover.com

It’s as simple as that!

In this Episode We Explore:

[14:32] - Chameli reflects on her transformational journey through profound loss and the initiation it catalyzed within her.

[21:47] - Discover the myth of Inanna and how it parallels personal crises, illustrating the powerful essence of initiation and rebirth.

[35:09] - The conversation dives into the often unacknowledged challenges and gifts of menopause, shedding light on its role as a transformative phase.

[48:06] - Chameli shares her experience of navigating the balance between personal turmoil and professional responsibilities during her darkest moments.

[54:18] - Explore the concept of Hestia, the goddess who stays home, and how nurturing your inner flame is essential to weathering life’s storms.

[1:02:12] - Chameli's reflections on her current journey and the importance of simplicity, grounding herself in the present through connection with nature and self-love.

Resources:

• Chameli Gad’s website
• Order Sara’s new book: Handbook for the Heartbroken
• New Year’s Retreat for Women Leaders & Entrepreneurs
• Try Your Free, 30-day Trial with Kajabi
• Subscribe to Sara’s Sunday Journal
• Connect with Sara on Instagram

Mentioned in this episode:

her Self CEO Waitlist