Carol Almas Iancu
Align With EssenceTM
Attune to AWE
Desperately seeking relief and answers during a rough patch in life, I reached for a beginner's meditation book. I did an exercise that culminated in asking "Who am I?" In a shocking flash of profound clarity and truth, I felt myself as infinite and ineffable: everything and nothing. The roles and painful stories that I'd identified as "me" felt insignificant, even ridiculous! Confused by the absolute truth of what I'd felt, my sense of Self—and of other and the Universe—cracked open. . . . So began a longing to understand the Mystery that, decades later, I'm still exploring, and, importantly, still learning to integrate into daily life.​​
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In the years of study, exploration, and practices since, the pull and beauty of the Mystery remain strong. As does the call to support others longing to cultivate a more centered, compassionate, creative, authentic life.
​​Along the way ​​I've learned that healing and transformation cannot be done alone. I'm grateful for the many wise and compassionate teachers, mentors, and fellow-travelers who have supported my journey. I would not be where I am today without their pure, unconditional love and support. ​Whether you're on a spiritual path or not, I'd be honored to walk beside you and support your unique process into more authentic, meaningful and joyful living.
Who am I?
My Story
For 26 years, I served as a Massachusetts Assistant Attorney General advocating for stronger climate and air protections, including playing a leading role in the landmark Supreme Court climate change case.
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My orientation toward service and advocacy for the vulnerable and voiceless arose in childhood. I grew up with a brother with intellectual and developmental disabilities and early on was assigned the role of “the responsible one.” Later, this role expanded to my parents as well. Alongside demands of career and family, I practiced and taught yoga, which kept me balanced and functional.
A turning point came after a long-term relationship ended. For the first time, I turned inward. Instead of focusing on outward roles and the needs of others, I discovered deep inner longings. I questioned my purpose. My yoga practice deepened. I read Eastern philosophy and attended Buddhist Insight Meditation courses and retreats. Universalist Sufism teachings and practices of Hazrat Inayat Khan—a mystical path of the heart—resonated most deeply.
In 2012, I went on my first seven-day silent retreat. I arrived feeling exhausted and lost. When silence lifted, someone told me I looked radiant—and, astonishingly, I felt it. This was my first sustained experience of my essence, or Self, as a loving, centered presence: A compassionate witness to the chaos of life. Not oblivious to the pain and suffering. Yet, somehow, I held them differently. I felt emerging a new relationship to myself and others. Always different, retreats may show us what we need or are ready to learn at a particular time.
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I learned to drop into my true Self. I used Internal Family Systems to meet and heal parts of myself. I learned to meet my fears with gratitude, humility, and trust. I learned to accept my limitations even as I opened to the flow of grace. This inner shift eventually inspired an outer one: leaving my legal career, moving from Boston to the Berkshires, and creating sacred space to share well-being practices, build community, and support others on their journeys of transformation. I had no idea what form this new chapter would take. I trusted the clarity of my inner guidance. I feel fortunate and grateful each day for where I've been and what continues to unfold.
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A spiritual path is not required to experience your essence. When the time is right, there are many ways to discover your true nature; to touch the innate joy, love, and peace at your core; to feel compassion and connectedness despite our differences. When trust arises alongside fear, courage is born. When we align our outer lives with our true essence, we attune to awe and magical possibilities unfold. This is a bold path, requiring curiosity, dedication, and compassion. I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey.
McAllister Park & Wildlife Refuge, Great Barrington, MA
Select Trainings & Certifications
ARCH Life Coaching Certification
Atum O'Kane's Spiritual Guidance Wisdom School programs:
The Art of Spiritual Guidance
Time of Transition
The Essential Archetypes of Spiritual Guidance
Internal Family Systems Online Circle (IFS Informed)
Inayatiayya Sufi Order programs:
Sophic Whorl Retreat Guide Training (in progress)
Alchemical Retreat Guide Training
The Divine Art of Alchemy
Coordinator Training
Suluk Academy
Jungian Platform, Embodied Imagination
Walking Our Talk Facilitator Training
Yoga Alliance RYT-500 (Registered Yoga Teacher)