When I first began writing "Sacred Panache," I was inspired by the idea that we can live in harmony with both our external and internal worlds. In a society that often places so much emphasis on outward appearance and success, I wanted to explore what it means to live with authenticity and grace while still expressing oneself boldly and creatively.
Maya's story came to me as a way of exploring this balance between the outer and inner worlds. On the surface, she represents everything that society values-beauty, fame, success. As a supermodel, she embodies the ideal of perfection, someone who has mastered the art of external expression. But as her story unfolds, we see that despite her outward success, there is a deeper part of her that longs for something more-a sense of connection, purpose, and spiritual fulfilment.
The idea of panache-that flair for bold and confident expression-plays a central role in this novel. Panache, in its traditional sense, is often associated with outward style, charisma, and a certain daring attitude. But I wanted to reimagine panache in a way that includes not just external confidence but also spiritual grace. I wanted to explore what it means to live with sacred panache-to express ourselves boldly, yes, but also with a deep sense of purpose, integrity, and alignment with our inner truth.
Writing this novel allowed me to reflect on the ways we navigate our public and private selves. We all wear different hats in life, whether it's as professionals, parents, partners, or friends. In each of these roles, we are often called upon to present a certain version of ourselves, one that meets the expectations of others or society at large. But underneath all these roles is the essence of who we are-our true selves, our spiritual selves. And the journey of life, as I see it, is about learning to bring these two sides of ourselves into harmony, so that we can live in a way that honours both our individuality and our deeper sense of purpose.
Maya's journey of transformation is not an easy one, and I believe that is true for most of us as well. Change, especially when it involves letting go of old identities or roles, can be challenging. We face resistance not just from the outside world but also from within ourselves. There is a comfort in staying the same, in holding on to the familiar. But as Maya discovers, real growth comes from being willing to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown. It's about having the courage to be true to ourselves, even when it means facing criticism or rejection from others.
In writing this novel, I was also inspired by the idea that spirituality doesn't have to be something separate from our everyday lives. Too often, we think of spirituality as something we do in private-something quiet, personal, and removed from the world. But I believe that spirituality can be a vibrant, creative force that infuses everything we do, from the way we interact with others to the way we express ourselves in our work, our art, and our relationships.
In Maya's case, her spiritual journey does not require her to leave the fashion world behind or retreat from public life. Instead, it's about finding a way to integrate her spirituality into her career, to bring a sense of purpose and authenticity to her work as a model and designer. This is something I believe we can all do, no matter what our profession or calling. We don't have to choose between living spiritually and living boldly; we can do both, and in doing so, we can inspire others to do the same.
As you read this book, I hope you will see yourself in Maya's journey. Whether you are someone who is already deeply connected to your spiritual path or someone who is just beginning to explore it, I believe that Maya's experiences will resonate with you.
