Sunshine Shen, Image: Supplied
If you’re seeking out something special, something really significant to help you channel positivity and find light during the lockdown, then look no further. Spirituality guru and sound healer Sunshine Shen is quite literally a ray of sunshine, and she’s sharing her insight and valuable advice exclusively with GLAMOUR South Africa.
A world renowned model - who has covered publications such as Playboy South Africa and Maxim South Africa - Sunshine’s career path has led her all around the globe where she’s encountered a wide range of different people and cultures who have influenced her outlook on life.
After achieving all of her professional goals, Sunshine sought out something deeper, and she aspired to use her platform to inspire change and radiate positivity. With that, she decided to wholeheartedly pursue her deepest passion in life, spirituality.
Since stepping into this responsibility, Sunshine’s enthusiasm for holistic wellness has become her life’s work. She went on to become a certified sound bath healer - helping others through the power of therapeutic frequencies - and she is a self-realisation guru committed to teaching people how to channel spiritual energy, connect with their highest calling, and become the best versions of themselves.
From leading healing sessions at conferences around the world, to collaborating with like-minded teachers to collectively help others, Sunshine continues to be a strong advocate for the power of spirituality.
Sunshine Shen, Image: Supplied
In times like these, where many of us are uncertain where to turn for help or inspiration, Sunshine urges us to look inwards.
GLAMOUR: Tell us about your connection to South Africa, having been featured in many publications here! What do you love most about SA and the people and culture?
Sunshine Shen (SS):
I absolutely love the rainbow nation! I adore the fact that South Africa contains so many different religions and cultures; from Zulu to Hinduism, the region’s overall religious tolerance is definitely notable and most appealing to me! I’m inspired by the diversity that allows South Africa to thrive. There’s truly no place like it, and I’ve learned so much from the lifestyle here that has allowed me to grow and soar in my professional and personal life.
GLAMOUR:
Can you share a little about your backstory and your journey and career path?
SS:
I originally moved from Florida to California in pursuit of my dream of becoming a Playboy Playmate when I was 20-years-old. From there on, I was lucky enough to get hand-picked by Hugh Hefner himself to become one of his Painted Ladies for his notorious parties in 2015. However, after I got the chance to achieve my ultimate goal of becoming a Playmate, I wanted to further explore my own interest in wellness and spirituality.
I always had a passion for h olistic health, but I wished to dive deeper into that and tap into something that I always knew I had inside of me. There’s so much more to life than social media and physical appearances, and I aspire to teach millennials to live in the now and stay present to truly soak up all life has to offer. Doing this will do wonders for their mental health, and I’m here to guide them every step of the way.
GLAMOUR:
How do you aim to uplift others as a self-realization guru - and what does it mean to be one?
SS:
I’m here to help others realize their full potential and encourage them to gather the strength and summon the courage to go through their own process of awakening spiritually in order to align themselves with their highest purpose. I believe we all have a reason for being there and if we channel that empowering energy and truly believe in the powers that be, we will become the best versions of ourselves and achieve self-actualization.
Sunshine Shen, Image: Supplied
GLAMOUR:
What inspired your passion for spirituality and wellness?
SS:
The concept of “Law of Attraction” was what originally aroused my interest in the spiritual realm. Being able to manifest my goals more thoroughly in my own life became a great obsession of mine, and when I was able to finally align my life to my own expectations and dreams,
I became inspired to help others achieve the same thing. Embracing every aspect of holistic wellness will propel your life into a new league you never knew existed. Once you are this intrinsically in tune with yourself, every aspect of your lifestyle will change. You will be more motivated, philanthropic, confident, driven, healthier, and always seeking ways to reach new heights, learn, improve, and cherish everything that the world has to offer you.
GLAMOUR:
How can leading a spiritual life improve your overall health?
SS:
Once we work out all the kinks and remove all the things that block your way energetically, we will automatically manifest our dreams and lead a better life without all the intense uphill battles. In this day and age, we constantly put unnecessary pressure on ourselves to do better, be better, look better, and this way of thinking has a detrimental impact on our health. Stress can cause physical pain and discomfort, and so much of it that we experience is easily avoidable.
Although Instagram tells us we should have smaller waistlines, buy cuter clothing, run an extra mile, and live our best lives always, sometimes it is not that simple. Spirituality allows you to let go of what was, and surrender to what will be. When you internalize this line of thinking, everything changes.
Sunshine Shen, Image: Supplied
Your worries don’t seem as overwhelming, and you start to appreciate what actually matters in life. By definition, spirituality relates to our human spirit and soul, rather than focusing on material and physical things - and you need to take care of yourself before you can give to others.
GLAMOUR:
What should people know about sound baths and the benefits?
SS:
When it comes down to the most effective methods of spirituality detoxing, sound baths work miracles. The realignment of our body’s frequencies to its healthy 432 HZ is crucial to accomplish before we can program our bodies to its maximum capacity of receiving all of the universe’s gifts to us.
Even more, the vibrations of the sound frequencies have been proven to yield medically healing benefits surprising doctors beyond their wildest dreams, which just goes to show that inner-wellness is just as important as physical wellness.
GLAMOUR:Can people create their own sound bath experience at home, or do something similar while we are quarantined?
SS:
The tongue steel used in sound bath sessions to create the frequencies are amazing. They are a great and really affordable way for people to not only enjoy playing a beautiful melody themselves, but to also experience something very similar to a regular sound bath! Doing this at home can create a sense of ease and calmness in your environment, which helps you relax and find peace during such a stressful time. It’s an incredibly effective way to self-care. Another thing people can do to emulate a sound bath is do guided meditations. One of my favorite apps for this is definitely “Calm.”
Sunshine Shen, Image: Supplied
GLAMOUR:How are you practicing mental wellness during this time?
SS:
I’m meditating and self-reflecting now more than ever before! I’m also staying busy and focusing on the future and all the blessings in my life, rather than dwelling on the pandemic and lockdown. I’m taking this time to strategise and focus on projects I may not have had time to really invest in yet. It’s exciting to see your plans come to fruition! I am also working on a major writing piece that I’m looking forward to sharing more information about soon - stay tuned!
GLAMOUR:
How do you balance physical and mental health?
SS:
Quite honestly, I’m not a huge fan of the gym or doing traditional workouts - and that’s okay! Everyone should do what’s best for them, and what they feel most comfortable doing. For me, that’s enjoying nature and getting endorphins from the great outdoors.
I always enjoy hiking or walking on the beach with my dog, but because of the shelter in place order, I’m trying to at least walk my dog once or twice a day so I can at least get some sun and fresh air! As far as my mental health, staying in close contact with my good friends and family really helps me find balance. People, memories and moments are what truly matter at the end of the day, and those closest to me keep me grounded and grateful.
GLAMOUR:
As a model, what is your current nutritional regimen? Do you have a strict diet, or do you believe in balance?
SS:
Balance is key! I used to be a very strict vegan. However, with time, I realized that it just wasn’t for me and not conducive to my lifestyle. I think it’s important to not place so much worry about your way. Overthinking about the number on the scale, counting calories, and hyper focusing on what you're eating is counteractive to your health and wellness. Instead, I program my mind into the belief that, “I can eat whatever I want and not gain weight.” Everything in moderation! With this mentality, my body began to follow how my thoughts flowed! Mind over matter is a very real concept.
GLAMOUR:
What are you doing to stay busy and keep yourself relaxed during this time?
SS:
I love to cook! Food is my passion, so cooking for the people I love brings me more joy than anything else. It’s also a creative outlet, and a time to play around with the recipes on the shelf that you never had time to dig into. Cooking passes the time too in a fun way, and keeps you mind busy and moving.
GLAMOUR:
Why is it important for people to focus on their overall wellness during the quarantine?
SS:
The show must go on! Having coping skills is of vital importance. We must always prepare our minds and bodies for anything in order to help us transition back to normalcy in life, like when the crisis eventually ends. Stay connected to those you love, spend time doing things you love, set aside time for self-love, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
GLAMOUR:
How has the lockdown shifted your perspective on health and wellness?
SS:
I’ve always been adamant about my beliefs on spiritual wellness, so this lockdown actually helped reinforce my beliefs that having a positive outlook on life is literally the key to overcoming every single obstacle and moments of adversity in our lives.
GLAMOUR:
What advice would you have for people who may be hesitant to fully embrace spirituality and a higher power?
SS:
Truth be told, not everyone is ready to face their own reflections in its most authentic form. Hence, not everyone is ready to become awakened. Therefore, if an individual is not truly ready to face the emotional traumas of their past and come to a realization that our pasts don’t make us “special” or “different” from others, it is better for them not to push themselves toward a goal that is not yet meant for them. They should ease into this process slowly, but surely, to reap the full benefits and change their lives for the better.
GLAMOUR:
What are your future plans for 2020 - how do you hope to continue to use your platform to inspire and guide your fans?
SS:
I hope to follow my calling in writing and inspiring people in the form of books and novels!
