My introduction to Vivian and Within University began with an experience. A book club. Since that first journey, there have been several more and each one has brought me closer to my Center. Each one has also opened me in ways that I couldn’t have achieved on my own. With Vivian, coaching doesn’t just show what’s within, it helps one discover how to use what they discover about themselves in a way that serves the whole of humanity.
“A rising tide lifts all boats.” Vivian’s work is part of the spiritual tide the world needs. Her intuitiveness is apparent in both group experiences and one-on-one coaching. I am so grateful for the guidance in turning inward. I credit this guidance for my ability to continually show up as my best self in any moment, to know that my heart knows the way, and to confidently say “Yes, Thank you! This and more!”
Paula Sprunger
Vivian’s Within (U)niversity quarterly journeys are my fix for the depth and genuine connection I crave. I seem to go into each experience not entirely knowing what I’ll come away with but am always amazed by how perfectly my takeaways fit like just the right puzzle pieces into the big picture. These mini-programs are truly transformational in a way I’ve never experienced before…so much so that they feel almost magical; a wonder only Vivi could have created.
Sarah Dietman
Vivian is the best. I found Vivian at a time when I was full of motivation but needed clarity. Within 10 minutes of our introductory call, Vivian pulled out of me that I should start a podcast (this was before everyone was doing podcasts) and I felt a giant weight lift off my shoulders. It made perfect sense. Vivian was tough and held me accountable. Within 30 days of that first Skype call, I published episode 1 and never missed a week for over 3 years. Vivian has been a special person in my online journey and someone I feel honored to call a friend. Simply the best.
Mike Murphy
Vivian is magic. She is also wise, kind, and profound. Every time I work with Vivian, she gently leads me away from the aspects of my habitual mental matrix that keep me trapped and suffering toward a more expansive and enjoyable way of being. When I participated in Vivian’s Within (U)niversity and her Magna Fi program, I was one of four women that she brought together from geographically distant locations. In this group, the miles between us disappeared, and we explored new ways of thinking, pushed through superficially programmed beliefs, and connected deeply and honestly. I think we are all hungry and sometimes starving tor that level of connection and truth.
Tracy Day
I am so grateful for Vivian’s contributions and gifts. Fortunate you, if and when you decide to work with her!
Working with Vivian, I saw changes in the daily choices that define my life. When she speaks, expect it to be with a wise and piercing insight into something that perhaps sat plainly before your eyes all along. She has helped me know that each choice leads me to the work that was my inevitable destination, and helped me tap into my natural space.
Lauren
Vivian expands your perspective. She can see the biggest possible picture and has the passion for fulfilling potential naturally and leading others to step into their vision. In the process, she broadens your scope and catalyzes creativity (and the energy creativity brings). She has a unique combination of gifts, cultural/social context, experiences, and strengths, that give her a unique Big Picture perspective. She helps you see more, and differently than you would without her influence.
Karalee
The biggest take-away I got from the intensive was that I’m not alone and to never be afraid to admit you need help coping with life’s challenges. I’ve learned it’s ok to be vulnerable and that’s been empowering.
Cindy
At Vivian’s Intensive, I learned I could be my true self in all aspects of my life. With the insights that emerged from my subconscious in the painting and nature exploration exercises, I realized that I didn’t have to choose a path but could create my own, and fully live my life and share my gifts as a father, teacher, writer, and coach.
Todd
Every great once in a while we cross paths with a person who we completely click with. We feel as if we have known one another but can not explain it. We are simply drawn to one another. This was my experience with you. I have been on this healing journey for the past 10 years or so. I went to an amazing therapist weekly for 3 years. I began to do yoga, Zumba, group fitness classes, taking every workshop that spoke to me. I learned about the cycles of the Moon and how to flow with nature. I was determined to face my demons and frankly to exorcise them. Like many of us, I wrestle with anxiety. Some days I am on point and can detach and disengage and redirect and get myself dialed in. Other days, I struggle with worry and I can get caught up. Through my journey, I realized that I had to love my demons. I have to make friends with my darkness. I strive to be completely whole and healthy. I tell you all of this so that you can understand that this is not my first rodeo. I met you at a yoga festival that I couldn’t afford, but I won a raffle ticket to attend. We stayed in touch and a couple of years in decided to work together. Due to my previous experience, I didn’t have high expectations. I figured that I would learn something but had no idea what would happen. I thought I have done this so many times and it is okay, but not overly helpful. No one is really shining a light on anything I don’t already know. But I really like you and wanted to work with you. There was that wee small voice I couldn’t ignore…” see where this goes”. I really felt that our paths had crossed for a reason. From the very first meeting, I was totally blown away! I couldn’t believe how incredibly insightful and beneficial our time together was. You helped me to turn around a mindset that I had struggled with for years. You are so skilled in holding space for me to grow and to learn. I have tried various types of coaching. I did get value out of all of these experiences, but nothing that really blew me away. Nothing that clicked in a real and vibrant way. I believe that it is so so valid and important to have someone to be a sounding board in your life. Someone who will be kind and honest and direct. Someone to show you where you can improve, to help you find the heart of an issue. Life is so much better with support.
HEather
Oh my goodness did I receive that support from you!! I was not prepared for the depth and quality of our work together! Every time we had a session, you knew if there was something heavy on my heart and we would dive in and work through it. No matter what it was I felt 100 % better about it after our call. I loved the spontaneity of our sessions. I think that is what made my experience with you so perfect. We were able to speak to what was on my heart and mind at that moment. If there had been scheduled or prearranged topics I feel that most of the truly valid and necessary conversations would not have happened. The things that were heavy on my heart would have been pushed aside and I would have just talked about the subject presented to me. But that doesn’t allow for the natural flow of things. I was able to be open and vulnerable. Because the blank canvas allowed what needed space and room to surface. I was not able to rehearse or say what I thought you would want me to say. Let’s be honest that can definitely happen in coaching situations. If the subject is unknown, the conversation is raw and real. I am so grateful for the space that you held for me and for your ability to hear the tension in my voice or feel it in my chest. I am in awe and thankful that you are able to do that.
Most importantly, the results I experienced were really incredible! I liked that when we talked it felt very natural like I was talking to a friend or relative. Someone who sincerely cared about me and wanted the best for me. But better because this friend is a highly trained and very skilled professional who has real tools and knowledge of how to best help me. Every session I was really peeling back layers and gaining insight. I was being taught skills to continue to use independently as I move through my life. I am absolutely delighted with the outcome of our work together. I feel much more in control. I have a greater sense of calm and presence. I am here in my body and have gained skills to lead a more positive and centered life.
I absolutely recommend you to everyone! I tell people about my experience with you and encourage them to reach out to you. However, I think that people should know that you are no joke and not to waste your time or their own time. I tell them, “If you really want to improve your situation, your mindset, your life, Vivian can and will help. Be honest with yourself, do you want to dive deep? If you do, Vivian will 100 % help you to find the solutions and steps necessary to get where you want to be.” I am so confident that you can help everyone who wants to do the work. You are truly remarkable! I am so grateful to have the chance to work with you. I look forward to continuing to work together.
I discovered Vivian when I was seeking out a Diana Herself Martha Beck book group about four years ago. Vivian offered a 12-week phone-based group, which turned out to be an incredible experience. At the time, I had just experienced a traumatic relationship breakup and was working in a new job where I felt unheard, undervalued, and emotionally attacked. Basic “talk therapy” had “run its course”, and after experiencing a weekend women’s’ healing retreat, I realized I was looking for ways to uncover and heal a lot of core wounds. I felt very shy and emotionally shaken and needed ways to feel heard, welcomed. Looking back, I now know that my childhood had a lot of trauma which created a lot of painful stories and “shut down” behaviors that needed uncovering and love. Vivian Carrasco was the perfect soul to help me launch my transformational journey! Vivian’s “40 Days of Inspiration” email messages provided a gentle intro into finding my own self-compassion, and her “Turning Inward” podcasts were my regular companion, lifting my energy, giving me hope, and offering me tools and new ways of seeing the experiences that helped me regain my confidence in myself and the courage to seek more direct coaching experiences. Vivian’s book groups, women circles, and direct one to one support met each participant with love, compassion, equality, intuition, and a lot of knowledge and wisdom. Her deep love for learning and sharing her knowledge, her willingness to be vulnerable and share her personal experiences, and her gentle wisdom and nurturing nature are a perfect match for me. I can honestly say that she is a role model for me as a human and now as a wellness practitioner. I feel like a “softer”, wiser, more grounded, more confident, more open, more loved and more loving person thanks to her guidance and the community that she builds for those who seek her out.
Tracie B
Tracie