Meet Sunaina Rangnekar | Creative Visionary and Multidimensional Human

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sunaina Rangnekar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sunaina, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
I would say there are infinite habits i have adopted and left along my journey and I’m sure there’s more to come… In essence, these are 3 habits that manifested my life along with artistic and creative energy flow:

1. Frequent Gratitude & Non-Attachment Practice
2. Planner – Write Stuff Down: Get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper
3. Active rest + release

This is the base for manifesting and channeling your own creative energy. Once one releases the need for there to be a reason, one can solely be grateful and then cultivate successful inner energy.

I love to make notes throughout the day about what I’m intentionally thankful for (like You!); This can then be transformed into non-attachment when I released that YOU (insert ego- “Sunaina”) are NOT the controller of the story but the observer. Non-Attachment, specifically to the outcome of situations is the basis of freedom-building- IMO. Take time to schedule your days down and pay attention to what/who you are spending energy and time on. While doing this, be sure to release things no longer serving: things, people, ideas, tv shows, apps, past karmas and all other layers of obstruction which is other than the pure success which is already within You! When you make room for blessings, suddenly they appear- this, is not by chance.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I define my art as an embodiment of my daily habits, practice and lifestyle. It’s an intersectional avenue very much a part of my divine purpose here on earth. I believe that creative energy manifests in the form of the divine feminine (called Shakti energy in yoga). My yoga practice is something I have worked on for my entire life and is in continuous evolution, just like me! I am so excited to share that I am a mentor for Susanna Barkataki and her students on their 300 Hour Embrace Yoga’s Roots course. Holding space for others has been a way that I exchange Shakti with others and also gain inspiration for my own practice. Life is a constant un-learning and learning journey.

It has been a tumultuous journey to show up fully and authentically as myself, all flaws included. One of my biggest challenges has been unlearning white supremacy culture within myself and within all of the communities I am a part of. Specifically, rushing and feeling like there is not enough time to do it all when in fact, the more I rest and take my time, I notice my artistic manifestation is more powerful.

The biggest challenge I face is my old self and old programming. I always remind myself not to compare my journey to others and to focus on the present moment. My mind loves to jump into the past and the future – a challenge I’m constantly overcoming is grounding myself in the present moment. I learned that the more you hold onto the past or stress about the future, the harder is it to manifest the desired life you want. Lastly, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned and am still learning, is the act of SURRENDERING. When you surrender to something larger than you, be it the universe, collective consciousness or God, you fall into a place of humility knowing there are larger forces at play that we may not be consciously aware of (even though my Soul knows!).

I am eternally grateful to all of the people who have supported me on this journey and even those who have tried to pull me down because it brought my strength and power to the surface. To those people i say: Thank you. Bless you and your journey!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my top love languages is acts of service hence why I am an amazing hosts when friends or family come to visit. I would make sure that they felt grounded and rested when first arriving, I would arrange a meditation/yoga session with them at Urban Sanctuary Denver or Satya Yoga Cooperative to ground their energy to the Colorado environment. These are two of my favorite yoga studios in Denver that provide inclusive, trauma informed environments to tap into your flow state!

Throughout the week we would eat at some of my favorite plant based restaurants: Leaf, City O City, Watercourse and Vital Root. Of course I would also have to take them to two favorite Indian restaurants: Spice Room and Yak and Yeti. Spice Room has a killer lunch special while Yak and Yeti has a huge menu with many different options!

With food taken care of, the next thing to do is adventure out! Colorado has so many beautiful places to go and experience oneness with nature. My goto spot is Gross reservoir – you can hike right next to the crystal clear water and even paddle-board (but don’t forget your life vest!) Shortly up the road in Nederland is another beautiful scenic reservoir called Barker Meadow Reservoir. Lastly, I love Golden, CO for all of hiking trails you could think of.

The trip wouldn’t be complete without some good old shopping! My favorite spots to shop are: Orenda Lou a custom consignment store that has rare finds. I also love Be A Good Person and False Ego to purchase some dope clothing (and they’re both black-owned!). My favorite spot for spiritual gifts like crystals, tarot/oracle decks and candles is Alchemy Ritual Goods- they also have events there where they have readings, energy balancing and other offerings.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d first like to shoutout my haters! All of the people who thought that i would amount to “nothing”. You have truly allowed me to shine within myself. I always tell my friends that each person that is brought into your life is a blessing, although its not for us to know everything. Sometimes, i believe that dealing with the most frustrating and annoying customers is actually where our true practice is of coming home to ourSelf. Each person i will name below has done the most for me: which is allowed me to be closer to mySelf (no, they are not haters). In fact, every single person below has shaped my life in an unimaginable way.

My favorite book at the moment: Embrace Yoga’s Roots written by Susanna Barkataki has inspired me in ways i never knew i could be challenged. As i am deeply rooted in social justice work, including but not limited to de-colonization of corporate infrastructures, I would also like to thank my DEI committee at my corporate pharmacy-tech job for each moment of time poured into unlearning and constantly deconstructing to make policy change from the inside. Dearest Kalham and Iris Delany, thank you both for being champion women in my life through all of your unseen battles, you make me humbled and blessed. I also think it’s important to note that my support team (MJ+) was the MOST critical in the balancing act that is my life. Lava – i hope you know how important you are in supporting my mental-health and encouraging me to be even MORE flexible than i already am as a yoga guide!

Instagram: @su9nah

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/sunainarangnekar

Other: Some Music Videos where you can find me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfMn9CdVGlg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pITd8vG_Jvo Support my work: Cash App: $Nainz Venmo: @Naina-Rangnekar Paypal: Paypal.me/su9nah

Image Credits
JJ Constantine Photo Shel Francis Creative Brenden Matthews David Abram Iris Delaney