Carol Sydnor
A journey Back to the Heart
It’s a privilege to share part of my journey with you.
For much of my life, I felt something was missing, as if I were observing life from the outside, disconnected. Raised Catholic, I later explored other Christian traditions, searching for a sense of meaning and belonging that always seemed just out of reach.
I got married and soon welcomed a wonderful daughter. When my marriage ended, I became a single mother, balancing work and parenting while trying to keep everything together. Those years were rich in love but also filled with challenges and lessons; I hadn’t yet learned how to be present, let go of control, or treat myself with compassion.
When my daughter left for college, I found myself curious about finding harmony, which led me to explore energy, mindfulness, and the invisible ties that connect us all. This curiosity brought me to The Four Winds for three years of shamanic study. Shamanism teaches that all things are interconnected; the well-being of individuals, communities, and our environment depends on one another. Spirit refers to the unseen forces of life energy that envelop us; we’re each part of a larger web of life. Through these studies, I discovered a guiding truth: everything is energy, and all is connected. Mother Earth, the stars, animals, plants, and every person form a single, sacred tapestry.
Two years after finishing my training, I attended a shamanic ceremony at the urging of an inner voice. The experience was transformative; a surge of unconditional love washed over me, awakening my deepest self and beginning my healing journey toward self-love. Since then, I’ve continued along this spiritual path, led by Spirit and an inner purpose to help others find peace and freedom. Eventually, I became a facilitator, creating a safe space where people could seek answers, healing, clarity, and peace. It has now been more than twelve years since that first ceremony, and Spirit continues to guide me with grace and love.
After a year-long relationship, I married Doug on February 2, 2022. He is my soulmate and partner as we live and host ceremonies in Hollywood, Florida, sharing this sacred commitment. I’ve learned patience, presence, and compassion, discovering how to feel truly at home within myself and offering that same comfort to others. There is no greater joy than witnessing someone awaken to their own soul.
Our vocation now is to hold and nurture a sacred space for those on a quest for healing, clarity, peace, and purpose. We welcome you to join us in a place of transformation and harmony.
May you discover what you’ve been searching for and remember, the light you long for has always been inside you.
Doug Victoria
One Man’s Journey from Hospitality to Healing
For most of my life, I devoted myself to the world of hospitality, a realm built on service and crafting moments of joy for others. Beneath this surface, however, I struggled with low self-worth, financial difficulties, alcohol dependency, and a growing realization that I couldn’t continue living this way. I felt unable to be the father and husband my family needed, which forced me to stop and seek a new direction.
After ending my marriage, I yearned for adventure and independence, determined to discover who I truly was beyond the roles I’d played and the expectations I’d tried to meet. This journey led me to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where I accepted a job as a chef aboard a yacht. Cooking has always been my form of meditation, a dance of creativity and presence, and the sea’s embrace brought me a profound sense of peace. Yet, life had even more in store for me.
Just a week into my new role, I met Carol, who introduced herself as a “spiritual life coach.” Soon after, I attended my first ceremony at her home. That night felt like a homecoming: I experienced safety, love, and presence. The sacred compounds revealed that this was where I belonged, that this was my life’s work, and together with Carol, we would create something truly special to draw others in.
Through this experience, I discovered the profound work of self-discovery and healing, and I knew I had found my path. Since then, I have been walking a sacred road of transformation, learning who I am beyond limiting stories, and growing as a man, father, partner, and spiritual being. Every day has become an opportunity to love more deeply, listen more fully, and live more consciously.
Together, Carol and I now hold space for others to heal, remember, and reconnect. We have created a sanctuary in Hollywood, Florida, an urban oasis and beautiful garden that expresses my devotion and artistry. My garden is a place of peace and comfort, featuring shaded resting areas cooled by fans, a conversation center around a fire pit, a secluded bench beside a bubbling fountain, and more. This sanctuary is both my refuge and a welcoming space for others.
This path has taught me that love is not something we search for; it’s something we become. My greatest joy is walking this journey hand in hand with Carol, guiding others as we continue to grow, evolve, and remember who we truly are.