In this episode, I dive into a story I’ve never fully shared in this way — the long, winding, unlikely path that led me to becoming a marriage celebrant.For most of my life, I was firmly against marriage.Not dramatically, but with that subtle, arrogant, anti-establishment streak that shaped so much of my youth — skateboarding, grunge, drum-and-bass raves, and later, the tantric-yogic path of walking the edges.Marriage felt like a construct, a box, an outdated script.Freedom was the religion.But then came the turning points — the plant medicine ceremony in 2012 that revealed a future I could never have imagined, the awakening of dharma, the clarity of union with Jo, and finally, Ram Dass marrying us and naming our path as “a tandem journey to God.”This episode explores:the roots of my anti-marriage mindsethow skate culture, rebellion, and tantric yogic life shaped my worldviewthe December 21st, 2012 ceremony that cracked everything openwhat marriage revealed about freedom, devotion and purposehow I discovered relationship as one of the deepest forms of yogawhy I now feel called to support couples entering marriage consciouslyThis is a conversation about love, dharma, initiation, and the profoundly sacred terrain of relationship.It’s honest, raw, cheeky, and tender — and if you’ve ever walked the path of partnership (or avoided it), I think it will land in your heart.SPONSORS & CONSCIOUS PARTNERSAs always, I’m grateful you’re here and supporting the work that keeps all of this flowing.These are the conscious brands I genuinely use and love — each adds something beautiful to my daily rhythm.✨ Substack — our deeper communityJoin us for the long-form teachings, sādhanā, and heart shares:yogaheartmind.substack.com✨ Ceremonial Clothing — AjjayaHigh-vibe, intentional clothing for practice, ceremony, and life.Use code STUARTWATKINS for a discount.✨ Red Light Therapy — InfrarediThe best red-light technology in Australia.Use STUARTWATKINS for a discount at infraredi.com.au✨ Ayurvedic Bath Rituals — STEEP AyurvedaPure, intentional, deeply restorative blends to elevate your bathing and self-care.✨ Conscious Clothing — One Golden ThreadThe comfiest, healthiest clothing on the planet.Use STUART181 for 18% off.✨ Barefoot Freedom — Sole MechanicsFor grounding, strength, alignment, and connection to the Earth.Use WATKINS6162 for 15% off.✨ Sacred Adornment — Aum RudrakshaHandmade mala beads from Bali, crafted with devotion.Use WATKINS10 for 10% off.CLOSINGThank you for listening, for supporting conscious creation, and for walking this path together.With love,StuartSupport the show