In this intimate and heart-led conversation, Laura reconnects with long-time friend, collaborator, and fellow seeker Sarah Nicotra to explore the magic of “surrendering to the signs.” From hawks circling overhead to a lone sparrow nesting above her shoulder, Sarah shares how nature’s messengers have guided her through seasons of creativity, rest, and personal healing.

Together, they reflect on the importance of noticing subtle signs, honoring life’s natural cycles, and allowing quiet periods to be part of the spiritual journey. This episode is a gentle reminder that guidance doesn’t always arrive as a dramatic burning bush—it can be a whisper, a nudge, or a bird’s song at just the right moment.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How Sarah first connected with Laura through a shared hawk encounter

• The personal meaning hawks and other birds hold in Sarah’s spiritual practice

• A touching story of a “rare bird” that became a companion

• Why periods of silence can be as meaningful as obvious signs

• The healing power of listening to birdsong and attuning to nature’s rhythm

• Letting go of constant productivity to embrace rest, trust, and natural flow

• Reflections on co-creating past projects like Be Your Own Guru and Wintering Well

About Sarah

Sarah Nicotra is a long-time collaborator with Laura Gates and Gates Group Consulting, where she has worked behind the scenes organizing, strategizing, and executing projects. She brings experience in corporate, government and the healthcare industry as a project manager, UX designer, executive and wellness coach, legal assistant and spiritual Care Coordinator. Sarah holds two Master’s degrees in Transpersonal Psychology and Organization Management. Her mission is to help businesses transform their visions with impact, using innovative approaches, including AI, to deliver value.

Resources & Links

Connect with Laura on instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/surrenderingtothesigns/ ⁠

and the shows website at ⁠https://surrenderingtothesigns.com/

Music Featured

The music in each episode of Surrendering to the Signs has been carefully curated to enhance the episode, below is a list of all tracks featured.

Assaf Ayalon - Lullaby

Eldar Kedem - I See

James Forest - Endless Song

Luc Allieres - LA BELLA CAFE

LUMINAR - Circle

Maya Pacziga - August 16th

Saggie - Easy to Love - Instrumental version

Saggie - Easy to Love

Shahead Mostafafar - Golden Diamond