My Story

I’ve always been on the road less travelled. Beginning in childhood, I was drawn to ideas about self-discovery, wisdom, and awareness.  For years this meant a life of action in the world, with a parallel spiritual search on the side, but I had deep questions and inexplicable quandaries that stubbornly went unresolved. 

One day I realized that I was the source of my entire experience. I was startled, but it was accompanied by an infinite sense of wonder and possibility and a joy unrivaled by anything I had ever experienced. I knew in truth that if I am the source, then my own happiness is within me, not outside of me. With newfound faith I set out to live more intentionally, explore my purpose and savor life. The more I practice, the better life becomes, with more awareness, more spaciousness, and greater capacity to love others, be fully present and simply enjoy life. But this path is not without its own, unique challenges. 

How to find lasting happiness in the world

Most of us have been delighted with life at one point or another. But finding lasting happiness and well-being in our modern world is a challenge. It requires a constant practice of present awareness and letting go of our ego-based desires and reactions. We’re living at a time of unprecedented external abundance, but we know little about how our spirits operate. 

We don’t have practice at managing our bodies, let alone our minds. And life presents questions that even more knowledge and positivity can’t resolve. Venturing further requires great courage because there are no authorities, and our only guidance comes from within.

To stay in a place of serenity we must learn to quiet our minds, trust ourselves and listen to find our own way. Right in the midst of our busy, distracted modern lives, we develop a practice of practical spirituality. Practical spirituality allows us to be in the world but contemplate, grow and enjoy it at the same time.

People are skeptical of anything spiritual, because what’s spiritual is beyond the realm of science. But spirituality is in all of us. It’s such a basic part of ourselves that we often overlook it completely. Our spirituality is what gives us the capacity to be aware of our lives and enjoy them. It’s applying principles like curiosity, savoring and gratitude day-in and day-out. In practicing we serve others as well as ourselves. In my work I provide support for others who are engaged in this practice. 

Modern science also shows that practicing spiritual skills supports a flourishing life. It isn’t about leaving modern life or being someone else, it’s about being who we already are, choosing the positive, and savoring it to live in our own brilliant way. 

A spiritual approach supports a flourishing life

I came to the work of teaching meditation and mindfulness in a roundabout way. I’ve worked for years managing public health programs in different countries around the world. I have a scientific mind and enjoy teaching others, but I’ve come to realize that developing self-awareness and being truly supported can be more empowering to people than policy change. I decided to coach and teach because it supports people in the most direct, intimate and powerful way possible.

I think life experience is more important than credentials, but I’ve got my share of both. I studied political science in college and hold a Master’s in Public Policy. I’m a Certified Positive Psychology Practitioner (CAPP) and Applied Positive Psychology Coach (APPC). I’m a student in the Ministry of Writing Program at the Earlham School of Religion and follow Christian and Quaker teachings in my life. I’m an American but I’ve lived abroad, volunteered in human rights and worked in Latin America and Europe. I love cooking and photography, and I engage in incessant travel and adventure. I also love staying at home and being a mother and a writer. As mother to a child with special needs I volunteer part of my time as a parent mentor and created a positive psychology-based gratitude journal for special needs parents.

What is Be. Serve. Thrive?

How can we honor life? By being in it. By serving others. By recognizing its beauty and letting ourselves feel good. Joy is the natural by-product.