What I do...I seek to know and learn. My college studies were concentrated toward exercise physiology and biomechanics. Starting as a physics major, I finished my college studies with a BS in Physical Education and minors in Mathematics and Mathematics Education. From counseling students in my first professional job to directing corporate training events, to kayaking the arctic, my vocational and recreational interests have always been rooted in a desire for health, personal development and the desire to master something new. Over the past seven years, I have studied weekly and practiced alternative healing methods. My areas of interest include nutrition, bodywork, energetic medicine, acupuncture, applied kinesiology, EFT (tapping), the Sedona Method, NAET and prayer.
I exercise regularly and vigorously. I am a lifelong athlete, playing soccer, swimming, skiing and ice hockey as a child, to in-line skating, rock climbing, bicycle racing and weekly basketball games as an adult. Even tight-rope walking (also known as slack-lining, when it's not so tight) has found its way onto my fitness menu. Swimming a mile or so in Lake Washington on a hot summer day is still a favorite activity. Sports are as essential to my mental health. Save for a rock climbing gym on a rainy day in winter, I prefer exercising outdoors. When I do go, my favorite gym is ZÜM, founded by dear friend and two-time Olympian, Peter Shmock. Peter has created a home for people who desire lifelong fitness. I also rest, purposefully and regularly to give my body a chance to recover and rebuild.
I feed myself well. Having cooked professionally, from vegetarian to "meat-atarian", I love food. I love seeking it out, handling, preparing, serving and eating food. I cook for myself most every day, at least once. Food is a currency of love – just like a kiss. I know few better loving meditations than spending an afternoon or evening in the kitchen cooking and sitting down with friends to share a joyfully crafted meal. The cornerstone of my relationship with my teenage daughter is anchored over long conversations at mealtime. We rarely ever miss sitting down for breakfast. My intent is to be relaxed and take my time eating - to breathe between bites. I prefer less volume, fresh and simple preparations. Organic and/or free-range are how I prefer my produce and meats.
I attend to myself spiritually and emotionally. I have spent many years, thousands of dollars and traveled thousands of miles to sit with lamas, gurus, teachers and subject myself to varying forms of therapy and healing. The best methods are loving, kind, simple and based on releasing the root of the dysfunction. I exercise the use of expressing and releasing tools daily. I focus on what is good in my life and intend to magnify it. I spend little energy on the past and a lot of energy on good intentions about the daily quality of my life and those who are dear to me.
I seek out help. I have several friends who are my confidants, coaches and healers. I seek them out on a regular basis and they me. Allied through our unconditional acceptance, we catalyze each other's growth and root for each other's success. These friends understand my nature; they "see" me, illuminate my dreams and paths to success. We talk and best of all, they listen and accept me just as I am. Additionally, I keep a standing bi-weekly appointment with my acupuncturist. The luxury of having her talents available for regular tune-ups and to address specific issues is vital to my lifelong wellness.
I spend time in nature. Because I live downtown, I need to ask myself, when was the last time my bare feet touched the earth? Sailing, cycling, climbing and a motorcycle jaunt over to the beach in West Seattle are favorite activities which bring me closer to the magnificence that is nature - the "stuff" from which I am created. Sitting in my living room window, gazing across the blue sky, watching the sun set and twilight envelope the high rise is sometimes as close as I get. I am fortunate to have a gorgeous view which at any moment can become a meditation in nature.