Breath for Change

The last few years have been an evolution for me. I have grown and changed in many ways. Many people who know me, know that I have always had a list of dreams, goals, and things I want to make sure I accomplish.

I have been fortunate enough that I have been able to travel to incredible places. I have had the honor to serve on mission trips. I also share of my self with those around me in my community.

As for my career, unlike a lot of people, I have a job I really enjoy, and I am good at. This past year, after celebrating one year since my boss, friend, and mentor Lillian passed, our organization had one more transition. We had a new CEO come on board.

This transition has been a perfect one for our organization and me. Thanks to our CEO’s leadership and encouragement, I have had the opportunity to design, implement, and innovate new programs that will enable us to continue to serve schools, teachers, parents, but most of all students.

One of the programs I have felt passionate about has been learning more about social-emotional learning.

On a personal level, after undergoing a hysterectomy last December, I found new energy and vitality that had been missing in my life. Perhaps one day, I will share more about that experience. However, suffice it to say that I am so glad I did that.

2019 for me, has been a year of reclaiming my health. Along with the coaching from my friend and coach Corinne Crabtree from PNP tribe, I have been on a successful journey to health.

Using the basics of her program, I have continued to lose weight healthily. As an added bonus to this journey, I have restarted my work at the gym. Prior to my hysterectomy, I did not realize how my “female” health issues robbed me of energy and strength.

With my newfound strength, I restarted my yoga practice. As I continued a consistent practice, I fell in love with it all over again.

As someone with an auto-immune disorder, this practice allows me to grow and evolve physically, emotionally an spiritually.

So this leads to my new adventure. I am currently in Boston, attending training to allow me to grow deeper in my knowledge of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and mindfulness practices. The training I am taking will enable educators to become expert facilitators of SEL and facilitation. I will also be able to use the skills I gain to continue as a champion of social change. Upon graduation from this course, I will be certified as a B4C Wellness Champion and will have my Yoga Alliance 200 hour certificate.

The training is intensive and very well coordinated. The organization that offers this training has crafted a curriculum that is comprehensive in pedagogy, research, and best practices.

The training began this past Sunday, typical days are 11 hours of nonstop classes and yoga practices. My classes include SEL theory and curriculum, anatomy, mindfulness, and asana, to name a few.

We also have hands-on Yoga practice daily. This was something I was worried about since I injured my rib when I ran the obstacle race back in late June.

Being in Boston has not been too bad. Last night my Yankees defeated the Red Sox, and I went to bed with a smile on my face.

Speaking of Red Sox, my loving, supportive husband has been so encouraging as always. I am fortunate that he believed in me and was on board with this idea. In speaking of supportive males, I should also mention that my boss was also very supportive of me taking this training. He understands the vision of how this credentialing for me can help our organization further support the schools, and educators we work in partnership with.

Tomorrow is the third day of this adventure.

I will be documenting my journey here as I do with all my adventures. Unlike the Camino de Santiago, I am not sitting with fellow pilgrims at the end of a full day of walking, sharing a bottle of delicious red wine. From what I can see, when three o’clock rolls in during the next few weeks, I will find myself studying Anatomy or something similar.

Stay tuned for more about this journey.