About me
A career in coaching and training has grown organically from the experiences of my own life. Dedicating myself to many years of proactively taking care of my mental and physical health led me to a graduate program (MA) at the California Institute of Integral studies. By studying the similar ways in which various cultures have approached psychology and spirituality over the course of history I found validation in my own beliefs. There is a common thread that ties us all together as humans, while simultaneously allowing us each to walk our own path.
We all stumble on our unique path at different periods in time. I’m no exception, and spent my early twenties trying to regain my balance. After my collegiate career in athletics ended I was at a loss for what to do with the inertia of my body that was used to being in motion. Around the same time, my partying career ended and I could sense that there was an energy inside of me that also needed time and attention in order to regain stability. Although it didn’t happen over night, I continued to put one step in the right direction until I had found a lifestyle that felt right.
One common thread I believe we all have is the ability to change. What we change into and how we make that change is unique to everyone. It starts with setting an intention, and then finding the right resources to allow for the intention to become reality. Knowing that a change was what I desired but not knowing what I desired to change into, I had the great fortune of being introduced to meditation at the perfect time in my life. It opened up a doorway to start working on myself from the inside out.
Meditation was a catalyst to a life and career spent being aware of behaviors and how they shape us. I started to realize how everything I did was connected to how I felt and the energy I carried around with me. It became apparent how important regular exercise was, and how it translated to better choices when it came to my diet. Meditation and yoga helped to slow me down, which enabled me to be more fully present for the people in my life and also with myself and my own joy. The list goes on; journaling, therapy, reading, hiking, music. I realized that the way to regain my balance on my path was to build a wholesome routine, and reduce activities that were less wholesome.
To this day my routine continues to evolve but is always guided by my positive intentions. My passions may change, but the framework of my healthy habits is always constant. At the moment I’m in love with music. Playing the saxophone feels like an incredibly wholesome activity and I make space for it everyday. I’ve become an avid cyclist, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Bay Area on a weekly basis as a way to exercise. Reading and meditation has remained a staple of my life, as well as grocery shopping on the weekends in order to have a plan for healthy eating during the week. Initially, the building of my routine took energy, but now it’s second nature.
Which leads me to my work. I absolutely love what I do. I have found a way to take all the work I did with myself and pass it on to others. There’s genuine gratitude inside of me whenever somebody comes into my life asking for guidance on any level. Whether it’s a simple question about how to correctly do a squat, or a deep philosophical question pertaining to the meaning of life, I’m always happy to offer my opinion and hold space for somebody to find their answer. More often than not, I am learning just as much in those moments as the people who are asking the questions.
Coaching and training people over the years has been a gift. Within the common thread that we all share of struggling on our path at times is the ability to perservere. I have tremendous respect for everyone I’ve worked with, and am consistently humbled by their dedication and their ability to show up for themselves no matter how their day or week is going. I owe a large portion of my own inner joy to them, as our time together constantly reminds me that we’re connected and all in this together. My life work will always center around the will to be there for people; teaching, listening, learning, and offering my love and compassion.