From High Achiever to Meditation Instructor: An Unexpected Path

From High Achiever to Meditation Instructor: An Unexpected Path

I grew up in a family that prized external success above all else. As the high school valedictorian, basketball captain, and "most likely to succeed," I seemed destined for worldly achievement. Despite struggling with bipolar disorder, I graduated from Amherst College and joined the Peace Corps. But a pivotal two-week yoga retreat at the Kripalu Center sparked an inward journey that changed everything.

Embracing Eastern Philosophy at Kripalu

At Kripalu, I was exposed to Eastern thought and alternative ways of thinking about life's purpose. Rather than outward success, I learned to cultivate compassion, balance, presence, and non-judgmental awareness within myself. This paradigm shift led me to join Kripalu's residential community for three years.

Training as a Kripalu Yoga and Meditation Teacher

During my Kripalu years, I was certified as a Kripalu Yoga Teacher and Holistic Lifestyle Instructor. Our daily practices included yoga, meditation, conscious communication, and selfless service – preparing me for a new vocation.

Becoming a Professional Meditation Teacher

Since 1995, I have taught meditation privately and in diverse settings like resorts, fitness clubs, companies, and yoga studios. My students have included leaders from various fields such as CEOs, politicians, physicians, and cultural influencers. This transformative journey has shown me the power of meditation to create balance amid life's turbulence.