My Journey of Maturation: How 2020 Challenged Us All

The last four years have been a period of deep personal growth and transformation for me. As I reflect on this journey, I'm struck by the profound lessons I've learned about myself, my purpose, and the world around me. Maturation, I've discovered, isn't just about getting older—it's about evolving into a more authentic version of yourself.

In this blog, I explore the key moments and practices that have shaped my maturation process. From embracing self-reflection and letting go of limiting beliefs to deepening my spiritual practice and cultivating emotional resilience, I share how 2020 and the years that followed have challenged me to grow in ways I never imagined. If you're on a similar journey of self-discovery and growth, I hope my experiences will resonate with you and inspire your own path forward.

The Beginning of the Journey

My journey toward self-love has been a long time coming. It all began in 1987, when I first got sober and realized that I was treating myself in ways I would never treat others. I was overly critical, harsh, and unforgiving of my own mistakes. I held myself to impossibly high standards and constantly felt that I wasn’t good enough. This internal struggle left me feeling disconnected, anxious, and deeply unsatisfied with myself.

It was during a particularly challenging time that I recognized the need for change. In December 2015, two months after leaving my 35-year marriage, I found myself at my second Vision Quest. I had brought with me a letter I had written to myself back in 1988, a letter in which I promised to love myself. I promised to be kind to myself. At that moment, I was so full of grief and loss that I literally thought I would die. I had given so much of my time and energy to my family and my work as a psychotherapist that I had completely neglected my own needs. The imbalance was taking its toll, and I knew that if I didn’t start loving and caring for myself, I would never find the peace and fulfillment I was seeking.

The Call to the Red Road

The call to walk the Red Road didn’t come to me in a sudden moment of revelation. Instead, it was a gentle, persistent pull—like the soft voice of the wind urging me to listen more closely, to pay attention to the signs around me. As a Shamanic Practitioner, I’ve always been attuned to the spiritual dimensions of life, but this path felt different. It was a call to go deeper, to live with even greater integrity, and to align my actions more closely with the teachings I had been given in the Sweat Lodge, the Temezcal in 1988.

I realized that walking the Red Road was not just about following a set of spiritual practices; it was about embodying a way of life that honors the interconnectedness of all beings. It was about living in harmony with the Earth, respecting all life, and approaching each day with humility and gratitude.

In relationships, coregulation is a powerful tool for managing emotions and fostering a deep sense of safety and understanding. It involves being present and supportive, helping each other navigate the ups and downs of emotional experiences. By discussing coregulation with empathy and openness, partners can build a stronger, more supportive bond

One year ago on June 6, 2023, I took the biggest leap of my life by launching The Playful Stage. I set out to create an improv school that focused on mindful improv, community building, and above all else, letting our inner child come out to play in a safe and inclusive environment.

Why is codependency worse than heroin addiction? Because it’s subtle, sneaky, and wreaks havoc on our nervous systems, potentially causing more fatalities than substance abuse.

In my 35 years specializing in addiction treatment, it became evident that the individuals most in need of treatment were often the codependents. The addict relies on this system to sustain their addiction; without a good codependent or enabler, the addict can not survive.

Throughout my career, I discovered that every addict also suffers from codependency. Addicts choose substances to medicate their pain, while codependents choose “being needed” as their drug of choice.

Codependent people are inherently sensitive, deeply feeling, heart-centered, caring, compassionate, and loving. They want the best for everyone, avoid conflict, and strive to make others happy. They are highly attuned to others' emotions, facial expressions, body language, and subtle cues. Their efforts to meet others' needs make them beautiful, soulful individuals.

Juicy Relating is a blend of Authentic Relating, Non-Violent Communication (NVC), Tantra, Role Play, Energy Connection, and Ancestral Wisdom. As practitioners of what we teach, we embody the principles we share. Through role plays and real-life scenarios, we demonstrate how to apply these techniques effectively in a fun and supportive group environment.

NON VIOLENT COMMUNICATION (NVC)

Unveiling Soul Vision: The Inspiring Journey Behind Our Sanctuary of Healng

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In exploring ancient teachings passed down through generations, we discover a rich tapestry of wisdom, magic, and healing. By embracing these teachings, such as those of spider medicine, we open ourselves to a world of possibility, finding wisdom and strength to weave our own stories of healing and transformation.