I wish you could’ve seen me at my first Awareness Institute class. I felt anxious and wore a smile I couldn’t turn off—the kind that covers up deep discomfort. It’s a miracle I came back. But actually, it wasn’t a miracle. I was ready. Ready to stop repeating the same patterns, ready to feel more at ease in my body and relationships, and honestly—ready to grow up.

Over 30 years ago, I took my first yoga class. What began as a simple introduction to poses and Hindu chants unexpectedly set me on a lifelong creative journey.  Chanting opened something profound in me—a connection to my voice, my emotions, and a world of expression I never knew existed. That one spark led me to explore tap dancing, reading beat poets like Ginsberg and Kerouac, writing poetry and short stories, sketching, and painting. For the first time, I found an outlet for all of my feelings, even the darkest ones.

For most of my adult life, I’ve battled depression and anxiety—a relentless storm filled with despair, overwhelm, and self-loathing. I tried countless medications and quick fixes—exercise, diet changes, career moves, relationships—believing that each new endeavor might lift the fog. Yet, the initial excitement always faded, and the darkness crept back, a persistent reminder of my struggles.