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Stories |
Some things my mother told me:On my German mother's tireless initiative, our family used to spend a lot of time outdoors- camping, canoeing, hiking in the woods. Rather than inspiring fear and disdain she pointed out the beauty of the intricate pattern on a snake or spider crossing our path. My mother finds four leaf clovers by using her intuition. My mother was concerned I wouldn't find employment with a Fine Arts degree and suggested I also study for a teaching degree, just in case. I use those skills all the time. She encouraged me to travel alone to Europe after my Katimavik contract ended, sparking my passion for seeing the world, unafraid of flying solo. At the age of 13 my mother gave me my first diary and initiated a journal writing practice has and continues to significantly contribute to my healing process. Journal writing is a significant part of the retreat structure. A participant's journal is my Co-leader. Instead of indulging my ego driven, self-righteous anger in a critical, potentially ugly situation with a friend, my mother advised I approach the problem in a non alienating way that would defuse the tension and ensure that my needs got met. She recommended I invest in the real results I desired by holding back my tirade, however justified. My mother taught me that exercising that self discipline creates a win/win, with lasting results I'd want to live with. I'm grateful I listened. When I was a kid I asked my mother why the December late afternoon sky was so brightly pink and red. She told me the angels were helping Santa bake cookies and that the fiery glow was from the warm oven. Audrey Hepburn was my hero growing up and I adored her. One day I wistfully asked my mother if I would look like Audrey when I grew up. She answered that when I was older maybe Audrey Hepburn would want to look like me. To this day I remember the awe that filled my young body at such a notion.
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