TRANSFORMING LIFE'S “MUD"

What’s with the Mudpies?

When I was little, my exasperated mother used to yell, “Go outside and play !”  I hated it !  I wanted to stay inside, read my books, listen to my records, and dream.

But today I realize being forced to go outside was the pain that liberated my creativity and birthed my life’s purpose. Facing a dismal city landscape and feeling punished, I instinctively went into survival mode.  I HAD to find a way to feel happy.  I HAD to transform the experience.  Something inside urged me to look at my surroundings with new eyes.  I noticed: some weeds and rocks were kind of pretty; and some of the dirt was dark, rich, and glistening with the teeniest bits of colored glass…

Curious and committed to feeling better, that same something inspired me to begin gathering the prettiest bits.  I had no idea why or what I was going to do with them.  I just knew I loved the process and knew I was going to create SOMETHING -  something beautiful.  I lost all track of time as I explored, and played in the spaciousness of the unknown.  I was experiencing what my favorite art therapist, Dr. Shaun McNiff says, “The toxin became the antitoxin, the medicine of art.” I made A LOT of mudpies.

This natural drive has served me and others well.

Decades later, I’m a certified body-centered life coach, facilitator, and mentor.  Specializing in transitions, I’m energized by people in the throes of life’s shadowy “dismal landscapes.”  I easily meet them where they are and create a safe, comfortable space to explore, express, and discover. Grounded and often playful, I don’t know what’s waiting to be liberated, but I’m certain it’s something beautiful.