The Kapow that changed everything.

I was recently interviewed for a podcast by a delightful woman (when it’s live I’ll be sure to post it). She began with one question she asks all of her guests, “Can you share a catalytic event in your life?”

While there have been oodles of “KAPOW!” events, one that was the most impactful – one that literally changed the trajectory of my life and how I share my gifts in the world – was at a week-long Art of Mentoring workshop back in 2003.

After a day of sitting inside, talking about the outside, the facilitators sent us off for a sit spot: simply sitting in nature and paying attention to the world around us. 

I walked out of the building, headed in the opposite direction as everyone else, and ...

plopped my butt down in a damp conifer forest. After a red squirrel stopped chattering at me, the quiet washed over me and something happened. 

I began to remember what life was like in relationship with nature. Not just being IN nature. That never really stopped since childhood. But having a connection with the land and all her beings so deeply rich, and reciprocal, it was familial. 

All at once I felt the joy of reconnection and the deep grief of this missing relationship, and every nuanced emotion in between. And I wept. Chest heaving, ugly crying. I cried so hard I burst blood vessels in my eyes. Because I was HOME and I didn’t realize I hadn't been home for so many years. I cried tears for having lost time not being connected. I cried tears of hope that I still had time to repair and regrow our relationship. 

I vowed right then to dedicate my life to maintaining my relationship with Nature and help others do the same.  

Before the end of the day, I registered for a year-long apprenticeship that was 3 states away from where I lived with my husband. My journey… a long beautiful, challenging, healing, epic journey had begun. And still continues today.

What's your life changing KAPOW moment?