Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love.
It will not lead you astray.
~ Rumi
Beyond therapy room
The very first chapter of my life begins in communist Poland of the 1970s and 1980s. In some ways my simple world without technology, without phones, cars, and Barbie dolls was quite idyllic. Living with scarcity meant acquiring appreciation for things that were not readily available and limited outside resources meant developing inner sources of strength and inspiration. Reflecting on my Polish upbringing now as a Canadian citizen, after having left the country of my birth over 20 years ago, I wonder if my early childhood experiences prepared me for the vibrant and meaningful life that I have been able to lead as an adult. Rather than living mainstream kind of life I have always taken the road less traveled. Frequently on my journey I have been drawn towards those meaningful experiences and encounters that help us grow and evolve and at the same time provide us with an opportunity to be of service. Being an immigrant helped me to develop both humility and courage, as well as the ability to adapt and appreciate the interconnectedness of our world.
Before completing my Master’s in Counselling degree, I had a wonderfully rich and satisfying career in education. I started with a master’s degree in remedial education in Poland and after pursuing more training in England and USA I became a Waldorf teacher. For 10 happy years I have taught Eurythmy to children, youth, and adults. Eurythmy is an expressive and mindful movement art that engages the whole being of a person: their body, mind, soul, and spirit.
Even though I truly loved my job and my students, I made a difficult decision to change my career in my late 30s to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a counsellor.
Today I am blessed to continue my passion for teaching as a faculty member for the City University of Seattle in Vancouver, where I teach variety of courses for the Master of Counselling Program including Psychology of Grief and Loss and Introduction to Counselling Psychology Practice.
When not working I take pleasure in reading a good book, I quilt, I dance salsa, I bake bread and also enjoy long beach and forest walks and kayaking with friends.
If you want the moon, do not hide at night. If you want a rose, do not run from the thorns. If you want love, do not hide from yourself.
~ Rumi