Part of my journey in this lifetime has been one from academia and the mind to intuition and the body; from trying to fit in and conform to experiencing more of my authentic self; from forcing myself and things to letting everything emerge more naturally without pushing hard; and also, from acting in the world thru humanitarian efforts in my 20s, to supporting others energetically in the classroom, social gatherings, and psychic space in my 30s.

My specific offerings to grad students come from having spent considerable time of my life so far in academic institutions. And for having found through the academic struggle more personal freedom and liberation than ever before. In fact, I now see the academic journey as a path to (more) consciousness in disguise, especially for those who are experiencing challenges.

I have been an A student pretty consistently, but I struggled very much with the way my professors and the academic system required things to be done and thought of. Stringent deadlines, competition, sacrifice, linear thinking, obsessive productivity, and shame on fun and enjoyment. Yet, I swallowed the bitter pill, somewhat conformed, and mostly did what was required to “succeed” in these programs in record timing.

By the 3rd year of my PhD though, it became clear that I could no longer force myself, even partly, thru what didn’t resonate with my ways of operating in the world, including the academic world. I was repeatedly going through intense phases of anxiety, insomnia, reactiveness, deeper unsatisfaction with life, and occasional panic attacks. All signs that I had to do things differently.

I had started meditating many years prior, but rather inconsistently, meaning, only when and if I “really needed it”. It wasn’t until I engaged in daily mindfulness and embodied practices that I had space to really listen and learn more about myself, what I needed, and my unique ways to operate at all levels. Trusting this new knowing and intuitive messages transformed my experiences, both in academia and the world at large.

Not only was I now making steady progress with much more ease and effortlessness, but I had the most meaningful years of my life along the way. I attended countless music and art gatherings, travelled extensively, engaged in soulful relationships, moved to the city of my dreams, acquired many new skills, and made space for everything my heart desired. I also completed my PhD with honors. And most important of all, I gain awareness of my inner journey into self-knowledge, self-respect, and self-love.