This Space, This Time...

Guidance shared with me using Spirit Mama Oracle Deck March 27, 2024 At the beginning of 2024, unforeseen circumstances nudged/forced me towards a period of self-rediscovery. While the initial months leading up to this moment carried a wave of emotions – sadness, confusion, disappointment, pain, and even shame – a sense of renewal began to gradually emerge in synchronicity with the turning of the seasons (winter to spring). Throughout my career as an educator and administrator, both abroad and domestically, I've consistently poured my heart into social justice initiatives I believe in completely. Witnessing positive impacts on students continuously fueled my dedication, as evidenced each time the marketing campaigns #StudyAbroadSoBlack, #BeGlobalBeGrateful and #MoreBeyondTheHouse are Googled. I led the development of these “movements” at each HBCU and religious institution that I served. However, the relentless pace of passion eventually led to a longing for a more balanced life. ...

For Diversity Abroad's 2022 Global Inclusion Conference , I proposed a session entitled Ecotherapy in Education Abroad.  This discussion was designed to introduce ecotherapy to international education practitioners, quite possibly for the first time. Unfortunately, the session was not accepted, likely due to the newness of the topic, especially within the context of study abroad and DEIJ, I was also the only presenter, and there were undoubtedly tons of other more current/relevant topics proposed simultaneously (a couple that I was also part a part of).  Timing is Everything and nevertheless, I continued understanding how a nature-centered mindset and approach to teaching, learning, and healing is an invaluable resource not just for student development/support and professional well-being, but the restoration and good stewardship of the entire planet. Taking a step back, my awareness of the term "ecotherapy" and how it is a professional practice began in 2000. Sheltering ...