Hi, thanks for stopping by!!
I’m very happy to be here and to share my story about surviving and thriving after infidelity in my marriage and my search for a peaceful life aka my path to zen. It’s been a long road that erupted on October 18, 2014. More on that in the pages of my blog. Until then, below is a bit about me.
I am now a Certified Chopra Center Primordial Meditation Instructor after seven months of fulfilling, interesting, and intense classes. I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest where I enjoy morning hikes in Forrest Park, meditation, yoga, and of course anything having to do with finding zen or self-improvement. I also like eating my husband’s cooking, going out to dinner (or happy hour!), movies (yea for senior discounts!), and hanging out with my grand-dogs Rita & Hermosa, family & friends. I have a wonderful son, and daughter-in-law and recently became a grandma to the most amazing baby girl. Retreating to the Pacific Ocean or anywhere on the water or in the forest is my idea of heaven! I’m a social introvert which I’m pretty sure means, I enjoy people and being with them…to a point…then I like to hide away for some alone time to recharge my batteries.
I believe in miracles, spirituality, and God. Finding Zen and meditation has helped me find myself again, as well as, my share of therapy among other things (check out the Resources & Books I Love pages). I continue to learn, grow, and stumble. I am grateful for my husband who fought the good fight to stay together and who supports this Blog. Our marriage today is one of those miracles. This afternoon, my teabag said: “Live with no excuses and love with no regrets” ~ Montel. I like that!!
I have a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration/Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from Washington State University. I’ve had many jobs, but finally had a career I cherished when I became a Juvenile Probation Counselor that I am now retired from. Working with troubled kids on probation and helping them get their lives back on track was extremely rewarding (also frustrating at times!) and my passion for many years. Among other jobs, I co-owned a company that developed and marketed a board game called Take Stock which was fun. My volunteerism has focused mostly on kids and families such as the YWCA, YMCA, and PTA, as well as several State and local organizations involved with law & justice.
And here we are today. I feel we’re never too old to learn new skills and life lessons. My Path to Zen had been rolling around in my brain for a long time. If I had started this Blog when I first thought about it, it would have only been about surviving infidelity and pretty depressing. Then I got back into practicing yoga and yearned for a more peaceful, zen-filled life. I started reading & learning about the benefits of meditation and Zen. I don’t affiliate myself with an organized religion but respect and honor all peaceful, love-centered religions. Buddha said “Each morning, we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.” I like that too!!
Peace & Love ~♥
D’Alene