Chao summer. It's been real. And hello to those crisp mornings and the soft, golden light of fall.
This time of year always feels tender for me. My body remembers the back-to-school jitters—the blend of excitement and anxious anticipation that accompanies new beginnings. It also marks the anniversary of my mother's passing. Even after 14 years, my heart still aches with grief.
I share these reflections as we step into September, inviting us to explore the well-being pillar of spirituality.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve known I was spiritual. But it has taken years to fully embrace the gifts that spirituality offers.
I define spirituality as feeling connected to an energy greater than myself.
It’s in the way sunlight filters through leaves.
A gentle breeze touches my skin.
The ocean waves stretch endlessly into the horizon.
It’s the feeling that the universe is conspiring in my favor.
The first time I truly felt that the universe had my back was in 2010, when I was diagnosed with cancer.
At first, I felt only anger—why was I dealt such a difficult hand, especially when I was living some of the best moments of my life in Buenos Aires, Argentina?
But then, just a few months later, my mother passed away unexpectedly due to complications from leukemia. It dawned on me that had I not been diagnosed with cancer, I might not have returned to the States when I did, and I would have missed those precious final months with her.
Of course, some might chalk this sequence of events up to coincidence. But for me, it felt like something more—a palpable sense that something bigger than myself was guiding me, gently conspiring on my behalf.
The deeper I’ve delved into my meditation practice, the more I feel how the "I" connects to the "we," which connects to the "all" of life. I feel my heart open, my body grounded, and the world brimming with love and possibility. When I get quiet enough, I can listen to the whispers of my soul. In these moments, I feel empowered—deeply connected to the gifts of this life, the daily delights that are often overshadowed by shinier objects, optics, and goals.
Some of the ways I connect to spirituality in my daily life include:
Morning sunrise walks
Writing in a café with a delicious baked good by my side
Coaching sessions with my amazing clients
Heartfelt conversations with loved ones
Picking fresh veggies and flowers from our garden
Thanking my bike for getting me home safely after a day’s commute
Wishing my home well when I leave for a trip
Playing with my nieces and nephews and observing their brains developing
Spending time in nature, especially near the ocean or in the mountains
Feeling the health and vitality of my body–knowng her resilience to survive and thrve
This month, I invite you to explore your own relationship with spirituality.
What does it feel like at this stage of your life?
What benefits do you experience?
Do you make time and space for it?
Is there anything you want to do differently to connect with your own spiritual practices and beliefs?