How I found My Dharma

(Before reading this please understand that I honor and welcome all views, all practices and I understand that we are all different and we all may choose whichever religion or spiritual practice, and that dharma can be incorporated into any religion or practice.)

I’ve been a spiritual seeker most of my life. From a young age I was reading books about Buddhism, Hinduism, and Joesph Campbell’s work most notable The Power of Myth. I read the Bible cover to cover. I studied with a Jewish Rabbi, a Muslim professor and countless Christian teachers and professors. I studied earth sciences and art and philosophy. I studied Deepak Chopra’s works and began practicing yoga and meditation on my own. I was intrigued by the concept of Dharma.

I’ve gone deep. I lived the Christian life. I’ve joined Shambhala. One thing I realized is that I am not cut out for organized religion. The rigidity of belief systems don’t mesh with my personal values and the way I see the world and existence. One too many fallible Church and organizational leaders have been in my life. It’s a constant flow of disappointment. So I decided to go my own way.

My own way includes connecting to my Native roots. I am Chatha, Choctaw, and I connect with the earth, the stars and beyond. The rhythm of life, days and the sun, the moon, the stars and planets in the sky guide me. I feel Mother Earth as she breathes- whether it’s through the waves and swells of the ocean or the breeze in the pine trees.

In 2018, I joined my tribe (Chatha /Choctaw) for a ride on the Trail of Tears, the path that my ancestors were escorted from their land in Mississippi to Oklahoma.

I have been in touch with my dharma over and over, but I always seem to find myself adrift in the sea of life. being pulled here and there with jobs and making ends meet, looking for opportunities, I have had some interesting and wild rides and made some questionable decisions, but they always lead me back to my dharma.

My Dharma Adventure really began when I founded MTB Chick in 2000, a women’s mountain bike racing team and club. The mission was to “empower women to be their best in cycling and in life.” A motto was “making the world a better place one pedal stroke at a time.” I know everyone says this phrase now, but I said it over 20 years ago! I battled with the bike industry bro culture for years before finally deciding to leave. As much as I had hope to bring change, I think I may have helped, I had lost the energy to keep fighting. More on this another time.

Today I find myself in a completely different position. Through what I might call a mid-life crisis after years of overcoming some traumas (more on these later), working various jobs in different industries and my general life experiences, I rejoined my Dharma Adventure about a year ago almost to the day. I spent a week in the Sonoran Desert in Tucson, Arizona and found myself touching my soul and reconnecting with my true essence. I highly recommend the Sonoran Desert for finding oneself.

This journey led me to become a photographer and a coach. I have always been a coach, whether through teaching mountain bike skills, fitness coaching, nutrition coaching, coaching employees at my work places. I find great pleasure in leading and guiding others to find bliss and meaning. To find their highest self through health, purpose and a balanced lifestyle.

Today my mission is to make the world a better place one conversation at a time- whether it’s over zoom, in person, on a bike- and I invite you to join the Dharma Adventure that is meant for you.