the joan: A Personal Narrative
Introduction
The true inner voice often guides us in ways
we never would have dreamed of on our own
and directs in paths we are reluctant,
even fearful to pursue. --- JJ Dewey
we never would have dreamed of on our own
and directs in paths we are reluctant,
even fearful to pursue. --- JJ Dewey
I will share with you a brief synopsis of my personal journey because in part it is only fair that you learn of my expertise through a lens of understanding of who I am as a person. Excerpts from my personal story however are primarily included to illustrate a point: the bedrock foundation of who we are now began long ago. In fact, who we are now is only the tip of the iceberg so-to-speak.
At this particular junction in my life, I am very aware that my personal spiritual journey is a springboard from my experiences as a child growing into adulthood with all the responsibilities of a nuclear and extended family of my own. My story is not unique in that no one else has ever experienced some of the happenings that came my way. However, it is a very interesting journey with many twists and surprising turns as I grew from a child to an adult, and to the professional research scientist and mentor that I have become, and ultimately into having true intimacy with myself.
My story will briefly mention how I discovered my Cherokee roots from my mother’s side of the family that explains so much about my sensitive nature and how I came to be given my Indian name, “Eagle Flying With Strong Wings.” My story will also mention the link from my father’s maternal lineage to Benjamin Rush, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Rush is also known for his discovery of a cure for Yellow Fever that had so badly affected our troops during the Revolutionary War. In addition, he became known as the Father of Psychiatry in America and he was passionately focused on the connection between the body and the mind.
It is appealing that an earlier unknown relative to me share a similar passion for the connection of mind and body. This knowledge inspires me to continue with the passion for my own contribution.
Lastly, my story will mention how my spiritual mentor Megan Mailloux Newcomb, born in Kathmandu, Nepal, came into my life one very strange evening and how her unique story became an integral part of my own journey.
In your journey to intimacy with yourself, you may also wish to keep a token to remind you of who you really are, especially in times of difficulty, indecision, and during the times of new creative changes. I truly hope that the simple rendition of some my personal story inspires you to take the journey to develop your own Art of Focus.
At this particular junction in my life, I am very aware that my personal spiritual journey is a springboard from my experiences as a child growing into adulthood with all the responsibilities of a nuclear and extended family of my own. My story is not unique in that no one else has ever experienced some of the happenings that came my way. However, it is a very interesting journey with many twists and surprising turns as I grew from a child to an adult, and to the professional research scientist and mentor that I have become, and ultimately into having true intimacy with myself.
My story will briefly mention how I discovered my Cherokee roots from my mother’s side of the family that explains so much about my sensitive nature and how I came to be given my Indian name, “Eagle Flying With Strong Wings.” My story will also mention the link from my father’s maternal lineage to Benjamin Rush, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Rush is also known for his discovery of a cure for Yellow Fever that had so badly affected our troops during the Revolutionary War. In addition, he became known as the Father of Psychiatry in America and he was passionately focused on the connection between the body and the mind.
It is appealing that an earlier unknown relative to me share a similar passion for the connection of mind and body. This knowledge inspires me to continue with the passion for my own contribution.
Lastly, my story will mention how my spiritual mentor Megan Mailloux Newcomb, born in Kathmandu, Nepal, came into my life one very strange evening and how her unique story became an integral part of my own journey.
In your journey to intimacy with yourself, you may also wish to keep a token to remind you of who you really are, especially in times of difficulty, indecision, and during the times of new creative changes. I truly hope that the simple rendition of some my personal story inspires you to take the journey to develop your own Art of Focus.
Ó2010 copyright Joan H. Hageman, PhD
