Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Stress Wizard Coach Visits

My long time friend and associate, Raven Dana (Stress Wizard Coaching), just found a weekend in the midst of her busy teaching and coaching schedule to come out to Oregon for a visit. She must be a Wizard, because we had outstanding weather—blue skies, sunshine and moderate temperatures—the whole time she was here.


Besides catching up on the many years since we had actually been in the same place geographically, we took the obligatory trip to the Oregon Coast visiting all the parks and drive outs from Ecola State Park to Depoe Bay. Of course, the Max Line trip to downtown Portland where “walking the waterfront” was the objective of the day was also enjoyed.


After a home break for a late lunch, we were off again to take a stroll through the Tualatin Hills Nature Center. Naturally, after that we were hungry again so we were off to find a place to eat. (That’s another story for another time, but suffice it to say, a senior moment seemed to lose the location of the restaurant where I thought we were going to eat!)


I met Raven when she was connected with Whole Life Learning Center in Denver, CO, a wholistic education and growth center I founded in 1973. Since then she has continued to study with the best in her field and enrich her life with new skills that have led to her successful coaching practice. We lost touch through the years, but thanks to Google I relocated her several years ago. She has been a powerful support to me as I have worked my way through my own “stuff.” Her support comes from a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it is place that absolutely knocks one off his/her duff of complacency, or whatever else may be holding you back, and gives you the opportunity to see a new way of climbing out of darkness into the light.


There are few people in life with whom you can truly say anything and not only be understood, but accepted, while at the same time not allowing you to get away with excuses for not being who you are capable of being—all this and still a strong friendship. Many people might wilt under such intense reality. For me it was a refreshing and renewing experience. I think it was for her as well, particularly since it was her vacation!


It may be another lifetime before we visit each other again (not!), but there is much to savor in the meantime. I wish we could all experience such friendships.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Sounds like the kind of friend we all want to have. I particularly love this line, "Her support knocks one of his/her duff of complacency, or whatever else may be holding you back, and gives you the opportunity to see a new way of climbing out of darkness into the light." What a great acknowledgment Dan!

Dan said...

Thanks, Erin! Raven is a gem to be sure and believe me she will keep a person honest--or else!