Over the last thirteen years I've written about the broad theme of the art of living. My articles appear here in the chronological order in which they were published in Northern Journeys, an arts and technology journal published in the Northwest United States. They are offered as sparks that can be used to inspire a flame of inspiration. Throughout these articles I have I quoted many teachings that have offered me a ray of light during those occasional dark nights of fear and panic. I am grateful for many teachers who have inspired me to learn about yoga, meditation, psychotherapy, and the healing power of the arts. In some ways these articles are a form of my narrative therapy, motivated by my desire to heal and promote the well being of others.
About the Author: Loi has found that the avenues to well-being draw from many sources, which have helped her in her work as Independent Educational Consultant, Certified Parent Coach and Certified Parenting Our Parent [POP] Family Coach, semi-professional musician, watermedia artist, yoga therapist, and mother. After completing her graduate education for her PhD in education and psychology, Loi decided she wanted 'real world' experience before writing her dissertation. As a result, she diverted her attention from academics while beginning to learn about love and loss, triumph and tragedy. She married and started a family. Their grief from having their second child die from a birth defect caused her husband to have a recurrence of his cancer. They began a long journey of survival, attempting alternative therapies. Although he survived much longer than most, eventually her husband's metastasized cancer culminated in his passing. Faced with raising their remaining two children, she was further devastated by losing her dear father. Her grief deepened when her grandmother became the victim of a horrendous crime. In an effort to survive and channel her grief, Loi co-founded a school to offer experiential education, nurturing and support to the children in the community. After ten years, the small school succumbed to the difficult economy in her small town, and closed. Loi then became the journalism teacher at a therapeutic boarding school, wishing to help youth learn skills to create a better life for themselves, and avoid the temptations of resorting to criminal activity. Eventually she became an Independent Educational Consultant, and parent coach, helping families in crisis find a path for their own healing. She has always channeled her interest in music, art, creative writing and yoga to inform her other work. She performs in chamber groups of various sizes, a symphony orchestra and teaches cello at the Music Conservatory of Sandpont. She writes, and paints in water media on occasion. Drawing upon insights from these activities and her training as a yoga therapist, Loi helps families in crisis to create their healing journey as they transition through the phases of the circle of life.