How I Identify

My lived experience is through the body of a white (mainly of Irish, German, and Polish descent) cis-gender woman born into a middle class family in the suburbs of Pennsylvania. My lived experience is through a body that’s sensitive to energy, emotions, touch, and the cycles of nature. My lived experience is social, outgoing, in the world; as well as introspective, contemplative, reflective.

My lived experience at a foundational level is a home of love, as well as a home of addiction and pain. I honor my family, my lineage, my ancestors; and the resources and challenges embedded within us. They are my biggest teachers. 

My lived experience through choice is of spiritual seeking, multicultural connection, and service; full of learning, color, and Guidance. My lived experience is queer as a bi/pansexual human, and transcendental of form as a spiritual being having a human experience.

My spirituality is rooted in Christianity and the Christian lineage given to me by my family. It is rooted in nature, naturalness, and feminine cycles gifted to me by the Earth. And universalism, interconnectedness, and an understanding that there are many rivers to the ocean of God, gifted to me by the times we live in. 

I’m Lila’s mom and Anees’s wife. I’m not sure if I prefer the term wife or life partner—I think soul mate’s best. These two people mean everything to me, and I’m so grateful to be together. Anees is a healing-centered psychiatrist and psychotherapist, so there’s a lot of nerdy healing pillow talk in our house.

My professional experience is in international sustainable development and sociology. Think UN, nonprofit world. I like to be practical! Use applied social science and a whole-systems approach to figure out how to address things like poverty, gender inequality, and climate change.

 I live in NYC, an international city surrounded by all sorts of different, beautiful people. It's my part of my practice of building the world I want to see more of in the future. Integrated multiculturalism, co-existence.  

My lived experience has parameters to it that do not make it universal. I would say it has limitations, but I don’t believe it needs to be viewed that way. Instead, trusting in the puzzle pieces we’re all provided; the puzzle pieces that transpire. My lived experience does not hold wisdom or medicine for everyone. It’s not meant to. In the name of inclusivity and just plain ol’ common sense, my lived experience is but one tiny perspective in a vast sea of rich, wise vantage points.

What does your story hold?

I own and recognize that I embody privileges and social truths that exist in our fractured, unequal world. I own and recognize my privilege as a white body of European descent in this world that historically prioritizes the lives of those with lighter skin tones. I own and recognize the socioemotional luxury that comes with being born into a body that I identify with. I own and recognize the psychological ease that comes with having socioeconomic safety nets. I own and recognize the political freedoms I’m privileged with as an American.

I recognize that my life is a combination of happenstance and hard work. A product of the structures that be, as well as the choices and sacrifices of my family. The result of my own hard work and dedication, as well as God’s unique path for me. 

I welcome and invite voices forward to balance mine, to fill in gaps, to create more wholeness, and to build a multidimensional resonance. My request is that any voices do so in a way that is respectful, self-aware, and with a vision of interdependence.  

I commit and recommit my life to breaking abusive patterns, ending oppressive cycles, and liberating the God-given potential of our interconnected world. I welcome this as messy, humble work. 

My offerings are my consciousness are my healing are my personal journey.

May it be of service.