My Story... Your Story?
Here’s a little about me – Viv Hawkins. Maybe something here will echo with you.
I’ve heard and followed a call for many years. For me, it’s been since 2005 to inspire, encourage, and empower people to live into our best selves in harmony with creation. But that’s not where my story starts.
Years before, I consulted for the largest corporate employer in the U.S.. I loved the challenge of the work and relationships with the people. But something more was calling to me. Have you heard a call like that?
Mine took the form of saying, for a few consecutive years, “I want to work for the Earth.” I wanted my next job to require footware of either flippers or hiking boots!
With the help of a coach, my colleague and I nurtured a mutually supportive relationship. At midlife, we both made significant career changes. And I went to work for the Earth. The revitalization I felt was astonishing. CELEBRATION!
Fast forward and that “still, small voice” pipes up, again, as I turned 49. This time it said, “Go to India.” Maybe you’ve felt a call to travel? I sure did. I quit my job, gave away most of my possessions, stored the few things in a friend’s basement, and flew to India. Solo. For 3 months. Wow!
The sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tactile sensations of India were off the charts for me! I still remember that first night. Sweating at midnight in January, I waited at the Mumbai airport until dawn to take a pre-paid taxi to the Mulund West railway station. I wondered about coming to India, “What was I thinking?!!”
Five trips later, one for six months, I’ve experienced so much growth. I’ve been “adopted” by an Indian family, co-facilitated non-violence workshops with Gandhians, taught Adivasi children and teachers-in-training, learned from women’s self-help groups, and led a tour for U.S. Quakers. I, also, felt more alone than I knew was possible and came to better know my place “in the family of things.” Maybe you know how much you grow when you travel like that? I do. CELEBRATION!
Between trips, I spoke, taught, and facilitated programs in the U.S.. I learned some of the hard knocks of solopreneurship. Maybe you know some of them, too?
And I received unfathomable assistance from so many generous, kind people. In the process, I learned experimentally about my dreams, discernment, what to do, and how to be so I and other people can grow.
Those years nurtured my desire to help others live their best life. They awakened in me a dream of a world full of spiritual changemakers living their visions and values, serving the greater good.
That’s why I studied, became certified, and practice coaching and spiritual direction. That’s why I co-founded Releasing Ministry Alliance – a network to help publicize and support spiritual changemakers. I know experimentally that dreams can be made real. CELEBRATION!
What dreams for the greater good arise in you? What will help you to realize them?
Now, in semi-retirement, I’m passionate about coaching as a way to embrace my life call to inspire, encourage, and empower people to live into our best selves in harmony with creation.
But that’s not where the story ends…
What new life is calling to you? How will you respond?
Might a coach, spiritual guide, community of practice, or some combination of them ease or expedite your journey?
