Welcome to Transformation Talk. Every Thursday for a year, starting in September 2012, I’ll post an interview with someone who is a force for good in the world. These men and women have either deepened their passion or found their calling after experiencing a loss, trauma or diagnosis.
I want to broaden the conversation around grief and its transformative power. My hope is that in their words you’ll find echoes of your story. In their inspired actions, you’ll see yourself and your immense possibility.
*Special Request: The technology of Skype is amazing and imperfect. Please listen with your heart and forgive the occasional blips on the screen.
Today’s interview is with hypnotherapist and life coach Monica Park of Heal Real. She talks candidly about the lasting effects of her father’s suicide, her mother’s attempts to take her own life, and how becoming a mama changed the way she saw herself.
Running time is just under 15 minutes. Audio link available below.
Right-click or control-click to download the audio version: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/40076880/Monica%20Park%20For%20Internet.mp3
In Monica’s words:
I am a fierce, conscious Mama and a hippy in stilettos. A hypnotherapist, coach, and Reiki healer. A passionate truth seeker with a strong desire to understand people (including myself) deeply and openly. I always knew I did not want to be a victim. It was clear early on that I needed to understand what I did not know, and forgive. That is where my self exploration, self awareness and healing journey came in, and it has never left me. I believe that we are the masters of our own realities. My favorite question to ask my clients + myself is “what are you getting out of this?”
I believe that behind every behavior there is a positive intention. If we can be honest about what the benefit is from our “negative” behavior. For example, I used to OWN my depression like a badge of honor. I didn’t know why I secretly loved it and I was addicted to feeling depressed because I also HATED it and wanted to be happy. When I REALLY looked deeper, it became very apparent to me that what I value most is connection. I believed that through my depression I was more connected to people and I also believed that if I was “happy” I would lose connection. This realization for me changed everything. Do I still feel depressed sometimes? OF COURSE. I am extremely emotional and I am human, BUT I do not own it anymore. I feel ALIVE.
I truly believe when we can TRUTHFULLY peel back the layers and be REAL, a new world, a new reality + frame of mind can emerge. It’s called Freedom.
If you want to heal, you got to keep it real.