I recently came across memoirist Laurie Nadel and her book Dancing With the Wind: The True Story of Zen in the Art of Windsurfing and fell in love with her depth, insight and wisdom. I wish I had this book when I was researching spiritual memoirs before writing my own; it’s an incredibly powerful story and Laurie is a gifted writer.
I was so inspired by Laurie’s story that I asked if I could share some of her insights about her inner journey with you—and she graciously agreed!
In our interview we talk about where she is on her inner journey, how she makes space in her life to turn inward, how she connects to her body and the process of writing this memoir.
Where are you on your heroine’s journey? What does that work look like for you right now?
I do not consider myself a heroine, but I am in the twilight of this journey/incarnation which necessitates listening more closely to my inner voice and pacing myself according to my physical strengths and weaknesses. It is a time of transition and introspection while maintaining an active practice and growing my business, Mind Body Network.
How do you make space for your inner journey?
With reluctance a lot of the time! There are a lot of demands on my time right now but I meditate almost daily. I find the most powerful insights and teachings come through dreams.
How do you connect with your body?
Due to exposure to toxic dust from the World Trade Center attack and other physical issues that are quite serious, I have learned to ask the Power Question: If I do (x), will it give me energy, help me conserve my energy, or drain my energy? If my gut response is c) drain my energy, I put that task, errand or meeting on my Not-to-Do list.
What was the process of writing your memoir for you?
Dancing with the Wind is written in the present tense. It covers 20 plus years of love, work, marriage, motherhood, divorce, love and loss, a near death experience or two, and traveling into the Amazon to meet with shamans. The thread of continuity is my soul connection to the sea, windsurfing as a form of meditation, and becoming a student/practitioner of Zen. Writing the book brought my inner and outer life into balance.
Is there anything you would like to tell anyone diving into their own inner journey?
Read Dancing with the Wind! It has so many insights for women who are starting to discover their inner world.
Before I let you go: We’ve been so inspired by our past interviews, we’d love to feature more stories from this community. If you’d be interested in sharing your inner journey story, we’d love to connect. Just hit reply and we’ll reach out!
To soul connections,
Melissa
