Since this is the first time you are reading my words, I’d like to first share my name: it’s Daryan. While I am new to the Healing Connections team, it’s been exciting to see how seamlessly the values of HC integrate with my own.
Connection is truly what I’m all about – it’s a concept I explore in all aspects of my life. I’ve always prioritized relationships of all kinds. My yoga teacher training ignited my passion for the mind-body connection, and my spiritual practice brings me in tune with nature and divinity. In pursuit of connection, I have travelled many paths – none without twists, turns, hurdles, or perceived roadblocks.
Six months ago, I thought my world was ending. A multi-year partnership dissolved in what felt like minutes, taking with it a cat I love and an apartment I had grown quite fond of. Not to mention we then entered lock-down due to a global pandemic. Freelance contracts came to a screeching halt. As uncomfortable as it may be to share this openly, I’ve come to realize that feeling connected often comes at the cost of being vulnerable. I think we can all relate to these falling tower experiences that leave us feeling completely disconnected. For me, I felt like I was suspended in mid-air.
Thankfully, when the invisible strings that kept me suspended unraveled, I landed in the safety and support of my connections. My family and friends-that-are-family wove together like a quilt to catch me and wrap me in their warmth. People showed up for me, and for this, I am eternally grateful. Still, I needed to re-align with myself and my body on my own. Inspired by the healing I experienced from the loving presence of others, I vowed to fully show up for myself through all the releasing, discovering, processing, growing, learning, and changing.
As the whole world slowed down, I also paused. I paused to feel. I paused to heal. I came to know myself better, more truthfully. My relationships deepened; I began to feel more seen, heard, and accepted. Through a lot of meditation and communion with nature, I felt increasingly inseparable from everything else. I stayed committed to my growth not only because I wanted to live in presence with myself and the natural world, but because I wanted to show up with true presence for others.
Art by: Mia Ohki
If it resonates with you, I invite you to find moments each day to pause, breathe, and check in with yourself. For me, the connection to myself and my body comes first. Then, in the security of knowing I can always come home to myself, my capacity to bond with others in a way that makes them feel both held and free, continually grows.
Six months ago, I had no idea where I’d be today. In retrospect, I see how everything is – you guessed it – connected. Messy painful emotions, uncertainties, and inward reflection brought me home to myself. Love, support, laughter, music, and breakthrough moments of grace brought me home to myself.
Healing Connections gives me that same “coming home” feeling. My hope is that I contribute to HC feeling like Home to you – a home where you are accepted completely as you are right now.
I look forward to getting to know you,
Daryan
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