I dedicate my inaugural post of The Alchemist’s Heart to my mother, Linda Semrau, on her birthday.  She was the first to recognize my Alchemical nature, and consistently provided rich opportunities to nurture my unique gifts in life.  Happy Birthday, Mom!

My passion in life is engaging in the field of deep play – the space that challenges me to bring my best, risking deep authenticity, daring to explore the boundaries of my client’s beliefs, joining up in the adventure of expanding our capacities for wellness.

There is rush when a client breaks through old limits into a new space of possibilities.  In these moments, we both feel intensely alive, appreciative, and filled with a greater sense of Lightness.  Every time, I marvel at our strength and courage as human beings, and feel privileged to be able to share the journey of growth with another beautiful spirit.

Once you have experienced this magical space, you will return to it in your mind, diving into the memory to reconnect with your truest nature.   In this case, you will resonate automatically with the concept, but for those of us who also crave word play, here are excerpts from Diane Ackerman’s book (2000) Deep Play:

“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning and maneuvering.  It feels satisfying, absorbing, while offering rare challenges.”

“It always has a sacred space in which it happens…invites problem solving, allowing a creature to test limits and develop strategies. ”

“Play has a time limit which may be an intense but fleeting moment….or the exact span of a psychotherapy session.

“Play requires freedom – it happens outside ordinary life. ”

The original meaning of play involved the concept of risk.  In early times, play was far from frivolous, requiring “daring, risk, concentration, the ability to live with uncertainty, a willingness to follow the rules of the game, and a desire for transcendence.”

THIS is what makes life worthwhile – the reason I love my work and look forward every day to the sacred space I am honored to hold with my clients.  Alchemical transformation through life coaching and counseling inspires my days, but so does dancing, hiking to mountaintops, and fishing in beautifully remote areas.

I would love to hear from you.  What are YOUR areas of Deep Play? What moments bring you vibrantly alive?  Thank you for sharing YOUR your favorite areas of life!