Where are our hearts leading us?

“When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills.” – Chinese Proverb.

By now, you have heard the news that Brio Integrative Health Centre will be closing its doors on August 26th, 2023. Thanks to all of you for reaching out to us to share your stories and well wishes.

Before we each respond to this question, we want to acknowledge that change is difficult. For the past 15 years, Brio has been a sacred space of healing for so many of you. We hear you and we understand that change doesn’t always feel good. However, we often see change as problems, rather than opportunities for learning and growth.

The news of the closing of Brio is hard for some of you to hear, but as this chapter ends, a brand new chapter starts and each one of us is excited to start writing the next chapter. We believe there is so much more we can offer as Naturopathic Physicians to you and our community. So as the Chinese Proverb says, we are learning to use the energy of change to build windmills that will move our vision forward.

“During my sabbatical in 2021, I took 3 months off to reflect on my life and career. This intentional pause allowed me to quiet my mind and value the gift of life. I spent time alone up in the mountains in prayer and meditation. I reflected on all aspects of my life: my relationships, my successes, my failures, my purpose. The time alone with God provided greater clarity on how I needed to trust in His guidance and divine direction.

Since my sabbatical, my vision has been so much clearer and I’m now able to see all the exciting change and opportunity that is around me. I feel that I’m only beginning to step into my true potential as a healer. I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life as I take a deeper dive into researching the brain and developing frameworks and actionable strategies to help patients transform their health.”

“I will be transitioning to my own practice with an office to still call home base and continue to see patients in person and/or virtually. My heart was calling me to individuate and I was not sure if this meant a solely virtual practice or with an office. It turns out the call was for an office, which is amazing as I love seeing patients in person! The call to individuate is to pull back a lot of time and energy and alchemize that energy towards nurturing my JOY.

What does JOY while living my purpose mean to me? Joy means launching into the online space. For several years I have taken minute steps to cultivate an online presence, however it requires more dedication. I will have increased space available for online courses as well as my in-person practice. And to be honest, I do not want to make it seem as if my extra time and space will be filled up with productivity and “doing” and busy-ness. This is not the honest truth for me. The real impetus that will also cultivate joy, is for rest.

My healing journey took me years to allow my own self permission to rest and just “be.” So to “be” is key, and I am so proud to obey the call. I am so happy to have you follow me on this next unfolding of my fascinating healing journey…wow, does it ever take courage!”

“I am transitioning to a virtual practice for two reasons that are close to my heart. Over the past 3 years, I have had the opportunity to work more online and witness firsthand the need to bridge the gap between health information and actual health improvements. As someone passionate about hormone and metabolic health, I see a great need and enormous potential for making a positive impact in this field. Therefore I am thrilled to channel my energy towards making sense of the vast amount of health information out there and making it accessible to everyone who wants to improve their health.

While it has been a dream come true to practice in my hometown of Richmond, it has also meant a lot of back-and-forth travel between here and my husband’s home in Seattle. With my green card finally approved earlier this year, I am overjoyed to say that we’ll finally be able to do life together, in the same country. As I transition to a virtual practice, I’ll have more time to spend with my loved ones, and I’m excited to see what opportunities this will bring. I can’t wait to share updates with you all as I embark on this new chapter of my life and career. Stay tuned for more!”