Unedited excerpt from my memoir. ©2019 Sylvaine Francine When I first arrived on campus, the girls’ building was at full capacity, could not accommodate me. Instead, I was sent to the boys’ dorm to settle in a small apartment on the fourth floor. The boys, always, keep the elevator door open for me. But, even in the thick of the heat and drenching humidity; I ignore the elevator and climb up … [Read more...] about Mumbai, India-2005
Writings
Won’t Take a Bad Mood
The Wrong Side of the Bed Do we sometimes wake up from the wrong side of the bed? Once in a while, yes. It happens to most of us. When it occurs, I wonder… why do I feel that way? Why did I say this? Where does my reaction come from? I search. Why not? It is not because I wake up in a bad mood that I am going to go with it. Why would I? Why would you? We don’t have to accept it and … [Read more...] about Won’t Take a Bad Mood
A Free Spirit
When I was growing up, I was a dancer. Not a tutu adorned young dancer wearing my long hair up and in a bun. I wore tights and leotard, and my flowing long hair was an extension and expression of my spirit. Spirit which came alive when I was dancing and went dormant when back home. I owe so much to my dance teacher. She provided me with a safe space where I could experience freedom and joy. No one … [Read more...] about A Free Spirit
A Mirror
Since I have been sending newsletters more often, I have received many phone calls. It is always valuable to hear from you and share our journeys. Some of you have realized that you never stood up to whoever created havoc in your emotional life, and therefore never got your power back thus permitting the anger to smolder for years. For others, illness has taken over their lives because … [Read more...] about A Mirror
What are we looking at?
Most of us are busy remembering the past, reliving it or rearranging it to our liking. Sometimes, we daydream the future or simply plan it. We have been taught to write down goals, to use planners and check our statistics to take an accurate reading of our lives. We fill our calendars with soccer practices, recitals, family functions and graduations. Time is the great ruler in western … [Read more...] about What are we looking at?
How Did I Come About to Offer My Services?
When we grow up in a dysfunctional family, like most of us did, we may feel grief, anger, frustration, sadness and more. I sure did. Did you? Or may be you were among the gifted ones who were raised in a supportive, loving and nurturing environment. Since I had plenty to deal with, I healed a bit at the time and in due course became a spiritual counselor. I understood what my clients were telling … [Read more...] about How Did I Come About to Offer My Services?
