A Message from Beyond

The other night, I dreamt of a past life in the world of figure skating, a realm I left behind some 12 years ago. In this vivid dream, I encountered Kathy Casey, a world and Olympic Coach and past President of the Professional Skaters Association, a role model for many coaches. She was a guiding force for many, including myself, during my time in the sport. You can imagine my awe when the next day I opened FB and Kathy Casey was looking at me from a photograph in the post on my feed, with a story commemorating her life and profound impact on the skating community.

I wasn’t aware of Kathy’s passing a few years prior, and this post was actually out of the blue. And it was the very first time I saw anything about Kathy on FB since the time I ceased my connection with the sport. Now, this dream, her memory, and this unexpected post converged into a significant moment for me that reminded me not only of the interconnectedness of all things, but the turning point in my life — the experience so emotionally charged that I had nearly forgotten it, tucking it away in some hidden corner of my mind.

I suddenly saw myself in Florida. Beautiful hotel hallway at the Professional Skaters Association’s Conference, and I, eagerly await the examiners’ committee’s announcement if I was to be awarded a Master's-rated designation.

Kathy Casey presided over the panel of my examiners, whose views were deeply rooted in traditional methods, and I was hopeful that Kathy, a visionary herself, would recognize and acknowledge the revolutionary technique of coaching that I have developed and presented to them.

My training method earned not only my students success in the National and International arena but also the resentment and jealousy of many peers who were now examiners on the panel.

I found myself at a crossroads during the exam: teach what they expected and pass, or teach what I knew was right and risk failing. I chose the latter. I teach my students to live in the truth of their hearts, and I have to be the model of that — walk the talk, even if it means failing in the eyes of others.

But now, I was sitting in that hallway, hoping to pass, hoping that not only they appreciate fresh perspective but also the courage it took to bring something forward that I knew was going against their grain.

Someone came out of that room and announced their decision. I lost. Twenty years prior, I took my first rating exam and vowed to reach the level of Master. And now, I have, but they wouldn’t recognize it.

I wasn’t disappointed with their disapproval, I expected it. In a way, it was my badge of honor. But Kathy’s silence hit me hard. Her silence, in many ways, was the last straw for me in a profession I had begun to outgrow. I took that experience as a signal to step away from a field where my vision was not only misunderstood but constrained by outdated norms. I chose to leave competitive figure skating, not out of defeat but in pursuit of a greater mastery—one that I would define for myself beyond limiting rules and dogmas.

I left the sport and forgot about this event completely. It was only through the synchronicity of my vivid dream and then stumbling upon that Facebook post that I not only remembered the event but realized that I’d been harboring hurt and resentment towards Kathy for all these years.

But suddenly, I had a profound revelation and gratitude! If Kathy validated me during that exam, I might still be in the world of figure skating, confined by its limiting orthodoxies. Her lack of acknowledgment wasn't a setback; it was a cosmic push toward the greater purpose that was awaiting me rather than becoming a master-rated coach by their definition, I could now become the Master in my own right, as I was destined to be. And this brings me to the essence of the upcoming

9 Keys to the Kingdom of Peace the Way of St. Francis 45-Day Spirit Quest.

When I decided to lead this Challenge, it was all about the Prayer, and I didn’t think much of the actual historical man that we now know as St. Francis of Assisi. Not only was he a radical visionary who defied the norms of society and even clashed with the Catholic Church in a very similar way I clashed with figure skating establishment, but his teaching:

"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible,”

has deep resonance with our message of making the impossible possible, one small step at a time. He didn't just follow the path; he created his own, illuminating a spiritual journey that millions still follow today. And in our 45-Day Spirit Quest: 9 Keys to the Kingdom of Peace, the Way of St. Francis, we are going to do exactly that! Breakthrough the barriers that not only hold us back but define us! We’ll break free from doubts to find trust, heal hatred to grow in love, and defy despair to raise in strength.

So, the question is: Are you ready to take on your own 45-day quest toward liberation and enlightenment? Are you ready to break the chains of convention, doubt, or despair? This is not just a quest; it's a revolution of the spirit, a radical departure from the expected to the extraordinary! A chance for you to be the Master of your life, just like I found my Mastery beyond someone else's definitions. Your spiritual evolution isn't confined by society's norms; it's only confined by the limits you set for yourself.

In the spirit of mentors and guides who've propelled you forward and inspired by the teachings of St. Francis, we're going to shatter those limits! We'll unlock the Kingdom within, your inner realm of limitless possibilities, potentials, and divine inspirations. Remember, divinity isn’t an external force; it lives within us, eager to express itself when we just get out of our own way. So, let's take this journey together to discover, to reclaim, and to master what was always ours. Because sometimes, we need to lose to win.

In loving spirit and anticipation of our journey together,

SoFeya