Standing in my circle
Owning my expertise and being of service through my words
It felt like the beginning.
There we were, standing at his favorite tree in Palos Verdes (Los Angeles), overlooking the beach where his now-adult daughters were baptized. We had hiked to that spot, chatting, laughing, and discussing where I wanted to take my career - where we both, actually, wanted to go with our careers. I hadn’t really talked to him in a couple years, since my husband and I just returned from a two-year stint in New York City and I was emerging from the cocoon of early motherhood. But it felt so familiar - hiking with my mentor in a place where we both felt such peace.
As we stood there, he started drawing 5 intersecting circles in the dirt. “This one is neuroscience,” he said. “This one is sport psychology. This one is yoga. This one is athlete.” Then he asked, “and do you know what this one is?” I felt myself receive a deep breath, realizing a new aspect of my identity. “This one is your role as a mom.” He took my hand and invited me to stand at the point where the circles overlapped. “Now is the time for you to step into your circle. Your expertise is at the center of these identities. This is your domain. Own it.”
We started walking back towards the car. He shared what he envisioned for the next chapter of his impactful career and I encouraged him with the same joy and love that he supported me. I asked a stranger to take a picture of us. Once we got to his house, I helped him harvest bags of kale from his garden, which he insisted I take with me (he knew my obsession with green smoothies), and I gave him a hug. Later that afternoon, I texted him:
It felt like the beginning of a new chapter for me. I had clarity and a fresh perspective - and I think he felt the same way about his own trajectory.
Three weeks later, a massive heart attack took his life. Just like that, the legendary Ken Ravizza was gone.
I miss you, Ken, but since that day, I have found power in my circle. This is my commitment to double down on that - to continue to stand proud and serve others from the center, from my center.
Why we’re here
On these pages (or rather, in this corner of the bookstore, as I prefer to think about it), we’re going to talk about performance and life at the intersection of neuroscience, sport psychology and yoga. I’ll share my expertise, but also my lived experience as an athlete and a mom.
The community we’re building
This is so much more than words on a page. This is a space for authentic connection. A place to grapple with big questions and experiment with practices designed to elevate the way you feel in your life. I want this community to serve you - and I want to hear your insights. Let’s build a community of compassionate and curious go-getters who want to step more fully into their circle.
The deets
It’s really simple. I’ll post weekly. Everything is free for now. Let’s have fun, get curious, and grow - together.
Yes Daya! I'm here for it all!