Did you know you’re a hero, the lead role in an intricately woven epic story? You are, and now is the time for you to awaken to your greatness, get on the path and take an adventure, co-creating the best story ever told.

Seventeen years ago a serious car accident left me with severe whip lash and a fractured skull. There was a moment after the accident when I remember looking down at my body circled with paramedics and others in the car. I saw my short life flash on a screen as if I was watching a film. I saw the faces of my loved ones and felt a yearning to be with them. A moment passed and then I was looking up at those around me asking me my name, the date, the name of the president.

My recovery was long and left me feeling disconnected from others and from life. Being 16 years old, I created more of a melodrama then an epic story out of the experience. I began searching for answers, seeking love and acceptance outside of myself. This searching led me down a dark path, into the world of alcohol, drugs and undesirable company.

Completely lost, alone and empty, I no longer felt that youthful innocence or a connection to the world. When I looked in the mirror, I saw a stranger. Going to school became increasingly difficult as I was unable to concentrate and do what was required of me. I decided it was time to call it quits; I walked into the office, turned in my books and walked away, leaving my junior year of high school behind me. Unfortunately I was unable to leave the pain I was feeling there with my books, and so I continued my downward spiral.

One day my mother walked into my room.
“Alisha,” she said, “I give up.”
“Give up on what?” I asked.
“I give up on you.”
I felt my pounding heart sink.
“You can’t do that,” I snapped, choking back tears. “You are my mother.”
“Yes I can, because you have already given up on yourself.” Those words lingered in the chilly air. (Being a mother myself, now I know this was crafty mother’s magic. She hadn’t given up, but she was afraid of losing me and needed me to wake up.)

As she left my room, she handed me a small book and said, “This is my last gift to you.”
I sat on my bed and read the title: The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra. I opened the cover and inside, my mother had written: “Alisha, if you can read and apply these seven spiritual laws, there is nothing you can’t do or be. Love, Mom.”
I felt the truth of her words sweep across my skin, leaving goose bumps. As I flipped through the pages, the words came alive and danced within my heart. Everything I had been seeking outside of myself was really within me. This was the beginning of my hero’s journey…

The next fall I re-enrolled in school, worked very hard to catch up and graduated with my class. I went on to college, and then 10 years later, my journey led me to where it began, with Deepak. This time I was blessed to work, learn and teach with him at the Chopra Center. My journey has been thrilling, filled with challenges, discomfort, great courage, strength, faith and love. Through it I have uncovered my life’s passion and purpose to guide others through their personal journey, to awaken the hero within and support them as they walk the path that is before them.

Over the years I have created a very powerful and effective program called Healing from Within. It provides an important map, along with loving support and guidance and is tailored to honor individuals and their unique journey. All too often I see people struggle, trying to find the answers outside of themselves or trying to get through life by themselves. In my experience, in order to stand firmly in ourselves, we need support and wisdom along the way, along the path of our hero’s journey.