Believe it or not, the name of my practice came to me while I was lost in the woods.

A few years ago, I set out on a solo backpacking trip with a little intention in mind: to find a new name for my business, then called Glowing Heart. I spent some time hiking, reflecting, and playing around with ideas. One in particular had started to stick, but I wasn't quite sold on it yet.

Then, as luck would have it, towards the end of my hike, I got lost.

My GPS stopped working, and I found myself standing in front of three different trails, unsure which one would lead me back to my car. After considering my options, I decided to take the middle one.

And that's when it clicked.

The name I'd been considering earlier was Middle Path. Of all the ways that hike could have unfolded, I somehow ended up quite literally choosing the middle path to find my way home. I couldn't help but laugh at the coincidence. That pretty much sealed the deal!

The name also echoes the Buddhist teaching of the Middle Way, which encourages a path beyond extremes. It's one of many philosophical and spiritual influences I've explored over the years, from studying philosophy and religion to teaching yoga and mindfulness, and now practicing holistic psychotherapy and advocating for nature-based wellness. I appreciate how this unexpected moment in the woods connected with ideas I've spent much of my life exploring.

For me, the name is also a reminder that we don't always need to know exactly where we're going. Sometimes getting a little lost is part of finding our way.