I learned to end cycles with gratitude and peace

I believe that more challenging than ending cycles is learning how and when a cycle has come to an end.

I remember when I returned to São Carlos and my work at the university after traveling around the world for 2 years. There were so many experiences, so many parts of me that were left behind and so much renewal. How would it be possible for me to “fit in” back?!

I felt alive, expanding and free. The academic world seemed colorless, square, and cramped. 👀

I was determined to end this cycle of more than 20 years. But what was my surprise when I was treated in a systemic constellation at that time. The therapist, at one point, made me reflect: "isn't closing this cycle as important as knowing: how are you leaving your job?"

And I realized that I was leaving with a bitter taste of disgust, ingratitude and superiority. The world of university seemed so inhospitable that I couldn't recognize that it was there that I built my career, that I made so many friends, that I was able to do my doctorate, work with incredible people, learn from difficult ones, improve myself intellectually and emotionally, have a financial basis and much, much more.

I allowed myself to reflect a little more. And from the moment I began to look with less arrogance and recognize my place in the greatness of the university, new paths, previously unimaginable, opened up.

I went from being an environmental educator to teaching yoga and meditation courses at the largest university in Latin America. Who would say? And thousands of students benefited over 4 years. During the pandemic, many told me that my classes were a real lifesaver amidst the flood of uncertainty, anxiety and deaths.

I am sure that integrative therapies, including systemic constellation, were fundamental in this process. Therefore, I wholeheartedly advocate in favor of therapeutic processes. They bring us closer to what is truly valuable within us.

Thank you for meeting us here.

With love,

Patricia Leme

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