It happens time and time again. There’s a secret handshake in a club I didn’t even know I belonged to.
Since attending a workshop at MEA Baja in 2023, I have met several MEA alums – all women. When I meet them, the same thing always happens. It’s not exactly magic – but it is electric. I know instantly that I have met someone I need to know.
We hit it off, sharing stories of our time at MEA – what we learned, what surprised us, and what shifted for us inside.
And without fail, I walk away thinking the same thing: This person is special.
Many of these women share the same qualities. Confident but not arrogant. Curious about others, yet willing to share themselves. Deep, but they don’t take themselves too seriously, although they could – because they are all very accomplished. And, they’re funny. Somehow, they are all cool without trying to be.
I’m not surprised that MEA attracts a certain kind of person – someone curious and eager to grow, both themselves and their life.
Just last week, I met up with a stranger – an MEA alum – for coffee. A quick ‘hello’ turned into two hours of non-stop connection. That’s the MEA secret handshake I’m talking about – a stranger instantly becomes a friend. Kindred spirits united. Have you found it too?
Since then, we’ve shared plans with another MEA alum, and we are all headed to Sun Valley next month to support a local non-profit. Of course, their idea of fun is the same as mine.
Don’t get me wrong. I am not in any way, shape, or form saying that other MEA alums aren’t cool!
It’s just that, so far, I’ve only had the opportunity to meet women alums in the wild.
MEA offered me so much while I was there. At the time, I didn’t realize it would be a gift that keeps on giving – through new, deep relationships and lasting friendships.
Thanks, MEA, for enhancing my personal growth, but as importantly, thanks for the new friendships enriching my life and for welcoming me into your club of really good, really interesting, cool people.
-Mary
Mary Mandell, M.H.Ed., 500-CYT, CLC, is a yoga, breath work, and meditation instructor, Co-Founder of Yoga for Good, which supports the non-profit community, and a Director of Common Ground CS which is dedicated to conflict resolution and creative leadership development, through art, yoga, and storytelling. [email protected] commongroundcs.org