Debra McDermitt

3,143

Professor Debra McDermitt - Achieving Life - Institute of Sacred Studies

Who are you?
Well, I am Debra McDermitt, MA, LMT (retired).

No, really who are you?
I am an adjunct professor, spiritual life coach, wife, friend, sister, cat mommy, aunt (20+ times over), explorer, entrepreneur, dreamer, ongoing conqueror of my autoimmune challenges, divorcee, student, and lover of pictures out in nature (especially waterfalls, flowers, and trails). 

Ok, but who are you?
hmm... I am a unique original one of a kind masterpiece that is also equal to all other beings... you/we/me

Right, but who are you?
uhhhh... I am something of/like/etc a soul having a human experience

Cool, but who are you?
well... I am. 

----------------------------
For over a decade I have taught World Religions. For many of those years a textbook, "The Illustrated World's Religions," by Huston Smith was used. In the book he shares a story of Oren Lyons (Onondagan / Seneca / Iroquois). In the story Oren is asked by his uncle, during a canoe trip, multiple times who he is. At the end his uncle tells him he is the bluff, the trees, and even the water; he is one with everything. 
 

From that course, to Ethics, Student Life Success, and others, as well as 18 years as a massage therapist, many truths have been revealed as well as techniques that help in 3 Domains

1. Sacred Integration
2. Inter-ideological Dialogue
3. Achieving Life

These three domains are my passion, mission, motivation, vision, and avocation. 
 

When we embrace the sacred, in whatever form it may take in our lives, and integrate it throughout, we start achieving life in a higher, more meaningful, more purposeful, and more enriching way. 

Then, as we move through 7 areas of life integrating the sacred and moving towards achieving life in our own empowered and impact ways, we see the unity and diversity of the paths available to us.

Further, when we purposefully engage in inter-ideological dialogue, in deep conversations, in compassionate communication with others we start to heal the divisiveness of our current generation. 

Ultimately, as we go through these three areas we truly become the bridges of unity and diversity.  Thus, creating a harmony that is genuine, enriching, and understands that as we discover what unites us (internally and socially) the diversity, the uniqueness, and the myriad of components of life become beautiful opportunities and possibilities for a fulfilling life.