Teacher Feature: Thea Coughlin

photo by  Bella Cirovic

Oh for heaven's sakes.  What am I going to do here?

Do I pretend to be all professional-like and share a glimpse of Thea as if she hasn't been my roomie at Squam and is not one of my most cherished friends?  Or do I just be upront with my nepotism?

Am thinking I will be, as I ever am, transparent and tell you that in the case of this particular Teacher Feature, I am partial, biased and all-around not to be trusted.  You see, Thea has changed my life.  I know, how dramatic-- I hear you.  Nevertheless, it is true.

This is one of my Squam stories.  You have read the stories of others who come and have their life experiences that came about through the Squam connection-- but I have yet to share some of mine as I promise you, for every person whose life has been transformed by these gatherings, I can match it with a tale of my own shattering of the chrysalis, as it were, ahem.

Wait-- this is a teacher feature about THEA.  How am I making this all about me?  Hmmm.

To start, it's because Thea has a way of putting you in touch with yourself, your core self, your best self.  It is what she does, magnificently, I might add.  The Spirit Sessions that she has created grew out of work that she does intuitively when taking someone's photograph.  Not by coincidence does she have one of her photographs of me sitting there next to the class description since I have been one of her (lucky) guinea pigs over the years.

What I want you to know about Thea is that she is ever changing, ever growing, ever seeking, ever generous with her open heart to gain better understanding of the world around her and help others to feel more comfortable in their own skin, more understanding of their own gifts.  Wow, right?

And that doesn't even scratch the surface.  I guess, all I can say I encourage you to get to know Thea.  She's got that sumpin' sumpin' going on.

self-portrait by Thea Coughlin

:: :: ::

Where were you born?

I was born in New Jersey

Describe yourself in 5 words...

loving, affectionate, empathetic, resilient, inquisitive

What sounds calm you?

I grew up in the woods so the sound of leaves rustling in a gentle breeze, crickets, and a gentle brook all bring me a deep sense of calm.

What kind of flowers would be in the perfect bouquet for you?

lily of the valley, ranunculus and anemones

Describe your ideal vacation

80 degrees, sun, quiet beach, shells, my boys, friends, big house, and a chef 

What colors are carried throughout your home?

yellows, blues and splashes of red

What is something you would like to learn to do?

Play tennis

What is something you are really good at?

Problem solving (ed. note: true that)

What song or cd has been getting some serious play time at your house?

I have been listening to a lot of 8 track internet radio mixes. I love The Dog Days by Florence + The machine

When you were younger, what was your favorite candy/snack at the movie theater?

Reese's peanut butter cups

What was the best part of your day?

Waking up with the sun peaking through the blinds- cool breeze coming in through open window and my smiling little boy snuggling up to me.

Thank you, Thea!

bisous, e