Name:
Laurie Buchanan
Can you describe your writing process?
Writing is a spiritual practice for me. A Buddhist, when I sit down to write, I touch a flame to a tea light—a spiritual contract for me to stay at it until the flame goes out of its own accord. During that time I experience “flow”—a mental exchange with Spirit that results in words on the page.
How did you come to do what you’re doing today?
I became a holistic health practitioner and transformational life coach as a result of my mother’s death from breast cancer at the young age of fifty-three.
Can you describe a typical day in your life?
I was thirty-three years old when my mother died of breast cancer. I was dismayed—no, shocked!—at what traditional medicine did, and failed to do, for people in her position. In my heart of hearts it seemed there must be something more. That horrific experience prompted me to study holistic health—body, mind, and spirit. More specifically, energy medicine. Not as “alternative” medicine (in lieu of), but as complementary medicine (in addition to). Some people refer to this as “integrative” medicine. Becoming a transformational life coach was a hand-in-glove, next-step fit with being an HHP (holistic health practitioner).
What do you most enjoy about what you do?
I enjoy interacting with my clients, helping them bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be. That brings a tremendous amount of satisfaction.
Are there any people and/or books that have inspired you along your journey?
Anatomy of the Spirit: The Seven Stages of Power and Healing by Caroline Myss made a huge, positive impact on my life.
Can you share something that people may be surprised to learn about you?
Many people think I’m an extrovert, when in reality, I’m an introvert who functions as an extrovert.
What’s next for you?
I just returned from a three-month sabbatical I used to complete my next book, The Business of Being: Soul Purpose In and Out of the Workplace. This book isn’t about being in business; it’s about the business of being. Spotlighting the intersection of workplace and spirituality, The Business of Being helps you thrive in business and life. It’s slated for 2018 publication with She Writes Press.
