Reminiscing about our CAPP experience while digging into “Bazooka” Limon Guacamole at El Vez, David exclaimed, “CAPP exceeded 100% of my expectations!” Maybe it was the margarita talking, but with every sip and dip of a chip, his enthusiasm grew! He had no idea how transformative the six months would be when he got started last February.
Always a person in motion, David had a habit of ruminating on negative events. Through CAPP, he learned new skills to slow down and become more self-reflective. Practices like mindfulness meditation taught him to center his thoughts and find more peace. The degree of increased self- awareness was an unexpected outcome, and has led David to be more intentional and aware in the moment. When feeling stressed out, he utilizes the technique of focusing on counting to six, to become centered and be more in control.
Another pleasing and unexpected result from CAPP is David’s ongoing experience of having an increased capacity to express more authentic emotions. One of which is giving himself permission to be human. Having grown up in a competitive household with twin brothers, David was always trying to live up to them, or be better in some way. Now he is enjoying the new perspective that it is OK to NOT be perfect. And he is more comfortable in his own skin when he doesn’t feel happy.
David’s CAPP experience has greatly influenced his future goals. He credits those six months to giving him a renewed affirmation of what he wants to do next. Always being interested in helping others, David knew he wanted a career in the field of health and nutrition. With the new perspective of positive psychology, he realized his interest in the added dimension of wellness coaching. Currently working as an engineer, he has taken his first step towards his new goal by starting a web site. Check it out at www.livingwithatwist.com.
Most surprisingly, participating in CAPP created twenty new friendships. Which was something David was NOT expecting!
<Student Spotlight Contributed by Tracy McGuire.>