Teza’s story is one of remarkable transformation, a journey that feels like it spans a thousand lifetimes within a single existence. As she reflects on her experiences, it becomes clear that she has undergone numerous incarnations within this one life, each marked by profound challenges and incredible growth.
Teza’s childhood was marked by pain, much of it stemming from the misguidance she received at home. Growing up in an environment fraught with addiction, particularly alcohol, was a common yet deeply personal struggle. Addiction, whether it’s to drugs, food, or screens, is pervasive. Wherever addiction takes hold, a void is left—a lack of spirit, a spiritual emptiness. Teza had to become a pioneer in her own life, carving out a path that felt true to her. Nothing she was taught, whether by her parents, her schooling, her upbringing, her religion, or even the government, resonated with her.
Fortunately, Teza was born with a deep sense of courage and a rebellious spirit. By her late twenties, she made a bold decision to leave the United States and become an expatriate in the West Indies. At a time when the mantra “Love it or leave it” was popular, Teza chose to leave. The Vietnam War had just ended, and Teza, disillusioned and angry, decided that she needed to distance herself from the turmoil in her home country.
For those who feel similarly disillusioned with their country, Teza strongly recommends traveling and experiencing life elsewhere. Her time living under a true dictatorship and in a fascist environment made her realize the value of the freedoms that are often taken for granted in America. Teza believes that the country is evolving, just as she did, and that democracy will endure as long as there are Americans willing to defend it.
Coming from a family steeped in addiction, Teza naturally followed in those footsteps. However, at 36 years old, she embarked on the second part of her life by committing to true sobriety. This was a pivotal moment for her—a step out of the shadows of fear and into the light of love. For those struggling with addiction, Teza emphasizes that the journey begins with learning to love oneself. She replaced her negative addictions with positive ones, falling in love with spirit and immersing herself in yoga, meditation, dance, and other healthy practices. Through these activities, Teza dove into the higher aspects of herself, learning what self-love truly means.
After more than a decade abroad, Teza returned to the United States, where she faced new challenges. She describes her experience in Manhattan as a time of both hitting rock bottom and experiencing incredible highs—a city that was the perfect place for both. Having lived in the West Indies and later in the Middle East, particularly in Israel, Teza gained a deep understanding of the world’s complexities. She realized that many people don’t fully grasp these complexities unless they’ve lived amidst the turmoil themselves.
Teza believes that life is incredibly complicated, and the mystery of it is so profound that there is no single way to view anything. She likens our lives to multifaceted crystals, with some aspects shining bright and others fractured deep inside. Her time in Israel was especially eye-opening. She arrived with an open mind and heart, eager to understand the people and their culture, but quickly discovered that everyone lived on edge, even during times of relative peace.
The most profound lesson Teza learned was the deep-rooted nature of conflict, often passed down through generations. It’s not something easily explained or understood, even by those living it. This realization brought Teza to understand that change, the constant of her life, is also the constant of all humanity. She believes the only solid foundation is our connection with spirit, whatever that may mean to each individual. For Teza, this connection is cosmic, cellular, and rooted in consciousness.
Teza’s journey has taught her that embracing change, loving oneself, and connecting with spirit are essential to personal and collective evolution. Through these experiences, she has come to understand the profound and intricate nature of life. She believes that by opening our hearts and minds, we can contribute to a world that is in desperate need of love, understanding, and spiritual connection.
