In this week’s episode, Makayla reflects on the past week’s SPARK & IWB Implementation Training and the unexpected lessons it brought about awareness and presence. Coming into the training after a whirlwind July, Makayla was already navigating a busy state of mind. But just hours into the first day, life intervened — a gut-wrenching phone call from her mom revealed that her dog, Tank, was immobile and in severe pain.

In the past, Makayla might have pushed through her scheduled training session, ignoring how deeply shaken she felt. This time, awareness stepped in. She recognized that her ability to show up was deeply affected in that moment and made the difficult — but right — choice to step away and check on Tank.

Thankfully, Tank is now okay, and Makayla returned to the training with a renewed sense of presence and clarity. In sharing this story, she explores how awareness allows us to truly choose ourselves — and how that choice transforms the way we show up for others.