It's My Birthday

What am I doing?

For the past four years every one of my birthdays has been significantly different. In 2020 I was in a one-on-one coaching event that lasted three days (super intense and super good). In 2021 I celebrated at home with a host of friends. In 2022 At home again, but a different group of friends. 2023 I can’t really remember as it was in the wake of my dad’s passing. Which brings us to 2024.

This year I’m keeping things close to home. A small gathering…just cake. Mom’s making my favorite cake and I’ll be licking the bowl before the mix goes in the oven.

If you know me, my work is highly integrated with my life. On the spectrum of integrated vs. disconnected I’m over integrated if anything. That said, it wouldn’t be a birthday without something significant to mark on the work side. So, I’m breaking my notes break to introduce you to the Nemr Institute.

If you’ve been here for a while, you’ll have noticed a shift in central focus from tap dancing to spiritual formation. You may ask, “What about tap dancing?” My journey in Tap Dance Land is what has prepared me for this evolution AND of course continues – albeit a little differently. You may have noticed experiments in new directions in projects like What We Leave Behind and The Spirit in Dance+Jazz, for example. Whatever else may come with tap dancing, you can count on the Tap Dance Notes and Breakdowns continuing here.

More specifically, the Nemr Institute is focused on bringing the framework of spiritual formation to light for the transformation of specific areas of life. We’re starting with creativity, conversation, and rest. Through in-person events, online courses, and media we intend to empower those seeking change to engage fully and wisely in their own spiritual formation.

This all has been in the works for a while – since before my dad passed away – but is only now coming to fruition. Naturally, the institute is dedicated in loving memory to my dad.

As I mentioned, everything is connected for me – tap dancing, family, spiritual formation – so it seems fitting that I end up launching an organization that is dedicated to my dad, for which I was prepared in my dancing, and is focused on bringing the idea of spiritual formation to everyone.

It’s also fitting that an announcement comes on my birthday – 20 years since I debuted my tap dance company Cats Paying Dues off-broadway, also on my birthday. This birthday I’m not accepting any gifts. If anyone asks what I want, I’m saying, “Would you consider a gift to the Institute?”

Well, would you?