I was born and raised in Thailand – my father’s family was from mainland China and my mother’s family from the Philippines. I identify as Thai/Chinese/Filipina. I came to the U.S. when I was 16 years old. Trauma and tragedy was a part of my childhood; family, community, resilience were also a part of my childhood. In my life’s journey I have reached mountain tops and I have fallen into the deep dark abyss, as I faced into the trauma of childhood sexual abuse and partner violence. I learned to survive and thrive in a western culture so foreign to a 16 year old; and I have searched and traveled many paths to find my Way back home to who I really am, and what matters to me and to align my practices around who I want to be in this world.
It took a 4-legged furry being to touch and open up my protected heart, and to set me on my path of healing. It was my first dog, a 6 week old, black cocker spaniel who gave me a reason to start the climb out of the dark abyss. My pup is the reason I got sober. October 1, 1988 is my sober date … it is the day my healing journey began.
After the sudden loss and death to cancer of my beloved dog Shen in 2006 I found my way into volunteering with the animal welfare community in Minnesota and serving as president of a foster-based rescue for 4 years. My work in the non-profit world then led me to working with indigenous communities in northern Minnesota and with Little Earth of United Tribes in Minneapolis. In 2008, I took my first trip to Red Lake Nation in northern Minnesota where I met Ahnung (means ‘star’ in ojibwemowin). Ahnung was instrumental in my healing, and the healing of many others in her work as a therapy dog and hospice volunteer. I continue to partner and collaborate with indigenous communities in Minnesota and provide support and guidance around human and animal wellbeing.
Inspired by Ahnung, I created a moral compass/an I Believe credo, which was the inspiration and guiding star for the two non-profits I co-founded and continues to be my guide in connecting individuals, communities, building bridges and creating space for healing.
I share my home with my 3 dogs: Legacy, Ishkode (means ‘fire’ in ojibwemowin) and Migizi (means ‘eagle’ in ojibwemowin). I believe in the transformative power of practice and commit to daily practices of meditation, qigong, writing, and centering.
I am a certified somatics coach through Strozzi Institute and believe in the power of our own wisdom, and through our body, as a path to embody transformation, individually and collectively.
I am a founding member of the Deep Listening for Social Change project. Deep Listening for Social Change (DLSC) is a peaceful action that members of the Twin Cities BIPOC mindfulness community initiated in response to the murder of George Floyd. I serve on the Leadership Circle of Four Winds Connections, a non-profit committed to living and loving radically at the intersection of human and animal wellbeing.
It is my hope, my dream and my commitment to be of service in facilitating deep transformation from the inside out, for the sake of a just world where all beings are treated with honor, respect and dignity, and where we are all living our deepest truths.
In my free time, you will find me hiking with my pups. You will also find me immersing myself in learning and practicing a couple of my passions, taiko drumming and Native American flute.
Marilou Chanrasmi
Ahnung Way 