Meet Meri Tumanyan

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Meri Tumanyan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Meri, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?

Over the years, I’ve developed several self-care routines and coping mechanisms to manage stress so I can remain productive. Yet, I’ve also discovered that writing itself is both stress-relief and therapy. However, I’m an extremely active person, and I love moving my body.

I’ve trained in mixed martial arts for over twenty years, on and off, and hold a brown belt in Hye Katch Do, a unique style of martial arts developed by my Shihan, Mihran Aghvinian. When I’m in training mode, I usually practice two to three times a week, alternating between karate, kickboxing, boxing, Krav Maga, and occasionally grappling. Our new dojo, Hiro Martial Arts located in Encino, California, is not only well-equipped, but also provides top-tier training under the guidance of Shihan himself and professional boxer and martial artist, Sensei Marco Deckmann.

There’s something almost magical about putting on my gi and stepping onto the mat. The world disappears, my problems and daily struggles fade away, and all I can focus on is the present moment. It’s the ultimate way of achieving mindfulness and centering myself. Training demands focus, endurance, and stamina, pushing me past my limits and helping me feel grounded. It also cultivates discipline, which carries into every other aspect of my life.

When I need some time to myself to sort out my thoughts, I go on long walks or hikes, often listening to something spiritual or motivational as I wander through my neighborhood or a college campus. Other days, when I just need a quick workout, I’ll hop on my elliptical at home.

When movement is not part of my routine, I find comfort in watching films, reading (mostly poetry), decluttering my home, knitting or crocheting in the winter, dancing, playing my guitar, cooking, hosting dinner parties, enjoying massages or facials, visiting loved ones, traveling, or simply getting away for the weekend. And of course, writing. Interestingly, some of the best ideas come to life when I’m not writing at all. I find that when my mind is occupied elsewhere, or when I sit in silence, attuned only to my breath and my presence, that’s when creativity flows most freely.

Conversations, especially deep, insightful, spiritual ones also spark inspiration. Thankfully, I have many friends who are highly intelligent people and excellent conversationalists. My work as a high school English teacher and adjunct college instructor keeps my mind constantly engaged with literature. Each time I teach a text, I challenge myself to look at it through a fresh lens–for my students, but also for myself. Sometimes their questions or feedback transform the way I see a piece I’ve taught for decades, reminding me that mental stimulation is a powerful source of inspiration. For example, the poetry collection I wrote a few years ago, Gods & Other Mishaps: The Untold Stories, was inspired by the Mythology class I designed and taught. The discussions I had with an exceptionally gifted group of students—the details they noticed, the nuances they uncovered, and the questions that remained unanswered—inspired me to write the book.

I think it’s safe to say that my own children, and often their friends, are the heart behind my children’s books. My poetry, on the other hand, grows out of life experiences and relationships of all kinds. I value human connection more than anything. I genuinely believe that we are meant to meet everyone we’ve met in our lives. I welcome all kinds of people into my life because I believe their role is to teach me specific lessons. The most important lessons are often the most painful ones, but they are also the ones that are essential to our soul-journey, and shape us most. As a writer, I embrace experiences that challenge me, so long as they allow me to emerge from the cocoon stronger, wiser, more compassionate, and more aware.

I will argue that self-care isn’t just about comfort; it’s also about growth. Sometimes we need the courage to dive into difficult experiences, but we also need discernment to know our limits, protect our peace, and make sure we have the coping mechanisms necessary to heal if we do get hurt in the process. But ultimately, I believe that a healthy, happy life comes down to balance: nurturing body, mind, and soul; seeking both challenge and enjoyment; savoring solitude while also cherishing community. Spending time alone enriches my soul, but sharing a meal and some laughter with friends keeps my heart happy.

Everything I do–even planning lessons, grading papers, or teaching–brings me joy, because I don’t approach anything out of obligation. I act with love and passion. And if passion isn’t there at the moment, I step back until I can return with gratitude. To me, that is the essence of self-care–living with presence, doing everything wholeheartedly, with devotion, and in a spirit of service to others.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m both a teacher and a writer. I believe one passion fuels the other. As mentioned earlier, shifting lenses as I teach literature both challenges and inspires me, while insightful commentary from students stimulates me, sometimes inspiring poetry. I just feel so grateful and lucky to have found a profession that nurtures me while allowing me to spark passion and appreciation for literature in my students. Literature is powerful, beautiful, and therapeutic–and I want my students to see that.

Most of my students are aware that I write books as a hobby, and I have a brown belt in martial arts. They are both impressed and surprised by my varied interests and the different challenges I undertake, but what warms my heart is how supportive and encouraging they are. Some of my students, especially those who graduate, follow my Instagram account, and that allows us to stay in touch and celebrate our new adventures and accomplishments in life.

One of the highlights for me this past year was getting my brown belt in Hye Katch Do and participating in the the Los Angeles Times Festival of Book. My poetry collection, Black Roses, was displayed at my publisher’s booth and I got to do an interview. That was all very exciting, both for me and for my students.

My new book Whispers received a Notable Book Seal from Pacific Book Review, which was very exciting. This summer, while teaching summer school online, I also completed a chapbook and submitted the manuscript to several publishers. If time allows, I might start a new children’s book. I believe my children and their friends at school would appreciate a new book for me to read to them on Art Day.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Patience, perseverance, gratitude–these three qualities have shaped my journey more than anything else.

Patience, because all good things take time and effort. We must be patient not only with the process, but also with ourselves, trusting that growth and progress unfold at their own pace.

Perseverance, because nothing worthwhile comes easily. Shortcuts never bring lasting fulfillment. To achieve anything of substance, we must commit to the work, push through doubt and discouragement, and rise above every challenge that stands in our way.

And finally, gratitude. Approaching life with a spirit of gratitude has made a significant difference in my life. Sure, I have bad days, I still face unnecessary conflicts, setbacks, and disillusionments, but I’ve learned to look for the ray of light behind every cloud. I cherish the simple moments, the people who’ve added meaning to my life, the stories that have shaped me, and the love that surrounds me. This daily, conscious practice of counting my blessings has brought more blessings into my life.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

Interesting question. Surprisingly, the answer is: I would continue doing what I’m already doing. Well, maybe I’d do more traveling, but that’s about it. I’ve always embraced the motto, Carpe Diem, and I strive to make every minute of every day count.

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