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The Zen of Dancing in the Rain : Becoming One with the Storm
Society has become a place where combat veterans would
rather commit suicide than live. Many who “have it all” are
discovering that they still feel miserable but can’t figure out
why. They feel powerless under the boredom of what society
deems necessary.
Aurita Maldonado is a Puerto Rican woman warrior and Afro
Latin dance instructor who chose a different path before and
after her two combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.
She received a Purple Heart for wounds received in
Afghanistan before leaving the Army to align her thoughts,
words, and actions. She adopted a new cultivate
peace, happiness, and learn to become her own best friend. All
while learning to live as one with Mother Earth.
Aurita rejected lucrative government jobs, sold her
possessions, and moved to Haines, Alaska, in 2010 to begin her
journey with PTSD and self-acceptance. An extreme athlete,
she used movement to help her navigate the storms with a grin
until she was suddenly paralyzed from the waist down ina
fight against a deadly rat lungworm infection.
The perspective shifts she adopted to continue to enjoy life
while learning to use her body again will make you reassess
your choices to settle for the status quo.
This is an inspirational memoir of a remarkable woman’s journey
to stumble in style as she navigates seemingly insurmountable
tragedies early in life. It is a story of triumph and discipline.
Joy and sorrow. A portrait of a Lady Hurricane dancing, both
literally and figuratively as one with the storms of life.
rather commit suicide than live. Many who “have it all” are
discovering that they still feel miserable but can’t figure out
why. They feel powerless under the boredom of what society
deems necessary.
Aurita Maldonado is a Puerto Rican woman warrior and Afro
Latin dance instructor who chose a different path before and
after her two combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.
She received a Purple Heart for wounds received in
Afghanistan before leaving the Army to align her thoughts,
words, and actions. She adopted a new cultivate
peace, happiness, and learn to become her own best friend. All
while learning to live as one with Mother Earth.
Aurita rejected lucrative government jobs, sold her
possessions, and moved to Haines, Alaska, in 2010 to begin her
journey with PTSD and self-acceptance. An extreme athlete,
she used movement to help her navigate the storms with a grin
until she was suddenly paralyzed from the waist down ina
fight against a deadly rat lungworm infection.
The perspective shifts she adopted to continue to enjoy life
while learning to use her body again will make you reassess
your choices to settle for the status quo.
This is an inspirational memoir of a remarkable woman’s journey
to stumble in style as she navigates seemingly insurmountable
tragedies early in life. It is a story of triumph and discipline.
Joy and sorrow. A portrait of a Lady Hurricane dancing, both
literally and figuratively as one with the storms of life.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2022
16 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 1, 2022
Inspirational!
Aurita is once again playing guide as she navigates readers through her life and experiences with unadulterated passion, forgiveness, grief, and zero judgement. Prepare to read the entire book in one sitting, you will not be able to put it down!!!!!!!!!
Aurita is once again playing guide as she navigates readers through her life and experiences with unadulterated passion, forgiveness, grief, and zero judgement. Prepare to read the entire book in one sitting, you will not be able to put it down!!!!!!!!!
February 9, 2025
Read this book while we were in Puerto Rico after we had a salsa lesson from the author. Her memoir has much wisdom about living big, embracing fear (instead of hiding from it) and releasing judgment. This woman was a bit of an adrenaline junky, brilliant, ended up joining the Army after highschool and doing a tour in Iraq, then Afghanistan. Not because she loved war, but for the economic freedom. She asked to be sent to language school in Monterey where she became fluent in Mandarin and Korean. But a senior officer hit on her and she reported him, so the Army demoted the officer but also sent her back to combat. That's just a bit of the story, she has a lot of adventures. Her love for dance kept her going. The hardest pain was yet to come...
Here's some advice, regarding following your dream (her m.o.) p. 252:
"Because no matter what, time passes. It continues without prejudice. The rest of the world moves on as quickly as the next headline. Time is the only thing you truly have in this world, though borrowed and in surprise quantities. If you value something, you spend time on it. If you value someone, you spend time with them. The challenge for me was to start. I just needed to start." (This was her comment on coming out of a disabling depression. She dreamed, made lists, then started. "If you miss this step nothing will EVER get done.")
Here's some advice, regarding following your dream (her m.o.) p. 252:
"Because no matter what, time passes. It continues without prejudice. The rest of the world moves on as quickly as the next headline. Time is the only thing you truly have in this world, though borrowed and in surprise quantities. If you value something, you spend time on it. If you value someone, you spend time with them. The challenge for me was to start. I just needed to start." (This was her comment on coming out of a disabling depression. She dreamed, made lists, then started. "If you miss this step nothing will EVER get done.")
March 20, 2025
What an awesome story of resilience and bad assery!
Read
February 24, 2023this is a must read
February 21, 2024
Was a good reminder to always stay resilient and to never give up.
September 26, 2023
The Zen of Dancing in the Rain: Becoming One with the Storm by Aurita Maldonado is an incredibly engaging and inspiring personal life story that weaves together the author's journey of resilience, self-discovery, and pursuing her dreams. As a U.S. Army veteran and a passionate dancer, Maldonado's narrative is a testament to her unwavering determination. Maldonado's life has been marked by numerous challenges and heart-wrenching tragedies, including her time in the army and her courageous decision to relocate to Alaska after retiring. Her remarkable story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of perseverance, serving as an inspiring example for anyone looking to live life to the fullest.
I found this book to be an absolute gem. Maldonado's passion and authenticity shine through every page, making it an irresistible read that keeps you glued to its narrative. It's the kind of book that leaves you feeling elated after each chapter, where you hang onto every word as if it were a cherished melody. The Zen of Dancing in the Rain is undoubtedly a riveting page-turner, a testament to Aurita Maldonado's compelling storytelling. As you delve into this inspirational memoir, you'll find yourself reevaluating your own choices and questioning whether settling for the status quo truly serves your deepest desires. Maldonado's story is a captivating portrait of a Lady Hurricane, both in her literal and metaphorical dance with life's tempests.
The Zen of Dancing in the Rain is a captivating and inspirational memoir that transcends genres. It's a must-read for anyone seeking motivation and a glimpse into the transformative power of resilience and determination. Aurita Maldonado's story is a testament to the human spirit, and I eagerly anticipate more from this talented author.
I found this book to be an absolute gem. Maldonado's passion and authenticity shine through every page, making it an irresistible read that keeps you glued to its narrative. It's the kind of book that leaves you feeling elated after each chapter, where you hang onto every word as if it were a cherished melody. The Zen of Dancing in the Rain is undoubtedly a riveting page-turner, a testament to Aurita Maldonado's compelling storytelling. As you delve into this inspirational memoir, you'll find yourself reevaluating your own choices and questioning whether settling for the status quo truly serves your deepest desires. Maldonado's story is a captivating portrait of a Lady Hurricane, both in her literal and metaphorical dance with life's tempests.
The Zen of Dancing in the Rain is a captivating and inspirational memoir that transcends genres. It's a must-read for anyone seeking motivation and a glimpse into the transformative power of resilience and determination. Aurita Maldonado's story is a testament to the human spirit, and I eagerly anticipate more from this talented author.
May 5, 2022
You will really enjoy this book
Aurita lives not far from me. I am thrilled to read her memoir. It is a fast and fascinating read. I admire her willingness to share her pains and joys. I have attended her very fun dance classes on the beach where her two small, very sweet children play on the side of the class. I wondered how she did it. Now I know there is a lot more than dance that I will be learning from her!
Aurita lives not far from me. I am thrilled to read her memoir. It is a fast and fascinating read. I admire her willingness to share her pains and joys. I have attended her very fun dance classes on the beach where her two small, very sweet children play on the side of the class. I wondered how she did it. Now I know there is a lot more than dance that I will be learning from her!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews