Encore: A Book Fell Off a Shelf and Changed Her Path

Pamela Gold

Pamela Gold is a Yale University graduate, so she knows her way around books and learning. And it was a book that literally fell at her feet off a store shelf that set her on a different path in life, a Path with Heart.

Pamela Gold grew up on her family’s apple farm in upstate New York, graduated from Yale University, and then entered the business world in New York City where she was the point person on an IPO at the age of 24. Leaving the workforce to start a family, she co-founded West Village Parents and went on to pursue her passion for fitness and wellness. It was through this pursuit that she discovered yoga, which connected her love of philosophy, science, psychology, and wellness and eventually led her to discover her life’s work: teaching inner peace as the key to our greatest evolution and ultimately, world peace. She founded Gold Evolution and released her first book in 2017, “Find More Strength: 5 Pillars to Unlock Unlimited Power and Happiness.”

How Did You Start Using Your Talents?

“When I was a kid, I always felt there was this ‘artistic-ness’ that I aspired to. I did not think I was particularly naturally talented in that area, but I enjoyed it and played with it. I taught myself to play piano. I never took a lesson, but I had played clarinet, so I could read music. I would just sit down at the piano for hours and practice. I certainly never became a great piano player—and definitely didn’t teach myself properly—but it was something I loved. I always loved how music made me feel.”

The Most Impactful Turning Point?

“A major thing happened when I went to a bookstore. Literally, a book fell off the shelf and landed at my feet. It was ‘A Path with Heart,’ by Jack Kornfield. People tell stories like this all the time, but this really happened! Kornfield is an amazing Buddhist teacher. I had not had any exposure to Buddhism or mantras, meditation or mindful breathing or loving kindness. But that book resonated so deeply with me that I knew I wanted more of it. Then I discovered Deepak Chopra. The seed that was dormant within me finally got some water, and it propelled me forward.

The Most Powerful Lessons Learned?

“Don’t forget to breathe! Every breath you take in and let out creates space around whatever your problems are. Too often we get stuck because we feel we don’t have room to move. Remembering to breathe, we realize there is more spaciousness. When you feel you are between a rock and a hard place—that there is nowhere to go—just stop, sit still, and take five slow, deep breaths. Then, notice how you feel. Next time, try taking a few more slow, deep breaths. Notice how much better you feel.”