Learning to fly is a metaphor Pamela Hale can use literally. In addition to being a life coach and teacher, Hale is also an author and pilot who uses flying to help people live courageously.

In her recently published memoir, "Flying Lessons: How to Be the Pilot of Your Own Life," Hale takes readers through her own self-doubt and fear by way of seven "flight lessons." The book, which is illustrated with Hale's dramatic aerial photos, also chronicles her fight with breast cancer.

"Since my mother and grandmother had died of the disease, I knew I needed to do everything in my power, using both allopathic medicine and alternative methods," said Hale, 69.

A graduate of both Columbia and Stanford universities, Hale attended Tucson's Tacheria School for Spiritual Direction, where she studied spirituality and leadership, and became certified as a mediator.

At 57, she began a new practice, combining energy healing, life coaching and spiritual counseling from local traditions and those practiced in Central and South America.

"I hope I provide some practical and powerful tools for healing and transformation, and that I do that in a creative way that helps people to love life and themselves, and to heal old wounds, live in gratitude, feel a sense of purpose and passion, and contribute to a healthier planet," she said.

In addition to her book, Hale offers retreats at her family's Rocking X Ranch in Gila County's Sierra Ancha mountains. Her goal is to provide people time to get unhooked from electronics and connect instead "with the life force within."

Here are excerpts from a recent interview with Hale:

Where were you born?

I was born in Sacramento, Calif., where my father was an Army flight instructor, and moved to the Pasadena area when I was 2, after my father was shot down and killed over Germany in World War II. I stayed in the area and brought up my own children in South Pasadena.

Continued here:
'Flying Lessons' leaves fear grounded