My early career was in travel and tourism and I’ve enjoyed many 'outer adventures' around the world. Living on a kibbutz in Israel, travelling overland from Kenya to Zimbabwe, emigrating from England to Australia all in search of inner peace. It's an ongoing journey to cultivate this day by day.
In my early 30’s I became more aware of the ‘inner life’ and after my then husband and I went our separate ways I deepened my exploration of the spiritual path. Mindfulness is my ongoing practice and for over 20 years I’ve been committed to personal and spiritual growth. I've explored my 'creative life' through desktop publishing, the art of book binding and handmade Scottish Greeting cards, hence my business being coaching and craft.
I'm deeply grateful the spiritual journey has been interwoven in my professional life; as the Retreats Manager of Byron Yoga Centre in Australia, the Guest Department Manager of the Findhorn Foundation in Scotland and the first Executive Director of the Holistic Centers Network (HCN) in the United States. This is one of the gifts I bring to my coaching clients, helping to find a deeper sense of meaning and expression of soul purpose.
LITTLE DID I KNOW THAT FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS
I'VE BEEN TRAINING TO BECOME AN INNER LIFE COACH.
For nearly ten years home in Byron Bay, Australia was a beach lifestyle that I dearly loved combined with meaningful work. Yet I felt an inner nudge to explore more of who I am. In 2010, I heard about an international gathering of retreat center leaders in Hawaii and knew I had to be there. It felt like meeting my tribe and I was keen to focus my passion. I had so much freedom to explore my next steps and yet my role and direction felt unknown. I offered to create the first website and for several years volunteered to support the network.
A few weeks later I woke up with the words Findhorn Life Purpose on my mind. I discovered a workshop of that name at the Findhorn Foundation, an educational charity nestled within a spiritual community and ecovillage in Scotland. I describe it as my University of the Soul. I thought I’d visit for a few weeks and return to Australia. Unexpectedly in my 40’s, I found myself settling back in the UK after nearly 20 years down under. Being a Findhorn Gardener helped ground me in the first year and then I followed my heart to serve in Education.
Simultaneously, I discovered my calling to weave the network of transformational learning and retreat centers around the world that help create a more holistic way of being. I enjoyed this in my free time and helped create HCN. In 2016, my dream came true - I was offered a funded role and travelled more. During the pandemic, the network weaving role had a strong virtual element and I was longing for a more tactile experience. I discovered crafting and a new expression of weaving love and connection through handmade cards.
AS WE GO THROUGH DIFFERENT PHASES IN LIFE
COACHING CAN BE AN INCREDIBLE SUPPORT.
In my early 50's, I lost my role with HCN and experienced a huge transition, along with many people during the pandemic. I needed time to adjust and explore my next steps. The change deepened my sense of compassion and presented a great opportunity to focus on my coaching and craft. Recognising my new calling presented numerous fears to be faced and I bring a rich life experience to coaching.
When I reflect on key milestones, there are times I’ve followed my heart, trusted my intuition and stepped into the unknown. A deep trust in life has been an abiding companion. There are also times when I’ve been unsure and struggled with direction and decisions. I’ve learnt from pain and heartbreak more times than I wished and often been a slow student of life! I deeply value the support I've received along the way.
COACHING OFFERS ACTIVE LISTENING, A WITNESSING PRESENCE
AND THE GIFTS OF REFLECTION AND CURIOSITY.
HOW MIGHT COACHING SUPPORT THIS MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE?
