I studied politics and philosophy before working for an international bank, on a daily newspaper for a decade and a TV channel launch. I have brought up three children and written two novels. I intimately know the pressures of work home life. I often felt anxious, challenged by change, fearful of decisions and pressured by time.

Meditation was immediately like a bright mirror reflecting back my crazy, busy mind. By the time I was training at Oxford Mindfulness Centre, I started to get real insight into what I wanted and how to move forward. Meditation practice didn’t feel like something to learn or new. It was like coming back to the truth of experience I had always deeply known. I found my dharma teacher Martin Aylward and my journey to consciousness began. I became more resilient, able to sit with difficult thoughts, emotions and experiences. Anxiety and fear vanished.

My life didn’t change. But my response to it did. Wiser choices led to ease even in the most challenging times. Being able to instinctively, intimately care for my mind and body allows me to simply flow through my life. Sitting on silent retreats, I continue my own deep exploration of consciousness and freedom.