Personal practice
My practice weaves through my whole life. My sitting meditation, movement and study infuse how I mindfully orient to, and navigate, my daily routine, my relationships, work, diet and life choices. I practice to realise my intention to live in a way that supports well-being for myself, others, and the planet.
Influences on practice
I have had a committed meditation and yoga practice since 1992. I learnt to meditate in the Vipassana tradition of S.N. Goenka. A tradition underpinned by the teachings of the buddha, but predominantly secular. Being suspicious of religion at that time, this approach suited me. It provided a solid foundation for the development of my meditation practice, though it’s methods of study eventually proved too austere. I transitioned to Theravada buddhism and Insight meditation, which provided a more open, inclusive approach. This is now my primary path. I am not a buddhist. However, I do draw upon the practical and highly relevant teachings of the buddha as a map of skilful ways to live. I have experienced that the application of these teachings improves my quality of life, increases well-being, reduces stress and suffering both for myself, and those with whom I come into contact.
Exploring the interface between solitary meditation practice and engagement with the world is a key drive for me. I am a practitioner and retreat teacher, in training, of Insight Dialogue, a relational meditation practice, grounded in the wisdom teachings of the buddha, and developed by Gregory Kramer. As well as studying and attending solitary meditation retreats, I attend relational meditation retreats and offer practice throughout the UK and abroad.
My practice is grounded in body based work. I engage in Yoga and the Feldenkrais method daily. This is a means of attuning and cultivating sensitivity so that personal insight, well -being and enriched relationships with others are more readily available. My movement practice is informed by the teachings of B.K.S.Iyengar ,Vanda Scaravelli, the Feldenkrais method and Charlotte Selvers’ Sensory Awareness.
I experience the body as a central source of intelligence and insight and have invested time in studying Eugene Gendlins’ ‘Focusing’. Focusing is a method of self-enquiry that utilises bodily sensing as a means for self understanding. I have also spent some time as a student of the Diamond Approach, and employ its method of enquiry, not dissimilar to focusing as a part of my personal practice. Both practices inform my work with others.
Study is a daily part of my practice, I read widely, mystic Christianity, Taoism, Sufi poetry, contemporary poetry and modern philosophy.
I am deeply grateful to Cindy Cooper and Yanai Postelnick, who for over a decade nurtured my practice. Through their wise and embodied guidance my practice has matured, and I have developed mentoring skills for enquiring with others.