A Little Information
I am a qualified Nurse, former Social Science Lecturer, Life Coach, Sound Therapist, a keen (but poor) musician, Meditation Podcaster and ordained Priest. However, my faith is fluid. Religious rigidity can be so destructive.
Having Buddhist great grandparents positively influenced me.
We all need the peace it gives.
We've all Walked A path To Where we are today, here is mine
My Day Job
When I qualified as a nurse I specialised in rehabilitation, end of life care and District Nursing. Unfortunately a serious injury forced me to leave the profession I loved. I attended University as a mature student and obtained my Post-16 Certificate in Education. I am also a Grief Counsellor, Life Coach, Sound Therapist, Meditation Teacher/Podcaster and worked for some time as a copywriter.
I studied Psychology in the 90s and am currently studying hypnotherapy. Every day is a school day!
I worked in a College of F.E. and helped ex-offenders and disenfranchised people with physical and mental health issues to regain their confidence. I also taught Psychology to the Post-16 cohort.
When I was ordained I soon appreciated that organised religion didn't sit well with my conscience or character. A conventional minister's life was too rigid for my free spirit!
I have officiated over funeral services now for a few years short of two decades. This amazing work blends all of my studies and professional experiences and it is the most rewarding environment I have been fortunate enough to be a small part of.
Losing My Father
I was 26 years old when my father died and his death nearly broke me. After a long period of a very bleak time I got myself back and trained with a local Roman Catholic Church as a Bethany Bereavement Counsellor. I believed that if I could pull myself through the darkest chapter in my life, I could help others do the same. Over the decades I have studied other disciplines to further enhance my skills and experience to help people who are just a little bit broken.
Faith In Ourselves.
My great grandparents on my Father's side were Jewish and my great grandparents on my Mother's side were Buddhist. That makes me a fabulous fusion. However I will not pretend it didn't confuse me when I was younger because I searched for something I could relate to (and with) for many years.
Not everyone wants to take a journey of self discovery and meaning - but then not everyone thinks they need to. I did!
My conclusion was that the main focus of any faith system is to be as nice as we can to one another ... and to ourselves ... but without ever compromising your integrity. Injustice, prejudice and disrespect is a big no-no in any faith system and needs addressing.
But always gently so.
Having faith in a religion or philosophy gives people comfort - but not all people. What we believe in or have faith in requires no one's approval but our own. The most important lesson I have learnt is to have faith in yourself because everything else simply falls into place.