From Overwhelm to Presence
I once lived in constant overwhelm—my mind racing, my life packed—driven by people-pleasing and a relentless quest for external validation. Slowing down felt impossible. Many teachings on presence suggest that awareness can arrive suddenly, but for most, including myself, it emerges through adversity and the accumulation of small, intentional shifts in how we engage with each moment.
Over seven years, life presented profound challenges: family loss and illness, the highs and lows of raising three children, and burnout that reshaped my sense of self. Not only did I face these external challenges, but I also began to recognise my unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors. In moments when my mind was in the driver's seat, I started to pause, breathe, and be present.
Overwhelm and the unhelpful habits of my mind still arise, but they no longer control or define me. I've learned to notice them, feel them, and let them pass without letting them take over. I've learned to use my voice to bring me into the awareness of the moment—to sing or speak out the thoughts I want to let go of. I've learned to talk freely from a place of presence without worrying about what others think.
This shift in the way I live my life has been so profound that it is now my purpose to hold space for others, using the voice to create a community of people who want to live in the deep peace available when we practice presence.
Voice, Arts & Empowerment: A Journey
From childhood harmonies around the piano to choreographed Spice Girls routines, my early life was steeped in music and performance. This passion led me to study Performing Arts at Winchester University, where I discovered the transformative power of the arts, leading programs in local prisons, working with organisations like Pimlico Opera and Clean Break Theatre.
In London, I collaborated with Chickenshed Theatre, Half Moon Theatre, and Bigfoot Arts Education, leading inclusive theatre projects and training educators to integrate creativity into classrooms. A year-long global journey volunteering at arts organisations in New Zealand, Cambodia, Thailand, and India deepened my commitment, during which I taught myself guitar and began songwriting as a means of personal expression.
Upon returning to the UK, I pursued a Master's in Composition at Leeds Conservatoire, releasing two EPs and an album (listen or watch), and went on the long road of learning to embrace my voice exactly as it is. My work expanded to roles such as Associate Music Theatre Lecturer at Edge Hill University, Musical Director for Bradford Friendship Choir, and composer-performer for early years productions like "Lullaby Lane" at Half Moon Theatre.
I have led and contributed to numerous community music and educational projects, including Leeds People's Choir, Chapel FM's singing for wellbeing program, and initiatives with Leeds Playhouse, Opera North, Chol Theatre, Equal Voices Arts, and Made with Music.
I have worked with individuals often unheard, including those seeking asylum and refugees, people on probation, people with serious health issues, children and adults with additional needs, people in end of life care, in hospitals, in care homes, in acute mental health wards and from new borns all the way to people over 100 year olds.
Three years ago, I trained with Relational Dynamics 1st Coaching, integrating coaching methodologies into my practice to foster self-reflection and growth. I also offer coaching for individuals and social impact organisations. Currently, I continue to freelance, leading inclusive music ensembles like Made with Music's OPEN, supporting end-of-life care through song with Shared Harmonies CIC, and serving as Associate Musical Director for Bradford Friendship Choir.