Some moments shared; inspiring, revealing the richness of this journey.

Devan describes:

‘For a while now, it’s been a dream to compile some of my images into a photo-book, but I had no idea where to start. Then COVID happened. I kept seeing photos of boarded up businesses, and empty streets, but often thought about the people of the world and how it was effecting each of our lives differently.

It was like all of a sudden I knew what my first book was going to focus on. So in April I spent a week driving around the lower mainland, standing on the sidewalk, or if I had to, on the street, and shot 56 different images on my Mamiya M645 (120 film). These images consist of beautiful individuals, families, roommates, and couples simply standing in front of the place they call home. I then asked everybody: “What have you been doing to take care of yourself, stay connected with people, or to pass the time during this period of social distancing and self isolation?” I gave a little more context outside of the question, as I really wanted to focus on everybody’s story and get into their minds as much as they would allow. Accompanying each image, is each answer.’

(Click on the photo to read the whole story or to order the book)

An invitation from you to you - an engaging talk - North Vancouver, Canada

It’s been a challenging, profoundly revealing 7 months since I launched myself into what I’d long prepared for. Earlier this year when one role came to an end, I heard an intuitive shout from within, ‘it’s time!’ Somehow I understood exactly what that meant. I’ve been giving sessions, workshops, talks and providing immersive experiences for those seeking clarity and freedom, to awaken from their construct.

From having done this for many years in my spare time, I sensed that this October things would blossom and this has been true. I’m engaged full time in this new stage of my life and loving it! The latest talk was a vision that came to me one night, knowing that I’m most revealing when unscripted. I could see myself talking, ‘reading’ and sensing from others exactly what needed to be said, people sharing their stories and responding directly to what was rising up in the moment.

The evening was warm, lively and the group diverse. As always with a seemingly eclectic gathering of individuals, they found they had much in common. They shared parts of their stories, listened intently and expanded into the limitless space that was shared in word and feeling. I look forward to giving more of these talks in the future.

Avanti Men’s Group celebrates 6 months - North Vancouver, Canada

Last month the Avanti Men’s group celebrated 6 months of doings and undoings. We’ve delved deeper, laughed harder and will continue to hold the space for transformation. We ate, our glasses filled with bubbly and remembered that forward is just a matter of letting go. My heart was full; I’m inspired by these men and what they share in this weekly workshop.

The Avanti Women’s Group is awaiting a few more passionate women who are on a path of discovery. For those who wish to grow while they un-grow, raise their awareness in a high energy, refreshingly free and compassionate space, please message me through this page.

Immersive counselling experience - living workshop, hawaii, usa

Those moments were sweet release from heat, the last day of my time with Kitto in Hawaii. I had known my client for several years but recent times had offered him a gift of unparalleled change. He and I delved deeply into his construct, the story he’d been living his whole life. The invitation to work with him, to provide an immersive and revealing living workshop was a unique opportunity. Everything is a mirror. As Kitto wiped the dust of illusion from his eyes, the light shone through. This was reflected in the light which seemed to dance all around us, over the rich landscape.

Working one on one in that fertile paradise was an unforgettable experience. This photo was taken on our final day together before both of us flew back into our usual lives. A sequence of synchronicites brought us here on this day, to the head of a waterfall and a just deep enough, welcoming pool. I was in the water for three hours contemplating the week we’d spent together, what had been revealed, all that had been released.

While Kitto warmed himself like a cat on the large hot boulders that bordered the riverbank, I lay on my back in the pool and surrendered, arms outstretched. I said mahalo to all; for the expression of destruction and creation that is Hawaii and for the life that flows through us like one beautiful river.

Moving Beyond Fear, the workshop & the invitation - Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

I landed in Jodhpur days before my 50th birthday and with just one week to set up my Moving Beyond Fear workshop. I wanted to bring it to the city and people I love, my once upon a lifetime home.

The birthday was epic, the gifts of friendship, generosity, fun and adventure were dreams come true. ‘It’s India,’ I was often reminded - nothing went accordingly to plan, nothing.

I developed shingles which closed my left eye completely (a little hint from my deepest self to let go, to let things flow). The purple eyepatch I fashioned was intriguing. Every part of the arrangements presented substantial challenges.

The translator had been enthusiastic about the project, though was less prepared on the day than I hoped. Many people came and went, 70 were there but never at one time; food came with them, children and mobile phones - animated conversations, interjections from others just curious - I dove deeper into these words, ‘it’s India’.

Less than an hour in, the translator asked if he could go, I should not have been surprised. I was already wondering about his translations, shanti, shanti seemed to be in every translated sentence (peace, peace), was not sure my words were being wholly conveyed.

He was persuaded to stay, his fear had gotten the better of him. The irony did not escape me. By the end of the two days I was feeling a little more shanti, having finally understood the meaning of ‘it’s India…let go, just let go.’ I realised what was being offered - the opportunity to see myself . It was an invitation I could not resist.

(The face of translator obscured for privacy)

Potential workshop - new york, usa

I cannot tell you of the beacon that is the Statue of Liberty, nor the art deco grandeur of the Empire State Building, not Coney Island or the Staten Island Ferry. I can tell you of moments, like this one. A man-clown, tired and focused on the homeward journey or contemplating the performance ahead. The seat I offered an elderly ballerina on the subway, an 84 year old girl behind a wrinkled facade. Her spirt and faded grandeur compelled me to give her the two dozen roses intended for another. The man with his life in paper bags shouting, "cincuenta!" (fifty) over and over, impossible to ignore performing his one word play to a captive audience.

The trip itself was a journey into possibility, to fearlessly connect with no certainty of outcome. I opened into this experience, even when running was more compelling. I found challenge, depth, vulnerability and came out on the other side of truth - where things aren't as we expect. Beyond the urge to run was real growth that was the gift. I return different; quieter, more the woman I am, grateful and with a slightly melancholic wisdom.

I arrived expecting to arrange a future workshop, instead I found friendship, family and love. My head is full of the lyrical sounds of Spanish, the rhythm of the clack and screel of the subway wheels on their tracks, of noisy pipes expanding and contracting in a cosy basement womb, of my own beating heart, opening just a little bit more.

An idea is born - isle of skye, the magic isle, scotland

Driving back to a holiday cottage one moonlit night, I couldn’t get the earlier conversation out of my head. A friend had been sharing her thoughts, experiences - certain themes so familiar to me. I became aware, the fear, anxiety, limitation and frustration she'd expressed, I'd heard it before. It seemed to be played out in everyone's life in one way or another. As I drove home the moon sent its inspiration in the form of a two day workshop, 10 hours of material beamed to me in a 20 minute car drive across the sweep of moorland. I could hardly keep up with the thoughts, they came in so fast. I wrote some notes when I came in and one year later, the idea was brought to life as the Moving Beyond Fear workshop.