Above all else  life is about finding  meaning in the midst of the ordinary. I’m Julie, and this is how I think about spirituality.​​

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For over twenty years, I worked as an occupational therapist in the community and the UK prison service, where I was known for my reflective and compassionate approach with people facing hardship.​

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I wasn't entirely immune to struggles of my own.   Being human, I had my fair share in my work and personal life.  Eventually I reached a breaking point which I'd likened to a train crash where I wasn't the driver.  Events seemed to have taken on a life of their own.   It was then  I heard an inner voice urging me to change direction.  It told me clearly  what I needed to do.  Yikes!  Taking early retirement on a limited pension was a leap of faith.  However it allowed me to rebuild a more authentic, balanced life grounded in trust.

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Stepping away from formal employment gave me space to revisit the deep spiritual roots of occupational therapy beyond the constraints of the medical and justice systems.   I saw anew how transformative that philosophy can be. I still care deeply about ethics and integrity, but now I’m free to explore a rich, evolving mix of ideas and practices. “Hippy shit,” my partner calls it! I tend to disagree.

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What I'm building now is a different life informed  by my professional background, a logical and practical approach that honours activity filled with meaning.  Alongside this, I’ve been thinking about how individuals can embrace a personalised spirituality that matches their own circumstances, beliefs, and preferences.   If you don’t have the money for expensive retreats or courses, that isn’t a problem. Likewise, you don’t need all the time in the world, perfect health, or the ideal environment. As I’ve discovered myself, spiritual growth isn’t constrained by any of these things.

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There will be practices that are a good match to your circumstances, thrifty if needs be, and infinitely flexible. I'll show you that you can work with what you have.

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I live with my family by the sea in the South West of England.   I love walking, growing things, sea swimming, travelling in my motorhome and making mosaics.  Oddly I have a bit of a thing for litter picking too. My passion for meaningful activity runs through everything I do and sits at the heart of my writing.

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Oh, and for a long time, I didn’t wear socks. The relevance of this will unfold shortly!