Grief is a big part of working in the aid sector. And I’m not just talking about the grief we feel over the suffering of those we are helping. If you have been working in the sector for many years – or maybe even not that long – you may also feel grief over the … Read more
In recent weeks I have had a lot of interesting, thought-provoking discussions about wellbeing in the humanitarian and human rights sphere. This has included the event I organised with fellow author Dimple Dhabalia at a pub in London, Beyond Burnout: A Conversation about Wellbeing and Culture Change in the Humanitarian Sector. My online Circle of Practice has started … Read more
Earlier this year I conducted a study on funding resilience within the human rights movement, and I am excited to share with you here the findings. The study was for a large philanthropic organisation, and it investigated how funding can build cultures of wellness that benefit grantee and partner organisations, and in turn the communities … Read more
“We can not find belonging without vulnerability” These words were spoken to me recently by a wise woman, a doula, who is a friend of mine. We were sharing in celebration of the gift economy, and of a generous community that can sustain us. We were celebrating our recent success in raising tens of thousands … Read more
Here I share some reflections and suggestions for engaging in advocacy in a way that honours a culture of care for ourselves and others. My younger self was quite combative. Out of necessity, I felt. In Palestine, Uganda, Kenya and other countries I worked in, I spent my days either researching or writing about forced … Read more
Like many, I have started the year full of intentions and ideas for how I wish the year to evolve – in my business and in my personal life. But I have also started it with dismay and heartbreak as I witness what is unfolding in Gaza. I worry too about the violence and bloodshed … Read more
These words, taken from a chapter heading of Francis Weller’s exquisite book on the sacred work of grief, The Wild Edge of Sorrow, struck me this morning. It has moved me to share with you my reflections on the outpouring of grief events in Israel/Palestine have triggered, and some simple (though, possibly, uncomfortable) practices to … Read more
I am excited to be launching a new workshop during summer festival season in the UK: Embodying the Sacred Feminist. This workshop arises out of the interesting, at times challenging, space I navigate between the wellbeing sphere and feminist, anti-racist and decolonial practice. You can attend my new workshop at All About Love, 2-8 August … Read more
TW: This blog piece discusses death and grief. Go gently and ask yourself if reading this right now will support you. I write this from a beautiful, quirky 16th century farmhouse in the Hereford countryside not far from the border between England and Wales. I am here on my own reading and writing retreat; taking … Read more
Here in Brighton in the south of England I’ve been enjoying the first signs of Spring. The blue skies and fresh, crisp air. And the appearance of the familiar green shoots rising from the earth, that I know will soon blossom into magnificent bright yellow daffodils. Known as ‘imbolc’ in the celtic and pagan traditions, … Read more