An ongoing 40 year study and practice of aspects of Zen, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, comparative mythology and first nations culture offers a broad and rich resource for the metaphorical stories and images I often utilize to broaden one’s perspective of life and its events. Spiritual principles such as compassion, empathy and self-love combined with active listening and high levels of emotional intelligence form the bedrock of my approach. These concepts are further flavoured by the work of Carl Jung, archetypes of the collective unconscious and specific elements of Joseph Campbell’s ‘The Hero’s Journey.”

I possess a strong ability to view, experience and express the world metaphorically which further enhances my ability to inspire and manifest hope where it may not be in abundance. One of my many goals is to create meaning in the healing journey, even the dark nights of the soul, to inspire one to continue in the search of deeper meaning and understanding of the self. A few of the tools I utilize for the healing journey are reflection, contemplation, meditation and journaling. Elements of psychology such as neuroscience, neuroplasticity, cognitive behavioural therapy and epigenetics, enhance the therapeutic experience. A powerful impetus and emphasis on self-care and care of the heart, mind and soul both drives and directs the process.

On a personal note, I have lived experience with mental illness and mental health issues having been diagnosed with bipolar I in the winter of my first year studying Education at the University of British Columbia. Having spent many, many hours with highly qualified psychiatrists, psychologists and psychological nurses I learned many important insights about myself, my illness and how to cope, manage, learn and recover. I succeeded in my recovery and ultimately achieved my goal of Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary. I lived for many years and taught high school Special Education and English as a Second Language. The experience of being diagnosed with bipolar taught me first-hand what the stigma is all about and once I healed from my own stigmatization, it became my mission to assist those on their personal journey with mental illness and mental health challenges. I further faced and overcame depression, social anxiety and a generalized anxiety disorder. I have learned a great deal from these experiences and now use them in a positive way to relate to all those struggling with mental illness and mental health illnesses in all its forms.

I am happy to say that today I enjoy a loving experience with myself, my family and my community and through diet, exercise, proper medication, proper stress management and excellent self-care I have been symptom free for over 11 years. It has not been an easy journey, and the road has often been dark and lonely, but I have persevered and if only one person can breathe easier due to the lessons I learned from my experience then journey in its totality has been worth all the pain, suffering and ultimately all the victories won.

We all can be the hero/heroine of our own journey.

This is the main goal and emphasis of The Everest Spirit.