My Mindfulness Journey

Welcome to “My Journey.” I’m Vanessa, the founder and principal teacher of Mind, Body, Earth, Mindfulness.

I have found mindfulness in many different places throughout my life, yet I didn’t realise this until I looked back on where I am now.

Made in Australia and born in the UK as the firstborn of my generation, my parents travelled as the family business expanded.

During London’s turbulent anti-Vietnam war protests in 1968, I came into this world ten weeks premature. Nameless, my parents called me Vanessa, after the iconic Vanessa Redgrave, as a symbol of hope and resilience. This name was a testament to their wish that I embody strength and perseverance, even from my earliest days.

After we returned to Australia around 18 months of age, I was raised in the vibrant landscapes of Brisbane, where my sister and brother were born and where we grew up. Amidst a backdrop of nature, we explored the wonders of the landscape in the beaches, mountains and any water we could find.

From an early age, I found solace in exploration, whether scaling trees in the wild or delving into the pages of books on science, biology, medicine, and psychology, looking for the answers to “why and how” in everything that fascinated me.

My interests in the natural world around me sparked a deep curiosity about the native flora and fauna, all animals, ecosystems, anthropology, biology, science, and medicine.

I explored the intersection of human cultures, spirituality, and health. I was fascinated by how cultural beliefs and esoteric practices influence healing, blending scientific understanding with the complexities of human nature and the mind.

I was introduced to Buddhist philosophy during my senior year in high school, and over the following decades, I began to explore the variation of teachings, Buddhist traditions, and meditation practices; my early influences were Pema Chödrön, Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, Thich Nhat Hahn, Ajahn Brahm, Matthieu Richard, and the Dalai Lama.

I grew up in Queensland, where I first loved horse riding in and around the rugged mountain ranges, rainforests, and countryside. In my early teen years, I spent every spare moment at a large animal and equine veterinary hospital, first for work experience, becoming a qualified riding instructor and then working in and studying veterinary nursing.

My journey has been as diverse as it has been transformative. From my early days as a veterinary nurse, rescuing and caring for injured wildlife, to exploring careers in fashion, TV and film, sales, hospitality and as a personal assistant in care. I’ve traversed varied terrains seeking purpose and understanding. Spending a year in Sydney in 2000, I embarked on a career as a PA to a renowned HIV specialist before global events reshaped my trajectory.

Returning to Brisbane, I decided to travel to where I was born; London was calling, and as many Australians backpack, I was off to see where our families originated.

Here, I fell in love and had a family. Navigating life’s twists and turns, I outgrew the relationship and became a single parent.

Life’s challenges have been profound, from the tragic loss of loved ones to personal trauma, struggles with mental health and a late diagnosis of Neurodiversity. Yet, through it all, my Buddhist practice has been a steadfast companion, guiding me through the darkest times and illuminating a path towards inner peace and understanding.

I was reminded of the interconnectedness of all beings and the profound wisdom of Buddhist teachings. In a world filled with uncertainty and turmoil, I strove to cultivate compassion and understanding further, embodying the Buddha’s philosophy.

I met the formidable Venerable Robina Courtin as my first teacher and became a dedicated student. I then found Bodhicharya UK, a charity and community that became my spiritual home. This culminated in taking refuge with Rinpoche Ringu Tulku in 2015, marking a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey.

I am passionate about authentically guiding others towards inner peace and well-being.

Together, let us explore the depths of the human experience, finding solace, wisdom, and joy in the shared journey of life.

“Welcome to a space where nothing is truly something, where cause and effect intertwine, and where every moment is an opportunity for growth and returning to awareness.”