I’m sitting outside my cabin on the shore of the lake we call Tree Mirror. Another summer. The soft animal of my body is enjoying the warmth of the sun. Beautiful things are happening. A heron is standing in the middle of the lake. Babies of different species are being born. This lake, which is a mirror to the trees that lean over it, has taken its name from their reflections. This lake is also a mirror to me, and I ask myself: what can I do to make this life count?

From an early age, I’ve felt a strong calling to help others. My journey has taken me through diverse experiences—working in the humanitarian sector, teaching embodiment in different countries, and now guiding others as a coach, facilitator, and embodiment & breathwork practitioner.

My work is rooted in the knowing that true transformation happens when we connect deeply with ourselves, others, and the world around us. Mindfulness, embodiment, and the wisdom of nature have all been instrumental in my own journey. Like a tree, we can stay grounded in who we are, adapt to life’s changes, and continue to grow. I come from Sogut, a town named after the weeping willow tree, and I carry its symbolism with me. It’s about swaying with the winds of life, trusting the unfolding process, and learning to move with grace. Over time, I’ve learned to trust my intuition and allow life to unfold naturally. This trust has been key to my personal growth and the work I do now.

I was born in a small village in western Turkey, where my arrival as another daughter brought feelings of disappointment rather than celebration. Growing up, life felt predictable, and I didn’t question it—until the whispers inside me began to grow louder. These quiet calls led me to a journey of self-discovery and transformation, eventually bringing me to Embercombe, a welcoming valley at the edge of Dartmoor. There, I found the space to reconnect with my true self and embrace the path I was meant to walk.

“The thing that breaks your heart is the very thing you were born to heal,” says Glennon Doyle. I recognise this in myself. Growing up as a woman in a society that made me feel less than, I have always felt a deep passion for giving a voice to the unheard and marginalised—those whose power has been stripped away. The women, the endangered species, the lone tree... these are the causes I stand for, and they are the heart of my mission.

In my work with VSO in Bangladesh, focusing on women and youth empowerment, I documented stories of women from deprived neighbourhoods, and I also connected with homeless individuals in East London. I’ve come to realise that privilege often hides deeper layers of neglect, trauma, and "othering." Despite outward appearances of success or privilege, many people carry hidden burdens that speak to their own pain and struggle.

It feels like the world needs us now more than ever. These are extraordinary times—where we, as humans, who both destroy and rebuild, have the opportunity to make a pivotal choice: to turn things around or tip the scales further towards imbalance. My work is about healing, self-discovery, and empowerment, not just for the individual but for the collective.