I am constantly moved, touched and inspired by those who seek to relieve the suffering of others around the world. Such people include Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, Dr Fred Hollows, the staff at international relief organisations such Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF) and the incredible work of Indian spiritual leader, Ammachi.
My inspiration also comes from my own mother Carmel.
In April 2011, after 20 years working in remote indigenous communities throughout Australia, she joined Médecins Sans Frontières. She has volunteered with MSF in Armenia, Ukraine, Malawi, Papua New Guinea, Uganda and most recently in Afghanistan where she managed a small, rural maternity hospital that delivered a miraculous fifty or more babies a day safely into the world.
Through her, I hear about the joy of being a gift to others as a volunteer, and the beauty of these people, their generosity and courage and the chronic suffering they encounter. Hearing her stories reminds me of my privileged life as westerner, and that I may most likely be fortunate to never know such suffering. In August, 2016, fulfilled a six month posting in a remote community in Uganda, providing specialized health care, and heart- felt care, for some of the most poor people on this earth. Many of the patients are suffering with HIV and late stage AIDS, many are children. Such realities cannot fail to open our hearts.
Following the footsteps of such inspiring people, my healing practice maintains a commitment to healing the suffering of others by regularly supporting the following international relief organisations: