The Team

Here is some history about my spiritual background.

From a very early age I was aware of something much bigger in the World than just Janet. I have always carried an ‘inner peace’ of what my grandmother would describe as ‘the inner self’ or the ‘I am’ of self awareness. My grandmother was a teacher of spiritual techniques to help towards self-discovery in the modern world. She worked for Dr Paul Brunton an author of books on comparative religions, mysticism and philosophy. One of my favourites published many years ago is called ‘The Secret Path’.

I had a career in computer sales and marketing in and around London until I was 30. Not happy with that high flying money seeking way of life I moved to Mid-Wales, with my husband David, to run a small village Inn. During the time at of owning and running the Inn I had a strong awareness of God working in and through me. My back bar, usually full of local people, felt like a church and social services all mixed into one. The time running the Inn was a way of life constantly full of real situations that confronted everyday people with everyday situations. We left what had become a restaurant with rooms after 16 years.

We settled in Builth Wells where I still live. The new time away from the 100 hours a week demanded by pub life left me with time and mental space to recharge and reflect. This opened an opportunity to study theology in Cardiff which lead to my licensing as a Lay Reader in the Church in Wales. I became one of the chaplains to the Royal Welsh showground and more recently a Street Pastor during the July show. I was also involved with a large domestic abuse charity, retiring after 10 years as a trustee and in the role of Vic-chair..

After being a Lay Reader for a while my Christian journey was still pushing me further. That ‘still small voice’ which can often surface when you least expect it nudged me to enquire about becoming a vicar. This lead to full ordination in the Church in Wales back in 2020. Since that time I have lead worship in mid-wales, conducted weddings, funerals and baptisms.

Finally, a massive change in focusing my faith journey started in 2017 when I attended an ‘enquiring day’ at the Hermitage on the Mountain. I became a ‘practitioner’ of ‘The Way’. The hermit in the capacity of a Roshi taught a form of Zen Buddhism together with Christian doctrine. This discovery, of the disciplines, brought together all that my grandmother had being trying to convey to me together with what the Church was trying to do. Such joy evolved in me. Archbishop Rowan Williams sponsored Sr Ruth in her work at the hermitage. She was a wonderful spiritual director. I found a ‘spiritual home’ At last a place 1,000 feet up a mountain that offered an ecumenical setting between Buddhism and Christianity. Hurray.

Going forward;

My practice is to deepen the ways I have been taught, to use devices which are only to point me to what is already there. Lurking above the murk and dwelling ever where the heart/mind truly is.

It is not complicated or difficult, yet finding the simple means being simple. Which is far from easy to start with, yet as true nature is ever calling yearns to be found. We already have all that we need.

This moment is sufficient - it is the 'Day that The Lord has made - be glad and rejoice".

May all be well, happy and free from fear, dwelling ever at the still point of the Not-Two which is likewise the All/Mu, non-greed, non-hate, no delusion.

So be encouraged to Breath out, backwards cycle from the Belly/Hara remember being (not doing) is the practice.