02/06/2026
Parenting can sometimes feel lonely.
Because so much of what we experience as parents goes unseen and unspoken.
The worries we carry.
The moments we doubt ourselves.
The grief, frustration, joy, pride and love that often exist side by side.
Earlier this year, I attended a Way of Council retreat on 'Parenting with Presence'.
Over the course of the weekend, ordinary parents shared stories of parenthood.
Stories of joy.
Stories of exhaustion.
Stories of fear, hope, heartbreak and resilience.
What struck me most was not how different our stories were, but how much they had in common.
Beneath the uniqueness of each story was a shared human experience — like the hidden network connecting the roots of trees beneath a forest floor: invisible, yet always present.🌲
Many of us arrived carrying our own worries, doubts and struggles.
We left feeling seen, heard and understood.
Reminded that, despite our mistakes and imperfections, we are all doing our best as parents.
💫 In Council, people gather in a circle and share stories in response to a prompt.
No advice is given.
Nobody tries to fix anyone.
There is no debate, explanation or judgement.
Instead, we practise something increasingly rare: speaking from the heart and listening from the heart.
This is mindfulness in a different form.
A practice of presence, deep listening and authentic human connection.
From September, I hope to offer monthly online Way of Council circles for parents.
🚫 Not therapy. Not coaching. Not advice.
✅ Just a welcoming, confidential space where parents can come together, share what is present for them, listen deeply and remember that they are not alone.
🤝Parenting was never meant to be done alone.
If this feels like something you would value, please comment below or send me a message. I'd be delighted to add you to the interest list and contact you when dates are announced.
