Team
Natasha
Founder + Meaning Maker
About Natasha
Thank you for being here, in every sense. In my sprinkle of years on this earth, it has become clear to me that meaningful connections are the real stuff of life. Nothing brings more soul-abiding joy than knowing that we matter, that our presence is fully and gratefully received for the beautiful gift that it is.
My accent will tell you I’m originally from the US, where I grew up on a farm in the pretty little state of North Dakota. After uni, I moved across the country to Cleveland, where I spent a decade working, making friends, making mistakes, reading incessantly, rowing occasionally, and generally learning to become a better human.
In 2017, I left my job as a healthcare executive and sold my house, my car, and everything else I owned – except my grand piano and my little blue Le Creuset teapot. (Some things are worth holding onto.) After a dabble of travel and a wee existential crisis, I moved to New Zealand to pursue my PhD in Psychology at the University of Canterbury.
My current research is centered on belonging and connection in organisations, and I love finding the juicy intersection of science, humanism, and practical application. My driving force is helping every human see how much they matter, and I am lit up by working with organisations and individuals to cultivate meaning in work and in everyday life.
These days, I spend a lot of time getting lost: in deep conversations, in books, in the woods, in thought. I also love looking at the moon, organising things for fun, falling off the bouldering wall, tramping gleefully, and baking ridiculous cakes. I’m an old soul, an introvert, a word zealot, and a lover of all things blueberry.
I live in Christchurch with my beautiful, big-eyed son, Bodhi.
What are your top 3 values?
Quietness, Wholeheartedness, Wisdom
What makes you grin?
Poetry, early mornings, classical music, linen, dried flowers, filter coffee, rainy days, Bodhi’s giggles, old books, new friends, mountains and the moon
What’s something you’re working on as a human being?
Being a more conscious consumer, befriending boundaries, and always, always practicing deeper presence.
Do you have any words to live by?
Everything has to do with loving and not loving.
– Rumi
For a more poetic version of my bio, head on over to our poetry corner and read I Am From.
Bear
facilitator
About Bear
Kia ora friends [enthusiastically waves]. Being a human is weird, so curious, fun!, actually it’s mostly weird though, huh. And I’m here to curiously explore all of its weirdness. I feel a clear purpose in this gift of life: to explore the wildest, most far out reaches of our emotional landscapes. I like to call myself a trail guide to the heart for this very reason. This is my journey, this is my call and I’m here to answer it.
I’m a pākehā kiwi who grew up in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and I now very happily find deep belonging and community in Ōtautahi (Christchurch). The wild west coast beaches of Tāmaki Mataurau is my water, mainly the raw black sand of Muriwai Beach. The peaks of the Matukituki Valley are my mountains and where my soul feels most at home. The skies around the Craigieburn Forest Park where I paraglide is where I feel most free.
I’ve lived many contrasting lives already, many different worlds of thought and value, which all at times have felt incredibly conflicting. Coming home to my deepest, most honest self has been a great journey which I’m so proud of. I’m grateful for what each of these ‘life times’ have taught me, especially the ability to relate and empathise with others. I truly believe you can learn something from everyone. I’ve got many curious stories to tell from these lives, which I’ll leave for you to discover…
Important things to know about me: I love presence, I truly adore it. I’m a (consentual) hugger. I’m committed to honesty, if you ask me, I will tell you and I don’t shy away from speaking the unspoken thing we’re all feeling. The way to my heart is through play and openness. I need space within all relationships to leave and explore on my own. When I come back I’ll share all that I am and have discovered. I genuinely want to see everyone grow, heal, love and feel safe, including you. <3
What’s your go-to connection question?
What are you most excited about right now?
Or, what’s the most important thing I should know about you? (When I really have space and enthusiasm to deepen into a relationship)
What are your top 3 values?
Integrity, Wisdom, Safety
What makes you grin?
Silence. People who are proud and open with who they are. Seeing people express their emotions fully. Howling into valleys from the top of mountains. Seeing my friends love each other. Child-like nonsense play. A really astute and curious question. Having someone respond to my invitations of bravery. True presence.
What’s something you’re working on as a human being?
Living in loving relationship with our mother earth and encouraging others to do so too. Supporting indigenous rights. Letting go of stories which aren’t mine. Caring for Chris.
Do you have any words to live by?
The longest journey we will ever make is from our head to our heart.
Love is the quality of attention we pay to things.
Both of these I think about constantly and are truly the words of my life.