Cathy's Interests

There’s a saying about coaches – “who you are, is how you coach” – so here’s a bit about me as a person.

My great passion is travel – I’ve visited over 80 countries (with more on my wish list!) and am particularly drawn to South East Asia and South America.  They say travel broadens the mind and experiencing different cultures has certainly changed my perspective on life.  My trip to Thailand, more than 25 years ago, ignited my interest in Buddhist philosophy, which resulted in a gradual but significant transformation to my own way of thinking and being, enabling me to manage work pressures and life’s inevitable challenges more effectively.

I enjoy being in nature, whether it’s awe-inspiring mountain ranges, vast landscapes or travelling peacefully down rivers and spotting local wildlife.  Closer to home, I enjoy more simple pleasures like walking the dog across the fields or being in the garden and nurturing my plants.  I believe being in nature is important for our well-being and research supports that too. 

Meditation and yoga, are my essential practices for training and restoring both the body and the mind.  I started practising yoga in my mid 20’s, primarily for physical relaxation, to release tension in my body and soon discovered the benefits of meditation to settle the mind.  My meditation practice helps me not just to stay calm and focussed but to have the mental clarity to solve problems more effectively.

As a volunteer Course Leader for Action for Happiness, I run their 8-week Exploring What Matters course.  It’s a great course, based on scientific research, where like-minded people come together, explore what matters in life and learn how to increase happiness and well-being. 

I also enjoy volunteering for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, which is headquartered near where I live.  I look after Hearing Dogs in training when their socialisers are on holiday.  It’s great to be able to support such a worthwhile charity and it brings me great joy to have a puppy come to stay for a week or two.  They can certainly teach us humans a thing or two about the simple pleasures of life and being “in the moment”!