Growing up in a dysfunctional family in Brittany, my safest place was outdoors in Nature, by the sea most of all, with my wonderful dog, Scotty, always by my side. The immensity of the ocean in front of me, of the land behind me and of the sky above helped me to remain sane and centred, when home was an unloving and unsafe place. I moved to the UK aged 21.

Initially living in the Midlands, away from the sea, I could not get my bearing and I knew I would eventually move to the south-west. Now in Bristol, on the coast between Cornwall and Wales, I feel at home.

Fighting with CPTSD for 35 years, my strong, unflappable connection with the Elements played a major part in my recovery. When life was alienating, they were my anchor; Nature made sense when nothing else did. It has always enabled me to come back to my true self.

Feeling the Four Elements’ presence all around me and within me anywhere, anytime, has always helped me to feel safer and more grounded. I am therefore convinced that this connection is vital to our wellbeing.