Seva

Mahatma Gandhi

The word seva is a Sanskrit word often associated with the facet of yoga meaning ‘service’. However, it is more than just a simple desire to help others or charity.

The concept of Seva has been a guiding force in my life and I have found that when I give of myself to help others, I receive so much more in return. For me, service isn’t just about donating to charities or writing a cheque. It’s about giving my time, energy and skills to those who need it most. It’s about being truly present and committed, without any expectation of reward or recognition. A pretty high bar, because we all desire some sort of recognition, however subtle.

Over the years, I have made a commitment to allocate a portion of my working life to the space of giving back and service. This has led me to work with non-profits and charities, and more recently, the public sector (NHS), through my involvement with The Kairos Project, which we established in 2010 with a group of like-minded coaches. The Kairos Project is a social enterprise that provides capacity building coaching and support to non-profit organisations globally. As a coach, I have the opportunity to help these organisations become more effective and make a greater impact on the world. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive change that comes from this work, and it motivates me to keep giving more.

I’m also passionate about engaging in sponsored activities that challenge me physically and mentally, all in the name of raising money and awareness for charity. I’ve climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with a disabled group to raise money for Able Child Africa, completed triathlons, 10k runs and 100-mile bike rides. These challenges have pushed me outside of my comfort zone and allowed me to connect with others in a meaningful way.

I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to serve others and look forward to continuing to do so for years to come.