‹ Back

The Alchemy of Struggle and Wisdom

Life has a way of forging us in the fires of adversity. My journey—from PR and communications to life-coaching, from emotional abuse to breast cancer diagnosis, from self-doubt to self-trust—has been a masterclass in resilience. And through it all, Buddhist principles have been my compass, my toolkit, and my sanctuary.

As a life-coach in training, I’m developing my skills under UKPDC, blending models with my personalised questions framework. I’ve mentored through DigitalBoost, Recreational Wardrobe CIC and Czech Fashion Council, and am now developing Eclectic Creators Hub adventure exploring the syncretism of philosophies, from Greco-Roman wisdom to Zen Buddhism, all woven into my unique approach to coaching and living.

These 12 Buddhist lessons aren’t just abstract ideas—they’re the living, breathing foundation of my coaching philosophy and my life. Let’s dive in.

1. Impermanence (Anicca): The Foundation of My Philosophy

Everything changes—health, relationships, careers, even the Notion templates I meticulously design for my clients. The key is to embrace the transient nature of life rather than resist it.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I faced the ultimate test of impermanence. The body I had trusted, the plans I had made, the identity I had constructed—all of it was suddenly fluid, uncertain. This realisation didn’t just change how I viewed my health; it transformed how I approached my coaching practice. In my sessions—whether through DigitalBoost, my one-on-one life-coaching, or the group workshops I facilitate—I now emphasise that change isn’t something to fear, but something to flow with.

In my sessions, I often begin by helping clients recognise what they’re clinging to and how that clinging is causing their suffering. The Coaching Library I’m developing includes resources on navigating life transitions, all rooted in this principle of impermanence. And as I prepare to launch the ECH website in September 2026, I remind myself: even this milestone is temporary. What endures is the value I provide to those I serve.

Practical Wisdom

In my coaching practice, help clients identify where they’re resisting change.

Quote to Ponder

"All conditioned things are impermanent. Work out your salvation with diligence."

— The Buddha

2. Suffering Comes from Attachment: Why I Stopped Justifying My Choices

Suffering arises when we cling to how we think things should be—whether it’s a relationship, a career path, or even our own identity.

For years, I justified my choices to others—to my mother, to my ex-partners, to society. I thought if I could just explain myself well enough, I could control how others perceived me. But Buddhism, and my coaching training, taught me that this attachment to others’ approval was the root of my suffering. Now, I’ve learned to trust my own judgment, even when others don’t understand. It’s been a year since my surgery, and I haven’t justified a single choice since. That’s freedom.

In my sessions, I help clients identify their own attachments—whether it’s to a specific outcome, a toxic relationship, or an outdated belief about themselves. My Ms Eclectic Mind project, where I explore the syncretism of different philosophies, has shown me that attachment to any single dogma—even Buddhist ones—can be a form of suffering. In my Eclectic Creators Hub, I encourage creators to detach from the need for external validation and instead focus on their intrinsic motivation.

Practical Wisdom

Notice when you’re justifying your choices to others. What would it feel like to stop? Are you attached to a specific outcome for your business? Can you hold your vision lightly?

Quote to Ponder

"The root of suffering is attachment."

— Dhammapada

3. The Power of Acceptance: Surrender as Strength

Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up—it means seeing reality clearly so you can respond with wisdom rather than resistance.

There was a time when I fought against my reality—my past, my health, my limitations. But through my coaching studies and Greco-Roman philosophy and Buddhist practice, I learned that acceptance is the first step toward change. When I stopped raging against the chaos of life and instead leaned into it, I discovered my own resilience. Now, as I mentor others on DigitalBoost or share my story in my reels on Zen Buddhism, I do so from a place of radical acceptance—of myself, my journey, and the beautiful mess of it all.

In my sessions, I guide clients through a process of acknowledging their current reality before moving toward action.

Practical Wisdom

When faced with a challenge, pause and say: "This is my reality right now. How can I meet it with openness?"

Try crafting, creating, yoga or walking meditation as a physical practice of acceptance—movement as a metaphor for flowing with life rather than fighting it.

Quote to Ponder

"Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without."

— Dhammapada

4. Mindfulness (Sati): The Art of Being Present in Sessions

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully here, in this breath, this word, this moment with your client.

As a chaos architect, my mind is often a whirlwind of ideas, plans, and non-linear storytelling. But mindfulness—whether through meditation, mornings walks with Nefertiti (the cat), or creating—has been my anchor. When I’m mending clothes, working on a creative project, or even replying to emails, I practice single-pointed focus. It’s in these moments that I remember: The present is the only place where life—and coaching—truly happens.

In my one-on-one sessions, I begin with a mindfulness check-in, helping clients ground themselves in the present moment. The WHAT questions I use are designed to bring clients back to what is, rather than what was or what might be. I’m including mindfulness exercises specifically tailored for coaches and creatives. After all, how can we guide others if we’re not present ourselves?

Practical Wisdom

Dedicate 5 minutes a day to mindful breathing—no distractions, just you and your breath.

Turn daily activities (coffee, walks, even emails) into mindfulness practices. Notice the colours, textures, sounds. If you’re fully present, they’ll feel it.

Quote to Ponder

"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."

— The Buddha

5. Compassion (Karuna): The Heart of a Preacher and Coach

Compassion begins with self-kindness and extends outward to all beings. It’s the recognition that we’re all in this together.

My role as a preacher and connector is rooted in compassion. After years of mentoring, life-coaching, and supporting creators, I’ve learned that true strength lies in empathy. When I was struggling with my health, it was Nefertiti’s unwavering love that reminded me I was worthy of kindness. Now, I try to offer that same compassion to others—whether it’s through my sessions, reels on Zen Buddhism, or simply listening deeply to a friend or client.

In my coaching practice, I start every session with a compassion check-in: How are you treating yourself today? My healing journey has deepened my understanding of self-compassion as a radical act—especially for high-achievers and perfectionists (a category I know well!). And as I develop the Eclectic Creators Hub, I’m building a community where compassion is the currency.

Practical Wisdom

When someone hurts you (or any other way treating you without a respect), ask: What pain might they be carrying?

Quote to Ponder

"Compassion is that which makes the heart of the good move at the pain of others."

— The Buddha

6. Non-Attachment to Outcomes: The Joy of the Coaching Journey

Focus on your efforts and intentions, but release the need to control the results.

As a PR and communications specialist, I spent years crafting strategies and campaigns, often obsessing over outcomes. But Buddhism—and my coaching training—taught me that obsession with results only leads to stress. Now, I approach my work—and my life—with Right Effort: I do my best, then let go. Whether it’s building my Eclectic Creators Hub, mentoring on DigitalBoost,  and during 1:1 Creative Business Clinic sessions (Recreational Wardrobe), I trust that the process itself is the reward.

In my coaching sessions, I help clients detach from rigid goals and instead focus on aligned action. I reminding myself that I can’t control how my actions are received—I can only control the energy and intention I put into it.

Practical Wisdom

Before starting a project, set an intention: "I will do my best, and accept whatever comes."

Celebrate small wins—the joy is in the doing, not just the result.

Is your success about the outcome, or the person they become along the way?

Quote to Ponder

"You only lose what you cling to."

— The Buddha

7. The Middle Way: Balance in a Chaotic Coaching Practice

The Middle Way is about balance—not too much, not too little, but just right.

I’ve always been a mad multitude of passions—crafting, philosophy, gaming, music, reading. But I’ve learned that burnout comes from extremes. Now, I strive for balance: discipline without rigidity, creativity without chaos, work without exhaustion. It’s the Middle Way in action—whether I’m walking Nefertiti, playing 40k, or diving into a new book on Japanese cuisine, fashion theory,  invisible woman, or fiction.

In my coaching practice, I help clients find their own Middle Way, helping clients move from extremes to equilibrium.

Practical Wisdom

Notice where you’re swinging between extremes (overworking vs. laziness, indulgence vs. deprivation).

Ask: What would balance look like here?

Quote to Ponder

"Avoid both extremes, and the Tathagata has gained the Middle Way, which gives vision, which gives knowledge, which leads to peace."

— Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta

8. Letting Go of Resentment: The Freedom of Forgiveness

Resentment is a poison you drink, expecting someone else to die. Forgiveness is the antidote.

I’ve had my share of manipulation and emotional abuse—from past relationships to family dynamics. For a long time, I carried frustration like a heavy cloak. But Buddhism taught me that forgiveness isn’t about them; it’s about me. Letting go of resentment was like setting down a burden I didn’t need to carry. Now, I use writing, qigong, and crafting as ways to release old wounds. And in my coaching, I help clients do the same.

In my sessions, I often guide clients through forgiveness exercises, helping them release resentment toward others—and themselves. My projects have shown me that forgiveness is a form of syncretism: it’s about integrating the past without letting it define the future.

Practical Wisdom

Write a letter (you don’t have to send it) expressing your anger/ frustration/ disappointment/ etc., then burn or tear it as a symbolic release.

Practice tonglen: Inhale the suffering of others, exhale compassion. Hold space for toxic feelings/ thoughts, but don’t let it take root.

Quote to Ponder

"Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned."

— The Buddha

9. Inner Strength Through Stillness: The Power of Pause

Stillness—whether through meditation, qigong, or simply sitting with a cup of tea—is where we find our true strength.

In a world that glorifies constant doing, I’ve learned that stillness is rebellion. My morning walks with Nefertiti, sunrise coffee rituals, and qigong practice are my anchors. It’s in these moments of quiet that I hear my own wisdom—the voice that reminds me I am the architect of my life. And as a coach, I’ve learned that silence is often the most powerful tool in my toolkit.

In my sessions, I’m not afraid of silence. In fact, I’ve learned to lean into it, giving clients space to reflect.

Practical Wisdom

Dedicate 10 minutes a day to sitting in silence, observing your breath.

Create a sacred space in your home for stillness and reflection. Don’t rush to fill the silence. That’s where the magic happens.

Quote to Ponder

"Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance."

— The Buddha

10. Interconnectedness: We Are All One Tapestry of Creators

Everything is connected—body to Earth, spirit to the universe, soul to human essence.

My love for syncretism—merging distinct beliefs and schools of thought—stems from this Buddhist principle. Whether I’m exploring Greco-Roman philosophy, Jungian psychology, Taoism, or Zen, I see the threads that connect us all. Even in my PR work with Czech fashion designers, I’ve seen how collaboration and interconnectedness create beauty that no single person could achieve alone. We all rise together.

In my group workshops (like Year Compass, Core Values, and Wheel of Life), I emphasise interconnectedness—helping clients see how their actions ripple outward. My projects are all about connecting diverse wisdom traditions. After all, we’re all connected.

Practical Wisdom

Reflect on how your actions ripple outward. A kind word to a stranger might inspire them to pay it forward.

Practice interbeing: Recognise that you are made of non-you elements—the air, the food, the love of others.

Quote to Ponder

"All beings are interdependent. Nothing exists in isolation."

— Thich Nhat Hanh

11. Wisdom Through Adversity: The Alchemy of Suffering

Hardships are not obstacles—they are teachers in disguise.

My past traumas, and professional challenges could have broken me. Instead, they became the crucible for my wisdom. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, I’ve learned that adversity is the fire that forges strength. Now, when I face difficulties, I ask: What is this experience here to teach me? And as a coach, I help my clients do the same.

In my sessions, I often reframe challenges as opportunities for growth. I explore how different traditions view suffering as a path to enlightenment. And I see every setback as feedback, not failure.

Practical Wisdom

Journal about challenges and the insights they bring.

View setbacks as feedback, not failures.

Quote to Ponder

"No mud, no lotus."

— Thich Nhat Hanh

12. Peace is Within You: The Ultimate Rebellion in Coaching

True peace is not dependent on external circumstances. It’s an inner state, cultivated through practice and wisdom.

As a chaos architect, I’ve learned that peace isn’t the absence of chaos—it’s the ability to remain centred within it. Whether I’m crafting, mentoring, or simply sipping tea, I carry peace with me. It’s the ultimate act of rebellion in a world that constantly demands more, faster, better. And as a coach, I remind my clients: You are the architect of your inner world.

In my sessions, I help clients cultivate inner peace through mindfulness, self-compassion, and letting go of the ego’s demands. A sanctuary of calm in a chaotic world. And as I work I remind myself: The peace I seek is already within me.

Practical Wisdom

Start and end your day with a moment of silence or gratitude.

When stressed, ask: Where can I find peace in this moment?

Quote to Ponder

"Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without."

— Dhammapada

Final Thoughts: Be the Architect of Your Life and Coaching Practice

These 12 Buddhist lessons have been my compass, my toolkit, and my sanctuary through life’s storms. They’ve shaped my coaching philosophy, my business (Eclectic Creators Hub), and my personal growth. I carry these lessons with me—not as rigid rules, but as living, breathing guides.

As a preacher of whimsy, a chaos architect, and a life-coach in the making, I invite you to pick one lesson and weave it into your life and practice this week. Observe the shifts. Breathe deeper. Be your own architect.

And remember: Tomorrow never comes. Today is all we have.