The Path of the Heart Story
Meet Julie
Hi I’m Julie.
Path of the Heart has become a beacon of light and inspiration, guiding me to loving action for the benefit of all those who need support and care.
I came to doula care thirty years ago, supporting a dear friend on their long and harrowing journey with cancer. Seeing beyond the trauma it was their approach to life, and death that touched my soul. Their commitment to their family and embracing each and every moment that really opened my eyes to the innate strength of the human spirit and what is possible for those who are consciously and courageously facing dying.
After arriving in New Zealand in 2002, my journey with holistic health and energy healing flourished and pathways opened up for me to meet and study with remarkable teachers, helping me understand, integrate and embody timeless philosophies and ancient and spiritual systems of knowledge.
Over the years, my daily practice has kept me grounded in navigating my own path and overcoming some hefty challenges. At the same time, working with others through private practice, being of service in community, and teaching self-help workshops continues to feed life and energy into my highest ideals, with the ultimate goal of caring for others as I would wish to be cared for myself.
Since entering my sixties, I became acutely aware of the full expanse of personal, spiritual and professional life experiences coming to fruition, and weaving a path of being of service. Life offers many blessings to each of us some of which are immensely difficult even traumatic, but all of this simply prepares us for the direction in which we are travelling. When we lean into life, take up higher thoughts and let this be our driving force, we end up exactly where we are meant to be.
“When love touches someone’s pain, it become compassion.”
- Stephen Levine
In connecting with individuals from a place of authenticity, we invite them to do the same. By seeing people beyond their façade, beyond the outward image they present to the world we see them for who they truly are which allows us to understand and connect on the deepest level.
This is the Path of the Heart.
Julie is a certified Jin Shin Jyutsu (JSJ) practitioner, holistic health care advocate, eldercare giver, JSJ self-care tutor, international seminar organiser, professionally trained full-spectrum end-of-life doula and community educator serving people and communities in Christchurch and North Canterbury.
With over 20 years’ experience engaging with families, individuals and community, Julie works with people of all ages and life stages, with acute, chronic and critical health conditions, supporting, guiding as a healing presence for those facing life-limiting illness and end of life.
Memberships and affiliations
ELDAA - End of Life Doula Alliance Aotearoa
JSJSMB - Jin Shin Jyutsu Spirit Mind Body, USA
MANZ - Montessori Aotearoa NZ
NDAN - Natural Death Advocacy Network
NPANZ - Nurses Professional Association of New Zealand
NEDA – National End of Life Doula Alliance
Training:
Jin Shin Jyutsu Practitioner (2005-present)
Jin Shin Jyutsu Self-Help Tutor (2010-present)
Professional End of Life Doula - Preparing The Way, Australia
Deathwalker Training - Zenith Virago, Natural Deathcare Centre
Fundamentals of Palliative Care – Hospice New Zealand
Home-based Deathcare & Home-based Funerals – Claire Turnham O.B.E.
Manaaki Mats – Annie Meredith & Claire Turnham O.B.E.
Advanced Care Planning
Cranio-sacral Therapy (CST 1)
Reiki (Dr Usui) - Levels I, II & III