THE ART OF BEING PRESENT
Rooted in stillness, connection, and deep listening, Victoria’s work gently invites people back into relationship with themselves, animals, and the living world around them.
It’s not unusual to find Victoria in a paddock, seemingly doing nothing much at all. She may be sitting quietly alongside a cow, or meditating in the company of a horse. Being in reciprocal relationship with nature and animals is her pleasure and practice – communing in the present moment. She listens not only with her ears, but with her body and a quiet mind.
These small, unremarkable moments are where her work quietly unfolds. Victoria’s professional practice, Invitations to Presence, has bloomed from decades of dedicated inquiry into what it truly means to be present. With forest therapy, qi gong and meditation as grounding practices, she worked as a registered clinical psychologist for over 20 years, accompanying people through periods of change, loss and renewal. Over time, a consistent truth emerged: real healing arises from the capacity to be fully present to oneself and to what surrounds us.
For the past 18 months, Victoria has volunteered at a local animal sanctuary in Matakana, where the resident miniature horses have become unexpected teachers. Through this experience, she has discovered how stillness and quality of attention are deeply enhanced in the presence of horses – particularly when humans offer respect, trust, and genuine listening.
Words become largely unnecessary; connection happens through presence alone. As this practice continues to unfold, Victoria warmly welcomes locals to be in contact who are curious about relating more deeply with horses and other animals, in ways that honour both human and animal needs, to be in contact. She hopes this work will evolve as part of a like-minded community endeavour and especially encourages children to be involved.
Alongside this, Victoria continues to offer personal and group therapeutic sessions incorporating nature and creativity in the process. She believes that becoming present to ourselves and finding our true source is central to healing, growth and inner restoration.
www.invitationstopresence.com
ph. 021 991 212