We met in Bali at nineteen
and never quite left.

I spent much of my childhood and teenage years in the Canary Islands — a desert and sea landscape where I was allowed to roam free and learn independence. The vast beaches, the wild ocean, the freedom of the wind.

At nineteen I arrived in Bali and felt immediately at home on this magical island. It has supported my growth, inspired my creativity and provided healing in unexpected ways. I met Paul there, and we now live in the heart of the island with a big Balinese family we have known for over forty years.

Two streams have accompanied my life: creativity and healing. From an early age I was encouraged to express myself artistically — painting, drawing, making things with my hands. And from an early age I was aware of chronic disease and disability in my family, which made me question how we think about sickness and health.

The most important part of my life is to find grace, gratitude, ease and flow. It has been the key to my creativity, my health, and my service to others.

Nicole's paintings

Eastern and Western blood flows through my veins. It plays an important theme in my life.

It makes for a soulful, subtle, sweet and spicy curry. It makes me ask questions about cultural identity, and deeper philosophical questions too. The east helps me rise to spirit, the west keeps me grounded. The mix between the poles keeps me constantly creative.

I grew up in the Australian bush, an ancient natural landscape, but I attended an archaic boys’ school where students were regularly caned and prayers were said for the school rowing team. I began to read esoteric books at a young age. I was convinced there must be a better way….

Studying at the Music Conservatorium left me with more questions than answers: burning questions about life, music, education, everything…

At 19, I courageously decided to go solo and find my own answers.

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Bali opened my eyes and lifted a veil. I learnt gamelan and temple dance, I found a new home and I met my life partner, Nicole. Together we met our spiritual master in India, we opened chanting and meditation groups in Germany. And I embarked on a 3 year training to become an Alexander Technique teacher.

After our first child was born, we moved to Australia where I pursued a career in teaching. We helped start a Waldorf School in the hills of Perth and I developed music programmes in various schools. Finally I was able to implement some of the answers I’d found. Some called me a ‘patient gardener’, nurturing young souls.

Music today is a language of the soul, a beautiful language for children’s forming imaginations. But can it go further? Not so long ago it was a language of the spirit…

The more I ask this question, the more my attention turns to adults, adults who are seeking to reawaken this ‘music’, this ‘logos’, this living creative force.

The spirit is finding its earthly home again. It is finding new languages. We listen, we resonate and we uncover the new song.

In 2022 I returned to Bali, where the creative word of Waldorf education was finding its own new unique voice. Now my home is wherever there are people willing to listen to this creative word. Together with Nicole, we travel, teach and never stop learning.

As always, I am passionate about Music, Education and the Inner Journey of the Soul.

Paul's writings on music
Paul's music and compositions