my roots

From the moment we enter this world our very own unique story begins to take shape. Mine has been a humanitarian one. As time has progressed, different chapters have emerged, some larger than others. I have met various characters along the way, some wise, some that have made me laugh, some that supported my self-cultivation (inside and out) and some that have been not so good.

 

My story’s meaning, purpose and motivation came through my personal experience of homelessness at the age of 15, and through the loving kindness, support and altruistic nature of my grandmother and father. Defiant to meet myself in this moment and accept with a genuine heart that such an experience was my beauty spot and not a scar, took a lot of inner and outer work, a life lesson for which I am grateful. Life is never easy, but thats the beauty of it! 

 

This personal experience taught me that how we choose to look at our lives, either through a positive or negative lens, really does influence the direction our story will go. It also taught me the importance of living in a way which upholds respect for humanity and preserves human dignity. Life changes in a moment, catching us when we least expect it; however what remains the same when you strip everything away - the labels, the ego - is that at the core, we are all equal, with beating hearts, breath of life, an outer shell and our radiant spirits.

 

on the frontline

Your first humanitarian mission will always leave an imprint on your soul. It’s where life learning thrives. However, as a humanitarian, no matter how many missions I have done over the last 20 years in the sector, it never gets easier. Like in life, as layers are peeled away, the learning continues to become harder and more complex. With senses heightened, resilience is tested on a daily basis. With nowhere to run, isolated and far from home, feeling the wide spectrum of emotions including stress, frustration, guilt, and injustice becomes a reality of daily life.

 

Throughout my journey I found myself bearing witness to the best of humanity and the worst and at times was staring down the barrel challenged by my core principles and values.

 

turning inwards

Having incorporated in my life a practice of self-care as part of my healing journey from homelessness, I soon came to realise how invaluable it was working in the humanitarian sector, through listening, observing and supporting colleagues and friends over the years. Of course I went through all the same challenges, some of them at great cost to me personally - let’s be real, none of us get a free pass from the highs and lows of the reality of humanitarian work, but for me it just meant living with it differently.  In a working culture that thrives on superhero and superheroine stereotypes, I faced many nights in the field battling against altruistic wounded souls that saw such self-care a luxury rather than an essential accountability to oneself as a humanitarian.

 

It is important to remember that inside the humanitarian role you carry out every day with passion, is a human being. A person who has feelings, emotions, and desires. A human being that is supported and connected to family and friends. A human being that is worthy of receiving and giving love. Remain grounded in this reality as much as possible. 

 

As my story evolves it becomes clearer, I realise that when we wholeheartedly give permission to be kind and gentle to ourselves, we are able to capture that feeling, living present in the moment of the story, and a sense of inner connection with the self emerges once again. Drawn to the feeling we have missed so, we find ourselves folding the tops of the pages of the book, compiling memories, moments in time which have touched at our very inner souls, slowly bringing us home to the person who we always knew we were.

 

light + love.

 

Nuran xo

 

 

 

professional side

I've spent the majority of my professional career working in conflict, post-conflict & disaster settings, working extensively in Africa, Asia, Pacific and the Middle East in various senior leadership, operational and technical roles.

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I hold academic credentials in Public Health and International Community Development and have researched and written extensively on Afghanistan in Women, Peace and Security and humanitarian health interventions in conflict settings. Areas of specialisation include humanitarian-conflict nexus, governance systems strengthening, humanitarian leadership, health systems strengthening, women, peace and security, gender, protection and social inclusion mainstreaming. I've been fortunate to hold academic positions and remain actively engaged as a public speaker on humanitarian topics such as women and leadership in aid, mental health and wellbeing of aid workers through a trauma informed lens. 

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I am an active member of global emergency response surge rosters with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Disaster Assessment Coordination (UNDAC) and RedR Australia. 

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spiritual side

For as long as I can remember I have always been a soul drawn to exploring the deeper inner layers of connection with life and the interconnected tapestry between nature, sound, mind and body. In flowing and experiencing all shades life has to offer (good-times, sadness and trauma, the healing and joy), self-learning and lots of experimentation I've learned to attune my senses to trust more in the energetic lifeforce which cant be seen, instead can only be felt. I am a humble student and practising Yoga Teacher (RYT 200hrs), iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation Teacher and Integrative Health Coach, I am also currently studying as a Ayurvedic Health Counselor and Sound Bath Facilitator. I give much gratitude and thanks to all my teachers that have shared their deep insight and wisdom with my over the years.

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