My name is Moksadhi. I was ordained at Akashavana, Spain in 2019 and l live at Dhanakosa Retreat Centre in the Loch Lomand and Trossachs National Park in Scotland. There are currently 7 of us on the team, living and working here. My working hours are spent mainly in the office but outside that I love to be outdoors - swimming, strolling, running, hiking, drinking tea. I also seem to spend a lot of time with friends on zoom!

When the first lockdown happened I was living in London, working at Lama’s Pyjamas (Buddhist charity shop) and living in Samayakula community with 11 other women. Although I still work for Triratna and live in community, the conditions are very different at Dhanakosa to Bethnal Green. The second lockdown has been very different – much more space and far less people! It has definitely been a year of big change. I’d made the decision to leave London just before the pandemic hit and at times it has been challenging to move to an isolated place in an isolating time.

I’ve been missing my friends but I so much appreciate and feel nourished by living with the beautiful wild land on my doorstep. Every morning after mediation I go to the loch or burn for a swim and take time to connect with the elements. The quiet at Dhanakosa has provided great conditions for meditation and I’m really enjoying sitting, connecting with earth and sky. When I was between London and Dhanakosa, I spent some time living with my sister and nephews which was a real gift to connect with them more deeply. I now zoom and play Minecraft every week my with nephews – something I never thought would happen!

See all posts on marking International Women's Day 2021