Offering a soft and cushioned landing, welcoming young students into a deeper sense of self.

It started with a wish: A few years ago, after completing my coach training, I made a simple wish: to share just a bit of what I had learned with young adults. Imagine knowing at 17 what I only discovered decades (and many wrinkles) later—how to simply let your strengths shine, truly understand the value of your values, and dare to say, "Yes, I’m actually good at this!" But most of all, discovering the joy of greeting your true self and stepping out into the world with more confidence and ease, rather than the version others expect you to be. 

This wish burned bright, guiding me along a meandering path that eventually led me to a role at a university, coaching students aged 17 to 25. But on my first day, I left feeling unsettled by what I had seen and the stories hidden between the words I had heard. 

Beneath the surface: The stories I heard were filled with feelings of disconnection, overwhelm, the pressure for everything to be just right, the constant need to fit in, and the silent competition with peers. Many students were miles away from home, far from the cultures and friendships they knew. They spoke about mindfulness and meditation, how much they practiced, how well they ‘thought’ they knew themselves. Yet, in that room, I sensed something else—the pleaser, the perfectionist, the hyper-achiever—all demanding attention. These inner voices had already shaped their choices, relationships, and sense of self. But none of them were truly aware of it. It seemed like they'd learned to perform self-awareness, rather than really feel it. 

Still, something in me knew there had to be another way. And, lucky for me, that very weekend a new door opened—I began my second coaching journey, this time into the world of Somatics. 

A Generation Under Pressure: Researching further, it’s clear that young adults today (Gen Z) are struggling. They carry the weight of constant expectations, social media comparisons, and the pressure to always be ‘on.’ Overwhelmed yet running on autopilot, they’re more connected than ever—but somehow more disconnected, too. Loneliness, a shaky sense of belonging, and the ever-present fear of missing out (FOMO) makes it hard for them to step back and switch off.

Thinking their way through the day has become second nature.  But in the rush to keep up, something gets lost—the ability to truly connect, to communicate with ease, to tap into empathy. The very things that bring a sense of belonging. To cope, they build a kind of armour: staying busy, keeping up appearances, always pushing forward.  But beneath that, there’s a real need for connection. For moments of ease. For a space where they don’t have to prove anything—where they can finally kick off their shoes and let go.

Creating a soft and cushioned landing  Offering this kind of space began with a deeper acceptance—and growing trust—in myself as a coach. Something that didn’t come easily. Over time, I’ve learned that showing up as my true self is enough.  Being there to offer a soft, safe, cushioned place—where young adults feel seen, heard, and accepted—without judgment, just gentle presence and support—can be the key that quietly opens the door to awareness.

In this space, I’ve learned to do less. To hold things lightly. To trust my intuition. And to gently sprinkle playfulness and joy into each session.  And through that, something shifts.  I watch students slowly begin to unfurl. As they step out of their heads and into their bodies, a quiet curiosity takes over— and new possibilities begin to emerge.

Exploring Support & Surrender: Playing with a chair that was once just a seat suddenly became a powerful vessel of discovery. They learned to lean back, really lean back and noticed what it felt like to stop ‘holding themselves up’ and allowed themselves to feel supported. The wall, more than just a boundary, became something to lean into—literally and metaphorically. They dared to reach out, felt what it was like to be held rather than always holding themselves together.

Grabbing a random object in the room surprised them with spontaneous insights in a playful, non-demanding way. Post-it notes, typically stuck to to-do lists, turned into destinations brimming with possibilities and daring to place a hand on their heart or give themselves a big hug unlocked emotions that were often hidden away.

And when followed up with the question… 'And what might be possible from here?' Something opened up—a space to dream beyond the daily to-do lists and goals—and I saw that this felt good. 

And what would I like to have happen? To keep my wish alight…. I see the students leaving each session feeling lighter and brighter, which inspires me to keep exploring the somatic practices I’ve learned. By passing them on, I hope to help the younger generation lean into slowing down, connecting more, and greeting their true selves. And, in doing so, create a sense of belonging with themselves, others, and the living world around us. After all they are our legacy. 

Here’s a polished version that still keeps your gentle tone and openness:

Join me on The Serious Sofa: If you're a young adult—or simply someone who'd welcome the comfort of a soft cushion to let go, share, and feel truly listened to—then let's talk on The Serious Sofa. Together, we can explore the serious stuff that matters to you and gently discover new ways of thinking, being, and doing.

Join me on The Serious Sofa