Holistic mental health & social researcher, writer, coach & entrepreneur.
“In everything I do, I aim to help people connect to the truth of who they are.”
Renée Gardiner
Restoring connections for human health and flourishing.
Holistic mental health, leadership and social impact services for individuals, communities and businesses.
A journey of awakening.
My work is dedicated to the pursuit of health and wellbeing for ourselves and our planet. I believe that ancient wisdom together with modern science and embodied experience hold the keys to healing, to accessing greater states of awareness, health and happiness.
My journey has been exploration of the human psyche and spirit, our social systems and connection to the world. Working as an archaeologist across Australia and internationally has laid the foundation for exploring conditions for thriving across cultures, through time and space. My career in business, social enterprise and community development has honed my approach to creating meaningful social change.
Transformative health, life and spiritual experiences have provided a deep insight into the realms of healing, opening my eyes to the multidimensional nature of mental health and wellbeing. A series of stroke-like episodes and open heart surgery at 33 years of age, together with lived-experience of PTSD and suicide catalysed my intiation. Taking me into the depths of my own humanity, so I may live and rise again.
I have come to understand the interconnected nature of all things, from the macro to the micro. Living well means becoming aware and designing systems that support and enhance life. We must look at the whole and take a nature-based regenerative systems-thinking approach to health; and build cultures, communities and companies that promote life-giving properties. To fully realise health, to heal and live in alignment with our spirit and the earth, our home.
Exploring the social, spiritual and environmental determinants of mental health.
Addressing the root causes of stress & healing trauma.
Stress is part of the human experience. Though overwhelming stress hinders the natural flow of life. It creates a physical, psychological and spiritual dissonance, and results in degrees of burnout or trauma, at the extreme. Prevention is key. Healing is the pathway to recovery and regeneration.
A whole system approach to wellbeing.
Everything is interconnected. Mental health is about so much more than the mind, it’s about the whole being and whole system. A universal approach to wellbeing fosters healthy and resilient people, and creates thriving cultures, communities and livelihoods. Health and wellbeing must be embedded in policy and planning at all levels, through government, education, social structures and businesses.
Regenerative design based on nature.
Optimal mental health rests on the ability to seek renewal and to adapt, restore and rebuild. A culture of wellbeing considers regeneration on all levels, and the interplay between the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social and environmental factors. The natural world provides the ultimate template for regenerative systems. When we design for health, we design for life.
PROJECTS
Mind. Body. Spirit. Community. Business. Mother Earth
Holisitc mental health & wellbeing projects fostering individual & collective change.
KŌTA
A health and leadership academy & impact consultancy with a vision for peace. KŌTA is dedicated to developing world-class integrated solutions for optimal mental health and wellbeing. We offer professional coaching and consulting services, research, education and transformational experiences for human flourishing.
Seeds of Gold
Seeds of Gold is a path for reconnecting with your inner wisdom and divinity, healing and expanding into the infinite potential you hold within your being. This beautifully designed affirmation card deck offers you a sacred journey into the world of cultivating a deeper connection with yourself. It guides you to open your heart and free your mind.
Growing Change
Growing Change is a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to mental health recovery through social farming. The charity operates the North Fremantle Social Farm, a 1/3 acre urban market garden using organic and regenerative farming principles. The farm is the only community market garden of it’s kind in Western Australia.