Through the metaphor of the journey, the author invites the reader on a path of discovery as she finds meaning in the dramatic events of her own life.

From a magical childhood on the Cornish moors to overcoming adversity through a life-changing illness, Melanie uses the metaphor of a journey in seven stages, part autobiography, part study. Her story leads us to explore new ideas in a tapestry of language and imagery. Adapting to life in a wheelchair, this mother of three young children initially retrained as a teacher of dyslexic children and later as a counsellor. She went on to co-found therapeutic programmes for adult groups, a training and therapy centre.
Her study of the archetypal nature of the journey includes Rudolf Steiner’s concepts of Seven Life, becoming Learning Processes.
Confronted with her own existential challenges, she discovers that courage and faith can access a source of help and support far beyond what she had dared to believe possible.
Her story culminates in an imaginative paraphrase of the seventeenth century spiritual diary, The Chymical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz and seven contemplations.
This book is for all those who embrace their vulnerability to find the inner courage to meet life’s challenges.

Contents
Foreword by Laura Targett
Introduction
Overview
Chapter One
Childhood in Cornwall
Chapter Two
The Crisis and Mystery of Illness
A Life-changing Event
Chapter Three                                                                                                             
Seven Life and Learning Processes
Transpersonal Experience
Reframing and Acceptance
Life Processes – Learning Processes
Analysis through my reflections on the Seven Life and Seven Learning Processes
Life / Learning Process One
Life / Learning Process Two         
Life / Learning Process Three
Life / Learning Process Four
Action
Life / Learning Process Five         
Life / Learning Process Six
Life / Learning Process Seven
A Pilgrimage
Chapter Four
The Spiritual Archetype of the Journey
A Significant Tale
Seven stages of a journey’s archetype
First stage
Second stage
Third stage
Fourth stage
Fifth stage
Sixth stage
Seventh stage
Further reflections on Building Bridges and the Oasis Project – the catalysts
Names and themes of the three Pathways of Oasis, indicating their rites of passage
Summary
Conclusion
References
Bibliography
About the Author

Endorsements:
Every time a person faces a new and challenging experience, they may feel alone and without a map.
A serious, life-changing illness is one of the most difficult experiences to navigate. Melanie has written a book about such an experience. Her biography and years of working with the insights of Rudolf Steiner, as well as her own work as a counsellor, map this experience. The way she has written about her illness lifts the personal up to the realm of the universal.
This gives her own illness meaning and makes it possible for others to do the same. To share her story makes us see that we are not alone, and we too can endure and find meaning.
Deborah Ravetz.

Melanie unlocks delicate and evocative images whilst also provoking reflection and close reading of the meaning making processes.
This bridging of the biographical and spiritual journey sheds new light on very concrete experiences that can encourage and inspire the reader in their own steps on the journey.
Diogenes Mock, Psychotherapist

A real privilege to read, with deep insights and a golden thread to encourage us all.
Ann Addison, child and family counsellor.

This gripping account outlines a deeply moving personal description of how a seemingly tragic and outwardly disabling life event became the catalyst for an inner journey of spiritual awakening. Melanie’s story reveals how her power of determination, personal initiative and spiritual commitment became a transformative agent, not only for her own life but also in her quest to inspire others in social renewal through engaging in therapeutic group work.
Dr James Dyson, retired anthroposophic physician, psychosynthesis psychologist, adult educator, and author of Soul Size.