From Veterinary Surgeon to Prison Chaplain: Gillian Hick's Journey with Yoga
Episode Overview
Gillian Hick shares her transformative journey from feeling intimidated by the prison environment to becoming a dedicated chaplain and trauma-informed yoga teacher. Her insights highlight the profound impact of yoga and chaplaincy in creating positive change within the prison community. Gillian emphasises the importance of building authentic relationships, holding strong boundaries, and recognising the profound humanity and vulnerability of the individuals within the prison. Her work offers valuable guidance to both current and future facilitators, encouraging them to approach this work with openness, persistence, and a deep commitment to learning from and uplifting others.
I must walk away because you're dealing with very vulnerable people, and if you're bringing in your own issues, you can actually potentially be so much more damaging to them. It's not even about you, it's about them too. You need to be very safe and grounded and integrated.
Ever thought about the power of yoga behind prison walls? In this episode, we meet Gillian Hick, a veterinary surgeon turned prison chaplain, who has been bringing trauma-informed yoga to Ireland's prisons since 2019. Gillian's path is nothing short of inspiring. She shares how her initial fears transformed into a passionate commitment to help incarcerated individuals through yoga and chaplaincy.
Gillian’s work emphasizes building genuine relationships and maintaining strong boundaries, while always recognizing the humanity and vulnerability of those she serves. Her story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of holistic practices in fostering positive change. Whether you're a yoga enthusiast, a social justice advocate, or just curious about unique rehabilitation approaches, Gillian's journey offers valuable insights and encouragement for anyone looking to make a difference.