I am in awe of what comes from nothing, like these saplings that grow into great trees; an idea appears in your mind, and if you give it attention, boom, something is created, positive or negative.

You ever wondered how that works? Thoughts appear in your mind, all kinds, peaceful, creative, then some thoughts make us feel excited, while others give us a feeling of being confused or stressed.

So what determines which reactions to go with, those that make us feel high-spirited and resourceful or those that leave us limited and worried? Most people wouldn’t consider the notion of stepping back behind their thinking and exploring the nature of it, i.e. how it works; I know I didn’t have eyes for this either.

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Many spiritual Guru’s for hundreds of years have invited us to explore our minds more deeply, but not to get focussed and distracted with what goes on in our minds but to look behind it, to the fact of thought and the mechanics of it, how does it work to create our everyday experiences?

A short client story:

Recently, I worked with a young girl, aged 9, let’s call her Kara, who was having a problem with her “bad thoughts’, about her grandpa passing away due to covid. She became withdrawn and frightened about death, thinking about it a lot. A while back, we worked together, so Kara was already aware of the power of thought to create her moment to moment experience. She had already seen much about it, “I do not see that out there, do I, not really”, she once said to me, “I only see it inside my mind”. Her insight was a game-changer, her spark returned, and she was enjoying life once again until now.

We both knew that her thoughts would eventually change, but still, she preferred at this moment not to have them and be so frightened. My heart went out to her, hey me too!

We sat together, and I waited for something to occur that might be helpful. There was a feeling in me that was quiet and deeper; I suggested that we explore nature and the circle of life. Kara identified the leaves growing and falling off the trees, how some creatures live for a short time only to be dinner for others, and then she realised how we are born, grow, age and eventually die ourselves. Our discussion appeared to normalise the ageing process, and she became aware of the brilliance of the many intelligent life systems; we do not usually notice.

I don’t know what happened, but Kara appeared to get some distance from her troublesome thinking as we oriented towards nature’s magnificence. Her eyes lit up, and we decided to make a poster for her classroom to let her friends know they don’t need to be scared of their thinking; it’s part of nature and comes and goes!

What People Say About Working With Denise

Hannah Salem

I used to struggle to remain calm and confident in stressful situations, what others think of me, what would happen if I did something wrong? We are all capable of achieving, no part of our abilities is lacking! This programme has truly changed me for the best and is perfect during my final year of University.

Hannah Salem
Third Year Student - The University of Kent - Sports Therapy

Charles Mayhew

After a close family member benefitted hugely, I decided to work with Denise. It transformed my perspective and how I now live my life, clear-minded and knowing what’s truly important to me, which is so relaxing and enriching. I used to live in a place of “It’ll be better when”, so I was never present. “When I’ve sold the business..!” “When I’ve retired..!” When I’ve bought this house or car etc…..!” This program has given me my life back!

Charles Mayhew
Dad, Husband, Entrepreneur, and Sports Coach

Amelia Davies

Denise’s new approach is great for teamwork, we don’t get upset with each other anywhere near as much, and get over disappointments quickly.

Amelia Davies
Third Year Student - The University of Kent, Sports and Exercise for Health

Grayson Hart

I enjoyed speaking with Denise about the mind and performance. The conversations were very insightful and always had me challenging and questioning the status quo regarding mental performance. The critical pointer Denise gave was that our natural state is freedom of mind, clarity and potential. We don’t need to overexert the mind to find these states. Searching for them often leads us further into tension. I found this very relatable to direct experiences in life and sport.

Grayson Hart
Scotland International Rugby Player - London Scottish FC

Floyd Woodrow MBE

Denise is impressive in her abilities by any standard. Her ability to teach and develop those around her, mark her out as someone with exceptional leadership and coaching skills. I constantly seek advice and counsel from her and trust her implicitly.

Floyd Woodrow MBE
Chairman and CEO of Chrysalis Worldwide

Jack Pransky

Denise Holland is one of my best “students.” She is one of the few students I have asked to teach with me, and I was and remain very impressed with her presence, her knowledge, her wisdom, her feeling and her responsiveness. I would say anyone who works with Denise is in excellent hands.

Jack Pransky

Vicky Norman

Meeting Denise was perfect timing, written in the stars, foretold, whatever. My world was falling apart, my marriage had ended, my child was in serious trouble, and I was upping sticks and moving up North to run the biggest, most complex project of my career.
Four months later, my project is an astonishing success, my marriage is back on track, and best of all, my baby is coming back to me. I am different at work, at home, inside my head, and others can see it. The dark days aren’t dark any more because they don’t last, and the light days are far more frequent. Denise’s workj isn’t just amazing in the world of sport but any area of life.

Vicky Norman
Implementation Manager

Mark Harris

I reached out to Denise when my world seemed to be falling apart. I had recently received a diagnosis of two different types of cancer; my son was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and had little time to live. I did not know how to process all of this, and my mental state spiralled! Within ten minutes of quiet time with Denise, I felt everything lifting from my shoulders and a feeling of calm settling in its place. Working with Denise has given me a deeper understanding and knowledge of the mind, it keeps me on a healthy path not only in general day-to-day life but as a life skill in my work environment and sport. Forever grateful to you, Denise.

 

Mark Harris

Richard Pybus

Denise has been instrumental in my evolving understanding of the Three Principles and how they specifically apply in high-performance sport. Her insightful and intuitive way of working has challenged and deepened my fundamental understanding of all human performance. I’ll always be appreciative of her significant role in my development as a performance director and coach.

Richard Pybus
Founder & CEO Optimal Performance - Former Director of Cricket - West Indies Cricket Board

Matthew Roberts

I was fortunate enough to have a conversation with Denise over a cup of coffee when we met in America. It would be easy to accuse me of exaggeration or sensationalising by making the following statement, but I can only offer you the truth as I see it. The truth is that those few minutes changed my life. I had spent the last 15 years pursuing peak performance, competing internationally in the High jump and achieving a lifetime best of 2.26m. Through my love of this sport, I became a seeker, wanting to uncover the truth of the mind and how to reach that flow state. I’m not saying that I’m now enlightened, but I know that a beautiful, peaceful, loving state is only one thought away, for that, you have my complete and utter gratitude.”

 

Matthew Roberts
England International High Jumper who came back from breaking his neck!

Harriet Bonner-Leney

I enjoyed this course very much as it improved my shooting technique and accuracy dramatically. I learned that you do not have to be controlled by your negative thoughts because they are not you.

Harriet Bonner-Leney
Age 12

Adam Ashe

Denise has the skills and experience to wake people up to deeper knowledge about themselves. In the sporting arena, this knowledge happens to be crucially important.

Adam Ashe
Professional Rugby Player – Glasgow Warriors

Nadia McMillian

I am so grateful to have worked with Denise, I used to float in and out of different moods and believed it was other things and situations causing them. Honestly, this understanding has changed my life.

Nadia McMillian
Third Year Student - The University of Kent, Sport and Exercise Science.

Charlie Harris

Before I took part in Denise’s Health and Well Being programme, I stressed in many situations; it would prevent me from taking part in different things. I now look at the situations holistically and not let thoughts prevent me from putting myself forward.

Charlie Harris
2nd-year student – The University of Greenwich – Forensic science with Criminology Student

Stuart Lancaster

I appreciate the support Denise gave me when I was transitioning into my new role at Leinster and helping me understand how to ‘free my mind!

Stuart Lancaster
Senior Coach Leinster Rugby – Former England Rugby Coach

Lesley MacDonald

Denise has a tremendous understanding of how to achieve elite performance in sport. Her contagious enthusiasm is motivating and inspires you to the next level

Lesley MacDonald
Scotland National Netball Athlete (107 caps)