Just a little bit about me and my background. I was born in Prescot near Liverpool in 1963. I grew up quick as my Mum suffered from bipolar disorder and back in the 60's and 70's medication was not as good and services were few and far between. I excelled at school and went to Lancaster University studying engineering which I failed and then went to Leeds where I ended up turning to meditation as I was really down. I just wanted to feel better! I travelled about a bit and ended up in the Hare Krishna Movement for 7 days and ended up spiked with drugs which resulted in me being diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1987. I discovered Soto Zen in 1988 and was linked with Throssel Hole Priory through a group in Lancaster run by Paul Taylor. That was a great help but I strayed from the Middle Path and ended up in hospital again in 1989. I have been stable since then and lead a normal life now thanks to friends, poetry, meditation, medication and laughter!