I met Ned just over ten years ago. My mother had just passed away. I wanted a tattoo that I had been arguing with my mum about from her perspective as a public health nurse. And so after she passed, my mum's good friend introduced me to Ned. It was a healing experience unlike any other, and I now have a full upper back and good chunk of both arms inked at Ned's hand. I have had the honour of listening to many of his stories in my hours spent in his tattoo chair, and I am so excited to share many of them with you here now. In this episode, we discuss Ned's journey through life up until now; his struggles, his dark and challenging mental health times in which he shares feeling suicidal, the support he received and sought out, and the other side on which he has found himself for many years now. He is an incredible, self-made tattoo artist and mental health advocate. He does so much for his community through mental health advocacy, fundraising, education through his three published books, and his work with U Matter. Ned has devoted the last 20 years of his life studying spirituality and self help. He spent eight years with the Ishaya Monks, eventually he took vows and became a monk for one year. For the last 27 years he has been a self-employed tattoo artist. His experience as an artist spurred his awakening and his time with the monks helped deepen it. Ned's curious spirit and willingness to love has enlivened his ability to be a teacher to many. Ned attended the University of Western Ontario to study Psychology and English. Over the years he has facilitated workshops and talks in schools, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Police Collage, Rogers Daytime TV, Unifor 2017 EFAP/Addictions Conference. In 2016, he became an Ordained Minister. Currently, he is extra busy creating extra resources for his Umatter site, including free, full access to the audiobook version of Be Love. He says, 'This is a notable time where we need to come together and lend support wherever we can. There has never been a more critical moment in our history where we need as many conscious people as possible. The darkness the world is experiencing is a great call for us to reach into our soul and to unify with others. It is my aim to create heartfelt connections with others and to support the personal empowerment of all beings. Your empowerment and deeper awakenings will not only give this planet hope, but it will also assist others to rise to their greatest potential.' Connect with Ned on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nedburwell/ or on his Websites for his other content: www.umatter.ca www.endlessboundaries.ca