Mary Paterson

Mary Paterson is the author of "The Monks and Me," a spiritual memoir detailing her 40-day experience at Thich Nhat Hanh's monastery in France.

Published in 2012, the book has been translated into 10 languages and gained international acclaim.

Paterson holds a psychology degree and has extensively studied various spiritual disciplines, particularly Tibetan and Zen Buddhism.

She teaches yoga and meditation, and has a background in performing arts.

Currently, Paterson is working on her second book, inspired by her recent travels in the Himalayas, focusing on how life crises can be opportunities for personal growth.