In a world filled with diverse cultures and languages, the journey of musician Tsvetana Petrushin, is an inspiring tale of how she discovered her purpose. Her remarkable story led her to the Caux Palace, where she found support, inspiration, and a sense of belonging which has transformed her life.

Early Years and Musical Passion

Tsvetana’s upbringing in Russia was marked by her deep connection to music. Growing up in a family with a strong musical background, she developed a keen ear for music and a passion for singing in various languages.

Tsvetana earnt a grant to study at a local conservatory. During that time, she could hear the notes she longed to sing, but her voice refused to comply, leaving her plagued by self-doubt, only exacerbated by a lack of support from family and teachers.

Upon leaving the conservatory she made three significant discoveries that would contribute to her transformation.

Firstly, she delved into yoga and simultaneously explored Mongolian Tibetan singing. These practices taught her how to connect with her inner self, sense the vibrations and energy within, and ultimately find the elusive notes she longed to sing. Her third discovery was jazz music, which gave her a well needed sense of freedom.

Her life took an unexpected turn when she met a friend online from Ukraine. Seizing the opportunity for adventure and personal growth, she embarked on a journey with him hitchhiking across Russia and Belarus to Ukraine, where they eventually got married. Though the marriage eventually ended, it marked a crucial chapter in her life. 

Journey to the Caux Palace

When war erupted in Ukraine, Tsvetana found her way to a small village near the Hungarian border, unable to return to Russia due to her investment in her life in Ukraine. She sought refuge in a theatre where she lived alongside 30 others whilst volunteering in the village. It was at this time that she learnt of a woman who regularly helped people travel to Switzerland so she took this opportunity to start her new life.  

A couple of weeks after arriving in Switzerland, Tsvetana was granted refugee status and she chose to settle in Montreux, a natural option for a music lover. This was a very difficult time for her, where she continued to be plagued with self doubt about her purpose in life and future. 

It was at one of those bad moments, in her search for harmony and balance, that Tsvetana found herself at the Caux Palace one summer's day. Having persuaded the person at the entrance to let her spend a short time on the terrace, she could not resist sitting down at the grand piano on her way back through the Main Hall. Thinking she was alone she sang one of her songs, but her music caught the ear of a guest at the conference being held that week in Caux by Hatch a community of innovators focused on activating creativity for a better world. This lady invited Tsvetana to stay for the conference.

The Caux Palace: A Place of Transformation

During the Hatch conference, attendees were asked 5 times the same question: Why are you here? For Tsvetana her realization was that she felt she had found a family in Caux: the non-judgmental, caring environment filled with people who encouraged her to be herself was something she had been yearning for.

These remarks resonated deeply with Ignacio Packer, Executive Director of Caux Initiatives of Change, also present at the meeting, and he invited Tsvetana to return to the Caux Palace on several occasions thereafter to share her music and story with others.

A Harmonious Future

The Caux Palace emerged as the backdrop for Tsvetana's personal and creative transformation. Here, she found a space where her voice was heard and her ideas were valued. The sense of support, faith, and belief in others at Caux Palace became instrumental in her journey. “It’s so strange that people are taught to believe in God but not to believe in themselves”, she concludes.

These moments in Caux helped her realize that to bring about change in society, one must start with individual change. This profound insight echoes the principles of Initiatives of Change that change starts with me and personal transformation is the foundation for global transformation

Tsvetana now envisions a path where she can combine music with psychology to help people find their own voices. Her belief is that true harmony can only be achieved when the soul is in tune with the voice. Her story reminds us that finding one's purpose and embracing personal change can be the catalyst for creating a better world.

It’s so strange that people are taught to believe in God but not to believe in themselves.

Tsvetana Petrushina