Dear friends, Persian poet, Rumi, asked a question in the 13 century that is as important for us 21st century folks as it was during his life time: Do you make regular visits to yourself? Some years back a lovely lady in one of my MBSR courses once spoke about locking herself in the bathroom to get away from the demands of her grandchildren and foster children who all lived with her. It’s … [Read more...]
Tibetan Prayer Wheels by Erdenebayar Bayansan at Pixabay Intentions, Blessings & the Brain In this tremendous year - the Year of Reaching Out as I call it - I have a blessing and intention for you. And for me. That you see with your own eyes what matters most, your relationships are enlightened with mutuality, you know more ways to live in harmony with your corner of the planet, and … [Read more...]
When the Body-Mind Chooses
However you're feeling right now, I'm here to say I'm with you. If you're well, that's good and if you're not, then that's okay too. One thing 2020 has taught me is that normal includes many states of being and we've certainly been given lots of opportunities to practise being patient, kind, and accepting of ourselves and others. A year of mindfulness whether you meditate or … [Read more...]
When Things Fall Apart or Just About To
How are you? I know I asked you in the last blog post and I ask again: Really, how are you? I've had an intense time of it the past month with days when my own mental health needed attention and a break from my own pattern of overextending myself on behalf of others. It's exhausting and doesn't really enable the other, yet the pattern ran on autopilot. Lesson learned. For now. This … [Read more...]
Autumn Harvest of Affordable Care of Mind & Body
How are you? No, really, how are you? I harvested a batch of herbs this week and my tiny harvest makes me smile. Growing something from seed is a first for me. We've had all sorts of experiences this year that qualify as firsts in many different areas of our lives. What are your firsts in this stupendous year? Ta da! Announcing Affordable Calm & Balance I'm seeding another … [Read more...]
Make an Appointment with Joy
There were times this week when the state of the world felt like a worry that wrapped me tightly in its angst and threatened never to let go. So, I share a poem from one of my favourite poets about joy - it's a healthy antidote to fear and a useful habit to create and, as a very wise friend once told me, we need to plan it into each day, just as we would make appointment in the diary. Joy for … [Read more...]
To BE You or To DO You?
Photo credit: Calista Tee on Unsplash How to Live Life with More Ease I’m loving the fullness and shape of trees everywhere and the also the fact that I harvested my first ever lettuces! My radish harvest, sadly, was chomped away by wee beasties. Thankfully, they didn’t like the taste of lettuce. This is certainly a year for learning new things, isn’t it? For fear of sounding like a scratched … [Read more...]
Simple Ways to Release Lockdown Pressure
What did you discover about yourself or the state of your life during the Corona virus lockdown? While many people suffered unforgettable loss, pain and hardship, perhaps, you were among those who were able to use the time well: learning something useful online, dusting off and revisiting long neglected craft projects, finally finding time for regular physical activity, listening to … [Read more...]
Happiness – Plan for It!
Precious people, I hope you’re keeping healthy and topping up vitamin D reserves while you're out and about enjoying summer's burst of colour and heat. I plan for winter at this time of year - lining up my diary with events and activities that will warm my heart, if nothing else, when its grey and cold! So far, 2018 has claimed the lives of two of my dear friends, an old colleague and … [Read more...]
2018 – It’s Up to You!
How to Make the Coming Year a Happy One A few days before my Dad died in 1988 he told my mother not to expect anything from anyone. He was 48. It's taken me a few decades of living - with plenty of mistakes - to understand exactly what he meant. Expecting what others say or do to make us happy - family, friends, fellow workers, strangers - is like walking … [Read more...]