What to Do When your World Caves in
What is the first thing you do when your world caves in – through bad news or a shocking experience? Christiane Wolf suggests that rather than having to face it – knowing you can’t force acceptance straight away, the best response is to ask yourself, ‘What is the kindest thing for me right now?’ When…
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Connection is what heals your feelings of separation
It might appear very simple to remember that connection is what heals your feelings of separation. Yet feelings of separation are very common. We feel separate from other people, from what is going on in the world, from our family and loved ones, and even from ourselves. We’ve bought into the great big fat lie…
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Magic things you discover through mindfulness
‘The universe if full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to become sharper.’ Eden Phillpotts Magic things We take for granted so many things. We don’t always stop to appreciate them. Magic things you discover through mindfulness. In her book, ‘An Altar in the World’, Barbara Brown Taylor reveals the countless ways we…
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Shift from Anxiety to Self-compassion
We tend to be hard task-masters, tough on ourselves. We sometimes view gentleness, compassion and kindness as weaknesses. Does this sound familiar? Our media and the world around us is aggressive and harsh, cruel and judgmental. This further supports the idea that kindness and self-compassion are soft options. Yet a shift from anxiety to self-compassion…
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4 Tips to Tackle Your Anxiety
Anxiety is one of many emotions we all experience. A certain level is normal but when it becomes crippling or feels as though it is in charge of you, then it’s time to tackle your anxiety. Tip 1 Stand your ground! If you’re quaking in your boots or trembling like a leaf, guide…
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Spring is on its way
The only thing I can be sure of right now, is that spring is on its way Everything else is uncertain. Yet the truth is, we lull ourselves into certainties. Really, every day is an unknown. So take heart in the sound of birdsong; robins, sparrows and crows. Nothing fancy. Just the joyous sound that…
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Are your Thoughts on Autopilot?
Your brain likes to conserve energy. Lots of things you do occur on autopilot so that you can function easily and swiftly. But possibly less helpful are your thoughts on autopilot. Me and My Big Mouth! You may find you go through the motions of your life on autopilot. Yet it’s not just your day-to-day…
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10 Tips for Tranquility over the Festive Season
Christmas is on it’s way once more! It is a very different experience for each of us and can get pretty stressful. Balance your health and wellbeing with these 10 tips for tranquility so that you can fully enjoy the festive season! 1. Gratitude practice We have much to appreciate at this time of year.…
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Bombarded by thoughts – let mindfulness help
Do you find yourself with no control over your thoughts? They become overwhelming, unhelpful and relentless. When you are bombarded by thoughts, let mindfulness help! Step 1 Thinking is normal and natural There are no right or wrong thoughts. With mindful awareness, you can notice you’re having these thoughts without judging yourself. This can be…
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Trust Yourself
When making decisions – do you trust yourself? You’re sitting on your own, in your home. You’ve changed out of your work clothes and you’re relaxed. No-one is around. Who are you when everything else has dropped away? Your name, age, religion, job title and any other labels you have for yourself no longer define…
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Access the Wise Information of your Body through Mindfulness
‘All our reactions to people, to situations, to thoughts in our mind – are actually reactions to the kind of sensations that are arising in our body.’ Tara Brach, ‘Radical Acceptance’ It’s worth reading Tara Brach’s words carefully! It’s easy for us all to forget that our bodies are finely-tuned towards wisdom. You can access…
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Why should I be kind to myself?
‘In a world where you can be anything, be kind’ To yourself. To others Be kind to yourself Have you noticed that you don’t often apply this idea to yourself? To others, yes, but to be kind to yourself? This might even seem a strange concept – you are getting through your days with a…
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Have Yourself a Mindful Little Christmas
Being mindful is neither a chore nor a rigid set of rules. Experience a mindful Christmas of joy and quiet pleasure. Enjoy these simple reminders! ‘During the next few weeks, observe yourself compassionately, like a professional chess player watching a three-year-old learn the moves. Notice when you become stressed, manic, demanding, anxious, or seized by…
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‘I don’t feel good enough!’
Most of us put on a brave front. We push ourselves harder and we keep positive. And yet beneath the veneer of success or mask of serenity that we’ve created, we often don’t feel good enough. Those constant stories A ‘trance of unworthiness’ lies beneath all our endeavours. This is Tara Brach’s term – a…
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Finding Tranquillity
Life is busy and it’s easy to let stress build up. Yet even within the busiest of towns and cities where you might work you can find tranquillity. Find Tranquillity in Unexpected Places By seeking out nature you can enjoy a tranquil spot which provides space to reflect and recover from stress. I love these…
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Signs of Stress
What, for you, are the most obvious signs of stress? A little stress is healthy but when you’re experiencing it for longer lengths of time, it can become a problem. Some of your most obvious signs of stress might be easy to pinpoint yet signs of stress can reveal themselves in more complex ways. There…
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Nature Inspires Calm!
When you’re feeling frazzled by life and need to take a moment to slow down, let nature inspire you to be calm. When you bring your awareness to your breathing, this directs your focus to the present moment. It’s helpful to remind yourself that you are in this living, breathing body, not just a busy…
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You are Valuable
‘Name a quality or strength that you value about yourself’ Silence. This was a suggestion to each person during our Meditation Session. Everyone found this tricky – they either couldn’t think in that moment of anything, or were reluctant to say! Sit on your own and give yourself time to think about it. You may…
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A Timely Reminder – Value Yourself
The things I value the most are priceless. As a mother, some of those moments slip through your fingers as you quietly hold the space for your babies and young children to be themselves. You create the space for your children to learn through existence and to play. To care for them at bath-time, share…
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Know that You are Lovable
A paper heart, bouquet of flowers or box of chocolates aren’t necessary signs that you’re lovable. Being in a one-to-one relationship with another person is not the highest bench-mark that you are worthy and ‘normal’. You have goodness in your heart and you’re entirely worthy of love. Your personality, thoughts and feelings are wondrous and…
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The Trouble with Mindfulness Practice
The trouble with mindfulness practice is that you forget! You get immersed in your busy life. The reasons you want to be more mindful are the same reasons that make it feel you have no time for it! Life feels like you’re on a carousel, where whirling thoughts take you round in circles. Or maybe…
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