Please take a look at my motivational video tab and watch the inspirational story of Tererai Trent. No matter how impossible a dream may seem in your current situation. I feel if you desire it with all your heart it will manifest for you. The story of Tererai illustrates this point perfectly.

Never worry about the starting point or the trajectory desire the dream fully in your heart and allow it to unfold even though the route may not be as you imagined.

Start believing in the power of dreams.

Sending love and blessings x

Most of the time we observe other people’s achievements or lack of achievement as a bench mark for our possible performance. We do not think independently or question the validity of certain limits.

We were led to believe that the human body could not withstand ice cold temperatures for long periods that was until Wim Hof decided to test this theory. By altering his breathing he was able to change his body’s biochemistry and thus withstand prolonged period of time submerged in ice cold temperatures. He achieved the Guinness world record for ice endurance with a time of 1 hour and 52 minutes.  This retests the old theory that our bodies definitely go into hypothermia after a few minutes which was a paradigm held until now.

Prior to 1954 it was believed that the mile could not be run under 4 minutes that was until Dr Roger Bannister broke the record with a time of 3:59.4 minutes. Dr Bannister only held onto this record for 46 days and the record was broken again. This record has been improved upon numerous times and the four minute mile is currently considered a standard for most male distance runners. At the time of writing the record for the mile is 3:43.13. This fundamentally reveals when the mental limitation is removed it allowed others to believe that they could run even faster and physiology could be tested.

Another lovely example of lifting self limitation was a story I came across a while back. A 61 year old Australian farmer called Cliff Young entered the Sydney to Melbourne ultra marathon. He entered the race without any training competing against elite athletes and ended up wining the race and breaking the record by almost two days. Cliff shared his prize money with his fellow competitors and did not keep any of it for himself. He was not phased by his fellow competitors and kept his focus on finishing the race.

Therefore should we test more of our own boundaries by trying to explore our possibilities rather treading the same worn tracks of others? The above story shows that even age does not have to cap our potential. Opening up our minds and trying is a way in which we expand our experience allowing more self belief to come in rather than always believing others.

I am not suggesting to go straight out and attempt such feats like submerging in an ice bath but slowly exploring different experiences and by understanding your own capabilities you can open up a world of possibilities. Never let your age, sex and background define your future goals.

Set your own limits !

Sending love and blessings x

 

 

 

Everything we feel with our five senses is essentially energy in vibrations and as much as something may look and feel solid it is fundamentally energy in vibrations. As we need to maintain our oxygen, food and electrolytes in equilibrium for optimal wellbeing we also need to be aware of our energy balance.

We are armed with so many ways in which we can top up our energy levels; listening to feel good music, movement, speaking to a loved one, meditation or being outdoors in nature. It is like life has given us a remote control to change the programme playing in our heads, however we decide to continue with the same negative thoughts and thus allow the mood to linger. We could choose to recognise how we feel and take proactive measures to try and shift the energy and therefore start to feel better by doing more of what feels good to us.

Like most worthwhile things this takes practice. We can maintain relatively good control over our physical bodies but it is harder to reign in old thought patterns which often seem to be stuck on repeat. Just recognising what sound track is playing in your head is a good step in them trying to change the thoughts using the means mentioned above. Ultimately allowing us to be more proactive than just reactive about what happens in our lives. Thinking the same thoughts over and over again depletes your energy trying to look at things differently rewires your brain with new connections thus helping boost energy and restore the internal balance.

Have your emergency mind first aid pack to hand

1-A few positive mental images that you can revert to can make you feel better and relax

2- Feel good songs which boost your energy with singing along will help dissipate stress.

3- A feel good movie which transports you to a different vibration and helps you shift out of your current vibration even if it is temporary you will still benefit mentally and physically.

4- A good friend or family member on speed dial to talk your worries and concerns over like the old phase a problem shared is a problem halved.

5- Any kind of movement whether it is just stretching, dancing or walking adds energy to your reservoir. Often we feel we do not have the energy to do anything physical but exercise works like a dynamo and we end up energised.

6- Nature is abundant with energy, the wind, trees, the sunbeams radiating down on you so getting outdoors helps dwindling energy levels. Natural light helps to harmonise our natural circadian hormones.

7- Meditation and focus breath work helps to calm down the inner turmoil and close down some of the programs you do not currently need helping to save energy and also shift you to a calmer vibration.

We register when we are hungry or thirsty and take steps to rectify these yet we seem to ignore the signs of mood shifting. Learning to understand that we have more power over how we choose to feel helps to liberate us from repeated cycles. Setting out to proactively do more of what makes us feel good even though this may be a bit selfish at times. Since ultimately if our own battery is full we can better address the needs of others.

Our bodies have a very complex operating system but we lug it around with little curiosity and wonder of how this amazing machine works. We can all operate our smart phones more expertly than our own bodies. Become an expert on your own bodies internal operating system and it will be more than just a container for your organs.

Learn to recognise how the subtle variations in breathing, posture and thoughts have on the working of the whole body. After all yoga postures are about restoring energy balance rather than exercise. The word yoga actually means reunion back with source energy.

Our mind body soul is a priceless perfect union take the time to find out about its wonder and perfection. So fit your own energy smart meter and keep the meter topped up.

Sending love and Blessings x

 

 

 

“A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick out teeth, but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.”                                         -Roald Dahl

When we change our perspective we change everything about our experience. A lovely example of this was during the busy morning commute into London a train guard called Stewart on the district & circle line announced each train with joy and enthusiasm entertaining us all and forcing us all to smile. His view was similar to mine in that if you are compelled to do something you have the choice to enjoy it or moan about it. His positive energy was infectious on the platform benefiting both himself and everyone else who came into contact with him. Yet on other platforms the trains were announced in more despondent tones by the other guards. This is an example of how two people see the same job.

We may have no choice about going to work for eight hours but we have a choice on how we want to experience that time period. Thus when your perspective changes time flies by and it almost seems like fun and not work. Do not delay in finding joy in all that you do and you will become a supercharged magnet for positive experiences.

How we think and feel is really what shapes our day rather than the things that happen. Start focusing on all the good in your life and then expand out to all that is good in the world. There is more kindness and good in the world but we have to attach our awareness to it rather than following the crowd or being spoon feed by the media.

Life is really a mind game change your mind change your life.

Sending love and blessings x

Carrying out a good spring clean getting rid of unwanted items and generally creating free space leaves us feeling unburdened and lighter.

How about making today your head declutter day getting rid of thoughts that no longer serve you letting go of the past since it can not be changed. Making room for new thinking and creative thought. What thoughts would you like to furnish your head with? No one can think for us we have 100% input so therefore choose more wisely. 

Enjoy the wonderful weather spread kindness like it’s the biggest infection going.

Sending love and blessings xx

 

 

We all have a unique micro-biome i.e. a collection of gut bacteria which we acquire from the time of our birth and then from our environment.

This is a very delicate balance of good bacteria vs bad bacteria and this fine line can be easily affected especially by antibiotics, high sugar or low fibre diets

Bacteria appear to be very important to our wellbeing. Studies have shown that the gut flora can affect our metabolism. Researchers have demonstrated that slim people have more of the good bacteria compared to overweight individuals. The mechanism of this is still being investigated, but it seems that the gut bacteria effect the way the food is digested. It has been suggested that people with a poor gut micro-biome may eat the same amount as someone else with a healthy gut bacteria but may acquire more energy from it and therefore put weight on. This has been demonstrated in identical twins. One twin was overweight and the other normal weight, when the gut bacteria were analysed the normal weight twin had more of one gut bacteria compared to their twin.

Foods such as sugar, white flour and processed foods encourage growth of this bad weight inducing bacteria and thus upset the fine balance. The mechanism is thought to  disrupt insulin levels which can effect the way way fat is laid down and also have an influence on the gut hormones of Leptin and Ghrelin which help to regulate appetite.

Dietary changes can improve your gut bacteria. Fibre, vegetables, whole grains and fruit help replenish the good bacteria over time.

Healthy fats such as coconut and avocado have also been shown to help cultivate a healthy gut bacteria. In addition, fish and nuts are beneficial as they are both rich in omega three.

Interestingly many cultures around the world have been aware of bacterial benefits and have often included fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt and kimchi into their diets. In order to benefit from these foods try to buy fresh non pasteurised versions since the process of pasteurisation kills off the good bacteria. I regularly make my own kimchi using a recipe from the internet.

A healthy gut helps to counteract the effects of stress since a large amount of our happy hormone serotonin is produced in the gut. Thus, your gut bacteria may also be affecting your mood!

Periodically we become aware of our gut intuition therefore the benefits of a healthy gut can not be overemphasised since it may also help with this sixth sense.

We have to be loving and caring to our subpopulations of bacteria and they will in turn nurture us back to optimal health by allowing efficient nutrient uptake.

Sending love and Blessings x

 

 

Relationships challenge us daily. Initially during the honeymoon period we only see the positive qualities in the other person but then over time we start to focus more on the negative qualities, with the cute habits now a great source of irritation.

Refocusing on all the great qualities of your partner can help shift the energy of a relationship and when one person changes the other often reciprocates with kindness and love.

Another person can never be responsible for our happiness. Maybe that line from Jerry McGuire you complete me has done a great disservice since no one but ourselves can complete us.

Self empowerment actually strengthens our relationship’s with every person we meet since we attract like minded souls. Ultimately we are really on our own soul journey of experience and this realisation allows us to see the uniqueness of others rather than trying to remould them.

Every relationship teaches us something about ourself a bit like a mirror. What is your relationship reflecting back at you?

Often during the age of about forty onwards we start analysing and questioning relationships. The mid-life crisis occurs once we realise that others and material things we have been striving for can not make us happy. We need to seek out love for ourselves rather than seeking out love from others. Since if you can not love yourself how do you expect others to love you.

Two people join together in a relationship hoping they will be stronger together only to find that they have less joy, excitement and contentment. They have less since a lot of their individuality is given up to stay in the relationship.

Working on making your self happy is the fastest way to improve your relationships. Since you are able to come from a place of strength, joy and happiness. This then reflects out onto all your loved ones.

It is always much easier being around joyful positive people; be the change you want to see in others.

Sending love and Blessings x

Recent events made me think about an inspiring and uplifting book called left to tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza

Immaculee’s story fills my heart with love and hope. Immaculee was brought up in Rwanda a beautiful young scholarship student supported by a warm loving Tutsus family. In 1994 Political events in Rwanda resulted in a mass horrific genocide where previously loving friends were able to seek out and kill other friends simply because they were the wrong tribe.

Hatred and fear was rife during this period, innocent Tutsis families including children were slaughtered and killed Immaculee’s family and friends were amongst these. In total one million people were brutally killed in just three months, many more were injured and displaced.

Immaculee along with seven other women were hidden by a pastor neighbour in a tiny  3 feet by 4 feet bathroom this neighbour belonged to the opposing Hutus tribe but he risked his own life to help shelter these women. During this time the house was repeatedly searched from top to bottom by three to four hundred Hutus armed with machetes but they were fortunately not discovered. They were huddled up in silence for ninety one days living off nothing but scraps and in constant fear of being found. Throughout this time Immaculee trusted her faith and feels it was due to the grace of god that she was kept safe.

In this dark period she found the light within her and an awareness that we are always protected and connected to a higher source. This insight gave her the power to eliminate hatred and open her heart to forgive the people who had so savagely killed her family. She wanted to stay aligned with love rather than go onto the side of hatred and therefore not become like the killers. With a deeper understanding that these people who can kill have lost their way she prayed that one day too they can see the light and love.

During the subsequent period of reconciliation Immaculee was given the opportunity to go to the prison to see the killer who killed her parents face to face. Her heart was so overflowing with love and compassion that she was able to look into his eyes and forgive him. Immaculee had a profound realisation that hatred can only destroy and that only love can rebuild.

We must never lose sight of the fact that anger and hate breaks the world apart compassion, forgiveness and love heals and unites the world.

Lets us never become the people we judge we have to always stay in the light and not step into the darkness.

This inspiring story shows the power of forgiveness is the key that sets us free rather than being stuck in the bondage of fear, anger and hate.

Sending love and blessings x

 

 

Caffeine is a well recognised stimulant causing adrenaline production therefore if you are already stressed it can further increase anxiety levels. Gradually cutting back rather than eliminating all at once will help reduce potential side effects of withdrawal e.g. headaches and fatigue. Trying non-caffeinated drinks such as herbal teas can help reduce adrenaline levels and your taste buds usually adapt after about 48 hours. The benefit of caffeine reduction is feeling much calmer throughout the day rather than experiencing the highs and low of caffeine rushes.

I was a complete caffeine addict for 20 years surviving on 10 cups of a coffee a day but kicked the habit six months ago. I feel more clearer in my headspace. It feels like the mental fog has lifted. I also found my skin and hair have improved in feel and texture as  caffeine is very dehydrating on both of these areas.

Some herbal teas you may want to try:

Lavender herbal tea

• 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers
• 1 teaspoon dried camomile flowers
• Wild honey to taste

Place herbs in a warmed teapot cover with boiling water steep for 3-5 mins strain and serve.

Peppermint – fennel tea

• 1 tsp of peppermint leaves
• 1 tsp of lemon balm leaves
• 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds

Place all the herbs in a teapot Steep for 10 mins  strain and serve

Fresh zingy ginger tea

Fresh 2 inch piece of ginger peeled and grated added to a teapot, cover with hot water and allow steep for 5 mins (add lemon if desired).

Or it you want to try the shop bought ones.

I recommend the Sleep Tea by Pukka – best before bedtime.

Also there is a lovely herbal teas by Positivi Tea (I picked up these in Whole foods).

I am also fortunate to have some garden space thus I grow herbs in pots on my patio and make fresh tea with them. If you lack a garden why not try growing herbs on a window sill?

Avoid the caffeine rush and consequences of over stimulation. Remember do not follow the easy path, do not follow the crowd, do what feels right for you.

Sending love and blessings x

No one can take a single breath for us. No one can think a single thought for us. Only we can experience ourselves our bodies, hopes, dreams and fears. We can choose how we want to experience this precious lifetime, since we always have the power to control our reactions.

Sometimes we only choose to really live when a terminal diagnosis is on the horizon and then we see the priceless value of every sunrise. Thus we have to take responsibility to live daily rather than just passing the days till our last breath.

Take responsibility for your time, energy and thoughts. 

Sending love and blessings x