Easy Like Sunday Morning Holistic Living

There are times when I feel truly heart centered, coming from a place of loving kindness with the work that I do. This I felt when Helping a client overwhelmed with grief with decisions on what to keep, what to give away and creating a serenity space in her home, ready for staging to sell and moving on with her life.

I assisted a client who was needing help with getting her property ready for staging to sell. She's creative and musical and recently lost her husband and soul mate. There were so many ornaments, photos and artifacts, memories of him and their beautiful life together. She had decided to sell and the first part of this process was to sort, organise and clear some parts of the house in preparation for staging photographs.

This emotionally loaded activity is an important part of the transitional process. The grief of both loosing a loved one and for yourself moving from one home to another. The client told me she was overwhelmed with it all and needed my assistance.

I delight in helping people create a serenity space. Areas which are mindfully dedicated to honouring someone, something, maybe an event or an intention of one's life in the future. I work in a compassionate way.

With this client I also provided a listening ear [see my Listening Cheerleader]. As we worked together, making choices with the individual items, she shared with me how grief had affected her, what changes there now were in her life and her intentions for her new life.

Transitions, life's turning points, key events marking our journey. The process of deciding what to keep as special, bringing us joy and good memories. Or things we no longer enjoy despite their financial value, or nostalgic attachment. Items we've kept 'just in case' yet that day never happened and deciding now to dispose of them  . Every item has energy. Every decision takes energy. Each physical movement to pack, place in the recycling box, or collection of items which will be passed onto a new owner. We forget how much emotional and physical energy is expended with this process, whether you're doing it alone or with a friend/professional.

I spent the day helping her pack those special ornaments away, memories that will be unpacked and displayed afresh in her new home. Listening to her wonderful stories of life together, over tea and biscuits sitting on the balcony with birds chattering near by.

In the winter time and we like the comfort of staying nestled inside. Let me encourage you to embrace the rain, the coldness and traditions surrounding Winter Solstice. In this episode I introduce winter solstice and the tradition of collecting holly and ivy. These examples of evergreens represent life as it flourishes through this season of shorter days and longer nights. The transition towards the Spring. 

If you think there's too much focus given on the glitz and glamour of Christmas, try stepping outside sitting by a tree and do a Pause Moment  with divining cards. In the Pause Moment for this episode I use the example of The Wisdom of Tree Oracle, inspirational cards for wisdom and guidance by Jane Struthers and illustrated by Meraylah Allwood. Jane says "Reconnect with the natural world and discover your true sense of self." 

Zoom-aholic! Healthy Smoothie Pause moment make from what's in my kitchen

Smoothie Making for fun and health from what's in my kitchen

Here's to having creative fun experimenting with ingredients to make a healthy based smoothie that you can drink straight away or store in the fridge for later.

Taking time in this way is a form of Pause Moments, one of my short senses based mindful meditation techniques to refresh the mind and calm the emotions.

Smoothie making is a good distraction from an intense period of work or just as a reset in your day.

I don't make any claims that this is going to make you a healthier person and for some people the ingredients may not suit them. Feel free to substitute ingredients for what works or suits your taste and preferences or values.

The theme of this episode is also understanding the benefits that  quality rest gives us in dealing with traumas in your life and in these  times of uncertainty and change. Change brings both uncertainty and the  potential of possibility. How can we support our sensitive self during  changing times using rest.

My guest is Allison Marlowe. In 2014 Allison suffered her second  major burn out. Her life up til then appeared to the world as having  ‘made it’, with all the signs of a good life. Then she lost both her  business and marriage. She had been a business coach and successful  founder of Global Winning Women, a networking and connections  organisation.

Her recovery journey back to health took 4 years. During this time  she learned about the effects of life’s traumas and how they go into the  body. Often without us being conscious to this. Effecting us physically  and also mentally. In 2020 we have all been affected by a global  trauma. Allison offers us a way to dissolve these traumas as she  describes the benefits of experiencing quality rest.

Pause Moments mindfulness meditation has become really popular.  Meditation has been adapted into many variations from it’s original  roots of traditional Hinduism and Buddhist spiritual practices and yoga.  I consider mindfulness as being part of all spiritual life no matter  what the beliefs. Pause moments are aligned with mindfulness practice.

If you experience one or more of the following states then do listen  to this episode. To hear more about pause moments. How they form part of  conscious slow living.

Describing your life as rushing around, with too much to do and too  little time. Feeling irritated, impatient and self critical or critical  of others. You becoming frustrated at minor things. That you are not in  control. You have self doubts and that gloomy dark cloud comes by to  visit one too many times.

Practicing pause moment mindfulness meditation enables you to make  more healthful, heart-centered decisions. The techniques assist in  bringing your mind and body back into balance to equilibrium. You’ll  find it easier to take life slower. An additional bonus is developing  Being kinder to yourself. Something which is very much needed in the  world. Self compassion is learned. In this podcast episode I describe  Pause Moments mindfulness meditation and why the practice is beneficial.

I reveal a little about my own character and why, as the originator  of pause moments, these micro mindfulness techniques has changed how I  lived my life, for the better.The Pause moment sequence at the end is a  senses self awareness, we focus on listening, smelling catching the  scent on the air and breathing.

What makes a perfect body? What is that exactly? Is it just looks or health? Is it simply an elusive goal?

Moon cycle and summer solstice offer zen calm mind for burnt out women professionals

In this episode I interview Natalie Shaul. She is a life coach for  burnt out women from a professional background. Natalie utilises the  energy of summer solstice, the expansion energy and the moon cycles to  assist her client’s wellness.

Natalie is one special person! After living a normal corporate life  of stress and overachieving she burnt out emotionally and physically  several times. Her recovery journey has helped inform her and inspired  her to help other women in a similar position.  As a lifestyle coach she  helps burnt out women professionals. To wake up with mental clarity.  And with physical wellness being ready to seize the day.

It’s June and the time of Summer Solstice. I invited Natalie to  acknowledge that the underlying earth energy is the peak of expression.  Mid summer there’s a feeling of expansion. It’s an ideal time for moving  forward with our projects. Solstice is one of the fire ceremonies of  purification and setting intention. We started with a ritual of ‘jumping  the flames’. A simple ritual was to lite a candle as we let go of self  judgement, criticism and self doubt. These might be the same limiting  beliefs that affect other professionals women who are burnt out and  artisan women.

In this episode I’m in conversation with my guest Dilyana Mileva who  is the founder of Dilyana Yoga. She’s a private Yoga teaching in  Vancouver Canada and online.

Dilyana’s mission is “To empower and uplift  woman in midlife to live  their lives in purpose, power and passion. By providing an environment  conducive to their healing and growth.”

She also offers Rise Above Menopause as an online course for woman  40+. The course teaches you how prepare to go through menopause so to  keep you balanced and to feel happier, and you’re more relaxed and  healthier. I think we all wish for that as we go towards our magical  years.

Jumping the summer solstice fire at home. A simple technique to let go of your Resistance to change.

I welcomed Dilyana at this time of mid summer solstice when the  underlying energy is the peak of expression and expansion.  Because   Solstice is one of the fire ceremonies of purification and setting  intention it’s the ideal time for moving forward with our projects.

We started the conversation with a ritual of ‘jumping the flames’  represented by our desktop lite candle. Dilyana was letting go of things  that no longer benefit her because they were holding her back.  As well  as letting go of the resistance to change. I’m sure many of us   struggle with. Resistance to change can affect sensitive, creative and  artisan women. At summer Solstice we are clearing the way for the new to  come into our life.

Dilyana explained that in menopause the women’s spiritual aspect  becomes stronger. To encourage this and for hormone balancing she uses  pranayama yogic breathing. Other techniques are meditation, menopause  yin yoga and holistic health techniques.

I was curious to hear about hand reflexology with breath work.  Dilyana uses these techniques to help calm the mind ready for sleep. We  also chatted about going inside ourselves to find a greater sense of  peace for spiritual connection.

What’s good in your day?

I ask my guests what’s good in your day? Dilyana was enthusiastic  about her yoga practice outside because on the ground it feels grounding  and uplifting. Outside yoga starts her day off with a feeling of  relaxed calm

Dilyana online:

Our home environment offers serenity sacred comfort for those of us  who are curious creatives, ENFP personality, who struggle getting easily  stressed and overwhelmed.
In this episode I explain how to create a special home sacred space to celebrate death of a dog

I talk about canine loss felt by intuitive introverts. Creating a  home sacred space for a celebration of life for your dog and beloved  pet.

During a transition period recognised as a life turning point event.  We can use this time… to define or redefine … ourselves. With all life  event changes there’s a key re-direction or re focus on the things that  affected that life change.  For example: bereavement or relationship  changes.

One approach to working with life changes is in using a form of  ritual or ceremony, adding a visual display. As a way to acknowledge the  current situation. Creating a meaningful altar or display for what we’d  like to have now. As well as for a new vision of our life going  forward. I call this creating a serenity or sacred home space.

In this episode I explain how I create a serenity sacred space to  celebrate the death of a beloved dog. The process can be used for all  pets. Introvert intuitive and pet loss. We feel deeply affected by a  loss and bereavement. We may view this as another life event which only  adds to the overwhelm and feeling of un-fulfilment felt in one’s life.  The process of creating a serenity space enables you to be more  connected. To be more engaged with the transition of the departed one’s  onward journey. I Describe How to create a ceremony and sacred place. To  be an expression of remembrance, appreciation, love, honouring and  initiate healing in the midst of grief.

This episode’s Pause Moment senses-based mindfulness uses breath and  self affirming, evoking the stillness and patience of a mountain. For  you to feel steadfast and resilience in times of life change  transitions.

How have you honoured and celebrated your beloved pet companion?

What have you created as a special space and way to celebrate the  life of your departed pet? Share your process in the comment box below.

I love working with individual clients to mentor and co-create with  them sacred spaces and simple rituals. To enable fulfilling an emotional  emptiness or dissatisfaction within their life. These interior (and  exterior) decorated spaces are defined by what is placed there. With the  intention of evoking experiences which include joy, honouring, calm  reflection and positive intention.

Watch out for those Electro-Magnetic Frequencies, experience Forest Bathing as your Pause Moment For You. 

Do you have Zoom overwhelm? I do! Earthed forest bathing is a way  I’ve found to clear my head and refresh my eyes. It helps me to feel  grounded as that’s exactly what it is by standing on the earth!

The Japanese have known for years that spending mindful time in the  woods is beneficial for body and soul. Most of us are spending way too  much time looking at screens. This can result in having achy necks and  shoulders, tired eyes and Zoomed out . We’re in our heads not on the  ground.

Within this episode I include earthed forest bathing. I list 10 things that might make you feel un-grounded and un-earthed.  I introduce the idea of Building Biology Ecology. This is the practise  of designing healthier buildings, with consideration of the inside and  outside. It’s becoming more acknowledged about the negative impact that  Electro magnetic field emissions has on our body and mind. To reduce the  effects of electro magnetic fields I suggest 8 solutions, for you to  feel more refreshed in the day and sleep better.

Spring summer, where the energy of Spring invites the abundance of Summer. It's nature's wisdom and a feast offered to us of Dandelions. In this podcast episode I talk a lot about the health benefits of the humble yellow dandelion. What to eat the dandelion with and I include a recipe for making Dandelion Beer.

I muse about the Celtic fire festival that happens in May. In the Celtic tradition the season where we transition from Spring into Summer is called Beltane. The energy now is expansion and the natural environment is bursting with anticipation everywhere.