by admin | Nov 17, 2013 | Uncategorized
We live in a world driven by a culture of ‘personality’ – the bigger the better! Our public ‘personality’ can heavily influence our level of success in the world. Pressure to be outgoing and outspoken tends to override the importance of the strength of solitude and introspection; of being alone with ourselves. I recently viewed a Ted Talk by Susan Cain, author of the book called ‘Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking’ that inspired me to write this blog. Although I haven’t read her book, I noted she is starting her own ‘quiet revolution’ to support introverts to value their quiet strength and to grow awareness for others to do the same. Here here! I’m an introvert at heart. That doesn’t mean I don’t love the company of others and getting out there in the world. It doesn’t mean I can’t party with the best of them, it just means my candle burns more quickly than some and I require compensation restoration timeout at some point – my quiet cup of tea at home on the couch downtime. And I mean REQUIRE, not desire. Because the difference between an introvert and an extrovert is in where we draw energy. Extroverted people draw energy from the external, from being around others. They fuel up on stimulation and interaction. Introverted people have a high response to stimulation, making them tire after too much exposure. They draw energy from being quiet. They crave peaceful surroundings to restore their energy reserves and to be able to think straight. Without it they can just shut down and be...
by admin | Nov 10, 2013 | Uncategorized
At birth we are linked to our mother by the umbilical cord. Once this cord is cut, we are physically on our own – we are a human being beginning the journey we are meant to travel. Throughout our lives this navel centre, where we were once attached to our mother, continues to operate as a source of life-connection – but not to our mother – now a connection to our own selves; Our character, our personality, our beliefs, values and alongside that, our inner strength. When we strengthen this area we strengthen our sense of self and our committment to fulfill our potential. If this area is weak we are easily swayed and give up trying once challenged. It is a great gift to yourself to strengthen the navel centre. A strong navel centre means you will stand behind your beliefs, your actions and your character. This is the space of the third chakra, manipura chakra. Will power, committment and determination are heavily influenced by how clear and strong your third chakra is. I was recently asked to suggest a practice to build will power and determination. I suggest this meditation, practiced for 40 days: MEDITATION: Sit with legs crossed, or in a chair with a straight spine Focus: Eyes look towards the tip of your nose. Mantra: Chant with the tip of the tongue: HUMMEE HUM, BRAHM HUM meaning: “We are we, and we are one.” On a higher spiritual level, it means we are already everything we need to be. Mudra: prayer pose. All parts of the palms are touching and pressing together with equal force....
by admin | Nov 3, 2013 | Uncategorized
When I see fresh green grass I immediately think PRANA and I want some! That exquisite life-force that seems to clear and purify just by breathing when you’re close to that green grassy freshness. We refer to the breath as prana & breathwork practice as pranayama. But prana is not just breath alone – prana is PURE LIFE-FORCE – most potent in fresh, clean, unpolluted air. Also contained in good quality food. Fresh, organic food contains high levels of prana. When we eat crap food we feel prana-deficient: less alive, muted and flat. DOSE UP ON PRANA. Get a good daily intake. Don’t underestimate the benefits of simply sitting in nature! Breath deeply, regularly, in as best quality air you can get. Walk barefoot on the grass (go to a park at lunchtime to re-fuel for the afternoon). Drink green smoothies and eat fresh, unprocessed food. I personally owe my puppy for providing me with ample prana as her energy demands daily walks along river tracks or in the park. I’ve really noticed the immediate physiological shift once we get outside and every cell in my body sings with gratitude. Other...
by admin | Oct 27, 2013 | Uncategorized
These days, as time presses upon us, it’s more and more important to remind ourselves that we are not the only living beings on the planet. The best way to support ourselves to stay grounded and connected to the heart is to look out for ways to help others as much as we can. I offer you three suggestions here: 1. How to change the world by GOING TO THE TOILET: Recently, I was delighted to discover a way to change the world by simply going to the toilet. This Melbourne based organisation, Who Gives A Crap – provide recycled toiled paper, home delivered, donating 50% of their profits to improving toilet sanitation in the developing world. I’m so impressed I want the world to know and to start changing the world roll by roll. In short, every toilet roll you use, you’re providing someone, somewhere in the world with clean toilet facilities. One of the basic necessities in life. For more details and to buy your toilet paper, see the website Who Gives A Crap. 2. How to change the world by doing nothing other than SHOWING UP IN YOUR DAY: All we can really expect of ourselves on a day to day basis is to show up in life. To simply be present. More and more we give ourselves a hard time for not be perfectly prepared, in the exact right head-space for a given occasion, organised, well rested, ready, etc etc. More and more we use this as excuse to not turn up (physically or energetically). But what if we gave ourselves permission to just turn...
by admin | Oct 20, 2013 | Uncategorized
This week I’d like to facilitate new shifts, birth new ideas and ways of being, to shed the old skin and make space for fresh, new things to come through. Spring is the time for time RENEWAL – for new life to blossom and fresh starts to begin. Renewal, as I see it, is a healthy form of personal recycling. Taking the time to reflect on what we have, rethink what we want and invite new perspectives. New perspectives can be all it takes to re-ignite fires, to cultivate happiness and to ensure you feel ‘on track’ and connected to your personal truth. Renewal is not necessarily about ditching the old to have the new. We don’t always need to have major shifts in our lives to continually renew. Renewal can be ‘re-freshing’ or ‘re-inventing’ what you already have in your life and building from there. Re-inventing your relationships, renewing your commitment to the things that are important to you, reminding yourself why you do what you do. The process of renewal involves looking at whether your choices are still relevant or is it time to set new goals, to view life through a different coloured lens, or in fact make some bigger changes? Renewal reflects the true essence of life – that we are in a constant state of ever-evolving change. This meditation, lead by Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, will help with renewal on any level that serves your highest good. I invite you to practice this as a 40-day sadhana (daily practice). Other...
