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Over the past week I've been setting my alarm clock an extra 30 minutes early to meditate - it has long been on my list of intentions but, sadly, the thing I've never made the time for. More fool me!
It has made a huge difference for a number of reasons but today I'll share just one. I realise I was so used to getting up in a rush, running through my plan for the day while ironing with one hand and making my morning cuppa with the other (you get the picture) and setting a manic tone for the day that I was missing everything. When I've heard the phrase "don't be so focused on the destination that you miss the journey" I'd always thought it a bit twee - but I'm about to eat my words.
As well as starting the day in a much calmer frame of mind, the biggest difference this new little ritual has made is that it seems to have opened my eyes to what's going on around me a little more. To appreciate all the little things that make me smile.
So, today, I encourage you to take 30-seconds, a minute, (heck 5 minutes if you have it!) to STOP, take a breather and enjoy a moment of calm.
Photo: this-is-glamorous
When I spotted these images on shelterpop of Rachel Bilson picking vegetables with her little sisters, it was all I could do not to leap into my car and head back to the family nest! I've got a serious case of home sickness at the moment - particularly with my youngest brother set to head off to Zambia for 6 weeks tomorrow. I should be there to wave him off!
The beautiful weather we've had over the past few days has only added fuel to the fire. Lazy days in the city are a real treat but I'd really like to be in the quiet of the Lake District whiling the day away with my family. Roll on the weekend.....
Yesterday evening I went to a 'Natural Hydration' event at Liz Earle, billed as a 90-minute talk with the in-house botanist Jennifer Hirsch. Disappointingly, the talk itself was only about 15 minutes and, as a committed two-litres-of-water-a-day girl and skincare enthusiast, I can't say I learnt anything new .... except for one juicy fact. Don't be a TEWL!
An acronym for Trans-Epidermal Water Loss, in plain English it means the water you lose through your skin, your biggest organ. And it hit home. I've been glugging away at the H2O and not applying a protective barrier to prevent it all evaporating from the surface of my skin. And the key ingredient you should be looking for to stop this? Plant oil. In short, it traps moisture within the skin so it continues to circulate around your body and, end result, keeps your skin looking plump and supple. Sounds good to me.
My Weleda Wild Rose Smoothing Day Cream passes the test, but I'm now on the hunt for a new body moisturiser. Any recommendations?
Photo: Pinterest
Ok so it doesn't look that appetising but, appearances aside, I'm joining the green juice revolution. Since my 'Personal MOT' last week suggested I need to get more greens into my diet, I dusted down a book I'd read a few years ago to give me a little inspiration - The Healthy Skin Diet by Australian nutritionist Karen Fischer. The book's holistic approach encourages a whole-food and nutrient dense diet and extols the virtues of one little ingredient - chlorophyll.
I can almost hear you replaying your school biology lessons - yes, chlorophyll is better known for it's relationship with plants. But it's benefits are not limited to your potted fern. Chlorophyll is a highly-prized antioxidant. It works by evening out the acid/alkaline balance of your blood so is great as part of a detox programme, but also improves circulation and has anti-carcinogenic properties.
I've been trying it as a supplement but now intend to give one of the juicing recipes a try at Total Raw Food.
Photo: wholefamilyfare
My bank holiday weekend was kick-started with my favourite indulgence, a therapeutic treatment with the wonderful Julia Waterton. I've felt 'light' and happy since I floated out of her treatment room so it's time to share my best-kept secret.
I usually crave the calm and peace of a reiki treatment, but this week's session had a little difference - I'm calling it my 'personal MOT'. Julia took me into a meditative state and then set about my 'MOT', more technically known as QMA Analysis (Quantum Magnetic Resonance) and , two minutes later, was taking me through my personal health report. I was amazed that, by simply holding a sensor for a couple of minutes, the equipment was able to analyse my body, top to toe - the report covers everything from blood sugar levels to vitamin and mineral absorption, from cardiovascular conditions to bone mineral density, and the list goes on. Though I've not been ill, I've felt 'below par' for ages and this short session was quick to identify possible reasons why I've been feeling sluggish, achy and have a fluctuating appetite.
And I'm in good hands in putting things right. Julia has many, many strings to her bow and, with her usual compassion, she had soon presented a number of treatment options to pursue at my will. This time I opted for N.A.E.T allergy therapy and Julia treated me to some reiki while I relaxed too.
Some 90 minutes later I was struck by how light and relaxed I felt, having certainly shaken off the stresses of the working week. Julia is a god-send!
Photo: weheartit.com
