Have you said NO! to communication lately?
Text messaging, email, phone calls, Twitter, Facebook, chat programmes, Google+, YouTube, Flikr, Myspace, dating sites, blogging etc etc (there’s a long list of Social Media platforms in Wikapedia) argh! Today, the many places we can communicate from is astounding. It’s all about getting people talking and this needs to be multitasked into our already busy lives. And now with the advent of smart phones and pads, we can really get into trouble. Trouble in terms of constantly removing ourselves from the NOW.
Last weekend I said NO!
My father locks himself away in his house on occasion when he feels it’s all getting a bit much. So I decided to take a leaf out of his book. Who better to learn from than your parents.
Last Friday afternoon, I changed my voice mail to say that I would only be returning calls on Monday and off went my phone. I won’t lie, it didn’t stay off all weekend. I needed to check text messages in case someone text to book a massage for the following week. Though I think I only turned it on twice and very briefly. There were no guests and no going out. Except to feed my sister in laws cat. Closed doors! No phones! No computer! Bliss!
I have the amazing Galaxy SII. Wow, I love it! I used it a lot as a mini computer. Sometimes on a Saturday morning, I’ll sit on the sofa with my phone and green tea and check out my email, facebook or youtube etc. I even pick it up a few times during the weekend to do that. Even while I’m watching an evening flick! I know I’m not the only one. And I wonder what the next generation will be like? Those who will never know a world without mobiles….or computers (for the record, I’m only 37!)
I can’t believe the amount of times I wanted to ‘share’ something or change my status, send a message or thought to call someone. Don’t get me wrong, I love to share! And not doing that gave me SO much more time in my weekend to relax, do household stuff, do the gardening,, take care of my indoor plants and cook…for the sake of cooking…not because it was for a meal. As an a side, I made Fratayas and Beetroot Mahamara. The delicious recipes (from a BBWA netwroking event) were compliments of the Vegetarian Cookery School in Bath run by Demuths Restaurant in Bath. Of course I had my phone off, so I don’t have any pictures to post. I forgot about the good old camera!
Emptying myself out
So, as I said, last weekend was bliss! I’ve had a busy start to the year in some respects and I really needed to empty out. When Monday arrived I felt fantastic and equipped to carry on. I can highly recommend doing this. So much so, that I have decided I am going to switch my phone of for intervals every weekend, to keep my self topped up with being emptied out 
Leave the phone at home. Stay present.
Then this week I went to yoga and I decided I’d leave my phone at home. Now, this is something I have done on occasion but have not made a habit of it. Well, now I am going to. When walking to class, it was lovely to look around instead of walking and texting that message ‘I just had to reply to now’. And on my way home, I could extend my yoga practice by staying connected to my body and breath instead of my mind getting distracted and wanting to check my phone, call someone or read a message.
And we went out for dinner mid week and I left my phone at home then too. All to often you see people in restaurants checking their phones. My guess is, most of that communication can be done when we are at home. After we have enjoyed taking time to be in the NOW, enjoying company and food.
Try if for yourself.
So, why don’t you try saying NO! to communication on occasion. Find those opportunities that you simply don’t need to be checking your phone, or even easier, turn it off off or leave it at home. Let me know when and how long you have managed to stay phone free.
Next time you see your phone flashing, or hear it beeping at you…as yourself this question: Do I really need to check that now?
And next time you come for a massage, leave your phone off for a few hours afterward and extend your bliss.
Subconscious thoughts affecting our bodies
I’m sitting in my living room preparing for a talk with some ladies tomorrow. The talk is on massage around cancer and I will be with the ladies of the RUH Breast of Friends Support Group. I’m really looking forward to it!
As I sit and prepare, I noticed in increase of movement flowing through in my body. I’m familiar with this feeling. It’s the nervous feeling feel it before I do public speaking. So, it’s probably a release of adrenaline or cortisol. Perhaps it was also nerves of excitement.
BUT WHY NOW?
I was just writing my notes for the talk.
I wasn’t thinking about talking. Nor was I thinking that I was excited. I was simply writing. So why the release of hormones in my body?
It’s widely accepted that each thought produces a chemical reaction in the body so I can understand thinking about the talk would bring on nervous feelings and the release of chemicals. But I wasn’t thinking about it.
So, was my subconscious thinking about it? Perhaps the act of working on my notes, which relates to speaking in font of people, stimulated past memories of nerves. Did these past experiences and feelings subconsciously arise and result in this nervous feeling in my body.
If our thoughts have a reaction on your body, it seems our subconscious thoughts can too.
What do you think, or feel about that?
Mediate while you wait
Well, I don’t necessarily mean only while you’re waiting, but it was a catchy title.
I mean mediate pretty much anytime you don’t really need to be concentrating or when you’re doing things that are second nature. I’m really talking about mindfulness.
Our brains are running so fast all day, any break we can give them is benificial to our mind and therefore our body: each thought has a chemical reaction, therefore your thoughts affect your body. The thoughts can create stress and tension. Of course thinking happy stuff is allowed
The brains job is to think, so stopping it is quite challenging. With practice, it can be done. Especially for short amounts of time.
Meditating for 10 minutes each day is said to be beneficial for body, mind and soul. The goal of meditating is to achieve non-thought. Health and happiness follows.
Finding just 10 minutes a day can sometimes be challenging and or it can feel like a chore.
So why not steel snippets of mental silence all through the day. You’ll be surprised how much of your day you can spend in non thought!
This way you can can help yourself relax and achieve mental calm through out each day.
Top Tip 1: Concentrate on your breath, sing a mantra, say a positive affirmation, sing a song, hum, whistle…anything that will keep your mind from thought. I recommend doing something audible. This way when your mind kicks back in and you start thinking again, your ears will realise and send a message to your brain that you’re thinking again.
Top tip 2: Do this for long enough, and like any habbit, it will become second nature and you’ll start doing it naturally.
Top Tip 3: Keep and eye on your mind while you’re breathing or whistling. You’ll be surprised how much thinking your mind can do without you noticing.
Top Tip 3: Put notes around to remind you to do it. Put some in your diary too
Top Tip 4: When you start ‘not seeing’ the reminder notes…take them down for a while or move them to another place.
Here is a list of things we do daily or weekly during which we can ‘meditate’.
Driving anywhere, no matter how short the trip. (Of course you’ll still be concentrating on the road! )
Walking anywhere, no matter how short the walk (including around the house and the office)
Ablutions: flossing, brushing teeth, bathing, showering, standing at/sitting on the loo.
Kitchen related: waiting for the kettle to boil, the whole process of making your tea, packing and unpacking the dishwasher, unpacking your groceries.
Personal grooming: Dressing, shaving, putting on makeup, brushing/blow drying your hair, waxing.
Laundry: seperating your clothes, putting them in the machine, hanging up, folding up, putting away.
Waiting: in a que, for a bus/train,
Sitting: during the ads on telly (top tip: mute the telly during ads)
House hold: watering the plants, putting things away, tidying up, cleaning, gardening, vacuuming
Shopping: packing the groceries in the bags and then into the car, standing in the que.
Cleaning: your car, your pets, your house
Can you think of more?
Recommended reading:
The 5 Minute Meditator: Quick Meditations to Calm Your Body and Your Mind
2 pamper charity events on July 3rd
On July 3rd 2011 you can pamper yourself in Frome and Bath and help raise awareness and money for charity.
Strawberry Tea with Fund raiser for Breast Cancer Care
Location: Minerva Centre, 8 Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NP
Date: 3rd of July 2011
Time: 3pm
minervacentrebath.co.uk
Come and enjoy cake, afternoon tea quizzies, therapies: shiatsu, facials.
If you’d like further info or would like to helping with this event please contact Elizabeth on 01225 315591 or contact@minervacentrebath.co.uk
Pure Moves Pamper Day
Location: Wesley Close, Christchurch St West, Frome, BA11 1EA
Date: 3rd of July 2011
Time: 10am-5pm
puremoves.com
A day of pure relaxation and healing with half of the proceeds going to Dorothy House.
BMI Clinic’s Bath weight loss open evening
I met a lovely lady names Debra Hobbs the other night at BBWA networking. The event was at Spirit Photography in Bath, who operate out of an old church. Very cool place to take photos.
Debora Hobbs is passionate about promoting health and well being so as you might guess, we enjoyed talking with each other. The BMI Clinic in Bath are holding a weight loss open evening aims to aims to stimulate enthusiasm and motivation to achieving a healthy diet and a balanced approach to weight management.
If you’re looking to start a weight loss reigiem, why not start with this talk (there are only 25 FREE places):
Thursday 26th May
6.30pm
Claverton Down Road, Combe Down, Bath, Somerset BA2 7BR
debra.hobbs@bmihealthcare.co.uk
01225 838802
A century ago, being over-weight was rare, but with our increasingly sedentary lifestyle, it has meant that many of us are carrying that little bit of extra weight, which may make us feel less happy with ourselves and has consequences of future life threatening diseases and that prevent long term good health.
The event is not about making people thin, but about achieving a healthy diet that leads to physical fitness and well being. The unconscious factors that affect our food choices and eating habits need to be recognised so that strategies to help manage weight problems can be tailored to personal needs.
Anne Holdoway – clinical dietician will provide recommendations on the principles of a healthy diet which empowers individuals to choose foods that are nutritional to support health and manage weight reduction and maintenance.
Jo Booth - counsellor will explain the psychological relationship with food which contributes to personal eating habits and explain the emotional or symbolic role food plays in our lives, and what lifestyle changes can be made to control weight.
Laura Marsden – personal trainer will recommend simple activities and exercise that contributes to healthy weight and physical fitness. Small realistic activity changes integrated into everyday life can boost energy levels and increase weight loss.
Mr R Kryszopik - general surgeon specialising in bariatric surgery will explain the surgical procedures which provide permanent management of weight. He will provide information on the Gastric Band surgical technique which provides significant health and psychological benefits for people who have struggled for many years with substantial weight problems.
The intention of this event is to inspire the audience towards a positive approach to dietary needs and a healthy, active lifestyle in order to prevent obesity. The speakers, by exploring the reasons for being over weight aim to encourage a sustainable healthy eating pattern that supports a healthy weight. There will be time to talk to the presenters to gather more information and any further support that you require.
The Bath Clinic Chef has kindly offered to provide complimentary canapés, soft drinks and a glass of wine.
If you would like to attend this event please register your name and that of any guests. Should you require further help or information please don’t hesitate to contact me:
Early bird £5 off 1st treatment at Neal’s Yard Bath
Need to look after your pennies in January but really need a massage to rid you of the festive season stress?
I’m offering my Thursday 9.30 a.m appointment £5 off on your first treatment, from now until the end of January.
Bring this Google coupon with you on your phone or printed >>
(This offer is not valid together with other offers. Only valid with me and no other therapist at Neal’s Yard Bath)
A musical journey through the Zodiac
Last night I went to the Minerva Centre for a Zodiac Journey with singer Wendy Rule and astrologer John Wadsworth.
I met John a few years ago when he picked me up and Bristol Temple Meads train station. He’s offered to life me to a workshop we were both going on. He had just started The Alchemical Journey, which sounds fascinating and a wonderful life-changing experience . We crossed paths again once after and then a few weeks ago I popped into the Minverva Centre and there was John, sitting and having a cup of tea with the centre owner Elizabeth.
He told me about this evening he had planned with a wonderful Australian singer songwriter Wendy Rule and it sounded beautiful so I went along not knowing what to expect…which is always the best way
John introduced the 12 Zodiac sign accompanied by masked performers, which help relate his words and created such a beautiful image of the zodiac. Wendy then played a song in which John had identified the energy of the corresponding Zodiac sign.
John’s introductions to the Zodicas were fun and and I could really get a sense of how they are linked with the time of the year and well as get a better idea of what they symbolise. Wendy also said a few words before the songs and the coronations or song and Zodiac was fascinating.
For example, the song John chose that represents Libran (the scales) energy: When Wendy wrote it she said she took a little trip and couldn’t decided where she wanted to be at the sea or in a forest and drove back and forth between them before she ditched her car whilst reversing and was forced to spend the time in the forest.
And John was right, Wedny’s singing and songs… just superb. What an amazing voice and her songs are memorising.
Check out both John and his work and Wendy’s and her work here and here!
Oh, one more thing, Wendy said some of her songs she writes to her self. She also said something about writing love letters to herself. Which I think is a great idea! I’m going to try that! If we can’t love ourselves first, we can’t love anyone else.
Journey to wholeness
A one day personal development workshop with Leora Sharp and Liz Foster.
Date: 6th November 2010
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: The Minerva Centre, 8 Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NP
Price: £55
Booking: Liz – 07974 202 731 or Leora – 07887 612 242
Step into your wholeness and take the opportunity to design an authentic and conscious life.
Liz Foster
International workshop leader and coach
liz foster coaching.com
Leora Sharp
Holistic Massage and Bodywork Practitioner
freemyself.net
Bath Practitioner Group 1st Birthday
A career as a therapist or practitioner can be quite a lonely one. I experienced this and felt I needed to find a way to connect with other practitioners for development and just hangout with my piers.
So, after a few little meetings in my house, I started the Bath Practitioner Group, and today is our first birthday!
bathpractitionergroup.co.uk
It is a network for manual manipulation practitioners in and around Bath.
We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month for talks and demos, knowledge-share and support.
Guests and speakers: If you are from another area of the healthand wellbeing sector and would like to meet manual practitioners,or if you would like to present to us on your relevant subject,please contact: leora@bathpractitionergroup.co.uk
Shaping your destiny
I am a firm believe in shaping my own destiny. What you put in is what you get out!
There is no doubt in my mind that we create what happens around us and I was discussing this very topic with my husband earlier in the week. What did I get this morning in my inbox?…a sweet little reminder that I’m on the right track:
I subscribe to tut.com and each morning I get a ‘Note from The Universe’. This was today’s:
“You can choose to go, do, be, and have, and in the end you’ll exclaim, shocked and bewildered, that because of all the synchronicities of your life, all the “clicks” and “coincidences,” and the many happy “accidents,” your bounty and good fortune must have been your destiny.
Or, you might choose to wait for a miracle, a savior, or divine intervention, and in the end you’ll exclaim, shocked and bewildered, that because of all the synchronicities of your life, all the missed chances and disappointments, and the many unhappy accidents, your lack and misfortune must have been your destiny.”
My Dad calls it his ‘silver spoon’. I’m choose serving spoon size spoons…and filling them with strawberries!
How do you create your silver spoons?
Image: Carlos Porto / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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