Seasons

 I have been asked why and how to meditate, hence I've put this together, hoping it will be helpful. For a long time meditation was seen as a mystical practice, it brought to us the image of monks or mystics with eyes closed, sitting in the forest, away from civilisation. Recently, we have been flooded by information on different types of meditation, hand gestures or sitting positions, which does not simplify the practice. At its simplest, meditation is a practice to help us connect to ourselves. It allows us to sit in contemplation, either of our thoughts, or of an object. Contemplating our thoughts is simply the act of watching them, without engaging in them. Think of it as being on a highway and watching the traffic go by, instead of getting in a vehicle and go somewhere. Contemplating an object, such as a candle or the moon, or water, is to simply detach from our thoughts and focus on something pleasant. The idea is to minimise the mental chatter. Meditating to connect to ...

  The picture below was taken as in a few words it summarises my feel good factors! Growing up on an island, I have been surrounded and soothed by sea water. Ever since I could remember, the vastness of the sea was my comfort zone, the place I felt safe, the place I felt like home. Whether just by sitting on its shore and listening to waves, or diving deep, the crisp saltiness of the water has remedied so many aches and cleaned so many wounds. The sea, like a loving mother, always welcomed me with arms wide open, sharing the immensity  of her being with me. As I dived deeper within myself, I discovered the wonders of other types of salt water. I grew up believing crying to be dramatic. There came moments, where faced with myself, I had no other options than to open up my heart, and let the salt water throw through me, spilling from my eyes. Just like the sea, it cleansed me, provided me with relief, and rocked me to calmness. Just like the sea, they came as waves, crashing ove...

  A mantra can be a word, a phrase or a sound, and has for purpose to create stillness and laser pointed focus in your mind. Mantra chanting helps to create more consciousness by allowing ourselves to become aware of the words that we are uttering, the thoughts that we are replacing, and the changing physical sensations as we move into stillness. Mantras can be in any language you are comfortable with, and necessitates regular practice to create change, both within and without you. It can be used while trying to instill a new routine/habits, or while getting rid of an outdated one, change your emotional state, create more awareness and become more disciplined.   Traditionally, mantra chanting is practised while meditating, but it can also be done while doing mundane chores like cooking, cleaning, working out, especially if it is used to replace a negative thought. In that case, as soon as the negative thought comes up, you can start chanting your mantra, aloud or silently...

Amidst the busyness of our lives, we take a moment, we pause, we breathe. This is holding space. Holding space is also becoming present of what is weighing us down, and allowing ourselves to just be in the moment, be in the feeling, be attentive.  We switch on our active listening skills, and open our hearts, and offer compassion and space to whatever is coming up in the moment. We allow and accept what is there. We release the need to judge, comment, offer unsolicited help. We slow down, allowing what is to BE, without expecting, without changing. We hold space for ourselves and others by becoming a silent witness. By welcoming vulnerability. By anchoring ourselves in graceful silence. By allowing what is to BE. We hold space for we acknowledge our own, and others' needs to feel seen, heard, accepted, and respected.

Very often the word "boundaries" brings about the imagery of having walls erected all around us to protect us. Yes boundaries are there for protection, but they do not mean to keep others out. Boundaries simply highlight to what limit others have access to you (physical, energetic and emotional).  Boundaries highlight the space needed to create healthy connection with others. Boundaries can simply be a "no" when you are requested to do something you do not want/feel like doing.  Boundaries is drawing the line between what is acceptable to you, and what is not.  Boundaries can also be not replying to that text/call when you have no energy to do so. Boundaries is retreating to your inner space when you need to nurture yourself.  Boundaries is putting yourself first and taking care of yourself, before taking care of the world.  Boundaries indicate what you need to function in your optimum power. Boundaries is realising that you are worthy of your time, attention, a...