How to be hopeful, fulfilled and functioning when there's no end in sight We’ve said goodbye to life in lockdown and normal life is resuming. Or is it? The adrenaline-fuelled, all-hands-on-deck, “unprecedented times” have passed, but we're still a long way from normality. In a time of crisis, we usually have the focus, energy, support and the cortisol boost to deal with it. And then we get the relief that it’s all over. Right now, it feels like [...]
Well, according to the Chinese solar terms, we’ve now moved into summer. And once again I'm writing about the benefits of tuning into the energy of the season, whilst we’re still in circumstances that make that tricky. Perhaps the transition of “Stay Home” into “Stay Alert” gives us a little more opportunity to be outside. However, we're still living with the reality of a pandemic so this summer is likely to be an odd one. But, as I’ve said [...]
I'm currently doing regular self care tips which I hope will be of use during the current coronavirus situation. They're about the little things we can do to get through this a little easier. They're about building resilience, being kind to ourselves and are filled with easy, practical tips to take the very best care of our emotional health and well-being. You can follow me at: Facebook or Instagram Oh, and they're accompanied by some of my fave holiday [...]
So I would normally have sent out my tips for a healthy, happy spring by now but I paused because of the coronavirus situation. I questioned if it was relevant or even superficial. Spring is when we welcome the longer, lighter days and a return to a more external life. It’s a time of renewal, growth, vision, inspiration and hope. And that seems at odds with what's going on and the distress and fear I’m encountering regularly in my [...]
Ever find yourself thinking of your options and seeing only two? How often does that inner critic tell you that if you’re not the best, you’re the absolute worst? And I’m sure I’m not the only one who struggles to find any compassion when some public figure says something horrendous. So many people seem prone to black and white thinking – it’s a frequent theme in my coaching. The occasional blip is probably no big deal but when it’s [...]
Winter can be a really tricky time. The cold and dark means that we tend to live a more internal life. For some this can cause fear, isolation and sadness. Energy levels naturally dip and if life is expected to continue with the same level of drive and exertion, problems can arise. Sometimes, it's the busy-ness of life that stops us sitting with ourselves, knowing ourselves, and being OK with ourselves. If we're not happy with ourselves, then this [...]
Do you bite your tongue when someone says something you disagree with? How often do you go along the crowd? Do you find it difficult to express your opinions? Avoiding difficult or slightly uncomfortable conversations is really common. In fact, in these volatile times, it’s often seen as a virtue to hold back. But speaking out doesn’t have to mean arguing and discord. And what is the true impact on your life of not being heard? How can you [...]
According the Chinese calendar, we're coming to the end of autumn so this blog is on the late side (hmm, remember that one about procrastination?). It’s one of my favourite times of year - I love the autumn colours, and the clear, crisp days when you can see for miles. In the north east, those days have been a bit in short supply. It feels like we went straight to the soggy, mouldy stage but we've had the odd [...]
With this spell of good weather, I've been musing a little on summer. In my previous guise as a Five Element acupuncturist, the seasons were incredibly important and I'm still very tuned into what they mean to me, and others, energetically. Summer can be a busy time for people and one when it's easier to live an "external" life, with good weather, longer nights and often an increase in social activities like barbecues and weddings. This can be fun [...]
These were the words semi-shouted at me by my exasperated dissertation supervisor back in 2005. The discussion had followed the usual pattern – me highlighting all my ideas and then listing all the excuses why I hadn’t done a thing! Often, these words ring in my head when I’m finding distractions or delaying tactics. They always make me smile; sadly they rarely make me do some work! And it’s just not work – sometimes it’s leisure activities that I [...]
