In Chinese Medicine, there is an extra season - Late Summer - which is associated with the Earth element. It corresponds to this time of harvest, as the peak of summer moves into the decline of autumn. In some traditions, it is also the time of transition between all of the seasons - the still point as one ends and the next begins. It is a time of nourishment, of gathering and storing. It is the last chance of [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
