Today, Wednesday 17th February 2021, is random acts of kindness day. 'Well, that's very nice but so what?' you might think. Evidence shows that not only do acts of kindness make other people feel good but they also make us feel good. Kindness has also been show to reduce stress and improve our emotional wellbeing. … Continue reading Random acts of kindness
Back in January 2020 (BC - before Covid!), a friend shared a post about a gratitude jar where you write down something every week that you're grateful for, pop it in the jar, and then open it at the end of the year and remember all the good times and things that have happened that … Continue reading A year of gratitude and remembering
Sometimes we can get so caught up in the daily routine and rush of things that we forget about the things that never make the 'to do' list, like appreciating nature, going for a walk, contacting a friend, doing a favour etc. But these actions can be beneficial for our physical, mental and emotional health … Continue reading Calendars for daily actions of kindness and happiness
There is much wrong with the world and society, at the local level as well as nationally and beyond. It is easy to fall into despair at local or international environmental destruction, human hatred for others and social injustice. Furthermore, on an individual level, we can sometimes think that our actions won't count, or there's … Continue reading Singing for peace and justice – Côr Gobaith
I'm not one for being told to send love to one person on a particular day, so I won't be marking Valentine's Day on 14th February next week. But before you think I'm a grumpy grouch, there is another way you can send love, compassion and kindness to all, and, it has scientifically proven benefits! … Continue reading Loving kindness is not just for Valentine’s Day
Last week was Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK (11-17th May) and for 2015 the theme was 'mindfulness'. People familiar with meditation and yoga may already know about mindfulness, especially as there has been quite a surge in interest in mindfulness in the media, in politics, in business etc in the last few years, … Continue reading Mindfulness in mental health awareness week
This week in class we practised a simple mindfulness meditation exercise which focuses on feelings of wellness and wellbeing. The WOW phrase stands for 'wishing ourselves well, wishing others well'. It is important to wish ourselves well if we are to be able to help, support and be compassionate towards others. We can then begin … Continue reading WOW: wishing well
Why bother practising yoga? Well, there are a number of reasons why, and ways that it can improve your life and lifestyle. Here are just a few that I thought of whilst gardening, in no particular order! 1. It can help improve some physical conditions such as lower back problems, stiff and tight shoulders and … Continue reading 10 reasons why yoga is good for you
I'm becoming increasingly interested in sound vibrations and how music, mantra and sound interrelate with yoga, and the associated benefits. I therefore enjoyed a local yoga event entitled 'Music, Mantra and Meditation - the way of Nada Yoga' with Rajesh David and Upasana. I have met both these lovely people before at yoga events. I find … Continue reading Music, mantra and meditation, plus daffodils
Feeling stressed? Under pressure and a bit worn out? Sometimes the change of season can be unsettling and we can find that things affect us more than usual. Also September can be a stressful time for some people, maybe starting university and leaving home, children starting school for the first time, also the relentless build … Continue reading De-stress with some breath and mind awareness
