Judgements

It is usually very upsetting when we are wrongly judged by others, yet this seems to happen so often. Unfortunately, gossip and making judgements about other people is all too common, fuelled by what we see on television in soap operas and in the media (about celebrities).
Resolve to be less judgemental about others, or better still, completely non-judgemental about others. If you consider that every single person you meet has had completely different life experiences to you, then it must be obvious that everyone sees the world as they are and not as it is. With this in mind it is easier not to judge.The beauty of this approach is that your interactions with others become much more meaningful.

Nike - Just Do It!

Have you ever had one of those days where you had something to do that you really didn't want to?Chances are you have. Maybe even several things to do on a day, that you really didn't want to. You have two choices. Choice one; get upset, feel down, complain and generally not enjoy yourself.  Choice two; just do it! Regardless of how you feel, just get on with what needs to be done, to the best of your ability. This way several things happen. Firstly, whatever you have to do is now done and dusted. Secondly, you haven't suffered along the way. You never know you might have even enjoyed yourself.


Whenever I see the Nike slogan, I am reminded to just do it.

Make a connection today.

Human beings are on the whole sociable creatures. There are times in our lives when we all need a bit of solitude, but usually we enjoy other's company. I would like to suggest that it is in these moments; when we are fully engaged with another person, actively giving and receiving in the conversation, that we are truly experiencing life at its best. Make a point today of really connecting with another person and notice how this make you feel. More importantly, notice effect it has on the other person. Paying attention to your interactions with others really is a win-win.

My new favourite book

Last weekend whilst staying with my parents in Kent,
I was lucky enough to come across a second-hand bookseller who recommended a book to me after I explained I was looking for something spiritual. As luck would have it, the bookseller and I were on the same wavelength and she immediately reached for a volume called 'The Four Agreements' by Don Miguel Ruiz. It is not often I'm taken aback by a spiritual book, however this one has had me encapsulated for four days. I don't want to ruin it for you by giving too much away, but I really suggest you give it a try I honestly believed this could transform your life, or at the very least ease the struggle.

Don't believe anything you hear!

Unfortunately most of us have grown up believing everything we are told about ourselves by other people. If one person says you don't look good in hats - that's it! We believe from that moment on that we 'don't look good in hats'! This applies to many facets of our lives, from how we look to what we are capable of. Now it's time to take a reality check. Someone else's reality it isn't yours. If someone says 'you're no good at .....', that's just their opinion (which they are entitled to, but is often marred by their own thoughts and desires), but it's not your reality.
It's time to stop living in the universe created by other people and re-enter your own. Where your beliefs and aspirations are all true and reachable for you. If you believe you look good in hats - so be it!

Don't forget to BREATHE!

Most of the time we are unconscious of our breathing. As an autonomic reflex our breath is self regulatory. This is pretty much a good thing. If we had to think about every breath we took life would become quite tedious. This doesn't mean however that we should forget about our breathing altogether. Spending a few moments each day to focus on our breath and try to regulate the pattern is good for the mind and body. If you are gadget minded there are many great apps to help you do this. You can also take this a step further and do exercises to help you breathe more freely and more efficiently.

I have recently started using a training aid which I find quite useful. It's a great tool for giving your lungs a workout whilst the body remains calm.  Click on the link below and see what you think: 


Did you learn the lesson yet?

The majority of people go through life making the same mistakes over and over again. Whether it be in relationships or with money the same errors keep recurring. The path towards a happier and more peaceful existence lies in recognising the mistake and not repeating it.
An example with this is someone who moves from one failed relationship to another because they keep going for the same 'type' of partner, who ultimately is not compatible with them. Or the person who looses money by making one bad investment after another, not recognising they are repeating the same mistake over and over again.
Choose an area in your life that concerns or troubles you. Ask  yourself if you are making mistakes and most importantly: Did you learn the lesson yet?


Look after your body.

Throughout your life you will own many different things. You will have many friends who will come and go. You will live in different places. There is one thing however which you are destined to keep for a lifetime. You have just one body and although medical science can replace bits it cannot fix everything. My advice is simple; you have just one body so look after it. This means taking regular exercise, eating healthily, and watching your intake of toxins. It also involves managing your stress and dealing appropriately with your emotions. Often our bodies suffer the brunt of our mental issues.
If you're not sure where to start, the Internet is a wonderful resource. There are plenty of great sites and also access to specialist books on the subject. 

Self-help

The term ‘Self-Help’ receives a bad rap. What on earth can be wrong with using all your knowledge and inherent wisdom to make your own life more rewarding and happy? Let’s face it; if you ask anyone whether they would rather be happy or unhappy, I am positive everyone would say the former. If they did say the latter, it is because they probably enjoy being unhappy and being so would in fact make them happy! ‘Self-Help’ writings have been around for centuries. Ancient Greek philosophers were admired for their insights.  In more modern times these books are often seen as a refuge for those who struggle to cope with life. Recognition of a struggle and the desire to take steps to deal with it shows strength. Proof that you are no longer willing to accept a life of disappointment. This should be applauded, not frowned upon. It shows a willingness to grow and not just plod through life with little or no desire to self-improve. 

A silent thank you.

In an earlier post I mentioned a Shiatsu practitioner called Nicola Morgan whom I met over 20 years ago. She recommended to me the book by Dan Millman called Way of the Peaceful Warrior. It was reading this book that set me on my current path and inspired me to start this site. I never took the opportunity to thank Nicola for guiding me in this direction, so would like to do so now.  I understand that even if she doesn't read this post she was still feel my gratitude.
Why don't you take this opportunity to say thanks to someone in your past who made a difference. Perhaps a teacher or a colleague, an old friend or relation. Although they may not hear you, I am sure your thanks will not go unfelt.

William and Kate in Canada.

I was watching a documentary today about the Royal visit to Canada. I found it very moving. Every single person interviewed (from the onlookers) commented on how the Royal couple seemed to be just like ordinary people. I thought this was a wonderful sentiment, however it occurred to me that there is no such thing as an ordinary person. We are all unique and therefore extraordinary. There is no one else on this planet exactly like another (and that includes identical twins). Remember that fact, in every interaction you have with a fellow human being. Everybody is special, nobody is ordinary, everyone should be treated as extra-ordinary.So the next time you're seeking to your childs teacher; or a bank clerk, remember that they are unique and special, just like you.

Are you too sensitive?

I know that I can be at times. Sometimes it's all too easy to get upset over little things, perhaps something that someone has said or done. But because we are of a sensitive nature, these things can have an effect on us. If this sounds like you, here are some good tips to help you deal with your sensitivity. Firstly, just understanding that you have a sensitive nature can be enough to put things in perspective. Secondly, you can choose to devalue what another person has said or done, especially if it doesn't come from good intentions. Surely, someone who is deliberately trying to upset you, should not be allowed the same consideration as someone who does the opposite.
Finally, you could confront the person. Explaining how their actions make you feel can often have a remarkable effect on your relationship with a person. Do be careful with whom you try this approach. Not everyone is as emotionally intelligent as you.