Rediscovering Avalon

Overwhelming can become simply a challenge

2011-05-23T20:10:00.004Z

Sometimes there needs to be some hope before an overwhelming situation can become simply a challenge.

I love this.

This came to me today as I realised that an ongoing situation which has seemed very big and looming, now seems to be OK.

I don't know if it is that I have some clarity or more confidence to deal with it, but today for the first time, I realised I felt up for it. That I could do it. That I would not have been given this opportunity to grow and learn if it wasn't part of some Divine plan for me and those involved.

So, let's celebrate our challenges and help each other when we feel overwhelmed to realise that we can do it.

Love and peaceful light

Beth

You are not your physicality

2011-05-16T16:26:00.005Z

Ugh! I feel so fat today and ugly. Got some passport photos taken. And I look yellow. And tried. And OLD! I am feeling so low that I am not sure if they will send my passport back and say that even though I looked like a giant headed prawn in my last photo, that I have aged so much in 10 years that I am unrecognisable. Just writing this makes me feel better because a) who cares b) I think I am being a little irrational!

So, I am over-identifying with my physicality and not loving it! I must remind myself that sure, I can take care of my body and feed it healthy food and give it exercise and treat it with love. That is good to keep the house in order.

But I also know deep down that is not who I am. Yeah well it is some weird saturn full moon happening right now, so forgive me for being a little darker than usual! But there is so much over-identification with the body these days.

Maybe this is a chance to remind me so I can remind you lovely people out there in love land this: You are that which breathes you. You are the witness of the body and the mind and even the emotions. But you are not your body.

So, all is well really. I just forgot that for a moment. So if I want to start a new eating plan or exercise more or whatever, sure, that'd be nice. But it can be a joyous loving care, rather than a a fear based chore. I am also going to do a nice exercise for my art class which will be some life drawings of my body. Was pretty confronting getting some photos taken, but there is one that looks pretty good. Because no matter what, there is something we love about ourselves even if it is just one of the hairs on our head.

So my wish for today is that may all beings know the joy and wonder of their precious heart no matter what sort of house it comes in. And may I see the wonder, love, joy and essence of all beings regardless of their physicality.

Love and light

Beth

Allowing being

2011-05-11T16:07:00.000Z

I am reading at the moment a wonderful book called ¨A New Earth¨by Eckhart Tolle. He is the guy who wrote ¨Power of Now¨. There is so much wisdom in those pages and it´s one of those books that transforms your psyche as you read it.

Among the many gifts that he offers in the book is the notion that the ego feeds on drama and negativity and the more we feed into and react to that, the bigger it gets in ourselves and others. No wonder the world is going mad when we are all trying to assert ourselves and convince others we are right or tell other people how to live their lives or understand ourselves so completely we forget to live... the list of dramas and issues and paths to unhappiness are countless.

Anyway in this book, he offers a perspective so wonderfully simple that i must try and share it here.

In my understanding, he talks about:

Making peace with the present moment. Fully accept it. Love it. Embrace it. Don´t try to change it. Just allow it. And when you do that, you cease to continue to feed the ego.

And remember this too will pass. All form is transitory and passing.

Oh and don´t get attached to who you think you are. For who you are cannot be found in the mind. You are the stillness. You are the expansive space between. You are the formless and not the form.

Isn´t that just beautiful.

Anyway, maybe you just need to read the book yourself.

Has anyone else read the book?

I'm back!

2011-05-11T16:02:00.000Z

Well hello there. I've missed you. This is the first day I have written in ages but I am so glad to be here.

Since I was last here, I have been on many journeys and have now become the proud author of my book, Evolution: A Creative Journey to Inner Peace (available on amazon.co.uk; amazon.com and all good online retailers).

It is beautiful to have completed that journey and now I want it to be available to whoever would benefit from it in a positive way. So let the angels work their magic.

So remember this:

You are your own truest friend

Most tender lover

And wisest sage.

Let me know what you think of my book!

Love and light

Beth

Allowing Being

2009-03-12T16:26:00.003Z

Your choice

2008-11-27T22:52:00.001Z

There are only two choices:
Love
and
Fear.

And in each moment
We can make a decision on where to put our attention.

Where are you now?
Where would you like to be?
Where are you...really... in the truth of who you are.

Theeeerrrrrrrrre....
feel better?

Now go and spread the love, baby!

xxxxxxxxx

Inspiration

2008-11-27T22:50:00.000Z

Thought for today...

Do that which brings you joy, satisfaction and fulfilment.
Hold your intention to fulfil your purpose and leave the details to 'God'.

Amen

Make time

2008-11-25T14:24:00.001Z

Hello again. I seem to be feeling moved to write here again which is a pleasure. So thank you for being here also.

Today's message is about making time - even just a few moments - for yourself. To sit quietly, turn the attention inward, take a deep, slow breath, lift your arms up high above your head and give yourself a bit, long, delicious stretch.

For it is in these moments that we reconnect with ourselves, open our ears to the inner voice, feel the love.

It is so important.

Finally it is becoming a not negotiable for me.

I am realising I need it. To feel centred. To feel connected. To love. To recieve. To work. Even to breathe.

When we make space for this quiet time, and to rediscover ourselves within that precious ocean of peace and stillness, it restores our strength, energy and fills the cup once again.

We don't need anything outside ourselves because all that we need is within us. If you want to have a massage, or go out for a nice meal, or buy ourselves a treat, by all means go for it. But you will do it with a sense of want, not need. There will be a conscious choice in the matter.

And when we are ready, we can return to the world refreshed and with a loving and open heart.

Yeeaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!

The ebb and flow

2008-11-20T13:47:00.000Z

Serenity. Understanding. Wisdom. Serenity. Understanding. Wisdom. Serenity... understanding...wisdom...

Just when you think you have got it all sorted. That life seems blissful and effortless and you at peace with the world and your place in it. Bam! Something happens and you feel like you are in a washing machine, or a car that is veering out of control. or just not right.

I had a bit of a revelation about this the other day. Aside from my: balance is a fluid and transient concept, revelation.

But it is this:

There is peace. Then the next layer reveals itself and you must come to understand and know something new about yourself or the universe or whatever.

This is generally an uncomfortable time and we can label it as 'bad' or losing the plot. We generally try and fix it or wish it to go away. Rather than allowing it to reveal itself to us so that we can grow in our newfound experience and knowledge.

And when it passes (which it does, as it must for balance to be restored) we have a deeper understanding.

For to truely understand the human condition is a journey that takes time, experience, pain and joy. And compassion. And patience.

And then there is wisdom.

For a time.

And when it is integrated, it so begins a new cycle. And it continues.

So cherish the moments of serenity, be grateful for the learnings of understanding and enjoy the moments in between.

Peace to you and your precious heart today.

Living it

2008-11-11T15:40:00.000Z

Well hello! It's been ages since I last posted on here. In fact, I now have a toddler and life has taken on a whole new perspective. But funnily enough, just yesterday I was thinking about starting to write here again. And two people said when are you going to start writing again? And even wierder was someone posted a comment on here for the first time in about 18 months and said: 'keep up the good work'. So, I figure it must be a sign, so here I am.

The topic of today is about living what we know is good for us. You know how sometimes you read the theory, it makes perfect sense, you know it's what you need to do. And yet, somehow, you just don't do it? Well, at the moment, I am in this a bit. Especially with my food. I have lost some weight, but the main thing is I have discovered that if I separate proteins from carbohydrates (it's broadly based on the Hay diet), then I feel great, no bloating, no IBS, more energy, look better etc etc. I finally have the solution to that which has hounded me for years.

So, I ask you: why I am not following this religiously? Why am I sitting here with a bloated, nauseous feeling in my body? Why do I think this is negotiable and drop it when it's not 'convenient' because I am around other people?

I am sure there are many possible answers to this question but I want to say something about awareness. When we see something for the first time, have a relevation, epiphany or whatever you want to call it, we realise in a moment of perfect clarity the answer to this why.

But you know, it takes some time before we integrate this new knowledge into our being. I think sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error before we realise how important, crucial even, is our need to change our ways.

To love ourselves more, to preserve ourselves, to nurture our precious souls.

It has to move from being negotiable to being not negotiable. To clarify, I do feel there is a time to be flexible, to bend with the breeze, to put others' needs before your own. I most definitely do. But I think there is also a time to put ourselves first above all else. Because there is a divine need for it. And to be able to choose, or determine the difference. Well that is a whole different chapter all together.

So just for today, let's toast to the awareness. The deep stirring of the inner voice to speak to us. To opening our ears and our hearts to listen. And to the willingness to follow that divine guidance. Amen.

It's a girl

2007-06-29T14:51:00.000Z

Just to let you know that Kylie Maria is on her way! Woohhooo. Photos to follow...

Mwah!

New House

2007-06-18T22:04:00.000Z

We've finally got a new home. It's only taken a year and a half, but I think it'll be worth the wait. We had Elvis round at the weekend to design a beautiful kitchen for us. Such domesticity.

Anyway, we are moving to a new area which is so London and so far away from where we are now in terms of culture and dynamics and people and vibe. I said to the Beloved, it's hard to believe we are in the same city, let alone a couple of miles from home.

It's hard to get my head around the move, but I know it'll be great. We'll make it great and we'll make it our home. The place we are leaving has been home for 3 1/2 years. So much has happened here. So it's the next chapter of the journey.

But the reason I wanted to write about this was because I was reading someone else's blog and she was talking about how much she loves being able to buy delicious exotic food in her neighbourhood for practically nothing and it's the real deal.

And it got me thinking that when we went round to the flat, our new home, just as we were wondering if that funny smell in the bathroom was damp or not, the most delicious indian curry came wafting through the open window.

And I thought to myself: everything is going to just fine.

Lavender water

2007-05-18T12:48:00.000Z

Hello! Is anyone still out there? Sorry I have been away for so long. It's been hectic, with work, baby making and all that.

You'll be pleased to know my IBS is much better. I have given up totally on anything even closely resembling a diet/ detox/ considered eating plan and am just eating what I fancy. Even rice is on the list since I discovered when I starting reacting to it and have now decided it wasn't about the rice, it was about an emotional episode in my history.

Anyway, to keep it short and sweet today as I procrastinate from my work, I have a little recipe for you.

It's for lavender water and someone who reads this introduced me to it years ago on a trip to Australia and I made up the recipe.

You'll need:
1 spray container (you know like the ones you have indoors to spray plants)
several drops (10 probably for a 500 ml bottle but determine the level of scent you like best - start with a few drops and keep adding in) of lavender essential oil (or a mix of your favourite oils, such as geranium and lavender, lemongrass and lime, rose....)
a few drops of good quality vodka (not to swig, but to preserve your oils)
good quality water (In london that means Evian or similar, in Canberra, it means straight out of the tap)

So, put the water, oil and vodka in the spray container and presto! You have a wonderful, refreshing, natural, cleansing spray to liven up your bed linen, towels, furniture (check to make sure it's OK). Just spray a fine mist whenever you fancy.

Enjoy!

Love Beth

Challenging ourselves

2007-04-12T20:22:00.000Z

I've had IBS for about 5 years now and I think it's starting to become part of my identity. Which means that I was starting to accept that it was part of who I was and probably always would be.

Then the other day, I realised that despite my best efforts at controlling the food I eat, the boxes were just getting smaller and smaller. It's been a journey, but I'm bored now and want to figure out what it's really about.

I realised that (god knows how I missed it up until now) there must be a psychological element to it. And if you know me, I will keep searching now until I get to the bottom of it!

Anyway, the other night lying in bed, this thought arose in my mind in relation to the IBS. That word was suppression.

I got nothing more than this, just suppression. I am kind of used to just getting bits and pieces of information, so was not unduly bothered about this, but took it as a sign of something to explore.

Suppression. Of guilt, someone said, the colon represents guilt. Oh, I said, that's interesting. Maybe I still have some unresolved guilt issues, noting to myself to make some time to look into that a bit more.

Then I went a visited my friend, Ali, who is a wise angel and she said she'd do a tarot reading for me with her lovely Archangel cards. She said did I have a specific question. No I said, then changed my mind and said, well actually, can we look at this IBS and see what the angels have to say about that?

Well, it was one of the clearest readings I've ever had. She said in all the readings she'd done, she'd never got any of those cards.

They said that basically, I needed to spend more time in nature and that the path was all about creativity. That I needed to write more, create more, be more expressive, dance, sing, paint, photograph, cook.

It was a revelation because I see those things as an indulgence, as a luxury, when in fact for me, I feel they might be necessities.

So, I am going to make time to do at least one creative thing every day. Even if it's just dance in the loungeroom to a funky tune.

I will keep you posted on developments.

So, here's to creativity. Because maybe it is medicine for the soul.

The simple things in life are often the best

2007-04-12T20:14:00.000Z

I've got a recipe for you from my Spanish friend, Maite. She calls it rice soup.

I just love her home style cooking full of flavour and goodness, passed on from her mother. She made this meal today to combat a bad cold and it was so tasty, I came straight home and made it myself. And it was delicious.

Per person:

Fry 1 clove of garlic in a little olive oil
Add in 1/2 an onion, finely chopped. Fry until clear
Add in 1 large or 3 or 4 small tomatoes quartered or halved. Cook until starting to juice.
Add 2 small handfuls of arborio or spanish rice and fry for 3-4 minutes
Add about 500-600ml of boiling water, 3/4 of a chicken stock cube, season with salt and pepper and a dash of tabasco sauce for an added zing. The tabasco in my opinion is the magic ingredient.

Boil for 20 minutes and serve with some grated cheese or stir in one of those kids cheeses (you know the ones that come in the round packet - Dairy Lee I think it is, probably low fat, knowing Maite).

There should be some sauce/soup in there, so if not, you need to add a bit more water next time.

It was so simple and so delicious, I ate the whole lot in one sitting!

I hope you enjoy

Love Beth

The wisdom of children

2007-03-25T20:06:00.000Z

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?"

The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love." Rebecca- age 8
"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth." Billy - age 4
"Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other." Karl - age 5
"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs." Chrissy - age 6
"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired." Terri - age 4
"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK." Danny - age 7
"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss" Emily - age 8
"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen." Bobby - age 7
"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate," Nikka - age 6

"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday." Noelle - age 7

"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well." Tommy - age 6
During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore." Cindy - age 8
"My mommy loves me more than anybody . You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night." Clare - age 6
"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken." Elaine-age 5
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Brad Pitt." Chris - age 7
"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day." Mary Ann - age 4
"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones." Lauren - age 4
"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." Karen - age 7
You really shouldn't say I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget." Jessica - age 8

And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child. The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry".

Hope you find love in your world today.

Love Beth

Old Wives Tales

2007-03-23T15:55:00.000Z

I've been thinking recently about Old Wives' Tales. You know, little sayings, or myths or truths about live that seem to be passed down from generation to generation.

Some examples would be:
Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
If the clasp of your necklace is facing downwards, someone is thinking of you.
Give your loved ones a pinch and a punch for the first of the month (I think it's meant to bring good luck)
Say 'rabbits' before anything and anyone else on the first day of the month (that was one of my granny's).

I feel there is an inherent truth to some of these tales and want to know if you've got any that you think are really good.

So, please share!

Thanks and I look forward to hearing them, no matter how wacky!

B

How smart is Your Right Foot?

2007-03-22T11:15:00.000Z

Try this. This will boggle your mind and you will keep trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but, you can't.

1. WITHOUT anyone watching you and while sitting where you are at your desk in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.
2. Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your right hand.

Your foot will change direction. I told you so!!! And there's nothing you can do about it!

You and I both know how stupid it is, but before the day is done you are going to try it again, if you've not already done so.

Every woman should have

2007-03-19T14:57:00.000Z

This is a beautiful poem by Maya Angelou that is brought to you from one of our lovely readers. Thanks, M!

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .... enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own even if she never wants to or needs to...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .... something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... a youth she's content to leave behind....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .... a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..... a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .... one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..... a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .... eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .... a feeling of control over her destiny...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... how to fall in love without losing herself..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... how to quit a job, break up with a lover and confront a friend without ruining the friendship...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... that her childhood may not have been perfect...but its over...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... where to go... be it to her best friend's kitchen table... or a charming inn in the woods... when her soul needs soothing...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... what she can and can't accomplish in a day... a month...and a year...

How do you feel loved?

2007-03-09T16:01:00.000Z

Find out what is your preferred language of love, by taking this lovely quiz.

http://www.afo.net/hftw-lovetest.asp

If we know what we need, want and expect, we are better able to communicate and/or transcend it!

Happy days

Beth

Relaxation deficit

2007-03-05T15:48:00.000Z

I think I've just stumbled across something major. No really.

OK, so I was thinking about how I seem to be tired all the time. It's winter. No amount of sleep is enough, and I can't sleep all the time. I've got to do stuff like work, eat, you know, do stuff. And it's not really about being tired. I feel like I am exhausted, but the thing is, as soon as I start doing stuff again, I find my threshold for stress has declined.

I was talking about this with a friend of mine. We're not burnt out burnt out as in need to sit in the foetal position on the sofa for a month eating chocolate and watching inspiring films. At the core, we both feel knackered and like we want to have a break. She wants to just stop working for 6 months. I want to just have a few months off to just Be.

I feel like after 10 years of my job, I have built up some kind of deficit. It's true that I have had (and am working on healing) a rather stressed out body. I don't feel stressed but the body is. If that makes sense.

I feel that at a cellular level, deep within me, is tired. And I don't think a few more sofa days will fix it.

I realised that I don't have that much relaxation time in my life. Time to just relax. I tend to associate relaxation with doing nothing, but it doesn't have to be. It's when you let go, get some head space, relax the body and let it rejuvenate.

I feel like I have a relaxation deficit.

So, I got on the internet and typed in 'relaxation deficit'. I don't think anyone much has talked of this except in science experiments with rats or mice, or in relation to some phenomenon with the heart. It is physiological, but it feels psychological and spiritual.

You heard it first here, folks.

What do you think?

Could there be such a thing as a relaxation deficit? I think I am going to try and find out more...

After a cup of tea that is!

Looking at the positive

2007-03-05T15:28:00.000Z

I'm reading a great book at the moment called: Secrets and Mysteries: The Glory and Pleasure of Being a Woman by Denise Linn. It really is such a special book. One of those books crammed with gems and really helpful stuff where just reading it makes one feel empowered, loving and peaceful.

Anyway, in the book, I discovered the most wonderful revelation the other day. She says, when all seems lost and hopeless, it is our attitude to a situation that can turn it around for us. She says, ask yourself this one question and see how the energy changes.

The question is: What is good about this situation?

How simple is that, but incredibly, it changes everything. In the darkest moment, in the grimmest of settings, it is I believe possible to find something good. Even if it is something tiny, it gives us hope to carry on.

Like in the movie Life Is Beautiful. Being in a concentration camp must have been unfathomably awful, but the Dad managed to make it into a game. He created beauty in one of the darkest places imaginable. Really such a wonderful movie.

Luckily for most of us, the things we get caught up in are not so horrendous even if they feel like it sometimes.

So today, I want to make this my mantra. What is good about this situation? The tricky bit is
remembering to ask yourself this in your darkest hour.

Maybe we can ask each other and remind ourselves that there might be another way of looking at a situation?

Thanks to Denise for coming upon this and sharing it.

Here's to your own peace and positivity.

Beth

5 minutes for yourself

2007-03-01T17:24:00.000Z

Famous last words on the routine concept in my last entry. My life is never in a routine and hasn't been for the last 10 years. As soon as I try and establish one, it gets out of whack. This tells me a) I am very disorganised or b) the nature of my work is erratic and therefore inconsistent from one week to the next or c) I am one to get bored easily so sabotaging any chance of routine or d) I am addicted to drama and chaos.

I think I know the answer, but anyway, I am here now and do apologise for the delay in writing.

I have, however, managed to have a couple of days 'on the sofa' (or what you might call down time) since last here, which I have to say has been utterly blissful and exceptionally good for my soul.

Here is the thought for today for all of you out there whose lives are busy, chaotic, stressful, never a minute to sit down -ish. There is time for 5 minutes for yourself. There really is. So why not take it.

Light a candle and ask that it connect you to the Divine Source of all that is good and peaceful and loving (or whatever you want to call it). Then sit (a nice cup of tea may help get you in the mood for this one). Just sit and be grateful for this moment.

Be at peace
Count your blessings
Sit quietly
Let inspiration fill you

Graceful moments
Of nothing-ness
Of Be-ing

Let it wash over you
Let it wash you clean

Smell the gentle fragrance of
vanilla mixed with lilly (or whatever your candle or flowers or house or place you are in smells of)

The candle quietly
dedicated to peace, love and inspiration.

Let me know if you feel better after a few moments of relaxation. You deserve it.

PS If you claim you cannot make 5 minutes for yourself, then let me know and I will light a candle for you!

If you don't have any flowers in your house, maybe today is the perfect day to buy yourself some.

I hope you have a beautiful day!

Love Beth

One small candle can light a darkened room

2007-02-21T11:35:00.000Z

Good morning! I am starting to get into the routine of spending a few moments each morning with my smoothie and my journal and just seeing what arises in the consciousness.

Today it is a about helping others. A friend of mine is having a very tough time right now. She is feeling physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually destitute. I asked if there was something I could do, and she asked if I might be able to pray for her.

I don't see praying in a religious sense, but rather as a way of surrendering our pain to the light of some greater force at work in the universe. Doesn't matter what you call it. But it's there and it is loving.

So, this is what I wanted to write on my blog for today.

Let us pray for those who are lost in the darkness
of their own pain...of poverty...of persecution...of violence...of war...of ignorance

Let us pray that they find a candle of hope to light their their way
That the angels of mercy, compassion and love
lift them from their darkness.

In the darkness, we can find the light

For the children
who live underground (I saw this heartbreaking documentary a couple of weeks ago about some children in Bucharest living literally underground. They felt safer there than at home. Some were as young as 10 or 11 and each night they inhaled petrol or some other horrible fumes yet they had a dignity that I and a committment to live that I found incredible)
And breathe fumes into their lungs
To escape, just for a few moments
The desperation of their existence
May someone lend a hand urgently
Before it's too late.

There is so much pain
So much sadness
So much sorrow.

How can one possibly bear to look and see and engage?

Too much for small shoulders to carry
Too much for one heart to bear.
Yet somehow they carry on
Fighting for this gift (?) of life.

I feel so impotent
So lazy
So distant.

I hear the whispering of a divine message...

You alone cannot liberate
all beings
from their own pain
one must
ultimately
meet their own maker
and decide how to live

all you can do
is continue to liberate yourself
and in doing so
you give others the freedom to do so for themselves.

then you must follow the path
set before you
with joy and gladness and courage

for the angels will reveal to you
how you can make a difference
must make a difference.

But you must fill your own cup first
and fulfil your own dreams
for they are important too

and then the cup will overflow
and the love will be shared
it has to be

When you turn on the light in a darkened room
have you noticed how the darkness disappears?
Have you noticed how little light it takes
to cast away the darkness?
Just one small candle can light a whole room.

So it is with love.
Just a little love can cast away fear
But one candle can only do so much

Little by little
As we join together
We can spread the light
and then others can start to, are already,
igniting their own flames.

Peace be to all.
Amen.

Tread lightly

2007-02-20T11:40:00.000Z

Step gently on this earth

and with a gladdened heart

For when you are gone

All that will be left

Are your footprints

Have a beautiful day
Love Beth

Take your time

2007-02-19T08:41:00.000Z

Relax.
There is plenty of time for everything.
No need to rush

Let life gently unfold before you.

Be at peace

In a timeless, vast universe,
what is this concept of time anyway?

Suspend all thoughts of achievement
Even just for today

and let yourself just Be.

Relax....

Breathe...

Quietly now....

Still....

Now go about your day and enjoy!

Love Beth xoxox

Happiness

2007-02-18T10:23:00.000Z

Today I want to write about happiness.
What if you discovered that happiness is both a state (of being and mind), as well as a choice?
Believe it or not, we can choose to be happy.
The Dalai Lama talks of it in his wonderful book, The Art of Happiness.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Happiness-Handbook-Living/dp/0340750154/sr=8-1/qid=1171794256/ref=pd_ka_1/203-3634280-8712741?ie=UTF8&s=books

Remember: there is always going to be times when it is not possible or authentic to be happy.
So, how can one choose to be happy? Here are a few ideas to consider...

1. Be grateful for what you have (write a list in your gratitude diary)
2. Realise that this too will pass
3. Gain perspective on the bigger picture - why get caught up in something transient when you will be here, in this spirit form, for milenia either past, present or future? This moment is really a drop in the ocean
4. You have been given life, which is a great blessing. As long as you are breathing, you have a choice. Not about what happens to you so much as how you react to it and what you do with your current circumstances
5. Don't put yourself under pressure to be something or someone you are not
6. Pray for peace and see how little time it takes for that warmth to wash over you. Archangel Michael is a good one for happiness
7. Recognise that what others do or so to you does not have to effect how you feel. It may do, it can do and it often does, but it doesn't have to
8. Listen to a beautiful piece of music, sing a song you enjoy, paint or draw, write a poem, go outside for a walk, wonder at a piece of art, look at old photos you enjoy, make some hearty soup, take a long bath, watch an inspiring film, read an inspiring book... self nurture provides a playground for happiness to blossom.

So, to your happiness and those of all beings.

Love Beth xx

Thought for today...

2007-02-17T10:44:00.000Z

Be yourself.
Be utterly, truely, completely
your wonderful, radiant, pure self
In whatever form that may be.

Go on, let it shine
Let all of you be seen.

It might feel and seem risky
But when you reall think about it
It's all you can do, isn't it?

Have a lovely, sparkly, shiny day everyone.
Love Beth xx

Message for today

2007-02-16T09:41:00.000Z

Nurture yourself.
Nurture the very core of your being.
Feed yourself loving words, loving thoughts and loving foods.
Be peaceful here.
No rushing about. Just sit calmly with yourself
And let the whispers of truth, of love and of hope wash over you.

I hope you have a beautiful day!

Love Beth

Together we can do this

2007-02-15T12:36:00.000Z

Here is a video clip of a horse rescue in the Netherlands last year which I found incredibly touching.

It is better with the music if you have it.

See what you think...

http://video.google.nl/videoplay?docid=-4584913278289860160

Finding peace in chaos

2007-02-13T19:28:00.000Z

It has been an unsettling start to 2-007. I think there is something in the air round here because lots of people have said it feels like they are kind of floating about without any real sense of purpose or joy. I've not managed to get to the bottom of it, but I think it might be something planetary!

Anyway, as we are in the dark time of the year (ie winter) on this side of the planet, I've been doing a little bit of introspection and come to the following conclusion. (well it could be winter, it could be me, or it could be this annoying little mid life crisis I had recently. am still having I expect. something to do with being closer to 50 than 20. it's a wierd wierd concept and I am struggling to get my head around it).

Anyway, the point is, I had this little revelation recently and it was quite nice in that I felt better for having had it. It's like I have to recalibrate my brain again to be comfortable with it but I found something peaceful there that I wasn't expecting.

And (drumroll please), the revelation was this: Life's not about getting to the point where everything is all OK, but rather about being OK with where you are at in the moment.

Then you can put all your effort, love and focus into what you are doing right now, rather than getting disappointed with things may not be working out as you would want them to or planned them to. It allows for gratitude for the small blessings. It allows for space to breathe and make mistakes and try new things. It allows for dreaming but not for us to be solely focused on the achievement of goals and aims. It allows heart space to BE.

It means that when life starts throwing harder and harder challenges at us(which it probably will as one gets older, kids, work, money and all that, and blessed be if not), then we can be prepared to enjoy the ride.

Don't you just love it?!

One year today!

2007-02-07T15:20:00.000Z

Hey, I've been doing my blog for a whole year now. And I have no stat counter, so if anyone is out there, can you please let me know you are there!

I love this blog because it is such a gentle reminder for me to turn the loving inwards and reflect at times what is important in the daily hustle of life. It also seems to be a way of keeping in touch with some of the beloved sisters (men are also welcome) who if all in the one place, couldn't do their job of spreading love all the way around the world.

Thanks for reading and if you have anything you want to include, anonymously or otherwise (aside from advertising for performance enhancers or window cleaners) that would be truely welcomed.

Peace, love and light to you all

Love Beth xx

A toast to the sisterhood

2007-02-07T15:07:00.000Z

This story came into my life today and it is so wonderful, I wanted to share it. Not sure who it is by aside from it being a wise woman!

A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her Mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter.

"Don't forget your Sisters," she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need Sisters.

Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them.
Remember that 'Sisters' means ALL the women... your girlfriends, your daughters, and
all your other women relatives too. You'll need other women. Women always do.

"What a funny piece of advice!" The young woman thought. Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the couple-world? I'm now a married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely my husband and the family we may start will be all I need to make my life worthwhile!' But she listened to her Mother. She kept contact with her sisters and made more women friends each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, she gradually came to understand that her Mom really knew what she was talking about.

As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, Sisters are the mainstays of her life. After more than 50 years of living in this world, here is what I've learned:

Time passes.

Life happens.

Distance separates.

Children grow up.

Jobs come and go.

Love waxes and wanes.

Men don't do what they're supposed to do.

Hearts break.

Parents die.

Colleagues forget favors.

Careers end.

BUT.........

Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between
you.

A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach. When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end. Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you...Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters, daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family, sisters in spirit, (even mother in laws) all bless our life! The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other. Every day, we need each other still.

To the sisterhood. For without you, we are nothing.

Finding balance

2007-02-06T18:01:00.000Z

Hey there! Sorry I've been away for a while. It's been hectic over here and I have been running to catch up. I'm not a very good fire fighter and as usual, trying to keep too many balls in the air. But hey, I went to Paris and it was beautiful. I went to Hamburg - also divine.

Anyway, I'm back and thinking of putting a veto on travel for the next month so I can get into my detox and have a bit of quiet time.

I saw that movie The Pursuit of Happyness. It is amazing. It is so worth seeing. Hard to watch in places for me. I found it almost painful. But oh so inspiring. Will Smith was incredible I thought. See it if you can.

The theme on my mind today, though, is about balance.

Sometimes it is quite tricky to balance the spiritual life with the demands of everyday living, like working, travelling, having kids, relationships. Even just eating healthily and making the time to cook a decent meal sometimes seems like a big deal for me. But the point of the spiritual life is to bring it into our daily living. While I did think about the monastic life, and fully respect those who choose this path, I feel there is something terribly important about living an everyday existance consciously. Being extraordinarily ordinary.

The other thing I think about balance is that it is not fixed. It is an oh so fluid concept. It is not something that is attained and then forever done, tick that box and move on. It is a constantly evolving series of choices that we make every day.

And then you have the other bit which is where you put your attention. Like not wanting to spend every day 'getting to know yourself', but also not getting so caught up in life you forget to turn the loving inwards from time to time to check in and see how your soul is doing.

Anyway, I think what I wanted to say is: hello sweet soul. I'm here. I'm doing my best to make time for you and all the other bits and pieces.

And thanks to all you precious souls who sent your birthday wishes. I felt very loved and very grateful. Thank you all. xxxxx

Ode to the Sardine

2007-01-25T15:36:00.000Z

I just had sardines on toast for lunch and they were so delicious. How long is it since you had that yumminess? I bought some nice tinned ones from Waitrose and they were in olive oil and lemon and all I did was add a little bit of garlic into the mix.

I used to have them with tomato sauce, but au natural is even better. I used to lather on butter, but the olive oil is enough. I also have a cold so the fishy factor may have been reduced.

But I enjoyed it so much I thought I'd write and say: treat yourself to a sardines on toast! Go on.

Choosing new patterns

2007-01-25T14:00:00.000Z

Well after 6 months of trying to buy this flat, it looks like we are going to have to pull out of it. Too much is unclear and uncertain and it could end up costing us a lot of money. While on the one hand, I can see from a philosophical point of view that as one door closes another opens and that it obviously 'was not meant to be', I really could see us living there and I feel that my little dream is slipping away. Which it's not, but it feels like that, so I need to be sad about that for a little while.

The day we realised it probably wouldn't happen, I rushed onto the internet and immediately started trying to find somewhere else to at least go and look at. I wanted to fix it and make myself feel better. It was like the good old days when I got rejected by some utterly unsuitable guy and thought I'd missed my chance of being with (yet another) 'the one'.

I even got so far as making an appointment for a viewing which would have required me to traipse half way across London in the snow?! to get there while trying to recover from a massive cold that I've got from pushing myself too hard.

You'll be pleased to know I came to my senses and realised that I don't have to rush into looking again. I have decided to take a few weeks off looking and thinking of houses and will just let it go. If I feel inspired, I might start looking again. But until then, I am going to focus on the things I have a semblance of control over and be open to the possibility of the search being simple, loving and gentle (oh and quick and through non traditional as well as traditional channels), will relish in the chance to stick too metaphorical fingers up at the Real Estate guy who despite my best efforts at compassion I cannot stand, and while I'm at it, might even have a cup of tea.

Oh how liberating to find the lessons in the trials and tribulations we face.

A Gift of Gentleness

2007-01-19T14:25:00.000Z

Here is a story for you, this Friday. I think it is a lovely reminder of how it costs nothing to transform a situation to one of peace, love and respect. Happy weekend my beloved readers, whoever and wherever you may be...

Once upon a time, a church had fallen upon hard times. Only five members were left: the pastor and four others, all over 60 years old.

In the mountains near the church there lived a retired Bishop. It occurred to the pastor to ask the Bishop if he could offer any advice that might save the church. The pastor and the Bishop spoke at length, but when asked for advice, the Bishop simply responded by saying, "I have no advice to give. The only thing I can tell you is that the Messiah is one of you."

The pastor, returning to the church, told the church members what the Bishop had said. In the months that followed, the old church members pondered the words of the Bishop. "The Messiah is one of us?" they each asked themselves.

As they thought about this possibility, they all began to treat each other with extraordinary respect and gentleness on the off chance that one among them might be the Messiah. And on the off, off chance that each member himself might be the Messiah, they also began to treat themselves with extraordinary care.

As time went by, people visiting the church noticed the aura of respect and gentle kindness that surrounded the five old members of the small church. Hardly knowing why, more people began to come back to the church. They began to bring their friends, and their friends brought more friends. Within a few years, the small church had once again become a thriving church, thanks to the Bishop's gift.

Author Unknown

Home

2007-01-16T14:42:00.000Z

Well after a crazy few weeks, I have come back to Londres for a holiday! And it feels like home. I've got some spicy sweet potato soup on the stove. I've got my Vika and Linda Bull CD playing. I've just eaten a few too many musk sticks. I've got up to date with my schedule for the next few weeks.

And I have been thinking about what it means to call a place home. Is it where you are from? Who is there? How you feel when you are there? A sense of place and community? Is it the earth beneath your feet? Is it a place?

I think it's different things to different people.

For me, it is a feeling of completeness, a feeling of safety and freedom, a feeling of belonging. For some reason, I feel that here in a way I never did in Australia. The wandering is over for me. I feel a wholeness. Maybe it's because the Love God is here, but I think it's more than that. It's in my bones. My roots are here. I could pack up tomorrow and move somewhere else, but right now I don't want to.

It was so lovely to meet up with some of the lovelies while down South. Not enough time, but enough to re connect with where they are at. Not enough time to really sit and chat. To talk about where we are on the spiritual path and all that. I know I must give up the chance to be part of their everyday and them being a part of mine. It's a hard call sometimes, it really is.

But I guess if we were all in one place, the love couldn't be spread around the world.

We need to skype more. We really do. I hope you know that I am here and with you in spirit when you need me there. I know it's not the same as sitting around the kitchen table with a cuppa. I feel I missed opportunities to ask better questions or to be 'there' more. But I was not in a relaxed place. I wasn't really myself. Somehow I ended up disconnecting from me when I was there. Maybe it was all the rushing around, maybe it was because of certain individuals, maybe it was the food, maybe it was the plane journey, maybe it was because I was tired before I left, maybe it was the culture shock. Who knows and it doesn't really matter why.

I wish you could be here with me in my place. I have so much to share, but somehow I couldn't find the connection to myself when I saw you. Sorry if you felt that. You're right, I am hard on myself sometimes. But I am learning to be kinder.

I love you and miss you already but at least it is less time til we see each other now than it was when we parted.

Your friend Beth

Technorati

2006-12-28T07:10:00.000Z

Technorati Profile

Dancing your way around the world

2006-12-12T23:36:00.000Z

Check out this guy. And he got paid to do it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNF_P281Uu4

Originality certainly is one interesting path...

Desiderata

2006-12-12T18:03:00.000Z

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrenderbe on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;

and listen to others,

even the dull and the ignorant;they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,

they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain and bitter;

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs;

for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals;

and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love;

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment

it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,

whatever you conceive Him to be,

and whatever your labors and aspirations,

in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

See you next week

2006-12-12T12:26:00.000Z

To all my lovely little cherubs down under. All I want to say is:

See you next week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This doesn't come to pass very often.

Really looking forward to seeing you all in the flesh.

Loves B xoxooxoxox

Nobel Peace Prize

2006-12-11T23:45:00.000Z

I just want to say how wonderful I think it is that Muhammad Yunus was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Sunday for his work in establishing the Grameen Bank, a program which, for more than two decades, has helped impoverished people start businesses by providing small, usually unsecured loans known as microcredit.

His belief is that poverty lies at the heart of terrorism. What a liberating perspective that is.

What a wonderful hero for our times and what an inspirational leader.

See, one person can make a difference. Power to you, Mr Yunus.

Boredom

2006-12-06T19:32:00.000Z

Bored, bored, bored, bored, bored!

I have, in a word, been feeling bored these last few days. Mixed in with a bit of burn out from having not had a holiday for ages. Only a few weeks until christmas and it is the holiday that I am looking forward to.

Did you know that, according to Wikipedia, Charles Dickens invented the word in his novel Bleak House in 1852?

Anyway, this boredom experience has given me the chance to explore the concept and I've realised a couple of interesting things.

1. Boredom has to, by its nature, represent a departure from our connection to spirit. Because when one is connected to spirit, there is certainly no boredom there

2. Feeling uninspired by the mundanity of life is the perfect breeding ground for boredom. The daily grind. This trap disconnects us from the creative, unlimited aspect of ourselves. Making time to do something outside the norm is so crucial to living a whole life and moving on from boredom

3. Boredom signals the need for a change. From the immediate and simple like going for a walk and getting some fresh air, or doing some kind of action (eating chocolate does not count!), to thinking about how to change your job or seeing a movie.

Anyway, any more boredom busters would be great, so let me know.

I decided to go for a long walk and take a few photos of the full moon. How magnificent it is.

So, here is one for you!

Love and peace.

Inspired by photography

2006-12-04T20:51:00.000Z

I've been a bit lazy lately taking quotes and inspiration from others, but sometimes others are simply that: inspiring. Today, however, I want to share a couple of examples of my new found passion: capturing transitory moments on film.

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, for my current art study I have been taking zillions of photos of inpermanent phenomena. It has really been so much fun and I wish I could make money from being creative because I LOVE it.

Anyway, I showed a friend of mine today some stuff and she said: If you were to be a professional photographer, what would be your focus? I immediately answered that I would like to do exhibitions of photos as art work that centre on a concept. That people could hang them in their home or office because they enjoyed looking at them.

I didn't realise that my photos were really any good, but I am starting to think maybe I have discovered something. Who can say really, but I'm going to keep going. Nothing has been done to the pictures, they are exactly as the camera took them. I think my camera has magic properties...

So, here are a couple of examples that I like. Hope you do too. Let me know what you think.

If

2006-12-01T12:18:00.000Z

I got this sent to me today and think it is a lovely reminder to remain calm and true to yourself in the eye of the storm. There are a few bits in there I'm not sure about but the esssence of it is beautiful.

I hope you enjoy it. It's by Rudyard Kipling...

IF
IF you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,

Or being hated, don't give way to hating,

And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

IF you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

IF you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: `Hold on!'

IF you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,

And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

Reclaiming spirit

2006-11-27T22:56:00.000Z

Another beautiful reminder from Clarissa Pinkola Estes (not a quote this time and I hope I have the sentiment right)...

We can't fix where we've come from
But we can embrace our wildness and reclaim our authentic selves.

This woman simply does not do victim! And neither must we!

So, here's to your liberation whoever you may be. And the joy that comes with setting yourself free.

Balance

2006-11-27T22:55:00.000Z

Another inspiration from Women Who Run With the Wolves:

Balance makes our lives larger

Imbalance makes our lives smaller.

I can totally relate to this. Every time I feel like I am trapped in a small box, I realise, funnily enough that me or my life is totally out of whack.

And I'll let you in on a little secret... balance isn't a fixed state that you reach and there you shall remain. It is a fluid and transient concept, like a swinging pendulum. Sometimes we have it and sometimes we don't.

Thanks to H for introducing me to the concept all those years ago...

So, here's to balance. Because when you grace us with your presence, the heart and world expand.

Women Who Run with the Wolves

2006-11-20T12:04:00.000Z

I am reading a wonderful book by Clarissa Pinkola Estes called Women Who Run with the Wolves. It is a beautiful exploration of fairy tales and other myths and legends that we know reinterpreted as tales and gifts that allow an exploration of the feminine psyche and invite us all to reclaim our inner wild woman (which represents our authentic selves).

It's not light reading, and last time I read it I had some intense dreams. But if you are in the space for it and prepared to listen to the wisdom that bubbles up from the very depths of your soul, it is a real gift.

There are just so may gems in those pages. Here is just one that I thought was fun and something to aspire to (but please don't think this in any way represents the book):

Ideally, an old woman symbolises dignity, mentoring, wisdom, self knowledge, tradition bearing, well defined boundaries, experience, with a good dose of crabbiness, long toothed, straight talking, flirtacious sass thrown in for good measure. p 225

So, if you feel inspired, get a copy. And let me know how you get on...

Weddings

2006-11-13T20:59:00.000Z

We recently went to a wedding in Barcelona. It was such a beautiful event. These two are so loving and kind and generous of spirit.

It was such a lovely service and I found myself in tears for most of it. It was very potent for me because the minister talked about love failing us sometimes and I have found that to be true in my life. It's then that we need to have faith and ask for help - either from our friends or family if we have them or from some divine source (whatever that means for the individual).

After the wedding I felt lighter and as if I had renewed my vows to the beloved. Love certainly isn't something that stands still. It's an ongoing evolution and I'm finding that the more you explore it, the deeper it becomes.

Anyway, I took this photo of our angelitos - because the world is a better place with you in it.

Impermanence

2006-11-13T20:34:00.000Z

This term in my art course we are looking at light, shadow and transition. I am so excited about it because I have decided to focus on impermanence.

Buddhists have long recognised the impermanence of all natural phenomena and I think it forms the basis of at least one of their noble truths.

But to actually realise everything is impermanent (except nirvana, or bliss, or love consciousness or peace or however you choose to refer to it) is quite a revelation.

a smile... a kiss... a sunset.... a sunrise... a meal... the seasons... shadows...ageing...youth...a rainbow...rain...sun...a blink... autumn leaves falling...clouds...pregnancy... waves in the ocean... bath... footprints... flowers...

I find that so beautiful and amazing.

So here is a photo to celebrate.

To life and it's transient nature.

Thought for the day...

2006-11-01T16:38:00.000Z

“It is easy to be heavy: hard to be light.”
G. K. Chesterton

Water

2006-10-31T15:45:00.000Z

Today I was in Trafalgar Square and saw an event by the international charity WaterAid. They are screening the premiere of Ali Hobbs's documentary The Long Walk, a film which shows a woman's daily 7.5 hour walk to collect water in Sudan 's Nuba mountains.

The Long Walk is an allegory for the lives of the 1.1 billion people who currently live without access to clean water, many of whom spend whole days walking miles to collect 20 litres (equivalent to a few flushes of a toilet) of dirty water for their family's cooking, washing, drinking and cleaning needs.

Watch a short preview of the film here

For more information about WaterAid, today’s film and how you can make a difference to global water injustice, please visit http://www.wateraid.org.uk/

So, here's to water and not taking it for granted.

I love Paris

2006-10-23T11:26:00.000Z

Lucky me - I just got to spend the whole weekend in Paris. It is simply stunning. The weather was magnificent, the people inspiring, the place beautiful, the food wonderful.

I feel fortunate to be able to visit places like this and just soak it all up.

I think in Paris the people are so very interesting, I am sure if you chose the right cafe and went there everyday for a year, you could write an incredible book at the end of it.

So, here's to Paris. Parce que vous etes parfait!

Xavier Rudd

2006-10-18T13:35:00.000Z

Oh my, what a rare and precious treat I had last night when I went and saw Xavier Rudd at the Shepherd's Bush Empire. That man is incredible.

He is one of those special creations who follow their heart and spirit and give 100% into each breath.

He somehow manages to create music that is wonderful to listen or dance to, which is coupled with amazing musical mastery (imagine playing 5 instruments at once - one with each arm, one with each leg and a digeridoo) and profound lyrics. He's like a spiritual musical alchemist.

What an inspiration on so many levels.

If you ever get the chance to see him, do whatever it takes to get there.

He entered with a namaste. He smiled and loved the music. He seemed almost as amazed by what he was creating as were the audience. He let people jump up on stage and dance with him. Then there was a group hug. No fear was here, only love.

So, here's to Xavier Rudd.

You are one of my Heroes because you live it and embrace spirit in each moment, you give others permission to be truely magnificent and you relish in your gifts and share them with such humbling gratitude.

Blessings be.

the Hundredth Monkey

2006-10-11T09:44:00.000Z

I've always found the story of the Hundredth Monkey a compelling concept. It basically says that when an idea or concept reaches a critical mass, then it is adopted by the masses.

According to Wikipedia...

The "Hundredth Monkey Effect" is the name for a supposed phenomenon in which a particular learned behaviour spread instantaneously from one group of animals, once a critical number was reached, to all related animals in the region or perhaps throughout the world. Largely due to popularisation of this story, the "Hundredth Monkey Effect" phenomenon is now thought by some to occur in human populations with respect to ideas and beliefs in general even though the original story has been discredited (Myers 1985).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hundredth_Monkey

I didn't know until today that it has been hotly debated for years...

My point is not what if it isn't true, but rather: what if it is?

I'm certainly seeing signs of less apathy in the world. People might be showing more exteme views but they are not really sitting on the fence these days. There are two choices: love and fear.

Imagine if love hit critical mass where we all suddenly found ourselves living in this state of consciousness?

We are, after all, living in the Age of Aquarius and for a little Aquarian like me, that's a pretty exciting possibility...

Trust yourself

2006-10-05T09:51:00.000Z

I've been in a right old state for the last couple of weeks and yesterday I had a bit of a revelation. I realised that my head was spinning around and I was feeling lost for one simple reason that no amount of anything much could help: I realised I had momentarily lost trust in myself.

And what a sorry state of affairs that was. I was a mess. I couldn't trust my own judgement, I felt depressed, lost...

I thought back to why that might have happened and suddenly, the darkness cleared and I realised that I was going to be OK again. Peace started to ooze through my veins once more. Because I can trust myself. I am worthy of love.

I guess the reason I want to tell you this little story is because it can happen to all of us at one time or another and such a simple piece of the puzzle has such profound importance for our mental, physical and spiritual well being.

So, here's to you and learning to or nurturing the trust you have in yourself. Because you do rock and if I've got anything to do with it, you won't be forgetting it in a hurry!

Awakening to Spirit

2006-10-03T11:12:00.000Z

How beautiful it is to hear of someone opening to the world of spirit.

You may have started noticing strange things occuring that simply cannot be explained with the rational mind. And deep down you know it is something more. You may be starting to feel with a deep certainty that there exists a world beyond what you have ever known and you know you must explore it and find out more. A couple of friends of mine have shared this with me recently, and I know there are many more people out there who are going through the same thing.

Many people think that to connect with spirits you need to go to an expert.

Well let me tell you this - you already know the person who can help you most. And that, my friend, is you!

Once this new connection starts to reveal itself to you can either choose to ignore it or choose to nurture it.

If you decide to ignore it, you might be giving up one of the most beautiful gifts you have ever been offered. But chances are, it won't have come to you unless you were ready.

So, then, how to nurture it?

Spend time with it. Get to know it. Explore it. Like making a new friend. Make time to be together.

It might be different for you, but a couple of things that have worked well for me have been doing creative activities, like writing, drawing, dancing and singing.

Here are some ideas to get you started...

1. Automatic writing – put pen to paper and see what comes. Don’t judge it, just write whatever pops into your head. Words, colours, memories, images…
2. Ask a question with your dominant hand (right hand if right hander, left hand if left hander) and then write the answer with the non dominant hand
3. Letter to someone – who you may have ended a relationship with e.g. friend, partner, family member; to yourself/inner child telling yourself how you feel; to an illness you have and what you think and feel about it; to someone who died before you were born who you would like to get to know better
4. Sit down with a cup of tea and think about the person. Start a conversation with them and see what happens. Trust what comes.

So, let me know how you get on. I hope you for this becomes one of the most loving, peaceful and nurturing relationships you will ever know.

Love and light

Beth

Does all work have to be 'spiritual'?

2006-09-29T19:16:00.000Z

At the beginning of this year, I said to the Universe, OK, if you want me to do healing work full time, show me the way and I will do it. I tied up a new loose ends and was ready, open to whatever came.

I waited for about 2 months and nothing happened. I had some business cards made up. But generally, I felt uninspired to do anything much. Aside from paint. Which I did a bit of.

Then I started feeling depressed.

So, I said to the universe, what's going on? If you want me to be a healer, then I can do it. But I can't sit around on my arse all day waiting for something to happen. Show me the way.

The next day, the phone started ringing again. I was inundated with offers of work. Opportunities to get involved. In research. Which is what I was doing before. And I felt happy again.

Maybe it wasn't the right time. Or maybe, I am just one of those people who is meant to have a 'normal' job which gives me the head space and the freedom to be the one to go with my friend to the doctor, or to be able to stay up late into the night listening to a friend over the phone, or to meet someone in the day for a chat, or to just go and spend time showing some people a new product and being nice to them.

I realised today, it's not what you do, but how you do it that counts. That random acts of kindness mean something to me. That you can make a difference by being present and happy and smiling at people, rather than being a grumpy old chook who takes more than she gives.

And if I am meant to be a healer and do 'healing' work, then that's fine. I am sure I'll be shown the way. If not, I'll just keep doing what I do.

Because people do lovely things when you give them permission. Today for example, there was a little old lady trying to cross a busy road. I stopped to make sure she was OK.

And then something lovely happened. First a big truck flashed its lights and stopped, so she could cross half of way. So, we started walking and I said, I think we can go after this car waited for a natural break in the traffic. But before that, a lovely person stopped their car and let us cross.

I smiled and thanked the universe. Surely others choosing to be kind in that moment constitutes a miracle.

Not all grains are created equal

2006-09-29T19:14:00.000Z

I had heard of people being intolerant to wheat and of course there are caeliacs who are allergic to gluten. But recently I have been learning that there are a lot of other grains people are not able to digest properly.

One of my friends has dropped a dress size in 4 weeks simply by cutting out the grains which were causing her terrible IBS.

I have a sensitive body which seems to want to be fed only healthy and loving foods. OK, so a sensitive and intelligent body.

But sometimes it's a bit of a drag, especially when I find it hard to figure out what it actually wants. Anyway, on my detox, I still had a bloated stomach at times and I was following that thing to a t. I noticed it was when I had rice, and I've thought for a while that rice isn't great for me. Not even brown short grain, the world's most absorbant complex carbohydrate.

When I saw my kinesiologist last week, she did some testing on me and discovered that for my body, rice, wheat and oats are out, and rye, millet, barley and corn are in. So, I am giving it a go to see if it does make a difference. What a wonderful world of discovery awaits.

I found a recipe for:
Millet muffins (imagine raspberry and fig millet muffins)
Ryvitas - how much do I love ryvitas and I never eat them...with hommous and cherry tomatos, with peanut butter
Corn on the cob - summer loving the corn with olive oil and pepper or popped with balsamic vinegar and salt and Barley - barley soup is just about one of the most nurturing soups known to man. It positively transforms a bowl of vege soup....

So, here's to the less popular grains out there. Thanks for being there!

We are all in a transition

2006-09-25T20:22:00.000Z

You might think I'm mad but can you honestly tell me you haven't noticed wierd and intense things happening all around you?

According to this site, we are moving into a greater realm of love. So, it's worth it, then, isn't it?!

Check out this site and see what you think...

http://www.tribe.net/recommendation/Creating-Sacred-Spaces-Grounding-New-Earth/ddf864bc-e2fe-449c-a7c9-4205d8b6d359

Enjoy and don't worry, it will pass. You might even come to enjoy it...

Love and light and peace to you all

Beth

What are the seasons of fruit and vege?

2006-09-25T19:46:00.001Z

You may not know how much you make a difference

2006-09-24T11:20:00.000Z

I somehow got myself onto an email list from the Hare Krisnas up in Watford. Every so often they send me details about events and sometimes a beautiful message of love or hope or peace. Today I recieved this one and I think it is so fitting for today. I hope you enjoy it:

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name.

Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down.
It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.

That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual.

On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. "Really?" she heard whispered. "I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!" and, "I didn't know others liked me so much." were most of the comments.

No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of students moved on.

Several years later, one of the students was killed in Vietnam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature.

The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin.

As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her. "Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. She nodded: "yes." Then he said: "Mark talked about you a lot."

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher.

"We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket. "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it."

Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him.

"Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said. "As you can see, Mark treasured it."

All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home."

Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album."

"I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary."

Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group "I carry this with me at all times," Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued: "I think we all saved our lists."

That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.

The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be.

So please, tell the people you love and care for, that they are special and important. Tell them, before it is too late.

Tough emotional times

2006-09-23T13:08:00.000Z

I just want you to know, dear readers, that it is a very tough time emotionally for people at the moment. There seems to be so much going on in the universe. There are trials aplenty, as we move into a new phase which promises greater peace and inner calm.

So, if you feel (as I do) that life is just way too much for you, that you want to check out of being a grown up, that you want to go and sit in a cave and never come out, don't worry. You are not alone.

Now is the time to be kind to yourself. Take a nanna nap if you need one. Eat properly. Don't overcommit yourself to too many things. Breathe. Go for a walk if you can. Don't drink too much or eat too much chocolate.

And wait for it to pass. And remember, the sun will shine again in your heart.

Share it

2006-09-18T14:39:00.000Z

How much lighter is the load one must carry when it is shared.

I have noticed many times how just having someone listen to you and really hear you can be the greatest gift for easing a heavy heart, troubled mind or saddened soul. It can give the courage to continue.

Often however, the listening comes down to a select few who seem to listen more than they are listened to, and care more than most.

So today, I want to send out a huge fanfare and thank you to all you givers and say, make sure you find your own sacred circle of sharing when times get tough for you. Don't be afraid to share your pain with others. There is no good you being weighed down with heaviness. You have Divine work to do, which can only happen with a light and gladdened heart. And the person listening might be glad to be of assistance. Who knows, they may even learn something in the process. And you might find a new perspective that sheds light into the seeming darkness...

Don't despair if you can't find a person to talk to. There are always the angels who will come to your aid if you ask...

Start again

2006-09-17T11:05:00.000Z

Many years ago, I did a 10 day Vipassana meditation retreat. It was a wonderful experience to learn meditation and a skill I still use today pretty much on a daily basis. Every morning we used to get up about 4.30am and listen to chanting from one of the monks and one of the things that he used to say quite a lot was 'start again'. When the mind loses its way and goes off on a seemingly never ending tangent, you can simply regather yourself and refocus on the breath and start again.

Today, this is particularly relevant for me. I have found myself caught in a negative cycle with an important relationship and at something of an impasse as to where to go from here.

I sat down in front of my alter, lit 3 candles - one for the other person, one for myself and one for us and asked for divine assistance as to where to go from here.

Very quickly I heard the words, Let it go. Let what go? All of it was the reply. Then I was moved to write on a piece of paper all the things that were annoying me about the other person. Then on the other side I wrote all the things I love about that person. Then I burnt it. Then I did the same for myself - all the things I don't like about myself and all the things I do. Then I burnt that also.

Then, I drew a love heart and in the middle of it wrote all the things I wanted to keep in my heart. My list included things like trust, forgiveness, honesty, kindness, freedom, sanctuary, but other people might put different things in there. At the bottom in big letters I wrote Start Again.

I didn't burn this one, because I wanted to remind myself of the important things for me.

So often in relationships, we lose our way and forget what it was that brought us together in the first place. But it is the qualities of love and friendship that constantly need to be reaffirmed and lived both in ourselves and in the other person.

This is the painting I did of it.

So today, for anyone who is struggling with a relationship or at an impasse of some form, why not try the above exercise? You might feel better for it.

This is for you, girls!

2006-09-15T11:39:00.000Z

This is something I got sent today from one of my girls. So this one's for you gorgeous creatures (and if you are reading this, that includes you!).

Girlfriend and Sister's Week

I am only as strong as the coffee I drink, the hairspray I use and the friends I have. To the cool women that have touched my life. Here's to you!

What would most of us do without our sisters, confidants and shopping, lunching, and travelling girls? Let's celebrate each other for each other's sake!

TO MY GIRLFRIENDS!

It is good to be a woman:

1. We got off the Titanic first.
2. We can scare male bosses with the mysterious gynaecological disorder excuses.
3 Taxis stop for us.
4. We don't look like a frog in a blender when dancing.
5. No fashion faux pas we make, could ever rival the Speedo.
6. We don't have to pass gas to amuse ourselves.
7. If we forget to shave, no one has to know.
8. We can congratulate our team-mate without ever touching her rear end.
9. We never have to reach down every so often to make sure our privates are still there.
10. We have the ability to dress ourselves.
11. We can talk to the opposite sex without having to picture them naked
12. If we marry someone 20 years younger, we are aware that we will look like an idiot.
13. We will never regret piercing our ears
14. There are times when chocolate really can solve all our problems.
15. We can make comments about how silly men are in their presence because they aren't listening anyway.

Send this to all the bright women you know and make their day!!!!!

PS No intention to offend male readers!

Just do it

2006-09-14T09:06:00.000Z

My friend Trish writes a cool blog most days and today I found her entry particularly inspiring... check it out...

http://blogasmic.typepad.com/blogasmic/2006/09/get_up.html

Go girl!

Experience it and let it go

2006-09-14T08:51:00.000Z

So often, I see people running away from their emotions and blocking them out with all sorts of clever strategies like drinking, eating, shopping, being so busy you never have time to sit, or never taking risks for fear of getting hurt.

Well today, I want to say that when you fully experience the emotion in that moment, it really does pass very quickly.

[Obviously there are times when you simply can't yell or cry or have a mini break down for some reason and have to wait until a time when you can be alone for instance, but to be honest with you, I find that when you really do embrace this state of being in the moment, the timing seems to fit in OK].

And then you can move on.

Really move on and not continue to be chained by the shackles of your pain or whatever it is.

This also works for the feelings we typically associate with being good, like joy or sharing with others. A lady on X Factor the other night (yes, I do watch it sometimes!), was singing with her mouth shut because she didn't want to look stupid driving in the car and having her mouth move. I thought that was really creative but also really sad that she didn't feel she could be herself and sing her heart out in the comfort of her own car.

So, today, I want to say, be yourself and allow yourself the chance to sit with an emotion that you might otherwise run from. That doesn't mean shouting at someone because you feel angry, because I think you can do this and still be kind. I'm thinking more like if you need to have a good cry, have one. If you want to tell someone you really like them or that they look really good in something, have the confidence to say so. If you think something's funny, let yourself laugh.

It's amazing how alive you feel when you allow the journey of the heart to be expressed.

To you and your authenticity. I hope you have a beautiful day. xxxx

Happy Anniversary to us!

2006-09-11T09:55:00.000Z

Today has many memories for lots of people, but in our world, it is a day of celebration.

So for my honey, I want to say thank you for being such a wonderful person and my life is so rich with you in it. Te quiero todo sobre tu y la vida es mejor con tigo.

S - I have tried many times today to post the photo of us in Brighton that Nuria sent but to no avail.

Share the love

2006-09-10T16:16:00.000Z

I went to a 5 rhythms session last night....

http://www.5rhythmsuk.com/5rhythms.html

It was a lovely evening of dancing to great music and just getting into the wonderful movement of the body. And a bit of meeting new people in there too.

And I realised that when you connect with the love, it is so important to share it. Because when you share it, it multiplies.

So, if you are blessed with love be it from a partner, child, your family or just because you have a spontaneous moment of joy, don't just keep it for yourself, share it with someone else. Because by doing so, you really can make the world a better place.

Intention is the point of the arrow

2006-09-07T22:03:00.000Z

Recently, I realised how the same action can be construed so differently depending on the person's intent. And I think I can forgive almost anything of someone whose heart is good.

I think I am one of those people who feels the sentiment rather than hears the words, even though words can be cutting too.

According to the Buddhist scriptures, right intention leads to peace and harmony...

While he was striving for deliverance, meditating in the forest, he [The Buddha] found that his thoughts could be distributed into two different classes. In one he put thoughts of desire, ill will, and harmfulness, in the other thoughts of renunciation, good will, and harmlessness. Whenever he noticed thoughts of the first kind arise in him, he understood that those thoughts lead to harm for oneself and others, obstruct wisdom, and lead away from Nibbana. Reflecting in this way he expelled such thoughts from his mind and brought them to an end. But whenever thoughts of the second kind arose, he understood those thoughts to be beneficial, conducive to the growth of wisdom, aids to the attainment of Nibbana. Thus he strengthened those thoughts and brought them to completion.

From: http://www.vipassana.com/resources/8fp3.php

So, the point of my story for today in my sleep deprived state? Focus on your heart and your intention rather than the details, and forgive yourself if sometimes the words might not come out right.

Any thoughts or wisdom to share on that?

Happy Anniversary to me

2006-09-04T15:19:00.000Z

Well today it is officially 5 years since I landed in London. I had no idea how long I was going to be here for, or the events that would unfold.

But 5 years on, I can say it has been a wonderful journey so far.

I feel complete here. I feel at peace. I feel content. I feel happy.

I mean, the guy at Customs even said to me as I handed him my shiny new red passport declaring me to be one of the nation's citizens - 'Welcome Home'. Never before or ever since has anyone said that to me. Nor have those friendly words been declared to anyone I know.

The entry into London didn't start quite as well as expected but I like to think I learned my lessons quickly and by the following spring, things were well on track. I had a new boyfriend, a nice enough job, a home to live in, some new friends, food in my belly and the beginnings of a new life.

So, today, I declare a sparkling apple juice toast (I am on a detox remember) to London. Because you have been so good to me it makes we want to cry and I am so grateful for all you have given me.

Count your blessings

2006-09-02T10:43:00.000Z

'When I count my blessings, I always count you twice' is a magnet I have in my office.

Last night at a surprise 50th birthday party for a lovely friend of mine who I hardly ever see, I had the privilege of meeting her new man. I mentioned the break up some time ago on this blog, and I have to say, it was unquestionably for the good. She is radiant and so is her Beloved.

They are like ying and yang. He mentioned in passing what a blessing it is to meet one's soulmate in this life.

Anyway, I just wanted to say it was so lovely to meet him. He just sat and enjoyed her enjoyment all night. As she salsa'ed and giggled with the girls, and received an abundance of gifts from those who love her, and cried when she realised all these people had come just for the moment to see the look on her face and be part of her history.

He oozed gratitude and grace. For each moment it seemed. It's so easy to let the day to day stuff get in the way of appreciating what you have, it was a lovely reminder for me to see someone not caught up in that.

So, to the two T's. Because you being together makes the world a better place.

A butterfly landed on me!

2006-08-30T20:50:00.002Z

I don't know if you know how much I love butterflies but I do. I have done for years (even before they became trendy!).

Anyway, when we were walking through the Mala Fatra mountains in Slovakia, we came across a load of beautiful butterflies. I didn't know they were so prolific there. So much so that the butterfly is on the Slovakian stamps!

So, here are a couple of pics of a) a butterfly that landed on my leg (it was a gorgeous black one with bright blue markings on it) b) a beautiful picture that the Beloved took for me.

To butterflies. Because you are beautiful and fragile and inspiring.

Alter overlooking the mountains

2006-08-30T20:38:00.000Z

Some time ago, I wrote about alters and making a sacred place in your home...

http://rediscoveringavalon.blogspot.com/2006/03/making-sacred-space.html

Anyway, this is a photo of one of the loveliest ones I have ever seen. I hope whoever made it and visits it and loves it doesn't mind me taking a photo of it and showing it to you.

Cycles - beginnings and endings

2006-08-30T14:42:00.000Z

Even the Beloved noticed it when he said to me in bed the other night: 'The wheels of change are turning once again'. Living in London, these cycles are painfully obvious as we say goodbye to friends every 2 or 3 years.

We are all ending one cycle and beginning another.

People are relocating, moving house, changing jobs, beginning and ending relationships, reassessing, moving through this plane into the next, getting results on projects that may have been slow to start even if the intent is good.

I'm not sure about other people, or whether it's just me, but for some reason it feels really exciting.

I've lived in transitions for years, and they can surely be a time of chaos, disquiet, sadness, uncertainty. When you know you can't stay where you are, but are not sure how you are going to move forward.

So, today, I want to say if life seems like it's in a state of complete chaos, don't worry. It's just the universe shaking things up a bit so people get closer to where they are meant to be, or take the next step of their sacred quest.

So, enjoy. Clean the house. Cook a nice meal. Make a phone call you've been putting off. Do something you've always wanted to do.

Or just sit quietly with a cup of tea and wait for it to pass.

One click a day for breast cancer

2006-08-25T08:03:00.000Z

You can help underprivilleged women get a free mammogram for nothing.

The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman.

It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on "donating a mammogram" for free (pink window in the middle). This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate a mammogram in exchange for advertising.

Please tell ten friends to tell ten today. Here's the web site. Pass it along to people you know... http://www.thebreastcancersite.com ">

Here's to spending a few seconds a day to help someone else.

Holidays are nectar for the soul

2006-08-23T15:56:00.000Z

The beloved and I have just had our 'second honeymoon' in Eastern Europe. We drove from Budapest to Krackow and back again via beautiful Slovakia. A really stunning trip. We ended up driving 1300 kms in a week.

Here are a few pictures for you to have a look at. Hope you enjoy. I will write more about it later!

So, here's to adventures and holidays...for rejuvenation, reconnection and fun!

Walking in the Mala Fatra, Slovakia.Driving through the Tatras mountains, Slovakia.

Man making an offering/saying a prayer? at an alter by the side of the road overlooking the Tatras mountains, Slovakia.

Diary of a (my) detox!

2006-08-22T15:36:00.000Z

I have decided to finally prioritise my health and to devote the next 30 days to looking after myself and doing a lovely detox. Nothing radical. In fact, it is quite wonderful.

I get to eat lots of fresh fruit and vege, give myself a massage twice daily, meditate for 10 mins, exercise for 1/2 an hour, breathe, eat oily fish and brown rice, drink hot lemon and honey eat morning before breaky, and generally look after myself.

Here is a reference to the book on Amazon (you can look inside and have a read if you like)...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Detox-Yourself-Jane-Scrivner/dp/0749917660/sr=8-1/qid=1157724526/ref=pd_ka_1/026-9635898-5263668?ie=UTF8&s=gateway

Hopefully by the end of the month, I will be in a routine where the physical body is always nourished with kind and loving foods.

So, for anyone who's interested, I will add in a little entry daily to let you know how I am getting on.

Day 1: Bugger it. Why put it off any longer. I may not be prepared, but I need this. I want this. And it needs to happen NOW. Just got back from holidays and have nothing in fridge and meetings today, so breaky is a peach and pear with some pumpkin seeds sprinked on top and a herbal tea. Lunch - 1.5 litre bottle of water and a fruit salad. Starving by the time I get home with shopping, so eat about 5 peaches and make a scrumptious dinner of brown rice (tick that off my checklist), with feta, balsamic dressing, green leaves, red pepper and smoked trout on top. Divine. Pick on fruit all evening, so must eat more during the day. Feel very tired in the evening but maybe that's recovering from the holiday.

Day 2. Slept like a baby. Sprung out of bed as the beloved moans from exhaustion. Could it be working already? Run around all morning and by 3.30pm am exhausted. Got a headache and mild flu lilke symptoms which is meant to be normal. Feel knackered but in a positive way. Need to rest and relax so start writing in blog. Am thinking of sofa and book I want to finish. Meant to be cleaning house for sister in law's arrival but cannot be arsed. Oh had a delicious lunch today and we are going out for dinner so stopped by the restaurant to see if something I can eat on there or whether need to eat before hand. A few nice things on there but no tomatoes is somewhat limiting.

Day 3 - woke up feeling pretty good this morning. No headache - hopeful that may have passed quickly. Went to a meeting this morning after healthy breaky and hot lemon water. So far so good. No time to skin brush and didn't feel like cold shower. Have had a headache all afternoon and might have to repeat the nanna nap of yesterday (which ended up being almost 2 hours). Have cleaned 3 rooms of the house from top to toe and about to start on office and bedroom. I so need to get a new cleaner... I am however noticing very active bowels, which for an IBS person is welcomed. Let's see what tomorrow brings.

Day 4 - work up feeling sleepy, but went to bed late. Went for walk for an hour and then came home knackered. Rested a little, but then went out shopping with my sister in law for the afternoon. Grabbed a quick lunch before we left the house, so as not to feel hungry when out. This requires some planning... Got home exhausted and headachey before cooking dinner. Am bored of the food but have discovered sparkling apple juice which I think is OK. Am doing to have to get very creative with the cooking and food prep.

Day 5 - woke up in the night with painful legs. Not quite anything I have experienced before. They just feel heavy and strange. I think this is OK and am not worried. But energy levels are high today and it feels like a breakthrough. Will see how I go this afternoon. Rest of the day was fine and managed to skip nanna nap and stayed up late playing Backgammon! Made a delicious soup for dinner and went for a walk. All good.

Day 6 - woke up a bit tired. Have to be very organised with this food thing, as we went out for the day and ended up eating dried figs. Not great, and not that exciting. Have plenty of energy except tired on hot stuffy tube. Starving by the time I got home. Not managing all my kidney tonics each day, but feeling very calm and laughing a lot. Think it is inner peace rather than insanity!

Day 7 - had a busy day out and about. Generally felt OK. Seemed less exhausted than the other travellers after a long day which was unusual for me. Am enjoying the process but need to make sure I have enough food to keep me going for the whole day, allowing for changes of plans. Seem to be eating a lot of fruit in packages!

Day 8 - Got very organised and took lunch with me but wasn't allowed to eat it in the restaurant we went to. Hate feeling like I am making a scene over food, but I guess if I am going to have kids, I am going to have to learn to accept things like inconveniencing others from time to time. Have learned that this whole thing is a series of little choices that if taken one at a time are easy and pass quickly. Have never noticed how quickly a sticky toffee pudding or devonshire tea come and go. Am a bit bored of eating similar things, but just need to get a bit more creative in the kitchen. And I found today I can eat prawns, so that is going to be great! Oh and I think I have lost at least 1 kilo, my jeans are baggier and someone asked me if I'd lost weight yesterday. So that is all a bonus.

Day 9 - I am just bored of the food I can eat. Bored. Bored. Bored. Bored. Bored. Got it?! As my sister in law points out it's all in the mind... hmmmmm. And I'm hungry...

Day 10 - well am back on track today, after gaining inspiration from the detox book and transformed boring brown rice into a wonderful sweet potato, sage and pea risotto with sheep parmesan (can't remember the name - pecorino reggiano? - is my brain going soft?!). Oh well. Cleaned office like a mad woman as had enough of mess. Can even fit washing line in there. All is well and I am going to work tonight. Hope I don't forget something important. A sense of calm prevails, and I don't even miss tea that much.

Day 11 - am so tired of nuts and felt hungry pretty much all day despite the lovely risotto I had leftover from last night. Had my water, lemon tea, a(nother) fruit salad from M & S, and then a dodgy salad for dinner. By the time I got home at 11pm, I was starving, so cooked a bit of fresh tuna, which is not the way to do it but I had to eat something substantial. We walked for miles yesterday, so did more than my 30 minutes of exercise - feel very virtuous. All seems to be going fine, I have loads more energy and am starting to feel like a thin person!

Day 12 - woke up knackered as only had about 6 hours sleep but quickly bounced back and have plenty of energy for the day I think. Lots going on, but I am really enjoying this. And I got on the scales and am the lightest I have been for years! Which at this juncture is a blessing. All my squidgy bits are feeling less squidgy, which is also nice. The Beloved even commented last that I noticebly lost weight, which is a bonus, but certainly not the focus. All good, just got to make a nice lunch and eat enough today. Went to a surprise party last night and took prawns as a treat. Divine. I think people were even looking enviously at MY food!

Day 13 - had an interesting day food wise. Ended up eating fish and chips minus the chips and the batter, so it was rather disgusting and I felt a bit dirty afterwards. I've been so virtuous, and it wasn't weakness but rather not being arsed to kick up a stink. And I did have a sneaky glass of moet last night at the do. It was a moment of celebration, and it was Moet, so I thought it was treat worth having. And it was just one and I didn't touch the chocolate cake or any yummy sweets. Anyway, after the 'cod', I was delighted to eat my brown rice, tuna and salad with balsamic for dinner when I got home. This detox is wonderful gift to the body, and an opportunity to gain awareness around my eating and food choices. Feeling fortified and can see myself integrating some of the things into my every day. I just hope my bloated stomach stops being bloated!

Day 14 - was so relieved to eat my brown rice and tuna tonight. Had a few potatoes which are supposed to be allowed, but I have an intolerance to them and they have little nutritional value anyway. I think I will swap them for quinoa which is a wonder food! Stomach still bloated - I think it's the rice.

Day 15 - feel a deep sense of well being and calm. My skin feels amazing and I am drinking more water. Am actually enjoying herbal teas too. Everything seems on track and I made a lovely prawn, sweet potato and asparagus risotto tonight and followed up with mild goats cheese on rice crackers with blueberries and raspberries. Blueberries and goats cheese are amazing. The pecorino tasted really salty so my taste buds are getting more fine tuned. It's amazing how much taste there is in things that get covered up by sauces and other condiments. Interestingly, this does not feel like a struggle as if it's almost too easy. Funny how we think something has to be hard to be valuable!

Day 16 - let me introduce you to what I have stumbled across to be a wonderful breakfast - SMOOTHIES! I really didn't like the sheep's yoghurt (too strong) and I have an aversion to goat (after I smelt a revolting goat stew in China and had seen the goats walking around in the dirt and other shit - nice). And I was really missing my soya milk. So, I have started having one for breaky and it lasts me til lunchtime. Recipe: put some fruit in the blender - I've had peach and mango, peach, raspberry and blueberry - then pour the soy over. Just blended on its own is delicious. Or you can put honey, I've also been adding a teaspoon of psyllium husks for added fibre and they are wonderful for cleaning the gut, and a sprinkle of mixed seeds (they are a bit crunchy, but it is a healthy smoothie and adding them is in great for you with all those omega 3 and 6s). Blend and serve. Delicious!

Day 17 - worked like a dog all day, and was surprisingly not hungry given survival on one small bowl of quinoa with fruit and a fruit salad. Drank plenty of water and then had a good dinner (salad and salmon with balsamic) and a lovely herbal tea with honey for dinner. Got lots of energy despite living on very little sleep.

Day 18 - this is going by pretty quickly. Am well over half way through now. Still doing the cold showers, skin brushing (my butt is as smooth as silk), moisturising, drinking 1.7 l of water, brown rice, fruit and vege etc, but not great on the self massage or daily relaxation (although I do meditate in bed each night - i guess that counts). The only things I miss are eggs/ omelette, but I do feel I have changed some patterns or am changing them. Fruit is the best snack as are nuts and seeds and smoothies are a wonderful start to the day. Have got a peach, mango and rasberry one lined up for the morning after my all nighter. Have managed to stay strong despite hellish work schedule and it's quite easy.

Day 19 - well I had about 4 or 5 hours sleep last night, and by breakfast the mango and all the peaches were gone so I had a raspberry smoothie for breaky. It's amazing how at one point, I would have got through with coffee and cigarettes but today I feel fine and hydrated. I actually enjoyed my late night herbal chai with soya and honey. I have discovered a wonderful soup that is perfect detox food. Fried onion and garlic, carrot and short grain brown rice with marigold vegetable boullion (it's the best one - not a bad thing it is aside from the palm oil) and some of your favourite herbs. Use this as the base and I often add in celery if I have it. Last night I had it with salmon and today I also added in some coriander into the mix. Just so simple and so delicious, you don't even needs to have anything with it. I am going for a little nap now on my favourite chair and should be in great shape for tonight. Bring on this detox as a state of being!

Day 20/21 - busy weekend with lots of running around and not great in the food department. Finally found some epsom salts to do a bath tonight. Apparently meant to be pretty powerful, so am only using 1/2 packet. Want to be kind to myself rather than shock the body too much. Had delicious BBQ salmon cooked to perfection with salad for lunch in the sun. All good.

Day 22 - well had an extremely emotional today for many reasons and spent most of the afternoon in tears. I think that it all decided to come out. Was blessed with a visit by some friends in the evening who bought me a soothing carrot cake. So not on the detox, but felt so much better after treating myself. I am sure I'll feel loads better tomorrow.

Day 23 - woke at 6am for work trip. Knackered and eyes still puffy from crying session. Bringing loads of food with me to last a couple of days - lemons, honey, herbal tea, nuts, fruit. Very disappointed that my mouth watering nectarines were mouldy inside. I think the nectarine and peach season is over...Am managing to find appropriate food when I need to and eating less. Scales are dropping slightly too. Bonus!

Day 24 - work up in hotel room and made myself a comforting lemon and honey drink. What a great start to the day. Had a ludicrously long day - ending up with my own pillow at about 1am. I think I almost managed to do everything on the list today, including dry skin brushing, fruit and vege, oh except not the 1.75l of water. It's starting to become a way of life and not so inconvenient for others...

Day 25 - on the home straight now. Am missing the social aspect of eating and drinking and don't think I could give it up completely... But I have managed to get through a gruelling start to the week and don't feel too bad. All I managed to eat today was fruit salad from M & S, some cashew nuts, 2 apples and a greek salad. Oh and a snack size mars bar. Oh and a lovely sweet potato mash with a little salad with balsamic. I haven't really been having my rice, as it makes me feel bloated, but not sure where I am getting complex carbohydrates from. Need to get something substantial into the mix I feel, although I am feeling great with loads more energy despite a long and exhausting week.

Day 26 - had the usual lemon and honey wake up call. Loving that. And 1/2 a raspberry soy smoothie as I spilt the other half due to exhaustion related clumsiness. Got on the scales however and have lost another kilo. Am amazed at how little I need to eat to feel OK, although I do need to eat something a bit more substantial today. Off to get some lovely treats now. Have not managed to eat 3 proper meals a day for the last week or so. I plant o keep doing most of this when the detox officially ends as it really it lovely and it's so nice to feel fresh as a daisy!

Day 27 - well I have had a couple of horror days and I think the epsom salts might have something to do with it. On sunday night I had my first bath in Epsom salts, pure magnesium sulphate, then I had a second one on friday night. Meant to be very cleansing. The book recommends 1kg but I used 500g the first time and 250g the second time. Thank goodness I didn't use the whole lot as frankly, I think I may be locked up now if I had used done! I am not sure what happened or what they do, but I have been extremely depressed for some reason. Maybe there are terrible issues I need to resolve. But maybe not. I am trying to sort out what it is all about, but honestly, use them with caution.

Day 28 - Still feeling very down but continuing on with the detox. Nothing else has really changed to trigger this off, and I don't think it is just tiredness. I am going to see my kinesiologist in a few days to see what she recommends and to find out if I have got deficient in something in the last few weeks. Energy levels are low, mood is sombre despite a little bit of chocolate last night, but feeling thinner at least! Two days to go...

Day 29 - starting to feel a bit better having dealt with some of the issues that have arisen and also accepted that some things take time to sort out. But depression is always a sign there is a change needed somewhere, be it within or outside yourself. Had an amazing lunch today of fresh tuna steak fried in garlic and spring onion, steamed pak choy and tenderstem broccoli with garlic and grated carrot, lettuce and beetroot salad. With a sprinkling of wheat free organic tamari for a slightly asian feel. Absolutely delicious and now I am sipping a delicious cup of peppermint tea. Went for a walk for an hour yesterday so am starting to put exercise into the picture again.

Day 30 - well I have officially made it! 30 days and what a lovely journey even if it has been emotionally exhausting towards the end. I am going away tomorrow and then to the kinesiologist later in the week, so am going to keep on it until I see her. I am not sure what grains I can eat without getting bloated... Advice to anyone wanting to do such a thing? Go for it, but be aware that you may need to make a few lifestyle changes as a result. Enjoy it, and don't be hard on yourself. Detox and life don't need to be a struggle. And share any recipes you discover along the way!

5 months later...

I have started another detox. I'm on day 4. I really really missed it and how quickly I slipped back into old ways. No one really cares what I eat as long as I don't make too much of a fuss. People are pretty accommodating. And if not, well too bad because I feel so terrible when I eat the wrong things for me and so great when I do nice things for my body.

I'm doing 60 days this time because 30 just wasn't enough to integrate it all into my daily life and changes some old patterns.

Day 3 - the headache has almost passed and I feel energised despite working hard the last week. I am tired in me, but not because of all the crap running through my body. This body is a sensitive thing and I need to look after it better. I feel I am back on track. Let's see what happens this time.

Two choices

2006-08-22T15:29:00.000Z

I've been reminded the last few weeks that there are only two choices in everything - love and fear.

And I know that ultimately, love is the greater force.

I also feel that despite all the chaos and tragedy in the world today esp in terms of war, one good thing that has come out of it (at least for many people not directly involved in its effects), is that it has reduced the apathy and forced many to decide which side they want to sit.

And while many people have gone to 'the dark side', many are also choosing the light.

So, for today, I want to make a toast to choosing love. Because it is all there is.

Music for babies

2006-08-08T18:13:00.000Z

I recently came across a very cool CD which is for mother and baby. Apparently, music played at 60 beats/ minute is very soothing for pre and newborns because it replicates the mother's heart beat. Makes sense.

Also, apparently, when you play music before the baby is born and then play the same tunes after birth, it is very relaxing for even the most elusive sleeper as they are supposed to remember the sounds.

I've not had the chance to test the theory, but others out there may have? Comments welcomed.

So, anyway, even if you haven't got a baby, I can recommend this CD (which I bought just in case, and because I LOVE Mozart piano concertos - even used to be able to play a few from memory as a sprightly little 11 year old).

Here is a link to the Global Journeys site for a listen (scroll down to Mozart for Mother and Baby)...

http://www.global-journey.com/concepts.html?D=Global%20Journey

Enjoy!

Have you heard of Missy Higgins?

2006-08-07T20:49:00.000Z

Missy Higgins is an inspiring singer songwriter from Melbourne. She is wonderfully insightful and memorable.

My sister sent me her album called The Sound of White. I listened to it about 100 times, took it on my trip to South Africa, played it for the kids, sing some of the songs most days and am hooked. Life is better with Missy Higgins in it!

Here is a link to her site. Check out the Video section (and one of her songs called The Special Two) and there is a nice little story about her adventures in Europe in About Missy. Imagine backpacking around Europe and coming back to a big cheese record deal...

http://www.missyhiggins.com/

I hope you love her as much as I do.

To Missy. Because you are an inspiration and I hope you never lose sight of the big picture.

Some superfood healthy recipes

2006-08-04T10:13:00.000Z

As promised, here are a couple of recipes from the Superfoods book. I have just discovered smoked mackeral and it is quite special. Negates the need for salt or pepper when added to things like mashed sweet potato or a salad or a veggie wrap.

I've always had a 20 minute limit on cooking. If it takes more than 20 minutes from the time I start cooking to the time I am eating, it's too long. Most of these recipes meet the criteria.

Super healthy wrap - good for lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, BBQs

1 large lebanese bread
1/4 avocado
generous serve of hommous
sliced tomatoes (I like cherries or pomodorinos or something delicious)
Rocket/ mixed leaves/ spinach - lots of dark greens
pumpkin seeds (optional)
1/2 fillet of smoked mackeral (or similar)

You can also add:
Natural yoghurt
other fish instead of the mackeral eg tuna
meat

Put all the ingredients in the bread. Wrap and eat.

OK here's one from the Superfoods book:

Chuckle with chickpea salad - I made this one night for dinner (even tho she recommends for sustaining lunch) and it was quite delicious. Chickpeas have a low GI factor (slow release energy) and taste delicious.

400g canned chickpeas (you can soak and boil your own, but I find the canned/ 30 second version heaps easier and probably almost as good for you)
3t olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
1t chilli powder (red) - can be quite hot, so even 1/2t is good
2t ground cumin (blends wonderfully with the chickpeas)
juice of 1 lemon
handful of baby spinach leaves (I used a mix of lambs lettuce and shredded beetroot - yummy too)
1t (I used about 1T but I love yoghurt) of plain bio yoghurt
Bunch of chopped parsley

Method:
Rinse and drain chickpeas (if canned. If not, spend hours preparing - lazy sod me).
Heat 2t of the olive oil and fry garlic, chilli and chickpeas.
Cook for 2 mins and then add the cumin and juice of 1/2 the lemon.
Cook until juices evaporate, turn off heat and add baby spinach.
Add yoghurt, parsley, and remaining lemon juice and oil.
Eat immediately or cook and put in a container ready to take to work the next day.

Yummooooooooooooooooooooo!

I am also a huge egg fan. Here is a superfood rich recipe I made up myself, but it tastes amazing.

Superhealthy egg delight (aka Beth's omelette)

Ingredients per omelette (1 egg for lunch and 2 eggs for dinner)

1 or 2 eggs (the freshest, loveliest, yellowest, happiest eggs you can find)
4 cherry tomatoes (bursting with sunshine), sliced
1 clove of crushed garlic
sprinkle of pumpkin seeds
1/2 small can of tuna (dolphin friendly please, in oil is tastier than in water, but either is OK) (Optional)
Drizzle of olive oil
Avocado (for the toast)
1 slice of delicious healthy grainy bread (Vogels is good)
Salt, pepper and mixed herbs (or fresh basil) to taste

Method:
Fry the garlic and tomatoes in a little olive oil until the tomatoes start to get juicy. Season with some dried herbs if you like and a little salt and pepper.
Sprinkle over the pumpkin seeds and cook.
Whisk the egg/s and pour over.
Add tuna if you want tuna in there. If not, wait until it starts to cook.
Add fresh herbs if you have them.
You can omlettify or scramble, or flip, depending on how you like you eggs.

Prepare the toast and when hot, spread with some fresh avocado.

Serve the omelette on top of the toast and eat at once!

For a healthy breakfast, a few books (including Superfoods) recommend Peanut butter on toast. It's got protein and slow release multi grains from the toast. I find it a great start to the day, but make sure you get organic peanut butter otherwise the cheap and nasty ones contain a mould which is bad for you. It's worth the extra 50p or whatever it is.

Bagel heaven

Finally, I just need to mention this to die for recipe I stumbled across in New York, or was reminded of in New York.

Don't you just love bagels? I do, so try this:

1 toasted cinnamon and raisin bagel, cut in half and toasted
Spread with light philly cream cheese
Add chopped banana or strawberry (be generous)
Eat at once.

Filling and delicious start to the day.

So, there you go, ladies. A few easy treats to try and be healthy as well.

Let me know what you think.

Love Beth xxooxxoo

Friday funny

2006-08-04T10:10:00.000Z

I came across this today and thought it was really a funny perspective on life...

The most unfair thing about life is the way it ends.
I mean, life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time
What do you get in the end of it? A death. What's that, a bonus?
I think the life cycle is all backwards.
You should die first, you know, start out dead, get it out of the way. You wake up in a an old age home, feeling better every day. You get kicked out for being too healthy, go collect your pension, then, when you start work, you get a gold watch on your first day.
You work 40 years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement. You drink like a fish, party your ass off, and screw anything that moves - you've only got a few years left, so why not?!?
Then you get ready for High School. You go to primary school, you become a kid, you play, you have no responsibilities. You become a baby, then, you spend your last 9 months floating peacefully with luxuries like central heating, spa, room service on tap, larger quarters everyday, and then you finish off as an orgasm!

Who said monks don't rock

2006-08-02T13:56:00.000Z

I totally adore this song because every time I listen to it, it makes me feel happy and peaceful.

Hope you love it too, just click on it and the song starts automatically:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dl0LSoJoAE

So, what did you think?

In praise of food

2006-08-02T13:15:00.000Z

I am very strong believer in the power of food to effect not just our physical but also mental and spiritual health.

There's lots of evidence documented on things like the B vitamins in effecting seratonin levels and therefore being linked to depression.

The recognition of the health benefits of omega 3's , hence the increasing popularity of oily fish such as tuna and mackeral.

Meditators and yogas always have their bellies only half full to keep the focus on the divine or to allow thier precious energy to flow freely (or something like that).

Anyway, the other day I walked into a wonderful health food shop and stumbled across a stunning book, called Superfoods to Boost your Mood, by Alexandra Massey.

I had been feeling sluggish, headachey and generally toxic for several days following a stomach bug and generally not looking after myself -ness.

It is a beautifully and simply presented reminder of how to lovingly take care of yourself in the kitchen (including recipes). I feel loads better and back in control of my eating choices.

The 10 superfoods she talks about are:

1. Fish (containing omega 3s)
2. Berries (containing antioxidants)
3. Oats (lowers cholesterol)
4. Nuts (again omega 3s)
5. Broccoli (folic acid)
6. Tomato (vitamin c)
7. Parsley (a vibrant tonic containing loads of goodies like vitamin c, b and glutamine, one of the protein building blocks)
8. Figs (potassium)
9. Avocado (good omega 3s and lecithin to help absorb other nutients)
10. Honey (immune and energy boost, especially Manuka honey).

Available online - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/customer-reviews/0753510596/ref=cm_rev_sort/026-9070157-2501238?customer-reviews.sort_by=-SubmissionDate&s=books&x=10&y=12

I've just had a wonderful superfood wrap with mackeral, avocado, greens with beetroot and fresh vine ripened baby tomatoes. Nothing else added and it was delicious.

I might post some recipes on here if anyone's interested.

So, to the power of food and our food choices to lovingly nurture our minds, bodies and souls.

Going with the flow

2006-07-31T08:04:00.000Z

It's all very easy to be centred, balanced and loved up when things are going well and as planned. But it can be quite a different story to remain peaceful when life just seems to go, how shall I put this, tits up...

But the thing I realised yesterday is that no matter what is happening in terms of the details of life, we still have a choice.

We can choose to get pissed off, stressed, annoyed, whatever if plans constantly change or someone doesn't do what we want or things don't turn out as we thought they would or thought we wanted them to.

Or, we can see that ultimately, things will happen as they happen.

And we can choose to focus our energy on fighting it, or wanting it to be something else, or wasting our precious energy on stress.

Or we can decide that there is nothing we can do to control the details and decide to enjoy the unfolding of the uncertain path ahead. It will either work out or it won't. It'll either be OK or something else will happen.

How many times have you worried or stressed out about something and the reality of it was no where near as what you had imagined it to be? Me - countless times.

But when you ask yourself, in this very moment, right now, right here, how are things? Generally, the answer is that they are at least manageable, if not actually OK.

So, for today, I have decided to plunge myself willing into the abyss of the unknown.

I'm not sure where I'll be sleeping tonight, but I'll have a bed somewhere (something to be grateful for). I've washed my hair and most of my clothes are ready to be packed just in case I need to leave in a hurry.

And until I know what's happening, I'll relax into the not knowing.

Cup of tea, anyone?

Thought for the day...

2006-07-26T16:23:00.000Z

Love One Another.

It's as simple, and difficult, as that.

Breathing out

2006-07-24T19:53:00.000Z

Lately I've been reflecting on things. Not in an overly analytical but rather a more gentle, meditative kind of way and it has been quite lovely.

And one of the things that came to me today was just how wonderful and special it is to find a person or a group of people with whom you can truely be yourself with.

Who see you for who you really are. Where you can breathe out. Who when you are together the big stuff doesn't seem so big and the little stuff doesn't matter.

To the gentle healing that friendship brings. Like a soothing brook nurturing the soul...

Going mental

2006-07-18T21:50:00.000Z

About this time each year, I go a bit mental. Inexplicably, I seem to regress to a former state of insecurity, irrationality and general loss of plotness. That's never good and no matter how hard I try to curtail it, then deal with it, or whatever, it doesn't seem to help. I analyse every detail of my life to the gazillionth degree and still find no answers.

At some stage in the process I will realise that the only thing that works is surrender, by which time I have hopefully managed not to alienate those who I love the most (honey please try to remember all the loveliest things about me right now!). Or drunk too much. Or eaten too much chocolate.

I might even have a friend who suggests that painting might help.

I'll cry and generally not cope with life for a few weeks and feel I am returning 'back there' to the darkest abyss from which I thought I would never escape.

And then I will remember. That it's that time of year again. Coming up to the anniversary of her death. It was a terrible time for me and right about now, was when I amidst the darkest part of it.

No matter what I do, it's always the same.

So, to all those lovely people out there missing someone you have loved and lost.

May you find peace, love and tenderness in your sadness. Our loved ones are safe and free. Let us not suffer too much but rather reflect on how very blessed we were to have known and loved that person/s and that if we loved them that much, they must surely have loved us too.

They are our guardian angels now.

What magic power would you choose?

2006-07-16T20:19:00.000Z

Recently, I have been thinking about which magic power I would choose if I could have only one. And I have decided that the one I would like the most would be the ability to materialse and dematerialise, so enabling me to simply think of being somewhere and I would instantly be transported.

It would solve so many things for me: getting home after a long day/ evening out and wanting so much to be horizontal with my head on the pillow. No more aching feet. Being able to catch up with friends that I miss terribly and hardly ever see for a coffee/lunch/dinner. Being able to go to my niece's/nephew's birthday party (now impossible as they live on the other side of the world). Having the afternoon off, so flitting over to sun myself on a nice Spanish/Greek/Italian beach somewhere....

So, today I am curious to know: What magic power would you pick if you could have it?

Kindness first

2006-07-12T10:05:00.000Z

I've got a friend who sometimes will go for the kill in an argument, even when she doesn't really know the people (although they may be friends of mine!).

I couldn't work out what it was about this that bothered me so much.

Then I realised it was because for me, I would not do it for many reasons. One being I wouldn't want to embarrass my friend who had invited me into a new social circle. Secondly, I wouldn't want to hurt the feelings of the person with a different view. Third, I could be wrong in my perspective, and going for the kill slams shut the door for any possibility of seeing another point of view. Fourth, if someone can't see I am right, why would I bother trying to convince them otherwise?!

But the thing at the heart of the matter was that she was most concerned about getting the other person to realise they were wrong and she was right. At whatever cost, she wanted to get her point across and didn't give a damn about the other person's feelings, experiences or perspective (my friend!).

I think the trade offs between kindness and being right do change depending on the situation.

But the next time you or someone you knows starts to get in a fight to the death about their point of view, may they momentary ask themselves: what is more important here: being right or being kind?

To the angels

2006-07-10T10:24:00.000Z

I'm not sure if most people fully appreciate how many angels there are (both in physical and non physical form) who are completely there for us. To help, guide, support and nurture our highest good.

They may not give you what you want, but they will certainly give you what you need.

I received this lovely St Theresa's prayer today which I'd like to share. If God is a problematic term for you, try substituting 'love' or highest good' or 'great spirit':

May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received,and pass on the love that has been given to you.... May you be content knowing you are a child of God.... Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It isthere for each and every one of us.

Angels can only help us if they are invited to do so. They will not impose themselves on us.

So, if you need a helping hand, send out a wish to the angels (or a specific one like St Theresa) and delight in what comes to you. It might be an inner voice, you might like to write down your question on a piece of paper and then write the answer with your other hand, you might receive an email or hear a song, you might draw or paint or dance it.

Our creativity can be a way of connecting with the divine in us and that comes through us.

So, for today, may you celebrate all who you are and cherish the wonder that is you. Amen.

How lucky we are

2006-07-09T22:25:00.000Z

I had an interesting house hunting experience today and have decided to embrace rather than fight and be frustrated with the journey. Well, at least for today anyway.

The thing is, we went and saw a place and I asked why they were moving. Normally, people lie to cover up something eg awful neighbours, crappy place that's falling apart, no space, or make some nebulous comment about upgrading or needing to move on.

But this lady looked me in the eye and said they were moving because their grown up daughter (in her late 20's) is too heavy to carry up stairs as she is in a wheelchair and disabled and so they need to move to a house on one level. I was struck in that moment, just how difficult life must be for some people. Day in and day out.

So many things went through my mind about seeing this place. It is so strange to consider living in someone else's home. That they have lived in for the last 30 years. That's got their energy, their memories, their lives embedded into it. That's decorated to their taste and in a way you would not feel comfortable being in unless it was changed to suit yourself.

That in my view it was too expensively priced and that to tell them what you think is reasonable would be not only rude but also would take money directly out of their own pocket. And who needs the money more?

It was a sobering experience.

So today, to the family whose home we couldn't offer to buy. I would love to help you out, I really would. May you find a buyer who is delighted with taking over your home and making it their own. And may you find a beautiful home for you, your husband and your family.

Things I've learned from meditating

2006-07-09T22:18:00.000Z

I was having a chat last night with a girl in a club and for some reason she asked me what I had learned about meditating. I'm not even sure how the question came about, as I must have said something about it in my somwhat cocktail-ified state, but anyway, I thought it was an interesting question and I said, 'are you sure you want to know?' and she said 'yes', so this is what I said...

I've learned to watch the biochemistry of my brain change from one state to another and the change does pass.
I've seen that 'all this' ie the physical/material world in which we live, is simply detail.
That buddhist monks rock, and by that I mean I am hard pressed to find a more worthy way to spend one's time than seeking emlightenment and the truth of who you are.
That intention is crucial.
That there are only two choices - love and fear.

I think I might add to this list as I go on.

So, that's it from me for tonight. May the force be with you!

Let there be love

2006-07-05T11:24:00.000Z

I've had an interesting couple of days being annoyed at someone about something and letting my own fears of the future get in the way of now.

Luckily, I have some good friends who gently reminded me that sometimes wanting to change someone else is about seeing in them something you want to change in yourself.

What sweet liberation to realise you can actually do something in that situation instead of feeling annoyed and powerless.

Funnily enough, I am now feeling better, smiling again and am more in control about my own situation and am less concerned about the other person who is more than capable of dealing with their own stuff without being hassled by me!

So, hurrah for honest friends who are brave enough to be truthful with us. Thank you for your kind and loving words. Amen xxxx

You can't beat an Aussie organic

2006-07-04T16:46:00.000Z

I've always tried to use natural health and beauty products like Aesop and Lush, as well as every natural deodorant imaginable (have finally decided they just don't work for me, but Sanex does a nice one in roll on)...

Obviously it's also important to be healthy on the inside as well as putting nice things on the outside, like getting omega 3s, drinking plenty of water, not smoking and all that.

But anyway, I'd like to introduce you to a new range I have just discovered called Australian Organics - http://www.australianorganics.net/

They are free of all the nasty by products of the commercial beauty and petrochemical world, like Parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulphates and Propylene Glycol.

I've got the body moisturiser and just about to try the shampoo and conditioner. Will let you know what it's like.

So, here's to natural beauty all the way from the motherland.

I've been doing this for 6 months almost!

2006-07-03T09:58:00.000Z

Well I'm in my 6th month of blogging. Not that I have managed to write an entry every day, but it is an interesting process and for anyone out there who might be interested, I am going to keep it up.

It's a lovely reminder to make time for the sacred in life and to make time for me.

So, here's to blogs... and may they be plentiful. Amen!

The inevitability of change

2006-07-03T09:41:00.000Z

I don't know about anyone else, but I sometimes find change difficult. For the last year or so, the Beloved has been travelling a lot for work. And when I say a lot, I mean A LOT. We're talking 70% of the time away and when he is here, he is busily trying to catch up on the life that he has missed while he's been away, play some football and study for possibly the most difficult accounting exams known to man.

So, coupled with my completely routine-less life, it can augur for quite a chaotic existance at times.

Most of the time, I am OK about it. I am pretty flexible, live in the moment as much as possible and adapt quite quickly to change. But just at the moment, I am over it. I'm fed up of having to constantly adjust and readjust to the comings and goings of someone else who flits in and out of my life with irregular frequency.

I want a holiday. I want a bit of down time from it all.

But mostly, I am tried of having to grow. I never wanted to be with someone who would let me stagnate and stop growing. But right now, it seems kind of constant and that is hard work.

So, what is my lesson in all of this I wonder?

To be yourself and enjoy the process of discovery. To let it be what it is and go with the flow of life. Embrace it, don't fight it. And watch the magnficence of bliss unfold before you.

So, to embracing change and the newness it creates. May the transitions be loving, peaceful and kind. Amen.