Hear What Feels Right

  • Has anyone read The Secret Life of Trees? Yesterday, @bbcradio4 had a wonderful interview with the author Peter Wollhenen who shared the science behind how trees have a vibrant inner life and also individual personalities. . I’m now thinking I’ll never forage/prune a tree again; they emit pain relief chemicals if we cut or rip off a branch, but if a deer takes a bite, a nasty tasting chemical is released instead. They talk underground via a complicated fungi network, warning other trees if they are being attached by a certain type of beetle; they have a memory and conserve water depending upon the season they have experienced; they can hear - and can differentiate between the sound of real water and the sound of water being played via mp3; they emit gas which we can smell and walking amongst them helps lower our blood pressure. If another tree is ill, a ‘mother’ tree steps in and sends important nutrients to help it recover. Most importantly, they need other trees, and current research is exploring the real possibility that they have brains. . I love the idea that this work is contributing to the realisation that us humans are not the most superior beings of everything. . This pic was taken when I visited @fforest a few weekends ago; a place full of the magic energy of trees.
  • Even though meteorologically we’re in winter in the UK, the woods aren’t ready to give up the gold. We are still in autumn until the solstice on December 21st. . In Chinese Medicine, each season is linked to a different organ in the body, emotion, colour, sound, smell and taste. . Autumn is the Lung, and the emotion is grief, and I want to remind you all that it is completely normal at this time of year to feel a heightened sense of grief, sadness, loss or mourning. . Many of my patients and friends (me included) are talking about feeling these emotions, to a great extent at the moment. . Sometimes when we move into deeper, colder temperatures quite quickly, our bodies take time to adjust. Climate adaptability is a term which describes how well our bodies adapt to this change. Our genes actually alter in response to different weather, and the more time we spend outside, the easier our bodies move into into the changing seasons. So one way to help ourselves, is to make sure we spend enough time outside each day. . Research has also shown that during times of low self esteem, self compassion can be the best tonic. If you can create a habit of self compassion, this will kick in when you’re feeling low and help you hear what it is you need to do, to take care of yourself in the most loving way. . Remember: everything changes. Be compassionate towards yourself and listen to what it is that you need.
  • Trust and patience. Two words that have featured strongly for me so far this year; this year of new beginnings and necessary endings. . Every time I feel the physical and mental contraction (that we all experience) during these phases or moments, I now know that expansion will soon follow. . Sun, moon, the seasons, the sky, the ocean, the tide, they all remind us of the constant rhythm and flow of change. Our bodies are aligned with this, but somewhere inside is a steadiness; something so still that if we connect to it we are reminded of the truth. . Sometimes I want to rush: to create, to feel, to expand, to grow, to succeed, but the patience that I’m exploring at the moment is saying ‘not forward, not backwards, but now’ and I’m staying with this as much as possible, because it’s a really beautiful place to be.
  • Yin and Yang theory is one of the foundations of Chinese Medicine philosophy. Yin: night, rest, stillness, feminine, darkness, cold, the moon, winter. Yang: day, activity, movement, masculine, light, heat, the sun, summer. ⋅ Yin and Yang exists within everything; all is interconnected, interdependent and in a state of constant change. ⋅ When life is complicated, fast and you have little time to rest, your Yang energy depletes your Yin. When you work or are active at a time of natural Yin (night), this too depletes your Yin. Yin imbalances can show up as anxiety, excess heat, insomnia, restlessness, palpitations, anger, fear, headaches, overexcitement, panic, gynaecological, digestive, immune and skin conditions. ⋅ As we move between the seasons, feeling the connection with the energy around and within, helps us hear what our bodies need to be able to live with less resistance. ⋅ Can you take a moment to quietly listen, to hear what you need today? This is me, on a cliff, on holiday in Cornwall. Resetting my compass, nourishing my Yin. ⋅ 📷 and ace holiday companion @laura_gaj
  • There's something so evocative about fog. You only have to look at #mistyfoggymilkymoody for all the pics of this fleeting, yet deeply atmospheric weather we experience so often in autumn and spring. . For me, the magic lies in the feeling of secrecy, stillness and the new perspective it brings to our ordinary and familiar surroundings. . Yet Autumn isn't magic for everyone; this time of year invokes misery for many who suffer as a result of the reduction in daylight, made worse this weekend with the clocks changing here in the U.K. . Brief advice: take Vitamin D3 for the next 4 months and get outside as much as possible, wrapping up in many layers underneath your coat. ::::: Also, if you're in Bristol, come and see me for a seasonal express treatment for only £20. Contact details in my profile::::
  • The autumn equinox this weekend is the the time of ultimate balance of night and day, darkness and light, yin and yang. It is the moment of pause before the earth begins to tilt on its axis an lead us towards the winter. Take a breath with the pause; give yourself a moment to reflect the passing of the summer and to thank the energy of our sun. Light a fire, reflect on yearly intentions and consider all you hold close. Wander outside and let the elements remind you of your beautiful, unique fragility and that we too, change and adapt with the seasons of our earth.
  • When your mate pops round and introduces a beautiful birthday ritual. . In Chinese Medicine (and many other cultures) 7 is an important number. It’s believed that every 7 years we enter into a new cycle of life which brings changes, both physically and spiritually. . My little one turns 7 this week but to say ‘how did that happen’ dishonours the transformation we’ve both gone through during this time. . We’re both ready for the next 7. . @saspetherick you’re the best ♥️
  • This is a scene from my Urban Retreat. Anna brings Stanley the skeleton along to illustrate how subtle movements impact our whole body. He falls apart sometimes, as we all do! . The next Urban Retreat will be happening in early September. You will have an hour of digestive flow Yoga, a talk about the living with the seasons from the perspective of Chinese Medicine philosophy, 2 guided meditations, some snacks and session on the pelvis/pelvic floor with Anna. She will bring some amazing techniques from The Franklin Method to help you stabilise your pelvic floor and feel grounded to the earth. . You will have an opportunity to reflect on summer and the year so far. You will learn about the organs which are dominant at this time of year, the emotions to pay attention to, and food and activities which will support you in Late Summer. . Mostly, you will learn how to feel really good as we flow through this wonderful time of year which is all about harvest, the earth and the connection to our lower body. . Details to follow...

About Me

Through my work, my intention is to help you feel a sense of peace, clarity and connection to your body; to the natural rhythm of life.

I hope to encourage you to slow down and listen to your heart, which is always there, quietly guiding you through life.

 

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