Releasing fear...

Welcome to my first blog! I hope you will enjoy journeying with me through a varied landscape of wellbeing topics….

In this third lockdown I’ve found myself wavering between optimism and gratitude for all that I have in my life, and being overwhelmed, teary and sometimes feeling on the brink of insanity! Its at these times that I find I’ve strayed from my personal practice of breathing and meditation work.

Admittedly, my Meditation can be nothing more than 10 minutes of quiet in a locked bedroom whilst the baby sleeps and my Breathing practice can be 3 mindful breaths in an attempt to calm myself after a heated exchange with my rather precocious 8 year old… Alas, we do what we can!

Lately however, I find myself contemplating how the planet has found itself in such disarray, and how we as individuals are coping with such crisis. This past week I’ve witnessed numerous angry outbursts, one in a supermarket car park, one at the end of my drive and another in the village, all over seemingly inconsequential matters…. Tempers are clearly frayed! Those who know me, know I enjoy viewing life through a spiritual lens and am always keen to dissect and analyse situations around me. I see it as our worlds systems’ crumbling – health, politics and education completely disassembling, so that in their place, new, healthier and more balanced systems can emerge. Of course this very broad overview can be difficult to see, when so many of our loved ones are being affected, the overriding emotion being fear – fear for our health, fear for the economy, our jobs, our childrens’ futures…. the list goes on. But one thing I am certain of, is how fear can adversely affect our wellbeing. When one is existing in a chronic state of fear, no matter how subtle or covert it is, the impact on our immune system is dramatic. We can help protect ourselves by eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep, but if our thoughts and feelings are consistently dwelling in a state of; fear, anxiety and hopelessness, we open ourselves to physical imbalances and disorders. Contrary to belief, what we think and how we feel is something we get to choose on a moment to moment basis. At any point, we can choose to stop the slippery slope into negative thinking. Never has it been more important to take responsibility for our emotional health – when we do this, the rest takes care of itself. This may seem simplistic, but when consistently implemented, it is truly a powerful practice! This is mindfulness (not to be confused with positive thinking, though ultimately, this is what our minds will naturally do.)

One of the most beneficial practices that I have found, is to be discerning about who or what brings negative energy into your life. I try to steer clear of fear inducing effects of mass media. When I feel anxiety building up, I purposefully embark on a digital detox, avoiding what is very often negative mainstream misinformation. I also try to do those little things that bring me joy such as having a hot bath, a take away coffee, reading or watching something inspiring…whatever it is, make that conscious decision to stray from the routine and embark on an action that makes the Soul sing, no matter how small. Remember too, that our breath is everything. As anxiety builds, so our breathing becomes shallower. Full conscious breath is the keystone to being calm and grounded with the ability to see life through a positive lens. So I invite you to take the challenge – Turn off the radio, find your joy and breathe your way into 2021. Life is going to get a whole lot better!

(To experience Mindfulness, Meditation and Breathing, join me on Tuesday Evenings at 8:30pm for a half hour zoom session or check my website for upcoming workshops or working with me one to one.)