'August, die she must' - the end of summer

Wild brambles, squash and sunflowers - for me the essence of late summer

On this last day of August, on what has been an extraordinary summer by British standards, I pause to reflect on the changing seasons.

This is quite possibly my favourite time of year. I fall so readily into autumn and appreciate the softening, receptive energy as the earth gets quieter and more still. I am feeling and anticipating that right now.

These late days of summer are so lovely.  I am quite giddy on the soft-toned mellow sunshine, that continues to bless us steadily, gently, constantly, streaming warm love and light through still blue skies.

Because of the continued dry weather, our sacred landscape of Avalon is evermore accessible, my favourite walking paths are uncorrupted by mud and rain, so much so that barefoot walking becomes possible, an imperative even: tender feet are safe on fat cushions of green grass and broad ribbed plantain leaves.

Flowers have bloomed, seeds have set, yet the hedgerows are still vibrant, green, punctuated with sudden bursts of bright berries.

Good foraging is possible: the brambles fruited early in the season and it's now time to look for the much smaller dark purple elderberry, often found higher up in the tree line; one has to be quick as they are much favoured by birds.

Cow parsley produces skeletal mandalas of burnt brown seeds and above them green acorns are swelling in size. Not yet ready to fall. But the cob nuts have and litter urban pavements around Glastonbury, crunching satisfyingly under foot, and are mostly taken by squirrels.

I have not yet seen conkers, horse chestnut fruit, in their spiky punk rocker casing coming down from the trees. Two large empresses on Bulwarks Lane, off Wick Hollow are consistently abundant and I am waiting for them. Their falling usually coincides with one of society's great autumnal markers: 'back to school'.

Yes, so summer is still here, yet on her way out, 'August, die she must'. 

This is a time of fading, of passing, of ever increasing stillness, of quiet returning to the land and our hearts too. We do well to remember that we too are natural beings, as much as any tree, flower or blade of grass. We are subject to the earth's rythm; our bodies know it and are synchronised to this rythm even though we might seek to override Nature by eating out of season food shipped from far away, by using electric light to lengthen the day.

Such a sweet peace is on its way, which would benefit us to attune to. Here's some help from ayurveda.

- Stay connected to the sun at the joints of the day: observe sunset and sunrise to support circadian rythms and promote restful sleep

- Eat seasonal food: cooked with gentle spices that that boost digestive fire as the weakening sun weakens our digestion accordingly.

- Introduce oils to bodycare: warmed sesame to feet and wrists will help pacify vata aggravation that is around the corner at autumn equinox.

- Slow down, or build pauses for rest and contemplation into your day, again harmonising with the slowing of growth in the natural world.

-As we prepare for harvest time, harvest the good that we have received this summer; reflect upon and store happy memories and give thanks!

-Prepare yourself psychologically for a change, the loss of summer for many feels like a death, but we can look ahead to rich texture of autumn with its possibilities for increased comfort, warm, and nurture.

Be well
Jennifer

Taking Time Out for Myself

Enjoying quiet time at home

I'm getting good at listening to myself, understanding and honouring the messages from within. For the last couple of weeks I have felt the need to rest at home quietly and spend time with myself.

This is quite beautiful, as it resonates with the rythmic cycle of the seasons and the slow yet obvious sloping away of energy as we turn to face the autumn equinox and beyond that the darkening into winter in the northern hemisphere as we rotate away from the sun.

I have a practice of self-honouring and self-care, by which I mean I commit to looking after myself, as a sacred contract, which I renew daily in the form of prayer, meditation or affirming intention.

This subverts years, decades of patterning and behaviour during which the opposite was true; I gave up listening to myself, I was woefully unaware of my true needs and would override any inner messages that managed to get through.

I made everything more important than myself; work especially, also other peoples needs. I had a definition of my own needs which tended to decrease rather than support health: the mixed blessings of the modern age which mercifully we are now waking up and reconsidering: status, shopping, rich food and all kinds of indulgences.

My physical and emotional self suffered and eventually collapsed under the strain, leading to recurrent episodes of chronic fatigue, burn out and depression. My spiritual self was ever present I guess but buried within and lost to me; I was lost to myself.

Early signs of autumn: time to turn inward

I have loved myself back to health and happiness and reconnected with my inner being. Staying true to my whole self is a full time job and even now, I can feel guilty about prioritising my clear and obvious need for rest and quiet time, when I feel that I should be engaged more actively with the world.

This success mentality, the attitude of doing, imposing goals, timetables and outcomes leads to imbalance not only in the individual experience but collectively too. Its a big one to shift and I need to acknowledge myself when I intervene and act preventatively. Which I am beginning to do more easily.

So when I received two potent dreams on consecutive nights, both indicating fatigue I knew I had to stop. Firstly, a refridgerator fully iced in; my laptop embedded within, frozen. Either I was going to seize up or I needed a break from writing and the internet.

Secondly, wading uphill in Glastonbury town, through knee deep water feeling too tired to continue: meaning I was getting  burnt out in town; time to pull back.

This time, the guilt was minimal and I allowed myself to enjoy this special time; a retreat at home.

Living in a small and interconnected dynamic community of Glastonbury, complete seclusion was unrealistic. Two days into my exile, even the meter reader from the power company felt the need to tell me, unprompted, all about her healing experience at Chalice Well!

I am getting comfortable with setting personal boundaries. I have let go of worrying that friends will feel excluded or rejected. I say; I'm taking a some time out at home, I'll give you a call in a few days and we can do something lovely together.

I get positive feedback on this, such as Wow you are really looking after yourself, or I should really do that! Take good rest

Nurturing the Inner Self

So I keep my home clean and uncluttered and bring in fresh flowers, burn incense and candles, throughout the day. The computer is resting too, unplugged. I meditate upon deities; Shiva and Ganesha, the Goddess of the Ganga. I practice yoga asana, I chant and pray.

I rest deeply in my own presence, giving myself the quality time and attention I deserve.

I sit in the garden, face upturned to catch the still warm delicious golden rays of the Spetember sun. I forage  in a nearby abandoned orchard, collecting armfuls of tiny apples, blushed pink.

I recall how I sang bhajans under a particular tree with friends in early spring as the blossoms were forming and we looked forward to the summer ahead.

Eschewing electric light, I take myself to bed as the sun sets, free of the restraints of clock time and rise before dawn, opening the doors to receive the day.

Early morning walking the circumference of Glastonbury Tor and receiving the energising morning prana as the sun's appearance burns away the mists of Avalon while still sleepy sheep huddle against the slopes of this holy hill.

My dreams became more vivid and my ablity to feel deeply and receive intuition becomes heightened, I begin to feel restored.

Then the call back to a fuller engagement: the feeling of wanting to connect and share with others. The urge to write and a wonderful dream: of newly de-cluttered kitchen cupboards, I open them all to find order and spaciousness and there is an accompanying feeling of contentment and wellbeing: Meaning I have created some much needed internal space.

I am now ready to resume and rejoin the flow of life, relaxed and feeling peaceful once more. I wonder what's next....?

Intentions and affirmations

I listen with love to my body's messages (Louise Hay)

My intuition is always on my side

My dreams are a valuable source of wisdom  and guidance to me

I give myself permission to slow down and stop

I take really good care of myself at all times

Tine with myself is precious and wonderful

My friends are understanding and supportive of my needs

It is safe to let go

I am nourished by quiet time with myself

Why not give yourself permission to slow down and stop?

Peaceful blessings,

Jennifer

The Kitty Commandments: Teachings from the furry, purry one

Cute and feisty at seven weeks

My delightful cat companion Kitty turns two today.  Born in a barn on a local farm, I have looked after her since she was a tiny kitten, so small she could fit in a pocket! 

I have come to recognize her as a noble teacher who has much to show me. 

Here are the top ten Kitty commandments:

1 Trust your instincts and stay sharp. Avoid cars, busy streets, loud noises and angry people.

2 Be discriminating in what you eat and insist on freshly prepared food. Do not compromise!

3 Spend as much time as possible outside, preferably in wild, natural environments. Sleep outside in summer.

4 Always maintain a high level of personal grooming.

Keep exploring, whatever the weather

5 Sleep is a priority: choose a warm, comfortable and quiet spot.

6 Be playful! Climb trees, roll in the grass, commune with butterflies and bees.  

7 Green grass is medicine.

8 Stretch the body and especially the spine.

9 You are a sensual being. Receive physical affection and show your pleasure.

10 Be open and loving whilst maintaining a strong sense of self. Be vocal in expressing yourself!

Praise and blessings to all cats of the world!

Jennifer

                                                                                                                                                                                  

Boundaries, over-listening and energy management

Do you over listen to others?

What you have here is a drop system, began the plumber, tapping the pipes below the boiler. I could feel a lecture coming on. As he paused to take a deep inbreath,  I interjected swiftly, politely and definitely: I'm afraid you've already lost me.

He got the message and looked hurt. It was clear that he really wanted to explain the system to me. However I had neither the time nor motivation to listen. Most importantly I have found that overlistening exhausts me emotionally and energetically. Today as well as emptying the radiators, this innocent looking middle aged man could easily end up draining me, if I allow it.

Not only do I suffer in the present moment; overtime this pattern depletes physical health and wellbeing and ultimately contributes to weakened immunity, disconnection from the true self, chronic fatigue and burnout. I have worked on myself for a number of years to restore health and aliveness and refuse to compromise my wellbeing: I am too important!

The cues are always present if we are willing to listen.  
Signs that I am about to be drained emotionally/energetically:

My joy falls away
I get a contraction in my solar plexus
My head starts to feel heavy and dull
I feel anxious and panicky, wanting to escape

If I don't act to protect myself, in addition to above I may experience:

Headaches
Loss of physical energy and vitality
Disturbed sleep: difficulty falling asleep, early wakefulness
Dreams of being invaded in some way, home break-in or being aggressively pursued
Not feeling refreshed by sleep, physical dullness and fatigue

In her recently published work Emotional Freedom, Californian energy psychiatrist Dr Judith Orloff describes four types of energy vampires, archetypal personalities we may encounter. It is a useful read, and I recommend it. I also feel that the term vampire while explicit and immediate construes a sense of helplessness and passivity, victimhood. Undesirable.

My recovery has come from an attitude of empowerment and taking personal responsibility, without blaming or judging others.(Including myself!)

Time spent in nature heals and restores

Practical steps to restore energy.

Walk in nature; take in fresh air and unseen natural forces, breathe deeply!

Bathe to cleanse the physical body. Ideally wild water such as a natural spring, river or the ocean.

Burn incense or natural resins to purify your environment, open windows and doors to release stagnant energy.

Listen to and repeat a prayer, mantra or healing affirmation to clear your aura and calm the mind.

Visualise and reconnect to the feeling of light mood and limitless energy, remember a time when you felt this way.

Back to today's story. I quietly exited the kitchen, leaving the plumber to continue his work. I virtually skipped across the garden, a sense of  celebration and jubilation filling me from within. Sensations of  happiness and wellness, the inner being responding to self-love. The fruits of self-care, so sweet and precious and plenty of energy left to spend as I choose.

Celebrating health with positive role models

Jennifer Aniston: naturally healthy at 42

Evidence of positive shift is everywhere.  The received notion of degenerating health, onset of chronic disease and incremental loss of vitality as we age is completely unappealing and redundant. New concepts abound, such as longevity, wellness and anti-aging.

Of course there are plenty of statistics pointing to increasing levels of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Alternatively, one can focus attention upon what is going well, is improving or has become radically transformed. And not just in holistic circles; mainstream media is reporting the changes; the Daily Mail last week claiming  forty five is the start of a golden age of health.

Today I choose to acknowledge and celebrate the new wave of women in their forties and beyond who embody radiant health and aliveness and show us the way to journey through life with the ease and freedom.

Jennifer Aniston is such a person and one of my role models. I don't covet her wealth, wardrobe or celebrity status. I am impressed by her clear commitment to her health; her discipline, that she has made her wellness a priority. Jennifer expresses a glowing natural radiance and is so at ease in her body appearing happy, confident and relaxed.

It is often remarked that Jennifer is improving with age. What a great concept! Jen looks good and enjoys after looking her body. She adopts a steady, sensible and holistic approach to exercise and diet.

Elle McPherson is often cited in discussions of fitness, health, beauty and aging. Her success also has a spiritual grounding:  I eat a lot of organic food and drink lots of water, and I take time for meditation to set up my day. Beauty comes from within'

I just watched a short interview with Jennifer recorded yesterday for Good Morning America. How does she keep fit? Spinning, yoga and circuits... Keep it moving!  And why? I feel better when I'm fit, it changes your energy and your spirit.

Yes, yes and yes again. I too love to move and be active, my body thrives when I exercise and I know that keeping fit is a dedicated act of self-care.

Feeling inspired, I called my local gym to enquire into classes. With strong mid summer solar energy I am seeking a fitness challenge. Something to add variety, to have fun and be playful.

I spoke with a dynamic and enthusiastic personal trainer, named Sarah, whose passion poured out during our phone conversation. I'm fifty and I feel great. I teach a number of challenging classes, you should try my kettle bells workout.  

Sarah eulogized about the benefits of exercise. I nodded and uh huh'd . It was a vitality boost just speaking with her and she generously offered me a couple of trial classes. Another role model! I am looking forward to meeting her.

Affirmations:

I am vibrant and healthy

I am glad to be alive

My body is thriving

Every cell of my beautiful body radiates health and wellness

I love to exercise

Resources:

Daily Mail article  Why 45 is the start of a Golden Age of Health
Elle McPherson article 
Interview with Jennifer Aniston  on You Tube 
Train Station Gym, Glastonbury
Dr Christiane Northrup holistic physician with expertise in women's health

Setting healthy boundaries with compassion and integrity

Boundaries are essential for emotional health

I am blessed to work in some amazing and diverse environments. As well as supporting private clients, during the last twelve months I have visited a luxury spa, several festivals including Glastonbury, local leisure centres, Somerset County Council, an ashram and several healing and retreat centres.

The need arises for positive working relationships with staff and managers. I have to understand and adapt to their ethos and systems.  I enjoy this aspect of my work and take satisfaction in maintaining professional standards of conduct and giving good service.

Overall, my experiences are harmonious: expectations are clearly communicated. I need to know when where I will be setting up, when, what treatments are to be given, what items I need to bring, the timings, how and when payment will be rendered and any special requirements. It is helpful to have maximum notice of dates and to know that the booking is firm.

Of course there are often variables; last  minute changes to client numbers, a change of venue; sessions may not always start on time. Skilfulness requires flexibility, the ability to surrender a little control and adapt positively; this can be fun and lead to bonding within the team as creative and satisfying solutions are found.

One particular place had become a constant challenge. More often than not, the work although well paid and regular would leave me tense, confused, drained and uncertain and was taking up far too much of my time and emotional energy.

The manager is great guy, positive and loving in nature with a broad vision and a desire to assist humanity. He operates creatively, in a flowing state of confusion, chaos and crisis management and somehow holds his enterprise together. I began to see that his success was coming at the expense of my health and sanity as time and again I yielded to his unpredictable nature.

Communications were erratic, treatments arranged and cancelled with very little notice. I would have to chase up payment and last time I worked for him he called me three days later to say he had overpaid me and needed some money back, although I had submitted a written invoice. This was beyond stressful, I was losing my health and sanity!

This is not about making the other person wrong. Indeed, what has been hardest is separating my personal feelings for someone I have known for several years, have tremendous respect and admiration for and genuinely care about.

Nor do I expect the other to change, to fit my expectations and my preferences. He is free to be himself in the fullest glorious expression and I celebrate that.

From a compassionate standpoint, the choices are made for me. Firstly I notice and give space to my feelings and reactions: in this case frustration, impatience, exhaustion, judgement and blame. Then I accept responsibility for the situation. This is happening to me now in my life and it is for me to address. How perfect is that? Find the gift: I created this set of circumstances as a teaching. How do I practice love and act from a place of integrity?

The next time I received an ambiguous request for a treatment I set my boundaries clearly as follows:  I am available at this time, this is my fee and could you please confirm by this time. The deadline for confirmation came and went, I extended by fifteen minutes and then turned off my phone. Rather than waiting anxiously, unsure as to whether I would be working the next day and so unable to make plans; I was going have an enjoyable evening and the morning to myself too! Blissful!

A phonecall came through the following morning. The treatment room had been readied, the client waiting, where was I? I calmly reminded him that I had asked for confirmation by 6pm. He listed communication problems and other factors. I felt a little twinge of guilt which passed quickly. I would have wished for a smoother outcome, I did ask you to let me know by 6pm, I was holding the time for you until then. No drama, no fear. I could feel my inner being dancing and celebrating this freedom I had allowed myself.

How do I safe-guard my precious resources? Not only my physical and emtional energies, also my personal integrity? I  honour myself on the deepest levels by saying no to situations that deplete and create stress.  Asserting my value and acting from a place of high self-esteem and self-worth regardless of the outcome. From this standpoint  it becomes impossible to tolerate behaviours and circumstances that I do not prefer and creates an opening in my life for that which I do prefer to show up.

Thoughts and affirmations: 

I love to work and be of service

I am more important than my work, my income, other peoples opinion of me

I experience harmonious relationships and great communication at work

I honour and respect all those who show up in my life; they are free  and I am free 

I meet all challenges with compassion and love for myself and all involved

SOS Skincare! Natural toners

Venus, radiant goddess of love and beauty

I received this message on facebook from a friend in her late teens, as follows:

The other day, I made up a kind of skin toner with green tea, chamomile tea, and apple cider vinegar - about one part vinegar to 5 parts water. I dabbed it on my skin twice a day for about three days, and then I broke out in dozens of tiny spots around my chin area, and a few in other places too. 

My skin is feeling quite itchy and painful, even though I've been moisturising well. I've never had anything like this before. I was wondering if it's possible this reaction could just be my skin purging impurities, or if one of the ingredients was too astringent and I'm just reacting badly to it? Have you had any experience with these things? 

Firstly I salute all those who turn to natural skincare solutions, it makes so much sense to offer the skin ingredients which it can recognise and assimilate. The skin has several functions, one of which is protection. It defends the body from unwanted agents. In this scenario, there looks to be a direct cause and effect. The skin is irritated and is saying 'no' to the solution.

The function of toner is to refresh the skin after cleansing and temporarily tighten pores, producing the toned effect. My friend is prone to breakouts therefore I would suggest witch hazel extract, available in most chemists and health food stores. This has an astringent or drying effect.

My other suggestion is rosewater, which has a destressing effect and works well for drier and aging skin although it suits all skin types. I specifically recommend Nature's Aid Triple Strength Rose Water. This is my personal preference as a toner; I  decanted into an atomiser and mist it onto my face. Such is a beautiful ritual, I love how the delicate scent fills the air and settles on my face, like being kissed by a host of angels!

Finally, my friend should drink her chamomile tea and green tea, they are both excellent from a health point of view. And apple cider vinegar, especially if it is the raw, unpasteurised type is a valuable tonic. I use daily, liberally on my lunch time salads. And as a full time undergraduate living in London, I celebrate that she has these healthful items in her cupboard.

Suggested affirmations:

I am tender and gentle with myself
I have happy, healthy skin
I create harmony within and without

I am happy to offer guidance with natural skincare issues, post your questions below.

Authentic decision making

Earlier this week, a potent cocktail of dread, guilt, and confusion surfaced with the realisation that I did not want go to a gathering where I had been booked to teach yoga. The suggestion not to go was emanating from the part of me I increasingly prefer to rely on for direction: my intuition, inner being, higher self, source energy.

Intuition often manifests viscerally, seemingly from within the body, a tug, a sensing of 'yes' or 'no'.  I am learning to respect and  follow this subtle voice, for too long ignored, misunderstood, undervalued and overridden.

The intuition was accompanied by an old, familiar emotional reaction as my mind set out the reasons why I should attend the gathering. I must  honour my commitment to the organisers and the event,  I am a good teacher and my skills would enhance the event, the other yoga teachers would be overstretched, I was withdrawing late and clumsily, it was unprofessional, I would miss out on making new connections, so many of my friends and community would be there, how could I not go? Unthinkable.

In psychotherapy this voice is named critical parent. If as young children we received critical parenting we will likely absorb and reconstitute the voice within. My critical parent minimises my achievements, downplays my need for creativity, play and relaxation.

I fell into a purgatory of self-doubt and guilt creating a miserable state of decision paralysis lasting two days and nights. I lost sleep and became acutely aware of the damage I was inflicting on myself  through perpetuating an emotional inner conflict and a physical stress response. I further increased my misery by self-serving up hefty portions of self-blame and judgement, the critical parent again.

Resolution came when I was, at last, able to step outside the jumble of emotions and reactions. Finding space around the issue was a great relief. I was able to see the shape of what I had created: an inner battle of control mind versus intuition; critical parent versus nurturing parent; self-care versus self-abandonment. Having committed myself to the practice of integrating and honouring my higher self it was an easy decision, once the drama had fallen away there was no choice.  I was staying home.

As a reforming people pleaser it can feel strange to choose myself over others.  This newness has in the past tempted me to conclude that I have a mistake, what is this strange feeling? Pretty quickly I received an inner validation, sensations of joy, relaxation and happiness filled my being. It was a precious, holy moment as I understood that my inner being was acknowledging and thanking me for the work I was doing. I entered a beautiful state of grace and basked in it.

The weekend is unfolding into a glorious mini-retreat, 100% me time, a gift from myself, to myself. I am enjoying relaxed easy days, looking after myself really well and leaving my time as unstructured as possible.

When we empower ourselves to make changes in the way we take decisions, we realign with a deeper authenticity, our true self, enhancing our personal integrity, rediscovering our wholeness.

Suggested affirmations:

I trust myself and I take decisions with ease.

I follow my inner guidance. 

I am loved and supported by life and the universe. 

Adjusting to Springtime, an ayurvedic perspective

We celebrated the Spring Equinox joyfully in Glastonbury last weekend, with ceremony, music, song and dance, marking the point in the annual cycle at which the day and night are of equal length. From now, days are getting longer and next weekend here in the UK we receive a glorious boost of daylight as we turn the clocks back on Sunday morning and officially enter British Summer Time.

You may have felt the renewal of energy that Spring brings, a sense of re-awakening and re-vitalisation. Quite naturally we find ourselves spring cleaning our homes, clearing old growth from the garden, shedding layers of winter clothing, wanting to lose weight, thinking ahead to summer.

We can support the body too at this time of year, through harmonising with seasonal change. From an ayurvedic perspective, spring is associated with kapha dosha, water held in earth. To skilfully adjust, we must stimulate kapha, and counteract the qualities of cold, damp, stillness, accumulation and heaviness. Quite simply we need to warm up, become lighter and more mobile!

Nutritionally, it is all about moving away from rich and heavy foods, reducing oil and adding gentle spices, and bitter, pungent flavours to stimulate digestion. Nature provides: you can find wild spring greens emerging in hedgerows and verges, which tend to be strong and bitter in taste, this reduces kapha. Add to soups, juices and salads. It is important to take expert advice on what to pick, look out for led foraging or hedgerow walks advertised locally.

Movement is the real key to stimulating kapha, vigorous activity of all kinds, energetic bouts of gardening, decluttering and spring cleaning all count! For our yoga, increase the number of sun salutations and up the pace a little. Include more standing poses, twists and inversions and hold these for longer. Prepare for your practice with ujjayi pranayama, which increases inner fire.

The body naturally wants to detoxify at this time of year. Support this with daily dry skin brushing. Using a palm sized natural bristle brush, make light long strokes towards the heart. Any heating essential oils are great to add to your bathing rituals. Try black pepper and ginger. Now is a good time to move from baths (passive, slow, relaxing) to showering (brisk, active). A weekly sauna would be great too for adding heat to the body and releasing waste through the skin.

I also recommend massage at this time of year. Massage will assist the natural detoxification undertaken by the circulatory and lymphatic systems and also helps tone the muscles. Ask your therapist for an energising treatment. This will include percussive movements such as clapping, cupping and drumming, and will leave you feeling alive and awake! Ideally, you would book a series of three to four full body treatments to be taken within a two week period.

Wishing you a vibrant, healthy and happy Spring time!

How to resolve, successfully!

After the exuberant abundance of Christmas celebrations, a fresh attitude of health, simplicity and frugality is a welcome contrast. And so we move into January; a new month, a new year, indeed a new decade. A fresh sweep of time stretches ahead, clean and blank and ready to be imprinted with our hopes, wishes and goals. There is the feeling that we may sweep old habits away with the tinsel and recreate our lives, our very selves anew!

I offer a few thoughts and suggestions for anyone who may be embarking on positive change at this time.

1 Aim for sustainable, manageable change. Be kind to yourself and keep expectations realistic to ensure success.

2 Build upon what you have already achieved. For example an occasional yoga class could become a weekly commitment. If you attend class regularly, why not resolve to practice at home on the days you don’t see your teacher.

3 Let go of old habits gradually. Release the stress and drama of going cold turkey: aim for one dairy/alcohol/caffeine/sugar free day per week. When this is established, extend to two or three days, then five and so on.

3 When introducing new habits, set time parameters. For example including a fresh juice with breakfast for 10 days or for the month of January, then review.

4 Allow yourself to receive. Holistic bodywork such as massage will reduce stress and support other changes, particularly if exercising or detoxing. You might also invest in essential oils, and book a few sauna or spa sessions

5 Prioritise your new habits. Set time and money aside and honour your commitment to yourself. Block out time in your personal diary and family calendar and protect with vigilance! Attending to your health is not an added extra or luxury! It is key to your ability to stay relaxed, healthy. After all, when you are physically and emotionally balanced you will be in a much stronger position to support your loved ones.

I wish you every success in your endeavours and a peaceful and prosperous 2010

Happy New Year!

Maintaining health & harmony during the festive season

At this busy time of year it is important to take time out for ourselves. Periods of planning, shopping and socialising need to be balanced with adequate rest, exercise and good nutrition. Here are my 5 top tips for festive harmony:

1 Savasana with props: The ultimate restorative pose to calm the senses and soothe the nervous system. Try to find time for this every day during the run-up to Christmas. Lie on your back with a rolled towel or blanket under the knees and another support under the neck. Close the curtains, close your eyes. Relax deeply, allowing a full deep breath. Stay here for 10-20 minutes.

2 Carry a small atomiser of rosewater to mist the area around the face. The skin is easily dehydrated by central heating. This simple intervention de-stresses, freshens, hydrates and uplifts!

3 Select a simple mantra or affirmation, such as All is well, or Everything is flowing smoothly, My day always unfolds effortlessly. Write it out and place somewhere where you will see it several times a day: the mirror, fridge door, dashboard of the car or tuck into your purse.

4 Take healthy snacks to parties and social events to prevent overindulgence and mindless eating. I like to take grapes and fresh dates.

5 Stay connected to nature. The winter landscape can be quite breathtaking with bare trees silhouetted in bright daylight and hedgerows bejewelled with berries. I like to take a morning walk along the lanes around Glastonbury Tor; breathing in fresh air and enjoying the quietness of it all.

Winter skin – facial skincare treatment

I have noticed during the last few days that my facial skin is becoming a little dry; perfectly natural during the colder months. I have introduced a weekly cleansing routine to nourish the delicate complexion. This is ideally performed in the morning.

Firstly, an oil massage to maintain moisture levels and boost circulation. Right now I am using Neal’s Yard Orange Flower Facial Oil, which comes in a handy dropper bottle for easy application. I would also recommend Weleda’s Wild Rose Intensive Facial Oil capsules, rich in essential fatty acids and winner in the 2009 Natural Beauty Awards. A budget option would be pure apricot kernel oil. This has a delicate sweet scent and is intensely moisturising, often the base ingredient in natural skincare products. Ask for it at your local health food store.

Apply the oil with light upward strokes from below the jawline to the forehead. Use fingertips to ‘tap’ all over the face, taking care around the eyes. If time permits, rest with the eyes covered in cotton wool pads soaked in witch hazel and pre-cooled in the fridge.

Now exfoliate with your preferred product. Modern Friction by Origins is widely acclaimed; One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser from Clarins is suitable for daily use, Boots Botanics Purifying Face Scrub is a great budget buy.

Apply with the fingertips, patting and rolling the product, avoid vigorous scrubbing movements.

Remove with a muslin square soaked in hot water to which you have added your favourite essential oil: I favour lavender, frankincense or orange, dependant on my mood.

Follow with a cool cloth, apply toner and daycream. Voila! You should be experiencing bright, clear and well hydrated skin.

Cracking joints – an ayurvedic perspective

The sound of cracking joints, perhaps when rotating wrists or ankles is a clear signal that something is not quite right. It is the audible expression of vata dosha, the air aspect of our constitution. The popping sound accompanies the release of gas in the joints.

Usually, this comes about as a result of overexertion, a period of increased activity or movement creates an excess of vata in our system. This effect may be more strongly felt during autumn which is the season of vata: it is a time of change characterised by wind and falling leaves, a drying out as the life force of the natural world is withdrawn as we move towards winter.

If unattended to, vata will accumulate in the tissues of the body and overtime may manifest in degenerative conditions such as arthritis.

To restore balance firstly it is a matter of slowing down and resting. This brings a halt the generation of vata and allows us to harmonise with the seasonal cycle. Joint health is restored through lubrication. Warming, nourishing, heavy oil counters the qualities of vata (light, dry, mobile, rough, erratic). If possible take a professional massage treatment on a weekly or fortnightly basis throughout the colder months. As part of your evening routine, apply lightly warmed sesame oil to the body in light strokes in the direction of the heart. Pay special attention to hands and feet, ankles and wrists.

You may like to use mahanarayan ayurvedic oil, an ancient traditional formula prepared with medicinal herbs that restore and maintain the health of your joints, available widely on the internet, I have found a good brand reasonably priced here.

Wishing you good joint health!

October arrives!

October brings the first frosts, vivid autumnal foliage, the clocks are adjusted hastening darkened evenings and celebration: Hallowe’en, Samhain, Diwali. We bring fire into our lives through lighting and heating our homes, warming food and burning candles.

I enjoy the subtle changes that can be noticed on a daily basis at this time of year: a few final warm, sunny afternoons, the turning of a leaf, horse chestnuts, acorns and beechnuts strewn in abundance in country lanes. The enchanting morning mists, the sharp chill in the air and glorious melting sunsets.

In terms of our yoga, we can respect Nature’s rhythm by slowing our practice and taking a longer savasana so as to harmonise with the resting phase of the annual cycle. We can add heat to counteract the chilly, damp mornings with heating pranayama and meditation on the sun, fire or our own solar centre.

Ayurveda would further suggest the use of warming colours for our clothes and in our homes and taking brisk exercise outdoors at midday whilst the sun is at maximum strength. We might consider supplements to increase the digestive fire such as black pepper and ginger powder, or ashwaghanda to maintain a strong immune system.

I have started using the sauna once or twice weekly to detoxify and add heat and am favouring gently warmed soup over juices. My essential oils have become less floral and more woody and spicy: using rosemary and black pepper in footbaths and for massage.

Enjoy October!

Winter sun? Preparing to meet the heat

Winter in the UK is well and truly on it's way out; although March can be pretty turbulent with all kinds of weather happening at once. I have opted for some winter sun in Goa. March is a great time to take a late winter break: prices are very reasonable, resorts are quieter and upon return to the UK the nights will be lengthening and there will be a true feeling of spring in the air. The perfect reward for having survived a particularly cold winter!
When it comes to skincare I take a holistic approach. The skin has several functions, it protects us, yes and also it is an organ of elimination ie it has a direct connection to the digestive and circulatory systems. In a hot climate, the skin plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis, an optimal and balanced physiology.
The inner reflects the outer, our emotions as well as the food and substances that we put into the body will show up on the skin, hopefully as a smooth, unlined face and a clear, glowing complexion.
My holiday skincare preparation begins in the days leading up to departure. I recommend a pre-flight full body exfoliation and moisturisation treatment. There are many benefits to this. The exfoliating product loosens and removes dead skin cells that form the upper layer of the epidermis. This assists the natural proces of skin renewal and leaves a brighter, clearer complexion. The product is generally applied with brisk, vigorous, circular movements which stimulates the circulation and lymphatic system, promoting detoxification which in turn contributes to a brighter, clearer skintone. The exfoliant is rinsed away under a warm shower and a rich body moisturiser applied which boosts moisture levels in the skin for a soft, plump appearance. Please consider paying to recieve a treatment or ask a friend to help, so that all parts of the body are treated and with even pressure.
The other treatment I would recommend at this time is a pedicure so that you can confidently bare your feet which have been hidden for months in boots, socks and slippers. Be bold and pick a bright pink or red varnish for added glamour! An added advantage is that the feet contain reflexology points and a thorough massage will stimulate your body's self-healing and relaxation mechanisms.
At this time I review my skincare products. Throughout the winter one tends to use richer creams to counteract driness, whereas in the heat it is all about cooling and balancing oiliness. I opt for a light, foaming cleanser, a toner for combination/oily skin and a light day cream. I usually pack a clay or mud mask for a twice weekly deep clean while I am away.
When flying, the mantra is hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. In the departure lounge, see if you can guzzle down up to two litres of mineral water. On board, don't be tempted by alcohol, tea, coffee and salted or deydrated foods such as crisps and crackers. Instead pack water rich fruits and veggies to keep moisture and mineral levels high. I like to take pre-cut carrots and mixed peppers, cherry tomatoes and grapes. These foods place a minimal load on the digestive system which means that you are far more likely to be able to rest, sleep and arrived relaxed and refreshed at your destination.
Bon voyage!

Jennifer recommends:
Clarins body exfoliation and moisturising treatment available at Clarins salons nationwide.
Aveda pedicure, available at Aveda salons nationwide
Origins Clear Improvement charcoal mask available at Origins counters at major department stores nationwide or buy online.

The benefits of going on retreat

I’m going on retreat tomorrow, flying to India to take a personal yoga retreat in Goa. I’m really looking forward to it. To retreat is to withdraw from daily life, to rest, relax and restore on deeper levels, often in tranquil, natural surroundings. One will often meet like minded people, and the opportunity to share thoughts and experiences can be wonderfully enriching.

In the case of a yoga retreat, one is able to practice poses daily, or twice daily at a regular time and involve other aspects of yoga such as meditation and mantra. In this way we can live the yogic lifestyle, free from the distractions and obligations of our daily lives. It is a way to deepen our practice and actively assert our commitment to yoga.

I hope to use this time to experience the profound peace and renewal that comes from living close to nature. I am excited about connecting with other teachers and students. I am looking forward to reading and absorbing a few classic yoga texts in an unhurried manner and meditating at sunset.

Holiday facial skincare: stress relief

At this time of year, despite our best intention, it is likely that the skin on our face skin is under stress. The sun is farthest away on it's annual cycle, so our energy levels are likely to be low; an indoor, sedentary lifestyle leads to a sluggish metabolism, we are prone to puffiness and fluid retention.

If we do venture outdoors the combination of cold dry air and wind leads to dryness. Our centrally heating homes can exacerbate the drying effect. Not to mention the rich food and drink, including alcohol that for many forms an integral part of the holiday celebrations.

So what do do? On one hand we need to boost our metabolism and vitality through taking exercise, a brisk walk is ideal as we also receive sunlight which benefits us on many levels. However I would advise applying a sunblock to protect delicate facial skin from excessive UV.

Apply an enriched day cream such as Dr Haushka's Rose Day Cream, to optimise moisture levels. Avoid overly spicy foods, ensure you are taking sufficient EFAs, try adding cold-pressed flax or hemp seed oil to meals or take an evening primrose oil supplement orally. To humidify a centrally heated home, add essential oils to a bowl of hot water and allow to diffuse. Orange is brightening and sweetening or try mandarin for a more subtle citrus flavour.

Supporting the body through seasonal change: bodycare recommendations

I love holistic bodycare products and the rituals of bathing. I adjust my routine seasonally to affect maximum personal wellbeing. The following is based on my current, personal choices:

Morning: Energising, enlivening. Begin with dry skin brushing, which stimulates the lymph and circulatory systems. You can pick up a brush in most chemists & health food stores. It should be a little larger than your palm, in natural bristle. Use light, fluid strokes from the extremities to the centre of the body.
Take a short, hot shower; I use Dr Bronner’s Hemp Citrus Orange pure liquid soap.

On a weekly basis you might create an exfoliating treatment using dry sea salt crystals mixed with a little olive oil. Apply all over the body with light vigorous movements, scrubbing is not advised.

Evening: Bathing twice daily is recommended, it is important energetically. Here the emphasis is on warming and gently detoxifying. Right now I am using Rosemary bath & shower gel from Avalon Organics. Avoid heavy oils and creams before bed as the skin should be clean to optimize metabolic processes whilst we are sleeping.

Extra stretching, holding back

I am very aware that my body needs extra stretching right now. It feels so good to keep the body light and open at this time of year. The shorter, darker days, cold, wet weather and demands of the approaching holiday season can have a cumulative effect on body and the mind.

Our yoga practice may require extra thought and planning. I am including shoulder rolls, spine twists and all kinds of stretching to create space in the joints and prevent tension setting in. The more relaxed and open we become, the better we feel and we create space to allow all manner of possibilities in.

In addition I am holding back from certain poses, the deeply yin forward bends notably. The tissues of the body are less elastic in the cold weather and we may not have the range of movement that is available at other times. By applying mindfulness to our yoga practice we can stay safe, healthy and enjoy what is to come.

Staying safe while progressing in our yoga practice

Something that came up in last Monday’s class. I had included several poses that could potential stress the knee, a vulnerable joint that is prone to injury because of its limited range of movement. The knee it is a hinge joint, permitting movement in one plane only. Yoga students might tend to overexert pressure on the knee in an attempt to move deeper into poses such as baddha konasana (pictured) which rely on an opening of the hip joint, something which can only be achieved by relaxing, waiting and allowing: non-doing rather than doing. While it can be frustrating to feel held back in our poses, we must practice mindfulness ie cultivating awareness of what the body accepts and acceptance ie making peace with where we are.