Adult Colouring In: It’s a thing and it’s good for you!

September 10, 2015 · 5 Comments

Adult Colouring In: It’s a thing and it’s good for you!

Have you ever watched a child colouring-in?

They get completely absorbed in what they are doing and they aren’t worrying about anything else.

Well, that’s the goal of adult-colouring in. Just being focused on something in a mindful way, that is also relaxing can help your brain switch off and relax.

In our crazy, modern world it’s no wonder that colouring books are in the best-seller lists! Many people struggle with meditation so this quiet activity is a good way to start.

There is some debate on whether this is a serious ‘art therapy’ or not, but I think if it feels good, do it!

Neuropsychologist and neuroscientist Dr Stan Rodski says they started seeing changes in heart rates and brain waves of people colouring in. He believes three key elements —repetition, pattern and detail— are what is responsible for the positive neurological responses in participants.

Colouring in may also be of benefit to us because it’s fun and it reminds us of our childhood. There is no doubt that it’s a great way to unplug from the electronic world and just relax.

I asked my friend and amazing life coach, Kirri White from Kirri White Coaching what she thought of adult colouring in and she says:

“I’ve started recommending coloring in books for clients who appreciate the benefits of mindfulness, but are highly resistant to formal meditation practices. It’s all about sitting quietly and zoning out, plus – there’s something incredibly therapeutic about returning to one of our childhood domains.”

Monique at The Nourished Psychologist says:

“I think adult colouring books are a great tool. They can help to calm the mind and body and help you to be present in this moment. They are great for when you are feeling stressed, anxious or distressed. Pop on some calming music while you colour too.”

There are so many colouring books available now, but I have picked out five of the best for you:

♥ Secret Garden

For lovers of all things flora and fauna, check out this colouring book by ‘ink evangelist’ and Scottish artist, Joanna Basford. Ramble through the Secret Garden and find all sorts of things to colour and discover and to create yourself. This book has sold over a million copies!

Get it here.

♥The Mindfulness Colouring Book

A pocket-sized go anywhere colouring book by French illustrator, Emma Farrarons. Intricate and detailed for hours of peaceful colouring.

Get it here.

♥ Zentangle Drawing for a Calm and Focused Mind

Zentangle is a step up from colouring in that you draw doodles to make beautiful patterns. You can then colour them in or leave them black and white.

Get this one here.

My friend Tash from A Girl, A Guy, Fur Kids and Food is a huge fan of Zentangle and she says:

“I first looked into Zentangle for pain management and stress relief. Zentangle can be practiced in small doses which suited me as I can’t spend a great deal of time using my arm and shoulder due to injury. No artistic skills are required as the patterns are so simple to follow and the beauty is in the sense of Zen that you feel when you think of nothing but the page, the pen and the pattern. Colouring in was much the same. The mind stops wandering, stops being in the past and/or the future and stays in the present as you lay down colour on the page. Both are a lovely way to practice a more dynamic form of mindfulness”

♥ The Big Book of Mandalas

An ancient form of meditative art, mandalas are known for their restorative power as well as their ability to provide tranquility and a sense of self. There are 200 in this book to spark your creativity.

Get it here.

What to colour in with?

You are only limited to your imagination! Pens, pencils, gel pens, markers – whatever takes your fancy. Lyra colouring in pencils are top quality, non-toxic and forest friendly. Get them here.

Do you colour in? Tell us what you love about it.

20 Practical Tips to Protect your Energy

September 18, 2014 · 14 Comments

20 Practical Tips to Protect your Energy

You know that feeling?

You feel tense, drained, uncomfortable, confused not quite right?

You may have taken on some negative energies. Perhaps you are an empath or a highly sensitive person. Your job might be highly stressful or emotional.

When your energy is balanced, your health is better, you are happier and life is easier.

Check out these 20 practical tips to protect your energy.

1. Crystals. Black Onyx protects our personal energy and can absorb negative energy. Black Tourmaline protects against negativity directed at us. Rose quartz is another that can be used. The high energy of rose quartz gives it the ability to enhance love. It will bring love into your life and any situation, lower stress and soothe. You can wear crystals as jewellery, put them in your pocket or tuck them in your bra.

2. Becoming aware. A crucial part of protecting your energy is becoming aware. What are you feeling? Is it because of a place, a person or a situation? Once you learn to be in tune with your body and emotions, it’s easier to be pro-active and protect yourself.

3. Kashyapa Mudra. This mudra (hand positions) helps to balance and protect against negative energies. Use it when you are in a situation of negativity or visiting a place with dark energy. Find out more here.

4. Salt Bath. Bathing is fabulous for getting rid of any negativity or unwanted energies. You can add sea salt, pink himalayan salt or magnesium chloride flakes to your bath for a lovely cleansing effect.

5. Earthing. Connect with nature. Stand on the grass or beach with barefeet and imagine the energy rising up from the earth and filling your body. Doing this regularly can also make you stronger against negative forces.

6. Meditation. Meditation can bring us back to ourselves and refuel our own energy when it has been depleted. Check out this guided meditation from Helen at The Little Sage that is specifically designed for this purpose.

7. Bubble of Light. This is a very popular and effective technique to use prior to going into situations where you feel your energy might be compromised. Visualize a bubble of light – some people like white, blue or purple coloured light (it’s up to you). Imagine yourself stepping into that bubble and being surrounded by the colour and protected. Another idea from our Facebook community was to send pink healing, loving light to negative or difficult people.

8. Ask the angels. Ask Archangel Michael for protection by simply saying “Archangel Michael, protect me now”. For more information take a look here.

9. Cut cords. “Basically, an energy cord is created between two people where an energetic exchange occurred – usually formed by an exchange of emotions or thought forms.” If this connection becomes toxic, you are able to visualize the cord or bond being cut. For a great explanation of how to do this and more information, visit the website of psychic Amanda Linette Meder.

10. Space clearing mist. This beautiful mist from Australian Bushflower Essences is a blend of aromatherapy oils, botanicals, cleansing herbs and Australian Bush Flower Essences. It encourages a feeling that you are in a sacred and harmonious environment and protects from negative energies.

11. Essential Oils. All essential oils help raise your vibration but for specific protection of your energy, try geranium, sandalwood, myrrh, sage, frankincense and cedar wood. Choose good quality, pure oils for the best benefit.

12. Feng Shui. According to Feng Shui principles, four animals can protect the energy of your home. The Green Dragon, The WhiteTiger, The Black Turtle and The Red Phoenix. Find out more here.

14. Dance, music and moving. All these things can all help clear negative energies and restore balance in your body. Try specialized dance like Wu Tao, Chakra Dance or Nia which are all spiritual based.

15. Learn to say no. Taking on only what you want to do and what you can physically do is one of the best ways to protect your energy and avoid being emotionally and physically drained. Kirri White, life coach tells us how to say no and reclaim our life.

16. Be choosey about what you allow into your consciousness. Avoid gossip, drama and negative talk. Keep away from toxic, draining energy vampires. Stop watching the news. Raise your vibration with things that make you feel good. As Oprah says “Surround yourself only with people who will lift you higher”.

17. Affirmations and Intentions. The power of the sending out your intentions to the universe is amazing. I used to do this when working in retail before each day began. After a spate of negative interactions, I started affirming that “only happy, positive people come into my space today” and it worked! As you leave a negative situation or place you can also say something like “I now release anything which does not serve me”.

18.Smudge. Smudging is used for clearing negative energies. To use, just light the bundle of herbs and blow it out until it is emitting a lovely stream of smoke. Take it around your house or office or just around your aura and set your positive intentions while doing so. The negative ions in the sage will make you feel cleansed and peaceful. Read more about how to smudge here.

19. Use your breath. A simple and quick technique that can be done anywhere. Visualize all the negative energy leaving your body when you exhale. On the inhale, visualize your body being filled with positive energy, happiness or love.

20. Self examination. If negative energy, places and situations keep cropping up in your life, you may want to ask yourself why you are attracting this. Is it a life lesson to learn? Why does it serve you?

You might also like to read:

What is smudging and how do you do it?

How to cleanse your crystals

I would love to know how you protect your energy!

Does any of this resonate with you?

Resources for Raising Natural New Age Kids

February 26, 2014 · 14 Comments

Resources for Raising Natural New Age Kids

So, you are all into the natural, new age thing but your kids are not?

One of the best ways to teach is by example. Let them watch you doing things like eating a healthy snack, recycling some paper or taking time out of your day to relax with yoga.

They see. They learn.

I have also found some awesome resources that explore this concept a little further if you need some inspiration.

Kelly Burstow at Be A Fun Mum has a printable list of 100 things you can do with your child to learn how to live in the moment. Enjoying and appreciating the small things is a valuable life lesson.

Caroline at Gardening 4 Kids has some fabulous ideas on how to teach children to connect with nature. She says (and I agree wholeheartedly) that encouraging younger generations to think and act in a more environmentally sustainable manner has to be a good thing.

The beautiful people at Embrace Virtues have an amazing blog post about how to teach children to access their inner joyfulness, even when they are feeling sad. Actually, I want to give this technique a go – it’s sounds just blissful!

Kirri White at Kirri White Coaching shares her tips on teaching meditation to children. I love the ideas of imagining bubbles or taking imaginary trips. All very easy and age appropriate.

Kelly Burch at Transformations with Kelly Burch has some great tips on how to help children with problems, using energy work. Kids can easily learn EFT (tapping) to help them deal with emotions.

Debra Dane at Home Life Simplifed has 30 ways to teach children about kindness and gratitude at her blog.

Author Jennifer Cohen Harper has a beautiful book, Little Flower Yoga for Kids. The book aims at teaching children to pay attention, increase focus, and balance their emotions-all while building physical strength and flexibility.

Do you have any other resources you like for teaching your kids natural, new age stuff?

Click here to check out the Superfoods for Kids range.

10 Apps for Natural, New Age Mums

October 18, 2013 · 26 Comments

Apps allow information and entertainment to be at our fingertips 24/7 in a portable, user-friendly way.

But it’s not all for techno-geeks and game players, apps can be used to enhance your everyday. These ten awesome apps will help you lead a healthy, happy, holistic life.

1. Headspace Meditation. Headspace is a project designed to demystify meditation. Using the wonders of science and technology, they make it easy-to-learn, fun-to-do, and relevant to your everyday life. Featuring how to meditate, daily meditation sessions and reminders. Download it here.

2. The Whole Pantry. A very popular health, wellness and lifestyle app with a vision to restore balance and empower. The Whole Pantry is the new go-to place, filled with a continually updating library of resources, empowering information, lifestyle guides and simple, yet beautiful nourishing recipes. Visit the website here.

3. Healthy Home. Is your home making you sick? With the increase in asthma, allergies, chemical sensitivities and other illnesses related to indoor pollutants a healthy home has never been more important. Take a walk through your home and complete the quiz to identify health assets and challenges. Discover tips and resources to help you create a healthy home for your family. Find out more here.

4. GS1 Go Scan. By either browsing the database or scanning products in store, Go Scan gives you information about food to help you make the right choices for your family. It includes information on allergens, ingredients, nutrition, storage and preparation, dietary and basics like country of origin and company website. Check out the website here.

5. EFT Clinic. This free app allows you to tap into (see what I did there) the amazing healing power of EFT (emotional freedom technique) with a combination of text, diagrams and video. Free yourself from difficult emotions wherever you are, be it stress or anxiety, depression, low self esteem, weight loss and much much more. EFT Clinic is presented by Sue Beer, one of the first certified EFT Masters. Check it out here.

6. Safe Runner. Aussie mum, Rebecca has come up with app to not only be a personal tracker for running, walking or pushing the pram, it comes with inbuilt security. Safe Runner will track your distance, calories burnt and if required will automatically notify your emergency contact that assistance is needed as well as your GPS location. For more information go here.

7. Inspire Me Quotes. With quality images and designs, get inspired and uplifted by beautiful quotes. Inspire Me Quotes offers users the chance to browse through a variety of inspirational quotes to reveal wisdom from great minds such as Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King, Mark Twain, Steve Jobs, Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, Abraham Lincoln and many, many more. Find out more here.

8. Shop Ethical. A quick and easy way to avoid companies with a negative track record and support those making a positive impact. With 10 years of research as a basis, this app have everything you need to start shopping ethically. With information on animal testing, factory farming, food miles, labour exploitation, GMOs, overfishing, palm oil and more, you can find products that fit with your values. Get it here.

9.Yoga Studio. This app is like your own yoga studio on call. It features detailed info and advice on 280 poses and 16 hours of yoga classes in a clean, easy to see format. Ideal for beginners up to advanced, it’s an affordable way to bring yoga into your life. Check out the website here.

10. The Chemical Maze. The very popular book by Bill Statham is also available in app form. With ten years of research and a huge database, you have access to information about food additives and cosmetic ingredients. Identify the risk level and possible reactions and problems of each. Invaluable in navigating the world of chemicals! Go here for more details.

Want more? My friend Alexx Stuart shares her top apps here.

What is your favourite app? Link us up!

Unwind Candles Review and Giveaway

June 24, 2013 · 101 Comments

Unwind!

Sounds good to me! Today I am road testing these gorgeous healing candles from Unwind for you. It wasn’t hard work, believe me. Relaxing, inhaling the beautiful scent and drifting off into complete bliss.

Yes, life is tough huh!

Shelley Horkings is the beautiful Melbourne mum and osteopath behind Unwind. Shelley says “late last year I developed a range of beautiful soy candles, designed to burn for relaxation, meditation and healing. They are completely natural, and fragranced with pure essential oils. The oil blends have been designed specifically to help balance and heal the chakra or energy centres of the body. The fragrances are lovely, and of course can be burnt just for this purpose as well.”

I tested the heart chakra candle and the sacral chakra candle. Also available in the range are candles for the other chakras – base, solar plexus, throat, third eye and crown.

Each have a beautiful aromatherapy oil blend of their own, especially designed to cleanse and balance each chakra.

the Heart Chakra candle

the Sacral Chakra candle

I did a candle meditation with each one. Shelley has step by step instructions on her website on how to do a candle meditation if you need guidance.

For me, I went with my intuition a little. I sat in a comfy cross-legged position, lit the candle and placed it a comfortable distance away. My eyes were focusing on the candle, I inhaled the beautiful scent using deep, slow breaths and I focused on the word ‘love’ for the heart chakra candle and the words ‘let go’ for the sacral chakra candle. Almost like I was breathing the word in on each breath, along with the aromatherapy scent.

Bliss!

What an incredible experience. I found the smell and the candle really enhance my meditation – I was able to relax and drop in to ‘the zone’ a lot easier. I think because I was focusing on the candle flame, the smell and the word, it was giving my mind enough to do so it didn’t ping around like a bouncy ball like it normally does!

If you struggle to meditate and quiet your thoughts, have you tried a candle meditation? It just might be the thing for you.

Even if you are not into meditating, these candles are also just lovely to have as a candle! Shelley says “the essential oil blends in each of our candles have been specially formulated by a leading aromatherapist to assist in cleansing and balancing each of the individual chakra’s (energy centres) of the body.” So you are working on your chakras regardless!

Use it in the bath or to relax to at night-time before you go to bed. I love that it has a sealable lid, so I know what I am taking when I travel this weekend! I always love to take a candle with me to a hotel room to refresh the room and help me relax.

I really appreciate the quality of Shelley’s hand poured candles too. It is not easy to find candles using therapeutic grade essential oils. Artificially fragranced oils can actually be quite toxic as well as being overpowering. Of course, you don’t benefit from the aromatherapy either!

I love that Shelley uses soy wax and lead-free cotton wicks. Did you know that parrafin candles are also quite toxic? They can release chemical pollutants such as acrolein, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, toluene, benzene and acetone. We only use soy or beeswax candles in our home.

So, all in all, I think Shelley is onto something here – a fabulous, good quality product with a great concept. Candles that heal? Genius! Handmade by an Aussie natural, new age mum? Love it!

Connect:

Dr Shelley Horkings, Unwind Mind Body Soul

Address: 46 Challis St in Newport, Melbourne, Victoria.

Website: www.unwindhealing.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Unwind-mind-body-soul/122206304497196

Email: info.unwindmindbodysoul@gmail.com

Phone: (03) 9398 0787

Giveaway!

This giveaway has now closed. The lucky winner was Kirsty! Congratulations!

Would you like a chance to try Unwind healing candles for yourself? Shelley has 3 medium candles one heart, one sacral and one crown to give away to one of you.

How to enter:

♥ Be a blog subscriber (add your email to the top right hand corner)

♥ Like the Unwind facebook page

♥ Comment on this blog post telling us why you would like to win

Terms and conditions: This giveaway runs from now until midnite on the 2nd of July 2013. Only available to Australian residents. Winner will be chosen using random.org from those fulfilling the entry criteria, emailed and announced on this blog post. Good luck.

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened.

Happiness never decreases by being shared.”

Buddha

This post is sponsored.

Why I walk….

September 11, 2012 · 15 Comments

Walking has always been something I have been in the habit of doing. It is so good for my mind, body and soul. I love it.

These photos were taken on my walk this morning. If that’s not enough to inspire you, here are some other reasons I love to walk.

Exercise. Well we all know we have to do some sort of exercise, right? The body was designed to move and mine feels better when I do. I think walking is the best exercise there is. You don’t need any special equipment, it’s free, it’s easy and you just head out your front door and there you are… walking!

Meditation. Walking is a great moving meditation. Sometimes I will focus on my breath, or repeat a mantra or affirmation to stop my mind from wandering while I am walking.

Communing with nature. Negative ions abound at the beach, mountains, waterfalls, parks and without a doubt, they make me feel so good. I try to get out into nature as often as I can. Megan at Your Intuitive Family also talks about us needing grounding or connecting with Mother Earth.

Social connection. Most times when I walk, I take the dog (I have a long-haired dachshund called Wilbur). I am always being stopped and chatted to – mostly because of the cute dog! It’s so lovely to pass the time of day with people, say hello, smile or wave. It gets me out in my community, connecting with local people.

Fresh air. Being stuck inside all day around electronics can really zap my energy and give me a fuzzy brain. There is nothing like having some fresh air to revive and recharge me. If I come home from work feeling tired, I will head out for a walk. All that oxygen zinging around my body peps me up!

Endorphins. Nature’s prozac! Regular walking has been proven to be effective against anxiety and depression. I know it keeps my mental health on the right track if I walk regularly. Happy mum = happy family.

Small things. Walking gives me time to appreciate and be grateful for the small things. Warm sunshine on my back, a mother duck with her ducklings, beautiful flowers, a refreshing breeze. Stopping to smell the roses is so good for my soul and it makes me happy.

Vitamin D. Getting outside in the sun helps top up my Vitamin D levels. It’s really important for me, because I suffer from a deficiency. Read the blog post I did about that here.

Bonding. Sometimes I walk with a friend or family member. It is such a great way to chat without distractions or interruptions (I never take my phone!) I find ‘walking chats’ particularly useful in opening up the communication with my teenage son.

I love walking! For me, walking is not exercise to dread doing, it’s a chance to take time out and practice some self care.

Talk to me. Do you like to walk? Why do you like to walk? Where do you walk?

Wise Woman Meditation

June 19, 2012 · 5 Comments

Today, I want to share with you all this beautiful guided wise woman meditation.

I first experienced this at a workshop, where it was read out to us as a group. We all experienced something profoundly moving. I have never been so blown away by the energy in a room. I received a message from my wise woman that I sorely needed to hear.

At home, I did the meditation for the Natural New Age Dad (swapping wise woman for wise man). He also had a wonderful, emotional experience and heard an important message.

I hope that you too will find this meditation to be something special. It will only take a few minutes and you don’t need to be experienced at meditation. Just relax and go with the flow!

Okay, so this is how you do it:

To get the best result for this meditation, I suggest that you get someone you trust to read it out to you. Ask them to read it in a slow, gentle, soft voice, allowing for plenty of pauses. Alternatively, record it yourself and play it back.

Find a quiet time when you won’t be disturbed by the cherubs or the phone or anything else. Get yourself really comfortable. Lying down is best, on your back with the your palms up and your feet slightly falling outwards. Spend a few minutes settling down and taking some deep breaths to relax. I always like to diffuse some aromatherapy oils as well to enhance the experience!

♥ Wise Woman Meditation ♥

Imagine yourself sitting in a room, looking down over the ocean. Take in everything. What do you see? What do you smell? What do you hear?

You decide to go outside, so you leave the house and go along a path. The path widens and curves as you follow it down to the beach. Go slowly and take your time.

You walk along the beach, feeling the sand under your toes. You notice patterns in the sand and in the foam on the waves. You pick up something. What is it?

Up ahead you notice someone sitting under one of the trees. You can see it is a woman and somehow you know she is a wise woman. As you walk towards her, she smiles. You go towards her and she asks you to sit down. You sit beside her in silence for a while.

After some time, she says something to you. What does she say?

You turn to her and respond. What do you say?

You have a conversation for a while. What is said?

You notice she has colours surrounding her. You had not noticed this before. What is happening?

As the colours disappear, you notice the sun is setting. You say you are going and you thank each other for the time together. You say goodbye.

You walk back down the beach and watch the colours of the sky. You see the path, so head towards it. You walk up the path to the house. When you are there, you will become aware that the meditation has ended.

I hope you had a wonderful, moving experience with this meditation. If you didn’t, don’t despair! You may just need some more practice at relaxing and visualization. Try it again another time, but practice some relaxation beforehand, so you are able to let go more easily.

I will let you in on a little secret. The wise woman you met on the beach? She is you. You can call her up whenever you feel alone or in need of some wisdom in your life.

Unfortunately, I do not have the original source of this material, which I have adapted. I am paying it forward in the spirit of sharing amazingness. If you know the original source, please let me know so I can credit it.

Please let me know how you go with this, in the comments here or send me an email. I would absolutely love to hear about your experience with the wise woman.