What makes your heart sing

Again we are navigating a world upheaval and many people are complaining about feeling drained.

Dear human

Please turn off the TV

Reduce the people you speak to ( I mean being brutal) if they are taxing your energy then you need to set a strong boundary.

You are going to have to choose YOU

because if you don’t you will collapse under the changes that are coming because the biggest commodity on this planet is your energy. but this is fueled by your mind so it is imperative to keep a lid on that which you are consuming.

This may feel hard but chose your peace and your battles wisely. Don’t choose your peace as a buffer but as a nourishing activity. The only way you can do this is to take time out. Make plans for your life in a serious way and not a wishy-washy way be specific and dream big.

Choose the right support and the right people or ecosystem.

Be prepared to lose people along the way, this may feel strong but it will clear your energy field and allow you to have a living practice and space to allow your heart to sing and not be heavy

Even during challenging times, your heart will still sing because it is clear, clear with purpose and from this place you can serve.

Journal Question: In the silence of your peace what makes your heart sing?

If you want more support during this time then book a discovery call to see how I can help you and your creative practice or business. create the correct lifestyle you deserve.

Introduction to Aromatherapy Week 3 - Lesson 3 : Benefits of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil and Back Massage

Goddess Archives - Oshun Day

5 Products to help you navigate Lockdown - (Spiritual Emotional Hacks).

PICTURE of a running bath.

As we are now into another National Lockdown here in the UK I wanted to share some products that may be hopeful in getting you through this current world climate.

I did write a long paragraph on 2020 but it got deleted so maybe this 2020 the review is still loading because ish isn’t finished yet.

So please follow me on Instagram or Insight Timer where I run FREE classes and have some meditations available for you to listen to.

Transparency - The links are affiliate links which contribute to the production of this content ie time. this enables and inspires me to produce more information that is screaming to get out of my head. All links are recommended and credible products I have used unless otherwise stated.

1. Bush Flower Remedies

Flower Essences are vibrational therapy and Australian Bush Flower Essences help manage the emotional demands of everyday life.

When I worked as a therapist at Bliss Creative Health Centre - a few of the Massage Therapist gave their clients Calm and Clear because it helped balance those living in busy cities.

Featured Calm and Clear, and Electro (Helps with Radiation from Computers or phones) -Australian Bush Flower Remedy, and Relationship, remedy (especially if you are stuck at home together).

2. Essential Oils

Essential oils support the physical, emotional and spiritual, they can be used in the bath four drops or in 24mls of carrier oils such as Grapeseed or Coconut oil. or diffused in an oil burner. My favourite way is either a self-massage or bath.

3. HEPA approved AIR PURIFIER.

I cannot vouch for this machine as a defence against any virus, however, the reviews are positive according to WHICH check out this article I have much better air quality in my bedroom and I have recommended this to other therapists. In England, the cold winters bring another problem central heating and bad air quality so these air purifiers help.

I recommend this brand please check the reviews before you decide (there is a problem with the filters but apparently they are now under another brand), Please check before you purchase this brand if the filters are available. I have yet to buy a filter.

More information on HEPA purifiers see the WHICH article.

4. Meditation or Mindful practices.

Having a morning practice is really important and can literally lift your mood. I am doing the Insight Timer FREE 30-day meditation challenge alongside my one of my old courses the 30/30 Wellness challenge.
This has made a very difficult time more restful and helps me start the day. There are several other challenges on Youtube such as Yoga, dance etc find the one that resonates with you.

5. Bath and Body products.

Because Loungewear will take over your life you need to be able to look after the one suit that is priceless and that is your Birthday Suit.

So invest in a good body scrub, Body butter or oil (I made my own Macerated Sunflower oil with Lavender) or Coconut oils. Purchase a Jade Roller for that face massage and lift (heck purchase an egg if you want to go the extra mile). If the price is a problem then create your own with sugar. There is no clubs or restaurants open for a while so get your body ready so that we can run out of quarantine looking buffed ( a few more pounds may be added but at least your skin will look good).

DIY

DIY BODY SCRUB https://simple-veganista.com/diy-edible-sugar-scrub/

DIY MACERATED BODY OIL

DIY MACERATED OIL FROM MY SELF PACED AROMATHERAPY COURSE PART 1 (INCLUDES A FREE HAND MASSAGE TECHNIQUE).

DIY MACERATED OIL FROM MY OLD AROMATHERAPY INTO COURSE PART 2 .

JADE ROLLER FOR FACE

I hope these resources are useful for you, please leave a comment to let me know if you found this useful or your own self care hacks .

Holistic Book club review - White Eagle Medicine wheel cards.

White Eagle Medicine Wheel: Native American wisdom as a way of life by Eliana Harvey (Author), Wa-Na-Nee-Che published by Eddison Books ltd

So July happened, which delayed this post because of my busy schedule which was for me very positive however it delayed the next instalment of our Holistic Book club review.

Anyway, this review is so worth it.

So I was sent this amazing pack of the White Eagle Medicine wheel Native American wisdom as a way of life by Eliana Harvey and Wa-Na-Nee-Che.

"The White Eagle Medicine Wheel Deck" gives a unique introduction to the sacred teachings of Native Americans. This powerful deck of cards is a resource for problem-solving on all fronts, whether at home, at work or in relationships. And with the accompanying booklet, you will be taught how to communicate with the animals and other sacred archetypes who will show you their medicine ways. Discover your inner self and learn how to live in harmony, not only with yourself but with all living things around you. You will never look back.

About the author

Eliana Harvey is a therapist and writer with a deep interest in Native American culture and tradition. She is the founder of Shamanka, a unique school of women's shamanism, and has been involved in the spiritual path since 1960. Visit her website at shamanka.com Wa-Na-Nee-Che descends from a long line of medicine men and shamans. He is one of the few remaining Native Americans willing to share the original wisdom of the old way of life and offers sacred teachings appropriate to the western world in seminars and workshops.

The Cards and booklet

image Eddison Books ltd

As a lover of First nation spiritual systems, I had an instant connection with the cards, so the cards would a great choice for my moon circle and the Creative Healing facilitator course.

The cards share the wisdom and practices of the Lakota Sioux Native American tradition the deck has three parts for study.

The apprentice

The Student

The Elder

The first level is the apprentice and this has 28 animal cards.

Eagle, Bear, Badger, Beaver, Spider, Butterfly, Horse, Buffalo, Ant, Otter, Rabbit, Snake, Porcupine, Cougar, Dragonfly, Dog, Dolphin, Turtle, Elk, Whale, Moose, Fox, Coyote, Lynx, Raven, Hummingbird, Owl, Hawk

The next level is the student and has fourteen grandfather and grandmother cards. Pipe Carrier, Dreamweaver, Sundancer, Medicine Man, Spirit Warrior, Provider, Record KeeperWeaver, Birther, Medicine Woman, Stargazer, Wisdom Keeper, Rainbow Dancer, Story Teller

The final level is the Elder level that has the following cards:

Sweat Lodge, Drum, Medicine Wheel, Totem Pole

The cards have a background story plus meanings with reversal images the relation to spirit, the functional spiritual items and the animals make these cards well rounded and creates a dialogue between circle members as well as an education into one of the oldest spiritual systems in the world.

Using the apprentice cards for Level 1 of the Creative healing course was a great addition to opening up the circle. At first, the cards appeared to challenge the participants because the type of animals listed were not commonly seen as spiritual guides or totem animals, so learning the understanding and challenges around the types of animals such as ant, snake etc in a spiritual context was eye-opening.

For the second Level, the Student the cards were held more understanding in terms of intergenerational healing, the circle members were able to use the meaning of the cards in a more personal way.

Next week we will work with the Elder level cards to help us through Level 2 so I will let you know who we found them.

If you want a universal system to work with or are running a circle I would recommend purchasing this pack as you will not be disappointed.

Highly recommended. Click here to Buy.

.

Holistic Book Club - Essential oils, pain relief and a great waistline.

7 minute read. .

I was recently sent three books by Eddison Books on Health and Wellbeing. Now I am a bit of s sceptic because as a Holistic therapist and Former College tutor the books we read were quite detailed clinical type books. Suffice to say it was nearly 20 years ago so I suspect the sophistication of the reader has risen to meet our upgraded HD retinas.

Essential Oils You Can’t Do Without: The Best Aromatherapy Oils for Health, Home and Beauty and How to Use Them by Daniele Festy

The Ketogenic & Hypotoxic Diet: Lose Weight and Improve Health with This Low-Carb, High-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory Plan by Olivia Charlet

Natural Painkillers: Relieve Pain with Natural Remedies and Exercises by Dr Yann Rougier & Marie Borrel

Natural Painkillers: Relieve Pain with Natural Remedies and Exercises by Dr Yann Rougier & Marie Borrelcan came at the right time because I recently experienced a bad back after another Bereavement (if you have listened to my podcast or read my blog on Grief  then you will know how common it is to experience physical ailments after the death of a loved one). The book is jam-packed with various complementary techniques to use such as Acupressure points to help with pain relief,  Healthy foods to help reduce inflammation and also a good range of Homeopathic and Aromatherapy remedies and recipes to assist you with any complementary programme.

Safety note: For any physical ailment one should always consult their GP or Complementary Health Practitioner ( I consulted my Osteopath for my back).
.

Essential Oils You Can’t Do Without: The Best Aromatherapy Oils for Health, Home and Beauty and How to Use Them by Daniele Festy

When I was asked to review this book I thought it would be just another aromatherapy book with great pics, but I was wrong, it is a great book and great as a reference guide.   This easy to use book is full of information that will help you create some great skincare and wellness blends. 6 Essential Oils You Can't Do Without has great references on all the important data that will allow you to start your essential oil journey. Even for existing Aromatherapists and students alike, this book visually clean and informative, for the novice, it will also be a great companion to creating a Healing home because it has over 300 recipes for the home, skin and body. So for my clients and students alike, I will definitely recommend this lovely book.

The Ketogenic & Hypotoxic Diet: Lose Weight and Improve Health with This Low-Carb, High-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory Plan by Olivia Charlet

I found this book really interesting and again timely because I have spent the winter hibernating and now I am back at the Gym and on the mat.   The Ketogenic & Hypo toxic Diet again was a very informative read. The book breaks down the “Keto” diet which is a diet

Low in carbohydrates and rich in good fats, the ketogenic diet offers the perfect solution to healthy eating for optimum well-being. But in order to be truly beneficial to our health, it should also be hypotoxic (gluten- and dairy-free, with only moderate amounts of organic animal protein). 

The Keto diet says No, to sugar, most fruits or white carbs and Pulses so some Vegans may find this a problem if they eat a lot of cooked Chickpeas or Lentils,(there are options for the sprouted pulses)

As a gluten intolerant Pescatarian  I find pulses hard to digest, even with Seaweed added and soaking,  and the Gluten-free food often leaves me bloated so trying this out has helped reduce the bloating.

The book is clearly written and easy to follow, but for me, my favourite part of the book is the recipes.   Although different I found some of the foods choices similar to the Paleo diet, however, the Keto is about changing macronutrients to start a natural fat burning process. (correct me if I am wrong) and the Paleo is about eliminating dairy, grains and processed foods. Both diets are good for Auto Immune, Weight loss and Gluten intolerance. As for the weight loss, I am only on day 1 so I will let you know if I follow this for 5 days.  I will definitely add this book to the reading list of my self paced course the 30/30 Wellness programme.and now that is a bonus. All books are available for all outlets such as Amazon and Foyles.

How to create a healing home

My home was a rainbow house when I first moved in because I was working on all Chakras simultaneously.

As I dug deeper into self-actualisation, my home became more neutral and the canvas became my healing landscape. I really believe that your home reflects your ‘ Human’ condition at it’s level of evolution.  What do you mean Marilyn?

Well, your home reflects your mental and emotional situation..

We have all seen the TV series Horders and also the new show by Marie Kondo reiterates this point change your home through clearing clutter then you change your life. Changing your decor, colour, or adding an accent wall or cushions can transform any space.so, also the use of candles, incense and crystals can make a home feel calm and tranquil . I have listed 5 tools you can use consciously to change your environment to support yourself.

1 . Space clearing / Clutter Clearing

Self explanatory, but clearing old clothes, magazines or books creates space for new things to come into your life. Holding onto outdated clothes or shoes can create a sense of heaviness. Check out Marie Kondo’s show on Youtube or Netflix.

2. Air Purifiers

Fresh air by opening our windows, by opening our windows we are letting go of the energy we processed the day or night before. Fresh air creates more fluidity in your home this is really important if you are suffering from Depression and anxiety.

Air purifiers are also great for allergy sufferers, damp environments as well as dust mites in rooms

Other natural purifiers
Sage. Palo Santo or Sweetgrass - Ok I am not rewriting the wheel as this is very basic, but Sage is good to use very quickly to purify a space, and these scents are very good for clearing the atmosphere.

Essential Oils - Lavender /  Frankincense / Juniper - Does what Sage et al does

Rose/ Ylang Ylang/ Jasmine - To create that mood for romance or self-love.

Lemongrass / Peppermint- To stimulate that mind for study, conversation or concentration.

3. Artwork

Purchase artwork from independent artists or create your own check out Pinterest or join my list for my creative workshops. you can see past events here .

Artwork that reflects the things your love or the mood you want to capture is an affirmation of who you are, so choosing artwork will create an atmosphere of calm or positivity.

4. An altar

Please check my post on Altars creating a space for you to meditate, honour your family or ancestor.

An altar is like a portal between you and spirit and all your wishes can be placed on your altar. You can have one in every room.

5. Natural Products
Limiting the use of plastic in your home reduces environmental waste and is also more beneficial for your health as plastic can leech harmful chemicals . Wooden bowls, paper straws and china cups also add to the clean healing element to your home. Save old jars and bottles for storage and to hold fruit juices and smoothies.

Try to have more natural fibres where possible and replace synthetic items with more natural materials slowly as this can be expensive to do at once. I am slowly replacing some of my soft furnishings with more natural products where possible.

For cleaning try using essential oils, vinegar and soda crystals to have a cost effective cleaning product (please check my future posts on Natural cleaning products).

Want to change your life then take my Free Creative Healing Life coaching course.

Let me know what you do to create your healing home.

Buy Art Cushions and artwork

Recommended book by Marie condo

Air Purifier

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2019

Happy International Women’s day !!!

For more information about this day click here on the International Women’s Day website. I will also have an exhibition in Forest Gate East London

As an appreciation for all the women who work hard I want you to Tag a Beautiful women or business here..

Healing and Herbs.

Healing sessions for women.

I am now working alongside a herbalist for a limited time for my Womb Healing, and Coaching sessions. 

I was asked by Herbalist Sophia to sit in my sessions so that she could observe the practice of an established therapist.   I jumped at the chance of working with a Herbalist because of my own love of herbs and secondly, the effect herbs have on the body especially the Uterus and general health of women.  I also feel the energy of two therapists will enhance the healing within a much quicker timeline.

Healing the womb is a revolutionary act.

Taking time for womb healing automatically makes one feel whole again and able to deal with the stresses of life. 

My Womb healing sessions will enable you to have more control over any Gynaecological conditions you are currently experiencing. I cannot create miracles (well according to my clients I can), but I can get you to feel, sleep and think better about your health and your body.

The Creative Healing Method Coaching programme  
will help you heal from that breakup or give you the confidence to set up that business or connect to your intuition?  This programme will bring more clarity and help you set good boundaries which is always weaker when we are experiencing womb issues.  
(basically, it is going from 1 to 20 in a short space of time). 

Don't take my word for it here are some examples.

R wanted to travel, feel more connected within her self after nine months of the creative healing method she travelled to an exotic location and is now more in her power.

J, wanted more connection and confidence, more boundaries and within six months she felt much clearer and secure in her emotions.  After a year working with me, J was able to set boundaries within several relationships and establish a self-care plan for herself that managed her anxiety levels. 

B had a chronic womb issue which has improved within three months.     
Lastly, T was feeling very isolated and within 6 months she had a job, her own space and is in the process of expanding her life's work and offer.

If any of this speaks to you then book a discovery call with me.

Marilyn x 

2018 End of year questions.

2018 in Review

All I can say about 2018 is that you Kicked my arse I totally jumped off the cliff to support myself a 100 percent

My spa dates were cancelled, my clothes were recycled and I did not purchase any new shoes in 2019 which meant I consumed very little and my cash went back into my marketing and business.

After my Dad passed over in 2017 and my brother in law six months earlier, I focused on working and making money for others. As soon as 2018 hit I entered a new relationship - with myself.

From the beginning of 2018 I vowed to concentrate on myself (so no love interest with Musicians, Artist, or Poets (apparently according to Liz Green I am the proverbial troubadour so I needed to experience my lament and love by myself and for myself),

It is so interesting in cyber world we talk about ‘Self Love’ but, self Love like any relationship takes work as there is still compromises, and decisions to be made so that one can balance work and life.

In relationships there was a struggle to balance time between my partner and friends, in relationship to self this is still a challenge. I was totally immersed in myself and the joy I felt being in this zone of pure bliss. I now understand how I love because I gave myself that total unconditional love, so now moving forward I need to cater to three groups of humans, myself, my partner and my circle.

During this time I was also aware of the difference between hiding/withdrawing from the world and loving myself, eating, going out dinning and walking for oneself and with oneself, I was running towards my self love not away from the world.

Surrender : mjfontaine

I went to events and concerts, walked, ate in restaurants, all by my self (cue the music) and at times I felt a slight pang but that was my head and conditioning, my heart was fun and having fun.

I never knew this type of bliss existed. - communion with the Creator my creativity flourished also.

My work became deeper and thick with authenticity and transparency. I re discovered places in my business that I neglected and threw money at so I could not deal with those areas. The reduction of funds also made me realise how much I used money as a way to put a band aid on issues that challenged my self worth and confidence, This clarity of my life situation enabled me to look at my business, my boundaries and my worth. How many times do we make a business decision based upon validation? It is surprising how Social media totally dictates how entrepreneurs actually portray themselves online at the cost to their business model.

Since walking my own path and setting a better strategy I got real and practical, learned, applied the steps but checked with my heart to see if the steps were congruent with my values. Where there was confusion I asked the adult part of myself to apply a practical solutions.

Stuff just go more real and I am actually running a proper business MA!

My clients increased, more sales of my products and more engagement,

There are more surprises coming in 2019 which is totally gonna switch up my work.

First I had to check in with my partner - Myself.

Have a great 2019 please see my next post that will have the review questions of 2018

Marilyn x

Solstice Planning for 2019

Happy Solstice

Here is a video and special Oracle card reading for you for 2019 now I am not an Psychic reader but just an intuitive reader who loves the unexpected.

Leave a comment below to let me know if this resonates with you.

CARD TIME STAMP

Card No 1 07.54

Card No 2 10.11

Card No 3 12.43

The Tao of the Dark Tunnel

The Tao of the dark tunnel

I can be pretty adventurous and other times I can be a deer in headlights (this is rare for me as I am a Leo) but when this dastardly affliction hits me it can have a great impact on my life!

Think embarrassing ex-boyfriends, bad jobs, impulse buying "the offer ends at midnight” all very time consuming and sometimes painful... I say it's better to make mistakes than have regrets because mistakes are better when they come from desire not fear. (Disclaimer this does not include infidelity or other untoward desires there is no wisdom in the mistake of breaking hearts or addiction)

However there is nothing more paralyzing than fear of a possible outcome such as losing a contract, or making the right decision regarding ones career or running out of petrol whilst one is in the Blackwell tunnel!

The Blackwell tunnel

The Blackwell tunnel is 4,125 feet long.

I have a new car so I didn't really know the the amount of petrol one has in a reserve tank!

The scene

I am driving south of the river and all of a sudden, I am in the tunnel and the petrol light comes on. I am horrified I never go into a tunnel without petrol because well it's dangerous and irresponsible, and I am also very claustrophobic in tunnels!!!

Anyway the day before I was asking a client about her fear and how it affects our choices. So to make an example of myself (I like to practice what I preach). I decided to test the emotional responses to fear

So as the panic and negative self-talk set in I decided to ask myself

What part of me is fearful, where is it located?

What is the wise intuitive part of me saying and what is it saying? Where is it located in my body?

believe me everything slows down especially if your practising deep breathing to calm yourself down

After practising the questions and dialogue the journey through the tunnel was the quickest journey I ever had....

For the key was slowing down and stepping away from the panic or fear by breathing (which we forget to do) also self-talk is a really good way of staying calm. The aim is to talk to yourself like you would talk to a dear friend. This is a good way of calming yourself down so don't beat up or hate on yourself doesn’t help the situation at all.

In my early twenties I suffered from panic attacks and during that time all rationality went out of the window however, a tool I used to get out of the panic state was to give myself positive and reassuring talks rather than run around and create more drama. There are times where the batons of support during fearful times have to be passed to my circle of care/friends/gypsy crew (that’s why it’s important to have good people around you).

The lesson of this journey is balance and being still in a crisis if you cannot do that find a way to get there as soon as you can.

What do you do to remain centred?

Podcast rebranding- The Candid Conversations show Episode 17 Shame.

The is the first episode of our Rebranded show now called The Candid Conversations show. 

Today I discuss Shame and Vulnerability and how it affects our daily lives, relationships, jobs and mental health.

Trigger warning ! This episode may bring up old feelings so I have included links that you visit and use for support.

Music by Rebbz

This episode is sponsered by Willique -Exceptional quality handbags available 

https://www.talkspace.com/

https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_listening_to_shame?language=en 

Anodea Judith - Chakras and Shame  https://www.mixcloud.com/alignpodcast/anodea-judith-eastern-body-western-mind-chakra-system-ep-137/

Biodynamic Massage 

Alexander Lowen exercises. 

On intuition

Sometimes I feel like I am fighting my self

My intuition is something that I live by every day and its getting stronger and stronger which is resulting in a battle with me … Its like emu in the it challenges me stretches me and I feel like I am Rod hull trying to straighten what need to be ruffled and what is not for me.

Scenario one

Job proposal ..more work (it’s a recession) Iit is a Bread n Butter job ( you know the ones we do sometimes for pay the bills) but this time my body was scream it had enough of charging the for such services rendered and wanted to make a more clean living… but my FEAR was getting to me . It’s a recession, there won’t be any more work. Those of you who know my philosophy know that I do not really listen to the news or read news paper (well I don’t buy them but I do tend to read the headlines in supermarkets) anyway my ethos has always been follow your true calling no matter what because you always come through with a little faith. The same faith I seemed to be missing until old inner voice became loud and clear

the message in my gut or solar plexus was NO this isn’t for you …

just like this speaker in my head… Damn

I had to refuse the job I actually felt like I was doing a funny dance like I was two people one leg moving forward to say YES! I will do the job and the other step in back in defiance and shouting ‘enough is enough’ so I looked a picture … I declined the job, and that same afternoon a job offer double the amount came … but you guessed it again is not the job I need to do right now so I keep going until it feels right.(and you guessed it the jobs keep coming).

Now this may seem a little irresponsible but when I chart back my history and the great things I have accomplished have been through tapping into my intuition. Thus the best and most profitable decisions have been listening to my inner guidance. It has never been wrong (when I step out of the way) . However this decision isn’t always easy its actually gives me a headache and it requires 100% responsibility, accountability and some assertiveness (its hard to fight your corner when you have hungry children and a spouse starting at you so your decisions may take a lot of courage and a great deal of common sense. For example is it fear or is it your intuition when you practice history (of starving or feasting ) will let you know if you are dealing with an emotion or true guidance.

So how do we learn to tap into our intuition? by acting on small things before you make decisions for bigger choices. Again knowing the area that rocks you..ie solar plexus or the heart (the area most commonly associated with inner guidance) . Bodywork such as abdominal massage, yoga or energetic exercises, help dissipate anxiety in that area, but the best tool is Meditation that will slow your mind and give you space to listen to your inner voice. I recommend you buy (trust your vibes insert book) or my mp3 podcast of meeting your guide and intuition.

Whatever you do know that it is an interesting and sometimes uncomfortable but highly rewarding journey rock the boat .

Namaste

5 SELF CARE ACTIVITIES FOR WOMEN DURING THE MONTH OF JUNE.

Please note this blog post was written days before the London incident on 3rd June 2017 and I believe these activities are needed more than ever.

London, I still love you. 

As I navigate my diary this month (in between my various business ventures, planning a vacation and just trying to refurbish my kitchen on a budget), I have decided to list the five things that are going to ignite my spirit and self- nourish my soul. Most of these activities are on London so if you are visiting London pay close attention because you can find some very cost effective activities that you can undertake here.

Mental healthdates.

The best way to build self -worth is to take yourself on a mental health or self-care date.  You don't have to fly solo on all of these activities but just once try attending an event on your own.  This will encourage your confidence and enable you to discover some new concepts and hobbies you may not have thought of before.

A woman with an interior life is much more magnetic and interesting because she is able to draw on support from within and requires less external interaction.  So I have curated 5 activities that may give you a sense of spirit. M x

1.  FILM Unbound Vision of the Black Feminine. - BFI SOUTHBANK

Following on from the BFI’s landmark BLACK STAR season last year, UNBOUND: VISIONS OF THE BLACK FEMININE, is a Sight & Sound Deep Focus season, showcasing films created by, and about, black women. This season will include the BFI re-release of Julie Dash’s seminal Daughters of the Dust (1991), which has been lovingly restored for its 25th anniversary. With the freedom to reflect their own lives, black women filmmakers pioneered their way to an extraordinary cinematic legacy.

If you have not watched a film solo then I suggest you treat yourself to a solo date, and this film festival will give you an opportunity to do so.  Alternatively choose a movie here and bring a good 'non-draining' friend who will help you maintain that good vibe and discussion after you have indulged in these thought-provoking films. 

2.  Somerset House Perfume - A Sensory Journey Through Contemporary Scent 21 June - 17 Sept 2017

Multi-sensory exhibition featuring ten extraordinary perfumes and their pioneering creators, who have radically changed our perceptions of fragrance over the last 20 years.

#perfumepioneers

3.The Old Hamman & Spa -https://www.oldhammam.co.uk/ North London

The Old Hammam & Spa offers a variety of packages and treatments to suit each individual's needs. Whether you are looking for a gift or simply indulging yourself,

Enjoy a Turkish treat North of the River at this traditional Hammam. This is a cost effective way of experiencing this authentic spa treatment without leaving the country.

4. Sensational Butterflies - Natural History Museum http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/sensational-butterflies.html

"The exhibition includes a kaleidoscope of colourful species ethically sourced from Central and South America, Africa and Asia"

Follow the trail through a tropical habitat of flowers, vines and foliage. As butterflies fly overhead, you'll pass chomping caterpillars, glistening chrysalises and busy feeding stations.

5. Womb Wisdom - A SOLSTICE WORKSHOP

My own Solstice workshop June 24th June - This month join us to meditate and paint at my studio here in London.  This workshop covers Womb wisdom and the purpose of goal setting. CLICK HERE for more.

Let me know if there are any other events or self-care activities you plan to do.

If you have an event you would like me to include for July's 5 of the best please let me know.

ENJOY LONDON

MARILYN

Balancing Chakra course - The story so far

It is now week 5 of our course Balancing Chakras using Art and Aromatherapy and every lesson has been powerful ranging from gentle cradling energy to pure feminine energy.

This course has been a very j powerful journey all I can do is watch in awe of the magick that surrounds me.  There has been miracles along the way and this does not happen to everybody.   The commitment undertaken by women has been met with rewards by the universe, for example; for one particpant has renewedher belief in life, another has a job offer that suits her business and

The artwork that the participants have created has been phenomenal this week we create our own Oracle / Affirmation cards. 

But don't take my word for it see the pictures below and join us in June when we run the new course.

Marilyn

Hatching

November 2016 (reflection).

I want to be as transparent as I can be because I am an in a process of shedding the old and moving into the new.

I am a big advocate of goddess practices but for the last 6 months my life, my mind and my time have been dedicated to my creative practice and my energy has been redirected, surrendering to a higher power.  I have always felt that I had to fight to maintain my feminine energy in this world, but surrendering to the sacredness of stillness, containment and devotion through my art practice has helped me through a very difficult time.

As women, we have our own wild natures and challenges to deal with and we try to maintain balance in a world that asks us to be so many things, mostly to others, ignoring our own needs.  In this caretaker, rescuing place we cannot soften and become open so we must go through another internal or spiritual death to shed our skin (often through adversity or loss) before we can function from this surrendered place.

When we meet our Spiritual energy, we connect with Kundalini or Shakti energy, and processes and habits are called to heal which is the death-rebirth cycle as described by author Clarissa Pinkola Estés in her book 'Women Who Run With The Wolves

Relationship with myself

As I let go and dived into my art Imet the Masculine force of direction and the Feminine force of creativity. The work produced created a very Mythical body of work.

I felt the divine feminine of spirit that transcended gender, culture and sexuality.

In a strange way, I felt sexless.

I realised I did not need my Jade Egg Taoist practice of Ten years* to feel my essence, so I put it away I chose to feel the heartbeat of my own connection to myself without the egg.

Eventually and thankfully, I returned to the practice, but my main connection is now tapping into creative essence through Creativity and meditation which informs other aspects of my life.

My self-imposed descent into the world of creation and spirit helped me return to meet my practice with a different level of connection to myself. Ironically, despite the external challenges I am now facing, I am choosing to be more in the world, to embrace the everyday mundane world as both a woman and an artist.

If you are in the process of 'Hatching' and you need navigating back into the world, then contact me or leave a comment below to see how I help you.

Projections : The Tao of Relationships Part 1

“Act 1: “Dear Adam
I am bitter, not better, because I tasted a dream deferred, a failed flawed human a soured fruit masquerading as a muse” Yours Lillith”

— mjfontaine2017

When a woman stands in her femininity without the need to be a man or compete with men she can experience a backlash of the Patriarchal fear if her male partner does not know how to love a soft and feminine woman. A fear enhanced due to the changing role of women right now, women are so independent and capable that the traditional role of the passive woman is obsolete.  This isn't a good or bad thing but, this capability has left women overworked and unable to function and men not knowing how to be.

This isn't a good or bad thing but, this capability has left women overworked and unable to function and me not knowing how to be.  Our duties along with our gender roles are not so defined so all sorts of judgements and self-defenses happen between both parties, hell breaks loose thus you have four people in a relationship - two plus the projections. 

The projections only serve to be the guardians of the programmes and behaviours constructed within the family/caregiver situation.   Programmes are the light that shines on the part of the soul that needs work.  Without projections or programmes in a relationship we can never go through the next stage, whatever that may be, we need to love and be loved through our projections, and problems for they help shape us.

Eventually. though we need to take our projections back and heal them.

Moving forward.

Coming together with other women sharing in a non-judgemental space where we can be accountable, self- awareness and progressive in terms of love will help us as women find more fulfilling relationships.  True healing and changes of behaviour can only happen where there is unconditional positive regard, compassion, empathy and transparency.  Accountability circles that exhibit the above is a space and community for healing for awareness and not judgement.  Circles are not relationship substitutes but a place where we can do better and be better so we can bring our best self to our personal and intimate connections.

if you are in London and would like to join with other women to start the journey of healing you and your relationships then join our Monthly women's group

Please comment below or share this post with somebody you think may need this.