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 - 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.

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.

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

Grief notes

For the back story please see my last post.

Note 1

I realise I am still very much in shock and in grief, today I felt it. I don't really like to share how I feel on Social media  (well not facebook ) because it is personal or maybe it is because I can pretend it is not real.  I know well-wishers and empathic people will post because they care and are empathic but this will only make me cry more but the real truth is If I post about the grief then it becomes real that my Dad has left Earth, so I stay in limbo until I can breathe some more because every time I open up to the reality I feel my heart breaking. The pain of grief is unbearable, but this is normal this is grief and there is nothing I can do about it because in a moment I will be back to normal the door closed and the faucet closed again.

That is grief.

Summer Solstice

Solstice~.My personal experience
since working with the Winter and SummerSolstice 'energy' from 2007 (* see resource for podcast). I have seen a dynamic force within my own Goal setting process.
The Solstice period is from the 21st to the 23rd (this is a three-day portal) so during this time the use oftapping into your creativityto plan and find out what is really needed right now and what needs to be done to bring harmony into yourlife.
Pay attention to your dreams, and keep your body free from foods that are going to shut down your Intuition.  Use the energy of the number 3 to bring yourself into alignment with Spirit, and the energy of the number to build and give structure which is needed at this time.

Solstice exercises
Meditation solo or
Group Meditation ( if you are an empath or sensitive please ensure that you are fully groundedand protected during a group meditation,  empaths/or sensitive can pick up the intentions and wishes of others )* Goal setting/Planning
Journaling
Divination
Painting
Poetry
Ritual
 

I drew a Tarot card for the Solstice Energy - The Fool which I see has a double meaning.

I interpreted this card to mean that 0is the symbol of ‘nothingness’ and denotes freedom from limitations in this material world. The 0 also represents Oneness the God head, the Supreme creator and the beginning and completion of a spiritual journey.
The fool is powerful and even though he is light he knows what time it is..or does he? This can also represent our world and local community's refusal to accept the deception and lies our governments are giving us.  We are coming together more and aligning with our spirit.
What will you be doing for the next three days?
Full post with references on my blog. Link in bio 🌞☉👆🕵#summersolstic.

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

FULL MOON Circle

In the spirit of recycling and sustainability I am showing my older Full Moon circle videos. These videos only talk about the basic planetary affects and not the confidential readings.

Because thereis much content available on the net I want to allow those who support my work access to some content that would otherwise be buried in the ether.  Thereforeevery month I will post basic information for you.

If you wish to be part of the circle which allows you to have full access to the Moon circle rituals and readings then please join our circle below.

Self Care - Podcast November

BUNDLES NO LONGER AVAILABLE CLICK HERE for other online packages.

People Pleasing Over achieving

Sometimes finding the right way to start a blog post is like splitting hairs, I have to be motivated to start the topic otherwise being in my head just makes me freeze like a Deer in headlights.  My anxiety and top dog wants to make me stop because the topic is just not 'smart ' enough.  So, I must wait until my heart is ready to stand in its courage and speak its truth and my truth is;

I am a chronic people pleaser and over achiever

I am also very creative with a 1000 ideas per hour moving through me,  I am also good at monetizing those ideas to make them work for me.

After reading this article I realise how it was important to admit, feel and let go of the need to justify why I had so many streams of income (my embarrassment was linked to people judging me for 'being different)..  

Trying to please others and over achievingis like having an addiction because we are never able to satisfy that craving it will always be the next goal to achieve and the next person to please.   I am have a distinction between my creative energy and overachieving people pleasing.

My creative drive is through an inner guidance that sometimes does not make sense, something I felt when I created the paintings for the 2017 Calender.

My people pleasing is from the need to be praised or an idea suggested by others. 

When I first moved into my studio I felt so small like a fraud as I ignored that voice that said "don't worry you will soon fill this up" and within months I created most of the images for my calendar.  But at the time I was doubting who I was and why did I need to have this studio, because the desire to have the studio was my longing not from others suggesting I have it, I pleased my (inner) self.  .

You don’t know what level is your comfort zone until you are challenged, and one of those challenges are to stop pleasing others and start pleasing yourself.

Suggestion: Chose 5 major choicesyou made in your life and write down the reasons behind the choice and who influenced you.

Post your answers in the comments below.

Marilyn x