A Bit of Play

 

Art and Creativity are essential for our health and well-being, I have been spending a lot of time in my art journals - making them and creating some smaller pieces of art

With the course that I have been doing since January nearly halfway through run by Kelly Rae Roberts and Beth Nicholls, it has been getting me to look at the very heart of my business, the why, who, what, where and when.. 

What I am reminded of for the week to come is that ALL of me needs to be taken care of, the business is essentially the heart of me and what I want to express into the world.

We have had a range of inspiring contributions and there is an amazing amount of talented and supportive participants on the course.  I have been doing a lot of searching, developing and writing and know that when you do feel off, or out of sorts you need to listen carefully to that still voice, it can be a reflection of the change that needs to happen or that is currently taking place..

We have to be gentle with our hearts through the change!

Remembering that all parts of us need to be cared for.  I was blessed to have a massage last week, this week I will be doing some more walking, talking lots of photographs, spending time with family and tending to my overall health so that I can continue to flourish and be the whole person I am called to be. 

Remembering that you are blessed - stretch yourself, what are you going to do with your week? 

A Walk in the Park...

Took a stroll in the park this morning.  Had about 3 inches of snow fall last night, there was a lot of ice covered by a new layer of snow so it was crunchy to walk on.  The only only other people who ventured out were some joggers and a couple of dog walkers and me! 

There was such a peace about the place, it reminded me of scenes from Narnia in the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe

 

Scenes enticing you to venture in and take a peak 

I also had the joy of seeing a group of Parakeets.  I was informed by a guy walking his dog that they have been resident in the park for many years, it was great to see their bright colours on such a cold day,

and the blue skies reminding me of summers yet to come....

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day - 251 - 257

Well-Being

There is much research done on exactly what 'well-being' means, whilst being more than feeling happy it's about our overall contribution to our personal development, our community and the society at large. We can all make a difference - even if it is just one person in this world, what about making a difference to your own life.   With all the snow we've had here in London we are hard pushed in seeing flowers that are so gorgeous, doesn't hurt to imagine your sitting in the sun as you enjoy them.  

Have a blessed week!

Day 251

Reflection

Honesty, peace and love is what your life needs right now, you deserve no less.

Quote 

People who have not been in Narnia sometimes think that a thing cannot be good and terrible at the same time. ...C.S. Lewis

Scripture

Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness  James 3:18

 Day 252

Reflection

The sacrifices were worth it, you came out whole at the other end

Quote 

He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough. ...Lao-tzu

Scripture

The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth...Exodus 34:6

 Day 253

Reflection

You can do it, you know it, everyone else knows it, are you ready?

Quote 

Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new. ...Brian Tracy

Scripture

All the paths of the Lord are Loving kindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.. Psalm 25:10

 Day 254

Reflection

Take a deep breath!

Quote 

It is better to create than to be learned; creating is the true essence of life.  ...George Niebuhr

Scripture

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  Psalm 27:1

 Day 255

Reflection

When we come through the pain we can look back at the gifts we had along the way

Quote 

Where you stumble, there your treasure lies. ...Joseph Campbell

Scripture

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer; believing, ye shall receive...Matthew 21:22

Day 256

Reflection

Are you ready to live your life right now

Quote 

Creativity is… seeing something that doesn’t exist already. You need to find out how you can bring it into being and that way be a playmate with God. ...Michele Shea

Scripture

Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty..Job  5:17

 Day 257

Reflection

Your life deserves your attention

Quote 

Creativity can be described as letting go of certainties. ...Gail Sheehy

Scripture

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away...Matthew 24:35

Massage - Pamper yourself!

                                                                               Source: rikyu.co.uk via Amanda on Pinterest

Spent some time on me last week out of the busy schedule and had a massage.  It was so nice to be able to stop for an hour and just relax and think!  When was the last time you spent some time on you?

I have been going to a delightful massage therapist called Emi Hojo for around a year - off and on.  She is welcoming, encouraging and having studied massage myself, she definitely has a great technique.  For such a small woman she can definitely work those knots and unworked muscles and give you a great deep tissue treatment.

                                                                                   Source: rikyu.co.uk via Amanda on Pinterest

I had promised myself last year that I would have a regular massage each month, but good intentions gave way to neglect and then the thought of 'you couldn't possibly spend time on yourself what are you thinking'.

With 3 months of challenges behind me and ones that are continuing I was reminded that it is the small things that you do on a regular basis that will improve your health and well-being, so going for a walk for 20 minutes, spending time creating and getting a massage on a regular basis as well as anything else that can improve your fitness will have an overall positive effect.  I definitely recommend  Emi, take a look at her website Rikyu Health and Beauty, and think about treating yourself, you won't be disappointed. After the treatment I lay listening to the bird song and waves in the dimly lit room, and after dressing was given a delicious rose tea to send me on my way.

    Source: rikyu.co.uk via Amanda on Pinterest

As well as the monthly things you can do for 'you' think of the daily activities you can treat yourself to that do not cost anything.  You can go sit in your local park, wander round an art shop or gallery, go to a cafe, soak in the bath with your favourite products....the list is endless  With February being a short month think of other ways you can incorporate a 'just for you' activity on a daily basis and enjoy the end results