Spring equinox

Equal time split between the night and the day, and being that it’s spring here in the NH, it’s also owing to the lessening of the cold and dark to make way for the sun’s growing journey which started back on December 21st with the solstice.
It ought be warmer and lighter than then, but not always do things flow as expected.

I feel that mother earth has been throwing a few curve balls our way in a bid to bring more light to the situations caused by a lack of education and balance within the world. Even for myself, I wish to know more about how to make the best of this planet..

As you’re reading this, even as I’m writing it, ones head is in the screen, as consciously as one can connect with something so artificial still begets the need for connecting with something more real… The trees as they are starting to bud and blossom, the ground as it slowly warms, the whole of nature as it stretches out of its deep, cool slumber..

It’s still my reckoning that we are like other mammals and ought to be able to take time to restore and recharge over winter, sleep more and take stock of the year, making preparations for the next year. As we don’t currently operate in this way, to honour ourselves as living beings, rather than like the robots we create, the next best thing might be to work with the arts and sciences which support our parasympathetic nervous system (ie the one which is our natural state to being but generally becomes unreachable as we forget to slow down, even in children).

If one’s feeling frazzled, or even simply in homage to the Earth, practice yoga, Pilates, take a sound bath, nap, meditate, tai chi, chi gong, a slow walk and take in the park or forest. This will help one to align more with ones natural state (and if you fall asleep, it means you’re in need of it!)

April 13, 2018

Friday 13th, Unlucky for Some

Friday 13th, Freaky Friday. I have never really understood why.

Some people are superstitious of numbers, some of black cats, some of walking over a certain number of drains; and others even more crazy things.

This Friday 13th marks a D day for me, D as in Divorce. The BIG D, especially at age 33, I never expected this to be happening for me.

However, I don’t see this as a freaky day, or a bad day. I see this as the end of an era to be celebrated. I couldn’t have married a better person, it’s just a shame that we live in very different worlds which were only able to align (or collide as one may see it) for a short time.

I’ve had the opportunity to be with my ex’s name for over 5 years now. Not sure of what name I’ll be wearing next year. But. on my way to finalise paperwork, on today, Friday the 13th, I grasp how lucky I’ve been.

Uncivil divorces and breakups being rife, and a standard set about decent people and not accepting less. I have accepted less, and more in some ways, in the past 2 years since we separated. But, it’s great to reflect and accept some of my own flaws as well as basic standards which need to be met when it comes to letting someone intimately into one’s life. Those amazing ex’s, they are the ones which make me feel lucky that I know what I’m worth, the others I can chalk up to experience.

August 4, 2017August 6, 2017

The Way ‘back?’ to Health

The way back to health, or is that, the way to health? As I’m not sure I’ve been at my best yet..

Having visited the M&S at Westfield recently, I bought up as many carrots, organic cucumber, organic spinach, lemons, ginger and a couple of other veggies as I could carry, and it’s brought up some questions.

I stand at the check out, my shopping all veggies, lemons and some organic milk to make my kefir with and look around to everyone else’s containing bread, cakes, chocolate, sausages, ice-cream, potato salad and it reminds me of my cravings, when I’ve been at my most unwell. When you’re healthy sure, enjoy these things on the odd occasion (if your taste desired them when you are healthy is another question!) but if these are in your everyday?.. How was I surviving before? Why is it that I used to eat so much which I now know can cause me pain and discomfort?

About this time last year, I was getting into good health, bone broth, Kefir, juices (some but not done right for me I now realise), but I let this go due to some personal reasons. Now, I’m bloated, always tired, have a foggy head, and seem to have intolerance to eating a LOT of different foods (I.e. pain from too much citrus or other fruits, eczema and random spots, constipation and bloating from other seemingly healthy eats, bacteria and yeasts having a party on my insides!), enough is enough.

Detoxes are at a plenty out there but to be honest, my gut instinct is that these aren’t all for me (having a super active job). Now, the words diet and detox can trigger some pretty whacky or scary ideas. I’ve had issues eating enough and too much, in the past and detoxes seem to send my sensitive system into shut down, so this time I doing things differently. If you want to read my definition of a cleanse or a detox, clicky here.

Diet is about the way you eat, not a fad you do for a week or two. Detoxes don’t have to mean starving yourself, but they do mean having discipline to not intoxicate your system with what can cause it to become disrupted in the first place..

July 8, 2017

An acknowledgement to kind people

Kindness. Nothing less..

When I was about 17 I was starting to get closer to a long time flirting, high school time sweet heart. Within a couple of weeks, I cheated on him with his good friend, in his place. I was drunk and stupid, had no idea what I wanted out of a relationship. Since then, I’ve done a lot of growing up and much therapy work, and thus realise, there’s different end goals you can aim for with relationships, it isn’t about just sex, or a enduring a dull, drab monotony. Yes, I was a pretty, a hem, very, confused teenager (kinda normal huh..?).

He was angry, but in the long run, I remember this high school sweetheart still being kind to me, and at least treating me like a human, despite my error in actions.

This is one story of many about the people who I’ve acted unkind, selfish or in other ways suboptimally to, when I was younger; and yet, I still received kindness (not to be mistaken for being a pushover, he ditched me there and then, clearly!) from.

It’s funny how now, after having enough of a taste of how that feels, I finally feel like I get the point of being kind… As in, how to and, why one might want to genuinely express kindness. Of course, all spiritual, self-help, religious and other such media profess kindness, but reading about it and consciously acting it feel totally different.

I heard enough times and realised, truly, deeply realised, that you attract what you are and/or what you’re seeking.
Over the years I’ve mostly had great people around me, good energy and such, however, there’s always been that guy and his drama and/or selfishness, or that wild and self-destructive close friend..

I was choosing to have that kind of vibe for my closest relationships, I was being self destructive, treating guys like shit; being a kind person for the most part (debatable!), but, for the deep and meaningful parts, still being quite unkind.

So what’s changed?

Injury, hurt and a lack of kind; plus the flip side of that, being given enough kindness from others. I’m not sure why I was acting in such an mean way, directed both inwards and outwards.. My last relationship was emotionally abusive, it was with a mental guy who’s paranoid and disturbed, mentally controlling and, hearing about his ex’s, if I would’ve stayed around, also physically dangerous too. Although for me, with a tendency to self care too little, the physical damage came all too easily to my sensitive body, through, self neglect.

I was going too fast and kept crashing, not taking time for myself and the more kind, nourishing and nurturing parts and people in my life. But, in hindsight, this was OK. Although yes, of course it would’ve been nice to not have had to endure so much pain to come to this realisation, but the experiences I’ve gained along the way will hopefully keep me in good stead going forwards. If I wouldn’t have had this experience then I wouldn’t be me, and I wouldn’t perhaps be able to connect so well with all those hurt or hurting individuals I know as friends, clients and colleagues. A friend once said to me, whilst she was telling me a tale about her hard upbringing in South America, “You know, so many people I meet don’t seem to get it, but I can tell you can feel what I’m talking about”, or something along those lines; and this empathy at least for me, makes it all worth it.

So right now, as I nurse my physical (sacrum out of whack, over tight piriformis and hence not able to walk much so back to writing!) and emotional wounds (felt by my enteric/gut nervous system feels a lot of pain, still recovering from past hurt), I’m keen to reflect on how to keep myself free of this extreme self-inflicted need for rehab again…

It’s been the kindness of friends, family, teachers and strangers who have helped me to see how I can get myself together again.
The glimpses of this over the years, when the actions and words of people have exceeded how I treated myself.. When the people I was attracting were perhaps charming on the surface but deep down really hurting and less than loving…

January 4, 2017January 4, 2017

New Year Same Old BS

It’s been quite refreshing to see different public figures NOT talking about setting new years resolutions, but perhaps I’ve managed to miss it through my lack of engagement with the mainstream media..

A friend asked me this week what super intention I had set for the coming year (yes we use the ‘intentions’ terminology rather than resolution, as to claim not to do something for a year, I’ve learnt, is a pretty lame idea for me, tell me I can’t and I’ll probably have to do it just to break the rules). My response to this is to continue with the work I started 6 months ago, back in the June/July new moon, it’s all about me. I’d set the intention after my marriage-rebound relationship break up, as I’d realised my past error of never putting my needs first, and thankfully 6 months on I’m reaping the benefits of having a me centric life. Yes, there is someone I love and care for deeply in my life (as well as of course my family, friends, clients etc) but I’ll still never change this intention for the world.

My intention is to be the best of me, and to help those close to me to do the same. EmPower.

Personally, I don’t see the point in trying to stop yourself from doing something ‘bad’ for you, as there is psychology around why we choose to do ‘bad’ things to ourselves or others, and similar to the point I made in my other blog post; if you’re hurting, you’re not going to be good to anyone else, let alone yourself. I’ve quit smoking by seeing that it hurts me, it hurts my amazing body and these days, I’d rather nourish it than damage it. It CAN be and IS that simple. I decided to stop letting people take advantage of me and to express and request my worth, letting my world be all about me and let’s say I’ve never had better relationships with others now too.

October 28, 2016January 4, 2017

What You Look Like Versus How You Feel

For many, many years; a lot of my eating and exercising choices have been made on how I presume them to make me look, not always putting the value on how I feel. Have your ever been more concerned about what you look like versus how you feel?!

Yes, I’ve had to eat and exercise to help the condition of Crohn’s which can sometimes raise it’s head and put me in hospital, or worried I’d need to go there again but still; it’s only just now with some more experiences and therapies that I can see more of the motivation behind many of my basic but essential life choices.

Having had food poisoning, alcohol poisoning, tannin reactions, stress reactions (generally this aggravates the special cells in my intestines the worst) lead to many ill feelings and skin conditions; I would do just enough in the ‘right’ direction to help me to feel better but wasn’t fully getting the WHY of these feelings and reactions from my body. Call it a blessing or a curse, I seem to have a very fine tuned body which can either work tremendously well or go the other way pretty quickly too.

Eating too healthily, avoiding this type of food, trying this type of diet (not necessarily one for keeping trim but to be ‘healthy’ for my guts too, which if I’m honest, always wound up with me at least not gaining any weight through fat); do this exercise, run a 10KM to get fit (photo left, 2008, possibly my worst year), do that training plan, this class.. It’s not been easy to regain my energy, full strength and vitality, whilst having my skin and hair express the same clarity but what I’ve learnt recently makes it all seem that much more simple..

The one thing (which was initially driven by my ego too, in order to get stronger than the other people in the class) which I have been consistent with as a way to FEEL good in my body and mind has been yoga. Since my first class in London (I had done it before but was more into Pilates) about 6 years ago I was hooked; also very close to another hospital stay for my guts but it made me feel about a million times better each time, despite still hobbling out of class in some amount of pains.

Even yoga I’ve used as a tool to look muscular, or slim, or cool doing ‘the’ poses. Which is probably why it bugs me so much to see all the instagram bollocks with selfies, self-promotion, expensive clothing brands to help you ‘look good’, and basic shameless bastardisation of this amazing science/art which has done so much in the making of me being alive and well today!..

So what’s changed now!? I listen. I listen to my body, not just my head telling me, don’t have that it’ll make you fat; do that work out it’ll make you look more strong and muscular, train, workout, eat less, eat ‘healthy’; that’s bad for you, you need to do this to sculpt you.. My head, has many threads of pressure to ‘perform’ (work, life, love, play..), but this October (after the excessive tannin induced stint of winding up again with symptoms of system intoxication through ignoring the subtle messages of my body) I’ve gifted myself with enough space and time to sit back and listen. Not forcing myself to work as much, or keep busy training or something during the quiet times. Taking education from different diets (like the GAPS, Paleo, low tannin, anti-inflammatory, alkalising) to help give me the tools to understand how to nourish myself based on how I feel, to help clear the cloud of confusion walking into a shop or a cafe and not have to just walk out hungry coz I didn’t know what I felt like.. To not train so much, to let my fast twitch muscle fibres slow down a little bit and LET my body relax; to do more of the movements I can hear my body singing to! To let myself self-regulate more on this internal compass rather than what I see around me.

I hear and see that for many people, it’s not about taking more time to relax but more time to energise; I see that some people have a different issue to this, but the answer is still the same; is what you’re doing (or not doing) feeling good? Do you feel good in your body? If not, change something, try something new which does feel good!..

For some people, this listening in has always been present; for others, we’ve needed to undo or are still undoing a LOT of interfering from the outside world. Listening in takes time, and out of the confusion is where we can blossom into OUR truest nature, rather than the expectations of our surrounds.. And after all that, when you feel good, it oozes out of you and your face will radiate amazingness!

October 17, 2016August 4, 2017

Probiotics, are they useful?

I’ve been recommended to take probiotic supplements for years; ever since I learnt that I had Crohn’s disease, friends and teachers have advised me to take this product or that product to repopulate my flora. The doctors have never told me to do so, I didn’t really appreciate what my flora is and it all seemed a bit much, so I didn’t bother. Still having symptoms and issues with digestion a few years ago, I was decided to try them! But, they didn’t seem to do anything (I got a generic Holland and Barretts one, I don’t think this is perhaps a good quality). People still kept talking about these things to me! At the start of the year, I bought some more, of a good quality from a health food shop. It was horrible! I was more bloated and farty than before so I didn’t take them for many days!..

A few months ago I came across the GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) diet, it described my problems, was written by a doctor and thus seemed like my prayers for improved digestion had finally been answered!! Except, I had to go on a hugely restrictive diet with a shed load of animal fats included, which seemed counter intuitive to what I had learnt about alkalising and not going too heavy on animal fat (due to it’s inflammatory and acidifying effect on the body). There was so much science and sense in the ideology of it for the most part that I took the fundamental points, which were easy to apply into my daily life, and carried on being allowed to eat out and with friends! The main thing I took, ditch grains (even gluten free), unless you NEED that cake or pasta meal for mental health reasons haha, and consume a lot more probiotics. But note, that’s what’s currently working for me, we are all so different that it may or may not help you to try this.

You’ve possibly seen my post on Kefir, this book got me back into making my own (I flushed my milk mushrooms when I moved home last because EVERYTHING was too much of an effort when you have to move home), but also I started to use Sauerkraut (a live one) and to be able to continue with probiotics without making symptoms of bloating, constipation, gas, etc (all the things which make you want to die or simply NOT have a life in public!).

So, WHY take Probiotics? Why am I still pursuing and now publically sharing about this?

If you’ve had anti-biotics (i.e. kills bacteria, even those helpful ones in your gut which help digest and absorb the right stuff from your food), steroids, parasites in your gut, some kind of poisoning, constant IBS symptoms (Irritable Bowel Syndrome, i.e. just a shit digestion and the doctors can’t say why, hence it’s a sydrome..), any type of strong cancer or other therapy drug or treatment, wasn’t breast fed, regularly consumed NON-ORGANIC dairy or meat (as these too contain a heap of anti-biotics), been constantly or regularly sick with something it’s possible that your gut is imbalanced. As literally, you aren’t so much what you eat more than, what your gut is absorbing from what you eat (clearly if you’re living on burgers and chips, there’s not much nutrition there to start with!).. It’s what gets into your bloodstream through your intestines which is what is powering your body and mind; what gets into your bloodstream is controlled by what bacteria are in your gut, if they produce good nutrients on breaking down your food or, if they produce alcohol, opiates or other things which can plainly cause you to feel mental and not very nourished; it’s going to make a difference to the sensitive biochemistry of your body. This biochemical ‘fun’ can be expressed as skin problems like spots, rashes, welts, dryness; brain fog, sore joints and muscles, vision issues, and many more mental and physical disturbances.

Basically, bacteria are awesome, they’re on everything too. This is a good thing, we work in harmony together and help keep each other alive. It’s just when too many selfish/bad/pathogenic bacteria (rather than the symbiotic/good/healthy ones) end up making residence in our guts, we can feel less than our best and they basically run our show! IF we have a good amount of healthy bacteria, our guts are healthy, then we are healthy and, these good bacteria help to keep not just the ‘bad’ bacteria in check but also our immune system can stay fully optimal and we have a lot less physical and mental issues and dis-eases. Simple.

If any of this resonates with you, yes probiotics might well be helpful, if not then probably not. Mindset ALWAYS makes an X-factor of difference.

From my own trial and error, you read, I had issues at first but here’s some tips I learnt to make it easier, if you do want to try yourself, to see if they can help you a little (or a lot). Note, I’m not a doctor, this isn’t cause to bin your GP, don’t be a dickhead, use some common sense, especially if currently taking any medication or suffering from any condition, check with your doctor first!.

Consume first thing with some warm (not too hot as it’ll kill the little lovelies) lemon water, as I found if taken with lunch, those little darling just make a party in my guts and I bloated like a balloon (update, now my gut is more balanced I tolerate them at anytime). Eat something soon enough after to help them to have something to fuel them but go easy.
Get a good brand like Bio-Kult, one you know is going to still be alive and well and able to reach your intestines and not just give up half way.
To gently try first and support your bacteria day to day, try probiotics like Kefir, miso, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi. ALWAYS look for organic, where possible, especially for the kefir, as if not, you have antibiotics in the milk from the poorly treated cows; so it’s kind of an oxymoron to consume non-organic kefir!
Start with less, build up to ‘full dose’ after a few weeks, the packet should have instructions, if not check the manufacturer’s website.
Try for a few weeks to cut out refined sugar and minimise grains, this is because the ‘bad’ bacteria thrive on these products, as well as the bi-products of them, if you are imbalanced can just make things feel harder biochemically than they need to be. I cut out most sugars ages ago, have been a bit more diligent with sugar (added/refined) and sweet fruits (rather than acid ones which seem better on my digestion at least) and notice a massive decrease in bloating symptoms, bloating from gas is usually a bi-product from bacteria processing the foods in your gut. Apply common sense here.
If you’re on a healing drive, add a little miso, sauerkraut or something like that with each meal, keep topping up those symbiotic bacteria, moderately, if it feels good to do so. If not, then don’t!
Pre-biotics like different fibres etc can be useful to feel the bacteria, if you’re diet is a bit rubbish, look it up and balance this too.
Go easy. You can apply this to everything, less stress in your head = less stress in your body = healthier body which is better able to manage itself and balance appropriately.
Keep trying things out! Be consistent with any changes/additions/removals of dietary things for a couple of months to see if it does help but else if it’s not working, “next”! As I said before, you have a different life, body and needs to me, I can tell you what’s helped me but there’s no saying if it’ll work for you. Try it and see for yourself!

Happy bloat-free pooping!

References:

Gut and Psychology Syndrome (available on Book Depository, Free delivery!)

http://www.bio-kult.com/

January 29, 2016January 29, 2016

Pilates for Posture Workshop – Sitting and Standing

Pilates for Posture – Sitting and Standing

Sunday 7th Feb 12.00 – 14.30

How are you sitting (or standing) right now? Are your pelvis and spine aligned and well? Does it even matter?

When we allow our vertebra (bones in the spine) to stack optimally, not only does this allow us to breathe fully, move easily, and promote a sense of balanced confidence; but it also helps us to prevent future injuries, strains and even some diseases.

How we chose to sit or stand, and being aware of how the spine aligns through the different arrangement of our bones, is key to influencing and having a positive impact on our physical and emotional health. Ideally, we were not created to sit or stand still for long periods of time; however, the current situation for most of us is just that; being overly static and without enough awareness about how this impacts ones health. Hence, why more and more people are turning to Pilates as a preventative and restorative for issues caused by poor posture in day to day life, sports, work and even some forms of extreme physical yoga.

Emotionally speaking, your posture affects both how you see the world and how the world sees you. Standing tall and broad has been proven to help people to not only feel confident but to feel happy too! (check out some of the links below if you want to learn more!)..

Thus, in this 2.5 hour workshop we will be discussing and looking at how to sit and stand optimally for the health and happiness of you and your spine. Empower yourself to have better health, awareness and longevity; look at the relationship of your spine to your pelvis so you can learn easy ways to correct your own posture when out and about or at work. Also, we will be incorporating different Pilates exercises and other relevant techniques to strengthen and relax different parts of your anatomy, enabling you to move, sit and stand more freely; whatever it is you do with your life.

If you want any more information or to book on then contact Christine now (email and phone number below)! Places are limited to 5, all equipment is provided.

£20 investment with Early Bird booking (book on or before Sunday 24th January – offer made available to email list, sign up to recieve future discounts and information before everyone else!)
£25 regular investment price*

If you’re interested but would rather the 1:1 attention and privacy of a private session then get in touch! 1:1 sessions are a great way to also help support you better if you want or need that little extra.

Love and thanks
Christine x

email: christine@core-focus.co.uk

Links for why posture matters:

TED Talks about Posture:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljm0ldxgkcE&index=6&list=FL7znEFcqi4uQ88oActfL7Cg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc
Websites on Posture:
http://blog.crew.co/power-postures/
http://jamesclear.com/body-language-how-to-be-confident

* Please note, space only reserved once payment has been made, refund only given if requested 2 weeks or more before course start date, unless you can swap your place with a SUITABLE candidate (suitable down to the discretion of Christine @ Core focus). This is to ensure that you get the best quality sessions from Christine, and that Core-Focus can continue to deliver what you need, on a small scale and at an affordable price. Thanks 🙂

December 11, 2015December 11, 2015

Reiki, energy medicine

Photo Credit Miguel Echiveria

The word ‘Reiki’ is more common place than “Reiki & Seichem”. This is because Reiki, on it’s own has been in the West a lot longer than being offered in combination with it’s sibling energy, Seichem, read below for a break down on these.

I hear some skepticism around Reiki & Seichem, and I can’t blame people. It took a long while for me to really trust in what I was feeling, and to appreciate what I’m working with. My journey working with other kinds of medicines and healing techniques just keeps bringing me back to the energy, i.e. Reiki & Seichem; and the more I work with it, the more strongly I, and my clients can feel its charge.

If you’ve any science or physics to your back ground (I have quite a bit of science, in the form of a bioinformatics degree; but physics only to A-Level, hence taking my time to fully appreciate this), you’ll know about energy, atoms, protons, neutrons, electrons, and perhaps quarks, neutrinos, taos, anti-matter etc etc.. Trying to keep things on a level here, not too technical I mean (apologies if it does get a bit geeky); everything, even air, is made up of atoms and atoms combine to make molecules (O2 being the chemical formula for oxygen); therefore everything has a charge, or a current to it; as everything is made of atom (and all atoms have electrons, protons and neutrons).

Within molecules, inter-atomic forces are at play, and can attribute to the atoms vibrating to and from their equilibrium points, this movement plus rotations of the negatively charged electrons, help to play a part in the vibration of particular atoms or molecules. Thus, the atoms (particles) move in a wave-like pattern (look up wave-particle duality theory for more information). The electromagnetic spectrum is also another great way science can help illustrate where this wave oscillation and vibration works within our world.

The electrical current which flows through different materials has different levels of conduction (i.e. how easy it is for electricity, or let’s say energy, more broadly speaking; to flow through it). Energy moves therefore, at different frequencies and at different wave lengths depending on its charge and conduction through different atoms and molecules (i.e. air, matter such as your computer, your brain and body..). Energy is never created or destroyed but, somehow it manages to change state, a lot, depending on where it came from last and what it’s passing through, and a whole host of other variables. I consider Reiki & Seichem to be super conductive energies with a healing intention, coming from an unlimited source; you hear about people wanting to re-connect with source; the Reiki & Seichem currents are uninterrupted and pure channels from this source; the place where we are all, as one.

I wanted to get into a little bit of physics to open (or re-open for some) the conversation that, everything isn’t only what we can see with our fantastic, yet finite left and right eyes. We can’t see air yet there is a lot going on there. We can’t see through ‘solid wood’ yet the wood is never any more solid than the air, or ether, around us. To expand our horizons and push the boundaries of what we ‘know’, is where we can continue/start to grow..

Reiki & Seichem are channeled through a person who has been opened/attuned to these particular energy channels. This energy channelling is then done within a session, or treatment, which can last anywhere between 10 and 60 minutes (you can probably get longer sessions but I personally find this is the most I feel ok to work per session). It is said to be a ‘hands on’ method but this doesn’t mean you’ll have hands on your physical body, generally the work is done in your energetic body, or aura, which means no touching necessary; but working a couple of inches above your physical body. Everyone works differently, some people will go to chakras or points of trouble for the patient, where as I like to let me hands guide me, intuitively; it doesn’t matter so much where the therapist is positioned as the energy has an intelligence of its own, it knows where to go, and seeks to heal and balance where ever it is needed.

In order to practice Reiki & Seichem you need to be attuned to these specific frequencies. Of course, anyone can channel their own energy or any other source they can tap into but, just be mindful, a) not to deplete yourself if it’s your energy you’re channeling, b) about what energy it is you are sharing, as everything has different properties, it’s important to be aware with what it is you’re playing with. If you think of the string theory, and then have Reiki & Seichem as one of those strings, consider all the other potentials too – with all their other properties, a potential mine field, but also very interesting.

Reiki [ “Ray-Kee” ] and Seichem [ “Say-Keem” ] are the names given a set of 4 elemental, universal energies which work in harmony with each other. The energies are:

Reiki – Life force energy which is connected to the earth element but is NOT energy from the Earth (i.e. not from our 3D planet Earth manifestation), it pervades the entire universe through all dimensions. Reiki energy can be beneficial for physical, mental and emotional health and sets the groundwork through which the other energies can work. It can be experienced as hot or cool energy.

Sakara – Elemental fire energy works effectively in the body’s electro-magnetic aura. Sakara cleanses the chakras and burns out the things which no longer serve you, burning through blockages and thus can be experienced as a hot or tingling energy.

Sophi-el – Elemental water energy which works deep within the emotional body, it helps to find the core cause and effect of issues. Sophi-el therefore also supports emotional and sexual healing and opens the heart to receive love and feel compassion; it is known to assist in increasing the healer’s psychic awareness. It can be experienced as gentle and cool or even ice cold!

Angelic Light – Elemental air energy which can enhance the healer’s 3^rd eye perceptions and forms a link with the angelic realm. When people receive this energy it is generally experienced as a cool and gentle breeze, and can sometimes feel like the healing work is being carried out nowhere near where the healer’s hands are.

The above 4 energies all work together, in harmony to bring about the potential for profound healing to the receiver.

If you’re interested in getting a treatment it’s always a good idea to check out your choice of therapist, or even to find one through the RASA (Reiki & Seichem Association) website, as here all the people listed have had their lineages checked and you’ll know you are working with someone legitimate. Equally, if you’re local to London, drop me a line.

Warm regards and with SO much Love x

December 4, 2015

When to go to yoga Vs. When not to go to yoga

Photo on left curtousy of Miguel Echiveria, Photo right taken by C Suzuki @Froguesthouse, Lima

It comes up relatively frequently for me, as a hunch, intuition or sometimes a humanistic rash judgement, without knowing someone’s full situation first (one reason I wanted to write this, to encourage people to open a dialog more before session starts); thinking someone might had been better off to stay at home. Or, upon hearing the reason for someone’s absence, feeling maybe it could have helped if they had joined in. I had a friend/student call me last night with regards to if they ought to join the class or not; they had been sick in bed all day, felt pretty rubbish but were very excited to come to practice; my answer was to stay in bed.. Generally I won’t turn some one away, and intend to not interrupt their process as you never know the kind of day or week that has been had. Unless it’s a medical condition or, compromising their health or recovery, everyone is welcome; discernment taken by each individual about their own abilities, in each moment with conscious and with clear intentions, not just when a part of the self has become compromised.

Classes tend to be a mixed bag of bodies and souls, bringing your body to class with all it’s nuances is anticipated; but if the nuance/sickness/pregnancy is new and you don’t know how to handle it, then ask your regular teacher and if they can support you in your regular class. Communicate what you need, then if they aren’t confident to have your best interests at heart, it’s a really good idea to get some help in an/some individual sessions or specialist classes so you are more empowered in your practice.

When it’s a good idea to go to class (even if sometimes you feel a bit lazy, or cold or simply not sure):

Exactly that – if it’s cold outside, you’ve got too much on your mind, or if you’re in two minds about going to class, simply move your ass and go! However, if it’s your intuition saying no, a firm, deep no, then this is different, and needs to be listened to and respected. If it’s because you have too much on your mind or feel too ‘busy’ then go, particularly going to yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi or other similar discipline can help your busy mind to function better. In these modalities of movement where you to meditate on the moment, you allow your subconscious mind to work out all of those things which are bugging your brain. The more you try to solve a problem which alludes you, the further the answer will be.
If you’ve been ill but you’re getting over it. Clearly, if you’re still bed bound, don’t go and read below. When you’re mainly healed, it’s important you move your body, and get the lymphatic system flowing and draining properly, moving your muscles allows this to happen much more effectively. Laying still will not help you to rid yourself of toxins, and to feel fresher the next day; however if it’s a major illness you’re recovering from take it slowly; if you’ve been out of it for more than a few days, start really easy and make sure your doctor is happy with you rejoining class. Incorporate plenty of rest, nourishment and water or herbal teas after class, more than likely you’ll feel much better the next day.
If you don’t get out much, or trying to manage a condition which perhaps has special needs. Locate someone who feels good for you, even if you can only gauge it from a trusted friends recommendation, a picture, or a phone call. If you have issues which mean you might need help or have special needs during a class, talk to the teacher and see if they can facilitate for this and to enable you to make yourself comfortable. Being a part of a small group of people, in a mindful space, is a really good for body and soul. If a small group feels too much, book a 1:1 (sometimes can be at your home even), ensure you get a feeling for your guide/teacher first.
If your muscles are tight from stress, too much cardio or high impact, mega DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) perhaps. Get stretching! Find yoga or Pilates to recentre and realign your body and mind, and help relieve muscle tightness and stiffness. Muscles need lengthening, not just strengthening, and any good yoga or Pilates class with help you to do both!

When not to go to class:

If you’re sick and in bed. If you’re that sick you need to stay in bed. If it’s a cold or flu then also consider your class mates and teacher not getting sick too from you (this goes for being in public spaces, in Japan, the sick people are the ones wearing the face masks, might try this one myself if need to be out when have flu!).
If you’re in your first trimester of pregnancy or think you might be pregnant, or if you’re undergoing IVF. At this time class (although other teacher’s opinions will differ), you’re very sensitive, it’s when your body needs all of it’s energy to make a new home for your new baby! If you are yearning to move, find someone who knows about these times of life and have a 1:1, or if they run classes ask them if you can join. If you are advanced and consistent with your practice before your pregnancy, then this might then be different for you. But when there’s another life at stake, I’d always say take the easier and safer option, for the first trimester at least. If you are advanced and can’t afford a 1:1 – perhaps gentle home practice is better than a vinyasa high energy class, maybe pregnancy classes or at least get some basic advice about how to adapt BEFORE you get into any postures or move.
If you’ve recently had surgery or are being looked after by a doctor (heart, bone, blood, nerve, brain, respiratory, hormonal, digestive lymphatic issues, everything!) and not been signed off yet. I’ve sadly turned people away from classes for this kind of thing, it feels rubbish to do.. Unless you’re signed off, then you’re still fragile and your body needs to be kept resting, if you must move about, ask your doctor what you can do now, and always, always tell your instructor or teacher about things when you return to class or sessions.
If your gut, heart or intuition simply tells you not to. Because you’re going out drinking, isn’t an excuse. But if you feel it deep to your core not to go, never override these instincts; it’s usually the first instinct which is best as it is unadulterated by the mind. We’ve been taught for too long to ignore these instincts, it’s important to allow this sense of self to blossom within, it can save much time, effort and pain if we can listen to ourselves better!