Staying awake and present in our world is for most (including me) a real challenge. It challenges the habits of the "monkey mind", which is hyperactive and jumps from one thought to another, anything to distract us from the present moment. The thinking mind is often utilitarian, goal orientated, comparing and judgemental. Excessive thinking often thrives on "should’,” have to"," can't "and "must". When we engage in anything that is fun, sensuous, emotional, and remain in the present moment the thinking mind is not really needed. How often does excessive thinking intrude? Anything that involves “a lightness of being” connecting with yourself, others and nature, usually requires little thinking. "Give our full attention to a blade of grass, it becomes awesome, magnificent, miraculous!" 

Fear is an emotion that comes readily in our present world. It is difficult to watch TV pick up the paper without recognising the obvious challenges for Mankind in this millineum.To help to maintain peace of mind, and rid the mind of fear based decisions, is dependent more than ever on the quality of our thoughts and the ability to stay mentally fit,Meditation techniques enable us to build the power and peace of mind needed to awaken insight and understanding. What is needed is to change the unproductive patterns of our lives, and consiously strengthen the minds fulll potential for wisdom, love and compassion.A technique that I do when unwanted thoughts persist is to say to myself "this is a story that does not need to happen". When I think good thoughts I recognise them by saying to myself "this is a healing story". In this way I encourage positive thinking and actions.

How true is this!!

The principle is think about something and your mind will move towards it, Even if it is something you don't want.

I have been watching myself and when I say "I must not forget that" I then do exactly that. By saying this to myself I am half way to forgetting it. What I have realised is that I have to remember to reprogram myself to say" I want to remember this". This creates  a mental picture of myself remembering , and I will be in a far better position to do so. 

Similarily. the person who says "I don't want to be sick" has an uphill battle to become well. In your thoughts you entertain sickness allowing your subconsious to accept this possibility, leading you open to ill health.

Positive thinking works because positive thinkers focus on what they want, not want they don't.

“This above all: to thine own self be true.”
-William Shakespeare

Be yourself as everyone else is taken”

One of my affirmations is to live an authentic life. Authentic means genuine, real, true – and when applied to people it means being true to yourself, expressing yourself, and nothing less.

When you think about all the advertisements and magazines and commercials that encourage us to buy and be made-over and to do this and that to improve ourselves, it’s a wonder there’s any individuality left at all!

We tend to want someone else’s hairstyle and that model’s figure, someone else’s pay check of lifestyle All of these “things” are held up to us as the ideal.

Although we’re inundated by the mega-media machine, we must keep reminding ourselves that what we have to hold onto is who we are.

My truth may be different to yours, but when I have glimpses of my authentic self I feel very connected to who I am and what I am doing. I am sure it is true for all of us.

When we are authentic, our light shines through. Read more »

I have not weighed myself for over a year and then when the new scales were purchased I confidently placed my two feet on the scales and whoops ...I thought they must be incorrect. But no …. Now I am realistic and know that I am not obese and neither am I skinny ( I have never been). I eat the same amount and type of food, I am healthy, but obviously due to a changing metabolism I may need to eat a little less. I then find myself justifying that my pert rear assists in maintaining youthfulness of my face. Maintaining a low BMI increases wrinkles because fat is the very thing that helps plump out lines and wrinkles. It seems the decision is to carry an extra few kilos or wear a few extra years on the face.This corresponds to my Ayurveda thinking where the Kapha elements of moisture, stability and cohesiveness need to be encouraged as we grow older. Read more »