Welcome to our sanctuary,haven,oasis,happy place
A place in time for aircrew,past present and future,and our families and friends
Somewhere to relax and reconnect
Somewhere to revitalise and replenish
Somewhere to return to whenever you like,wherever you are:-)
Independence is a hot topic,individually,in communities,and in nations.
Like it or not,our ancestors fought for the freedoms we now have.Are we thankful,and do we count our blessings?Do we celebrate the freedoms we have,or do we take them for granted?
The shadow side of independence is codependence.I'm suggesting interdependence as a happy medium.We're all in this world together.It's the 21st century.Let's all be interdependent together,celebrating life on our wonderful planet.
Happy Interdependence to all of us!
The whole world moves in an auspicious rhythm of innocence and harmony,naturally free and knowing no bounds.
This is so handy for those times when you feel tired and need to re-energise.This practice nourishes and stimulates the whole of your body,not just the ears.And all it takes is a few minutes.
So wherever you are,you can do this discreetly without attracting too much attention!And it's a great way to feel better almost immediately.
On Midsummers Day,20 years ago,we made an epic journey to the heart of what is now known as America.
There are some experiences that cannot and should not be put into words,for they are quite simply,sublime.
But sacred songs and beautiful music can help share some of that wonder and love and joy that we experienced.
Wishing you a wonderful summer,filled with joy:-)
Other than just padding around barefoot on a sunny day,the last time I consciously decided to do that for an extended length of time was when I took part in a charity walk to raise funds to help conserve whales and dolphins.
I can't remember how long the walks were...7 or 8miles and then 10,I think,in 2 consecutive years.But I do remember the feeling. On the first walk,I pushed my toddler son in his buggy for the entire time and it felt fantastic.Yes it was sometimes painful, as walking on gravelly tarmac on roads isn't easy.And yes I stepped on thistles and nettles when my attention lapsed,but all in all,I loved every moment.
Along the way,my fellow walkers asked me "why",probably thinking I was a little crazy.But our feet are designed to walk on our wonderful planet,and maybe in our efforts to look civilised,we have forgotten that simple truth.
My desire to know how it feels to walk gently on the earth,transformed into rediscovering childhood joy.When was the last time you freed your feet?
Does anyone know whose quote this is?Because it's so true....
Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet And the winds long to play with your hair
How do you "get back to yourself" when you've been travelling at high speed?You can suffer from autolag and trainlag as much as anyone who chooses aviation for a mode of transport.It's just that jetlag sounds more glamorous!
Back in the day,when I returned from a trip,I would stare out of the window and twirl a wisp of hair around my index finger for God knows how long,before I felt ready to get back to the present moment.Not the best solution,but it served me at the time!And then I would make my way to the local spa to revitalise.
Since then,I've learnt a lot more about elemental balance.Think about it.Travelling at high speed these days involves the elements of metal/space,air,and fire in order to propel.And these are very much male/masculine by nature.So to offset the effects of these elements,it's best to balance them with the more feminine/female ones of water and earth.
So if you're experiencing the familiar effects of burnout,exhaustion and displacement after travelling,the very best thing to do is to take a shower/bath at each end of your day until you feel like yourself again.Preferably using aromatherapy.And to rehydrate with plenty of spring water,fresh juices and herb teas.
One steward I know would swim at least 20 lengths of his local swimming pool as soon as he got home.Another plays fast and furious racquetball followed by a shower.As well as taking showers and baths,I walk barefoot whenever I need to feel grounded.My daughter goes running and horseriding,and my son plays football.
I've learnt from past experience that drinking alcohol/firewater on the same day or 2 after returning to base is a real no-no when it comes to overcoming jetlag.Or travellag of any kind.It's never a good idea to fight fire energy with fire.
So after travelling,I've found the very best way to get back to myself is to get my selfcare systems in place,and be mindful of balancing the elements!
How about you?
I absolutely love jasmine,and this is the best time of year to appreciate the beautiful white scented blossoms and abundant yet delicate green foliage.
The essential oil is said to inspire feelings of confidence,and is used in many perfumes of good quality.
This song, which I love, stayed with me throughout my career "with the world's favourite airline" and is known as the Flower Duet.The two flowers are rose and jasmine,which makes so much scents to me!Enjoy them whenever you can:-)
