Catch the Sparkle

Wherever you are,whatever the weather,whatever the circumstances,catch the sparkle :-)

Gratitude

Who and what are you thankful for today?

Selfcare

Be yourself...everyone else is taken,so the saying goes.So how do you get back to yourself,if you've been giving too much of your energy to others?
At a sanctuary and spa, every day is dedicated to selfcare, and healing of body mind and emotions, so we can continue to celebrate life,and come together to help others.
When I'm not spending time at a  sanctuary or spa,

I've had to designate one day every week to making sure I'm looking after myself.Why?Because we can be so focussed on helping others that we tend to overlook our own needs sometimes.And that doesn't help anyone.
So it's usually Sunday,or every 7 days,or when I really feel the need.What do I do?Nothing.This is my "being" day,when I fill up my cup,nurture myself,give myself what I want.Sometimes doing a quick bodyscan is needed,to find out which part of me is crying out for healing and attention.

Meditation twice a day,preferably out in nature,REALLY helps,weather permitting.
And Balancing the Elements is an essential practice for me,which I mentioned in the "Overcoming Jetlag" post,along with Barefoot Bliss.So if I've had a busy week,then I'll review which of the elements I need to connect with the most to get back in to balance.And I'll do that.Not just think about it,but do it to BE connected,and to feel healed,whole and healthy.
If I'm asked to go somewhere on a selfcare day,I'll only go if I'm sure I'm going to feel better in the doing of it.It's wonderful to be able to do what we love wholeheartedly.
Some cultures

like to keep it simple by recommending sleep and water,for healing and selfcare.I LOVE this!Sometimes we make our lives so complicated.
Preventative medicine is preferable to handing over responsibility for our health to doctors,skilled as they are.Our bodies are miracles of nature,and looking after them is an essential practice.
To your good health and happiness!

Solstice support

Using the time around the solstice and equinox dates (21st) every 3 months is a balanced way to maintain and update clothing and footwear choices at the beginning of a new season.
It's a good opportunity to discover what needs renewing,replacing and recycling.
A few days of focussed action around this time can help you feel confident that you're in charge of the way you look and feel in the months to come.
And that,my friends,is one way to feel happy and on top of your game.

Revitalising

Have you ever listened to well-meaning advice from a friend that didn't work for you?
This summer I stopped a healthy habit for a month. No fresh juices. The result? My physical systems began to suffer, and my thinking processes began to spiral into negativity.
Today I reclaimed my life by making a fresh carrot apple lemon and ginger juice.
Have you dropped a healthy habit recently?
Pick it back up,reclaim it now,and you'll be a happier person.
To your joy,and good health!

Remember

"Forget not that the Winds long to play with your hair,and the Earth delights to feel your bare feet."

Footnote:
Obviously,footwear is a must while travelling!

Lifegiving water

It's probably true to say that many of us are dehydrated much of the time. Caffeine and alcohol,processed food and stress all take water from our bodies.
One way to restore the balance is by drinking fresh vitamin waters,which are also fun to create. Using the purest spring waters you can create delightful combinations of (preferably organic)fruit and herbs, to rehydrate and freshen up.

Staying centred

My daily solution to staying centred is meditation. Twice a day. Whether I'm travelling or staying in one place.
What is the best way to keep your balance and stay centred in yourself when the going gets tough?

Selfcare:a reminder

People with high-powered careers  (including aircrew) are put under a lot of pressure to succeed every day. And when it comes to downtime, there is pressure to maintain home life too,at an acceptable level.
This means that self care is vital.
Managing your own energy is an art.
How you look after yourself is the key to surviving and thriving.
Are you pacing yourself?
Hydrating with spring water?
Showering? Sleeping well?
Giving yourself​ nourishing foods?
Changing your clothing to suit the seasons?
Looking after yourself properly allows everything else to fall into place.
And beginning each day with that intention will go a long way to ensuring you feel good every day.

Healthy choices

I know I'm not making healthy choices when I don't feel good. It can be a very gradual process.
So,what happens when wine o'clock hits?
It's actually just as easy to make a healthy habit of juicing up a fresh apple lemon ginger shot for a zap of energy. After all,that's what we're craving right? A boost of energy. It's just that an unhealthy habit has sneaked up on us like a ninja.
Take back your power,and your health. It's that easy. It's a choice. Set up your juicing station for a healthy turnaround when the ninja is near. Be ready. Zap the sneaky so and so with a shot of pure zing, and make that one of your new healthy habits.
If you're out with friends? Or relaxing with colleagues after work? You may be nowhere near your juicer,but there are fresh juice popups everywhere,you only need to locate them.And a glass of sparkling spring water with ice and lime or lemon can be heaven to a parched soul.
If you're at the hotel and the buck's fizz is flowing? Say yes. Champagne and prosecco bubbles are good for you.
As long as it's not an everyday habit,why not?
Be the boss of you.
And remember that balance and moderation is key :-)
It's juice o'clock,see you in the juice bar :-)

Revitalising

The advice of a friend when we were in Jamaica back in the day, was taken to a whole new level recently,with the latest spa visit.

"There's not much that a shower and a fresh orange juice won't cure!"

This fresh juice with beetroot pomegranate and lime after 3 hours in a thermal spa suite (thank you, Candice)left me feeling wonderfully revitalised! 

What excellent health advice have you been given that changed your life for the better?

Reassurance

Reassurance.
People need this a lot. People want to know that they are safe,protected and well. And that their loved ones are too.
Daily exposure to "news", bad attitudes and gossip means that fear and uncertainty are spread like the common cold.
But really,all anyone wants is to love and be loved,and to be in charge of themselves. And to be reassured that all is well in the world.
Oprah Winfrey knows this when she wisely asks the question: "What do you know for sure?"
And to quote Hildegard of Bingen:
"All is well,all shall be well,all manner of things shall be well."

Now that's reassuring.