Elizabeth's Newsletter
A New Year and New Beginnings
I don't know about you but I have been hibernating the last few months!? Perhaps it was the stress of the move from Somerset to Dorset which drained my energy, or the awful weather from two weeks after the move until now - rain, rain and more rain and then snow, fog, ice and more snow! Or maybe builders, electricians, plumbers trailing in and out or two elderly relatives being very sick or even the death of two friends of my own age or the combination of all the above, but I have followed the habit of the dormouse, hedgehog and the fish in my pond and have hibernated!
But now we are nearly into February and yesterday whilst clearing the garden I was delighted to see green shoots of spring flowers pushing their way through the earth and the wild birds chirping around me, Spring is on it's way and it is time for us to prepare for the year ahead. This is good time for us to look at the bigger picture, view our own situations as an observer and ask ourselves questions like: Are we achieving all we want? Are we truely happy right now? Are we spending enough time with those we love? What plans have we made for enjoyment and fun for 2010?
Recently I have advised several clients to slow up, have some 'down time' and to spend a little time doing nothing. Here are a few tips to help twoards deciding if changes are needed:
Stillness & Breathing for a Healthy Mind
Being still and quiet for a while each day is important for wellbeing. Just sit still close your eyes and notice your breathing. If you like you can try this simple breathing exercise. Breathe in through your mouth for a count of 4, out through your mouth for a count of 4 and then build up the out breath to a count of 6 or 7. This has a calming effect.
Be in the NOW
Try to stop worrying about the future (I know it is hard-especially with the resession and money flowing out more than coming in!) but by staying in the present moment whenever you can settles the mind and can even stop our thoughts for a while giving the brain a much needed rest. Of course you also need to stop festering on past mistakes or hurts too! Eckhart Toll's books the Power of Now and Stillness Speaks can help towards further understanding of the importance of the presence.
Write Away your Worries
Start a journal, write down your thoughts once a day, when you first wake up is a good time. I am not sure how this works but it can ease concerns and preoccupations. It doesn't have to make sense or to be 'good writing' - just write!
Exercise & Fresh Air
When the sun shines, wrap up and get outside, do some gardening if you have one, walk, jog, ride a bike - breathe in fresh air and move about at least once a week if you can.
I am beginning to settle in Dorset, the local people are friendly and the countryside side different from Somerset and very beautiful. The dogs and I are keeping fit climbing the cliffs and hills and taking in the stunning views from up high, and being 30mins walk to the sea is wonderful.
As always please contact me if you want to ask me be about my work or the above tips or to talk through your problem, in the meantime may I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2010.
Elizabeth
email: elizabeth@positivetransitions.co.uk Tel 01308 421053
