Category Archives: A Balanced Life

Term 4 workshops

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These term 4  workshops will be held at Coonara Community House and are subject to confirmation by Coonara dependent on numbers enrolling. Please book directly with  Coonara.

Art Therapy – 4 sessions

  • Wednesdays 9.30am-11.30am October 18th – November 8th
  • Tuesdays 6.30pm – 8.30pm       November 14th- December 5th

Working in Community  Services – 6  sessions

  •  Thursdays  930am- 12.30pm November 2nd   – December 7th

Understanding Resilience – online – 1 session

  • Wednesday November 22nd- 6.30pm – 8.30pm

Stress  to Strength – 1 session

  • Wednesday November 29th – 6.30pm -8.30pm

Your Best Year Yet –  1  session

  • Thursday 7th December – 9.30am – 12.30pm

 

Welcome Spring

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I’m most certainly not a “Winter person” and am happy to welcome Spring here in Australia. Perhaps it’s something to do with having been born in the Tropics. I’ve never really adjusted to cold temperatures either here or in the UK.

I like to welcome Spring by searching out new growth in the paddocks and celebrating the blossom on fruit trees in the city.

Another aspect of Spring is welcoming change. Weeds also thrive with the change of season, so it is important to weed out what no longer serves you and nourish the plants that you want to thrive.

Spring also welcomes in a new quarter for businesses –  leading up to the end of the calendar year. An opportune time to create some goals,  both personal and professional that will provide a solid foundation for 2024.

Should you need help with setting these goals, you know where to find me.


A week of workshops

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It’s been a week of workshops! Three this week: the first being a continuation of a series of workshops covering Mental Health. This week we looked at what is recovery from a mental health issue and frameworks that can be used to help someone on their journey to recovery. We explored a range of resources that can be of use to people with lived experience of mental health issues and those caring for them.

The second workshop was an Art Therapy workshop – continuing the theme of growth as Spring is just around the corner.

Each participant was given an outline of the circles and we did a short, but deep meditation based on the significance of the circle in all cultures and traditions. It was really interesting to see the diversity of designs that the participants created, the colours used and the insights that they shared with each other at the end of the session.

The third workshop for the week was about Resilience. Using Emotional Intelligence frameworks we explored personal experiences of resilience and strategies to build the resilience “muscle”. We talked about the role of self care in building resilience and about being creative – such as creating a Gratitude Journal or Gratitude Jar.

 

Authenticity in Coaching

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Authenticity is an essential aspect of coaching as it helps coaches build trust and credibility with those who are seeking answers to their current problems.

So what is authenticity?

Discovery SessionsIt is about being genuine, honest, and transparent while coaching someone and maintaining a non-judgmental and empathetic attitude.

Authentic coaching involves being true to oneself and being aware of one’s strengths, limitations, and biases.

Coaches who are authentic are able to create a safe and supportive environment for their clients where they can express their thoughts and feelings freely without fear of rejection. Experience also helps the coach to be authentic. Lived experience allows them to be open to listening to without judgement.

An authentic coach will be mindful of their communication style, body language, and tone of voice. They are also be aware of their own emotions and triggers and be able to manage them effectively to avoid projecting them onto their clients.

Authenticity in coaching also involves setting realistic expectations and goals with clients and being honest about the challenges and potential setbacks that may be faced. It requires the coach to acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses and help you to develop a plan to overcome your obstacles.

Finally, authenticity is a critical component of coaching as it builds trust, rapport, and credibility between me as your coach and you as a client. It involves being genuine, honest, and transparent while maintaining a non-judgmental and empathetic attitude

How doodling can help your mental health

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A simple and effective way to help your mental health is by doodling. “What is doodling?”  you may well ask. Doodling is drawing simple, spontaneous, and often repetitive lines, patterns, shapes, or designs. While it may seem like a mindless activity, doodling can serve as a powerful tool for relaxation and stress reduction.

There are various ways in which doodling is beneficial for your mental well-being and health:

Reducing stress:

Engaging in doodling can help redirect your focus and attention away from stressful thoughts and worries. It can be a form of mindfulness, as you immerse yourself in the creative process, allowing your mind to take a break from the pressures of daily life.

Improving concentration and focus:

Contrary to the perception that doodling can be distracting, it can actually improve concentration and focus, especially in situations where attention might wander, such as during lectures, meetings, or phone calls. Doodling can help maintain just enough cognitive engagement to prevent daydreaming or zoning out completely. I’ve found over the years that my retention of content in lectures or presentations is better when I have a page of notes complemented by various doodles in the margins.

Improved mood:

Doodling can stimulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Engaging in a creative activity like doodling can boost your mood and leave you feeling more positive and content.

Increased self-expression:

Doodling provides an outlet for self-expression, allowing you to express your thoughts, emotions, and ideas visually. It can be a non-verbal way to communicate your feelings and experiences.

Relaxation and mindfulness:

The repetitive and rhythmic nature of doodling can induce a state of relaxation and calm. It can be likened to a form of meditation, as you focus on the present moment and let go of external concerns.

Coping with anxiety:

Doodling can serve as a coping mechanism for anxiety. It provides a safe and constructive way to channel nervous energy and tension, helping to reduce feelings of restlessness and agitation.

Improved memory and learning:

Doodling engages both the creative and logical parts of the brain. Studies have shown that doodling while listening to information can enhance retention and understanding, making it easier to recall details later on.

Building confidence:

Doodling is a low-pressure way to explore your artistic abilities and build creative confidence. It’s not about creating perfect art; rather, it’s a free form and unrestricted form of expression. You may just surprise yourself with your finished product!

Boredom buster:

Doodling is an enjoyable and productive way to pass the time during periods of boredom or waiting. Having a small notebook and pen or pencil handy – especially if you have long waiting periods at the doctors – is a great way to engage your creative mind rather than zoning out on social media.

Remember, doodling should be a fun and spontaneous activity. There are no rules or expectations for what your doodles should look like. Embrace the process, and allow yourself the freedom to create without judgment. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a complete beginner, doodling is a simple and accessible way to nurture your mental well-being.

Reiki and Reading Sessions

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Having an oracle card reading can complement a Reiki session by providing additional guidance, insights, and clarity. Here are five ways in which an oracle card reading can enhance your Reiki session:

Intuitive Guidanceleadership

An oracle reading can tap into your intuition and the wisdom of the cards or symbols used in the reading. This can offer guidance on specific aspects of your life, emotional patterns, or energetic blockages that might be relevant to your Reiki session.

Identifying Energetic Patterns

Oracle cards often reflect archetypal energies or themes. By drawing cards before a Reiki session, you may gain insights into recurring patterns, belief systems, or emotional states that are affecting your energy. This can help you to become aware of any patterns and release them during the session.

Setting Intentions

Oracle cards can assist in setting clear intentions for the Reiki session. By drawing cards that represent your desired outcomes or areas of focus, you establish a conscious intention for the healing process. This helps and directs the Reiki energy toward specific areas.

Deepening Self-Reflection

Oracle readings encourage self-reflection and introspection. By contemplating the messages and symbols in the cards, you may gain a deeper understanding of your emotions, thoughts, and energetic state. This self-awareness can create a more receptive and transformative environment during the Reiki session.

Release what hasn't workedValidation and Confirmation

Sometimes, an oracle reading can validate and confirm intuitive feelings or insights you have been experiencing. If you have been sensing certain imbalances or areas of growth, an oracle reading can provide affirmation and strengthen your trust in your own intuition.

Ready for your session?


Personal Power

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The ability of an individual to influence and control their own life, as well as the lives of others around them is a demonstration of personal power. A person who demonstrates this has a range of qualities and skills that contributes to the achievement of their goals, asserts their needs and boundaries without bullying tactics, makes effective decisions, and navigates relationships and social situations with confidence and skill.

Personal power is often based in a strong sense of self-awareness and self-confidence, as well as a willingness to take responsibility for one’s own thoughts, feelings, and actions. It can also involve the ability to communicate effectively, listen actively, and empathize with others, as well as the capacity to think creatively, solve problems, and adapt to changing circumstances.

Personal power can manifest in many different ways, depending on the individual and the situation. For example, it may involve the ability to inspire and motivate others, to negotiate effectively, to lead a team or organization, or to stand up for one’s beliefs and values in the face of opposition.

Ultimately, personal power is about recognizing and harnessing one’s own strengths and resources, as well as cultivating positive relationships with others, in order to achieve personal and professional success and fulfillment

Hypnotherapy, Coaching and Reiki

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Hypnotherapy, Coaching, and Reiki are three different forms of holistic therapies are all offered at Balance4Life Programs. Each therapy can benefit you in various ways. Here’s a brief explanation of each therapy and the benefits:

  • Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy is an evidence based therapy that uses guided relaxation, intense concentration, and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness that is sometimes called a trance. This differs from the sleep state. During the trance state, you are more open to suggestion and can be guided to make positive changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Hypnotherapy can help with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, phobias, addiction, and even physical ailments like chronic pain or irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Coaching: Coaching focuses on helping you to achieve specific goals in your personal or professional life. As a coach, I work with you to identify your strengths and areas for improvement and then provide guidance, support, and accountability to help you achieve your goals. Amongst other things, coaching can help with career advancement, personal development, and improving relationships.
  • Reiki: Reiki is a form of energy healing that involves the use of hands-on or distance healing to balance the energy in the body. As a Reiki practitioner, I use my hands to transfer energy to you, which can help reduce stress and importantly promote relaxation. Reiki can also help with pain management, insomnia, and other physical or emotional issues.

Overall, each of these therapies can benefit you by helping you to improve your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Being able to access all these therapies in one place allows me to offer you a safe and supportive environment for personal growth and healing and can be a valuable complement to traditional medical treatments

Integrity and Emotional Intelligence

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Integrity refers to the quality of being honest, upright, and having strong moral principles. It involves being truthful, ethical, and consistent in one’s actions, words, and beliefs, regardless of the situation. In essence, integrity is about doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching.

On the other hand, emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to perceive, understand, manage, and express emotions effectively – in the moment. Emotional Intelligence involves being aware of those emotions and being able to manage them effectively, as well as using those emotions to positively guide your thoughts and behaviours.

StrengthIntegrity and emotional intelligence are closely related in that they both involve an awareness of your values and principles. A person with high levels of emotional intelligence is likely to have a strong sense of integrity because they are more aware of their emotions and how their actions impact others. They are also better equipped to handle ethical dilemmas because they can understand the emotions involved and make decisions based on their values rather than their emotions.

In summary, integrity and emotional intelligence are important qualities that are essential for personal and professional success. Developing these qualities can help individuals build trust, foster healthy relationships, as well as being able to make sound decisions in alignment with their values and principles.

Emotional Intelligence

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Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions, as well as to perceive and respond to the emotions of others in the moment.

It involves being aware of one’s own feelings, being able to regulate those emotions, and using that understanding to interact effectively with others. This  is especially important when working with teams – either in the workplace or in a volunteer capacity.
Emotional Intelligence has been shown to be an important factor in personal and professional success, as it can help individuals communicate effectively, build and maintain relationships, and navigate complex social situations.

It is also associated with better mental health outcomes and can help individuals cope with stress and adversity.
There are several components of Emotional Intelligence, including self-awareness, stress management, teamwork and collaboration, empathy, and other social skills.

These can be developed and improved through practice and training, and as a Certified Social and Emotional Intelligence  coach I offer regular workshops and presentations to help individuals and organizations build their emotional intelligence skills.