Category Archives: A Balanced Life

Watching Clouds disappear

A Balanced Life,

Watching clouds disappear over the weekend was a calming and beautiful experience. One moment a cloud was there, changing shape from what almost looked like a question mark to faint wisps which quickly disappeared.

If you are a seasoned cloud watcher you would already be aware that they are constantly changing shape and moving through the sky due to the dynamics of the atmosphere

The “question mark” cloud led to thoughts on how clouds either change shape or disappear.

Evaporation: Clouds are formed when water vapour in the atmosphere condenses into tiny water droplets or ice crystals around dust particles. As the air temperature and humidity change, these droplets or crystals may start to evaporate back into water vapour.

Changing Shape: Clouds can change shape rapidly. One moment you might see dragons in the sky that change into soft pillows of serenity. The next moment could see the cloud slowly thinning out or breaking apart into smaller wisps as the water droplets or ice crystals within it evaporate.

Movement: Clouds are not stationary; they are carried by the wind. So, as you watch a cloud disappear, it may also be drifting across the sky. This is also a very useful metaphor for thoughts that intrude during meditation sessions. Just allow those thoughts to drift away to the horizon…

Colours: The colours of the cloud as it disappears can be quite fascinating. During sunrise or sunset, clouds may take on vibrant hues as the sunlight scatters and refracts through them. I’m always on the lookout for a spectacular sunset and never tire of seeing them.

Overall, I have found that watching clouds disappear or change shape can be a meditative and reflective activity. It allows me to appreciate the ever-changing nature of the sky and the environment.  It also provides a sense of tranquility and connection to nature.

So, find a comfortable spot, look up at the sky, and enjoy the beauty of clouds as they transform and disappear before your eyes.

Reiki and New Moon Manifesting

A Balanced Life, Energy, Reiki, , , , , , , ,

Reiki at Balance4LifeReiki and the practice of manifesting with the New Moon involve combining the energy and your intentions for the coming month to bring about positive changes in your life.

While they are separate practices, some people choose to combine them to enhance their manifestation efforts. Here’s an overview of each practice and how they can be used together:

Reiki:

Reiki is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan. It involves the practitioner channeling universal life force energy to promote healing, balance, and relaxation in the recipient. In a Reiki treatment, I use my hands to gently touch or hover over specific areas of the body, chakras, or energy centers, allowing energy to flow and facilitate healing. ssSessions often will reduce stress, promote emotional well-being, and enhance physical healing. It can also be applied to manifesting goals and intentions.

New Moon Manifesting:

The New Moon is a significant phase in the lunar cycle and is often associated with new beginnings, setting intentions, and manifesting goals. Many people believe that the energy of the New Moon can amplify their intentions and desires. As a result this makes it an optimal time to set new goals and manifest positive changes in various aspects of life.

To practice New Moon manifesting, take some time to reflect on your desires, set clear and specific intentions, and visualize your goals as already achieved. It can be helpful to use tools like vision boards, journalling, or meditation to aid your New Moon manifesting session.

Combining the two:

Combining New Moon manifesting with Reiki can be a powerful way to amplify your intentions and manifest your desires. During a New Moon, the energy is especially conducive to setting intentions, therefore by incorporating Reiki into your manifesting you will amplify the effect.

In addition the Reiki energy will help you clear blockages, release any negative energy or limiting beliefs that may be hindering your manifestations, and infuse your intentions with positive, healing energy. Most importantly, if you have been attuned to the Reiki energy, you can use the symbols and techniques to further enhance your manifestation meditation or visualization. This will allow the energy to flow to your intentions more effectively.

Remember that the effectiveness of these practices may vary from person to person, and it’s essential to approach them with an open heart and a clear intention. Whether you choose to combine New Moon manifesting with Reiki or practice them separately, they can both be valuable tools for personal growth, healing, and manifestation.

5 ways to act in an emotionally intelligent way when confronted with mean behaviour

A Balanced Life, Emotional Intelligence, , , , ,

Dealing with mean behaviour can be challenging, but responding with emotional intelligence can help diffuse conflicts and maintain your composure. Here are five ways to act in an emotionally intelligent way when confronted with such behaviour:

  1. Stay Calm and Composed: Maintain your emotional balance by staying calm and composed in the face of mean behaviour. Take deep breaths and avoid reacting impulsively. This helps you think clearly and respond effectively without escalating the situation.
  2. Practice Empathy: Try to understand the underlying reasons behind the person’s behaviour. Often, people who act mean may be dealing with their own insecurities or personal issues. By empathizing with their situation, you can respond in a more compassionate and understanding manner.
  3. Set Boundaries: Firmly and respectfully establish your boundaries. Let the person know that their behaviour is not acceptable to you, and you expect to be treated with respect. Use “I” statements to express your feelings, such as “I feel hurt when you say/do this.”
  4. Use Active Listening: Listen actively to what the person is saying without interrupting. Show that you are genuinely interested in their perspective, even if you disagree. This can help de-escalate the situation and create an environment where they may be more open to constructive communication.
  5. Choose Your Battles Wisely: Not every mean comment or action requires a response. Sometimes, it’s best to ignore minor incidents and not give them the attention they seek. Focus your energy on addressing the more significant issues or conflicts that truly matter to you.

Remember that dealing with mean behaviour may require ongoing efforts, and it’s essential to prioritize your well-being and mental health. If the situation continues or escalates, consider seeking support from friends, family, or a professional counsellor who can provide guidance on how to handle it effectively.

Term 4 workshops

A Balanced Life, balance,

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

A Balanced Life, ,

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

A Balanced Life, , , , ,

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

A Balanced Life, Coaching, ,

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

A Balanced Life, Art Therapy, balance, , , ,

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

A Balanced Life, Archangel Oracle Cards, Ascended Masters Oracle cards, clarity, The Enchanted Map, , , , , , ,

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

A Balanced Life

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