💗 I AM ENOUGH 💗

 

Ecovillaggi nel Mondo

Facebook does not allow me to share this info (?!?!)

 

... hence recreating the post here:

Nel mondo esistono delle associazioni chiamate ecovillaggi definite "piccole comunità rurali o urbane che integrano una struttura sociale basata sulla solidarietà con attività pratiche legate alla progettazione ecologica. Sono modelli insediativi che cercano di proteggere i sistemi viventi del pianeta, di incoraggiare la crescita personale e di sperimentare stili di vita che facilitino l'armonia tra gli esseri umani e la natura." (definizione offerta dal GEN, Snyder, 1999). Questo concetto non potrebbe esistere se non fosse stato studiato il termine sostenibilità definito dal rapporto Brundtland del 1987 "lo sviluppo capace di soddisfare i bisogni del presente senza compromettere la capacità delle future generazioni di soddisfare i loro propri bisogni”. Prova della grande importanza della sostenibilità, è l'attenzione che gli stessi governi nazionali danno a questo principio con l'Agenda 21, principio base scaturito dalla Conferenza Internazionale di Rio del 1992, che propone di portare l'umanità verso un futuro vivibile nell'arco di cento anni. A questo punto entrano in gioco gli ecovillaggi, che ricercano e mettono in pratica i principi della sostenibilità in settori come quello energetico utilizzando energie alternative (sole, acqua, vento, calore) quindi consumando meno e riciclando di più. Importante in questo tipo di associazioni è l'agricoltura biologica perchè mediante la permacultura si ha una completa integrazione tra architettura e agricoltura. Per permacultura si intende "la progettazione e la conservazione consapevole di ecosistemi produttivi che hanno la diversità, la stabilità e la flessibilità degli ecosistemi naturali. E' l'integrazione armoniosa del paesaggio e degli esseri umani, che soddisfa i bisogni materiali e non materiali in modo sostenibile."(Istituto Nazionale di Permacultura). Gli ecovillaggi sono diffusi in tutto il mondo, gestiti da GEN ( Global Ecovillage Network) e aderenti alla rete globale degli ecovillaggi di Gaia (http://www.gaia.org/).

Alcuni esempi in Europa:

Associazione culturale Torri Superiore (Italia)
Il villaggio medioevale di Torri Superiore (S. XIV) é un piccolo gioiello di archittetura popolare, costruito interamente in pietra nell'entroterra ligure, vicino Ventimiglia (Imperia), a pochi chilometri dal mare e dal confine francese. E' una sola unitá che contiene 162 vani su molti diversi livelli. Queste sono collegate per stretti passaggi e scale che creano un magico labirinto d'abitacoli e terrazze.
Nel 1989, l' Associazione Culturale Torri Superiore (organizzazione non-profit) ha avviato il progetto di recupero della totalitá del paese per farlo diventare un ecovillaggio e la sede di una comunità permanente. Dal 1997, sono stati già restaurati appartamenti per i residenti, ed altri alloggi sono in corso di restauro. I residenti curano le attivitá culturali e sociali realizzate a Torri e seguono l´andamento dei cantieri per il recupero degli edifici.
L´Associazione Culturale é una organizzazione senza fini di lucro (non profit) con una trentina di soci, e si basa sui principi della sostenibilitá, cooperazione e rispetto dell'ambiente. Non ha posizioni ideologiche o politiche, ed ogni membro del gruppo é libero di seguire le proprie inclinazioni personali. La comunitá dei residenti segue la gestione dei cantieri di restauro del paese, l'organizzazione culturale e l'accoglienza dei soci. Inoltre da anni sviluppa un programma di agricoltura biologica e produce frutta e verdura per il consumo interno. Uliveti, frutteti e orti intensivi sono coltivati tutto l'anno grazie al
clima mite.

Progetto Gyurufu (Ungheria)
Fondazione ambientale indipendente, nata nel 1991 con lo scopo di elaborare le migliori soluzioni per la creazione di ambienti rurali sostenibili costituiti da un sistema di piccole colonie comunicanti e collaborative. Il progetto si propone la realizzazione di un modello di sviluppo su piccola scala ripetibile e destinato a preservare il paesaggio garantendo un buon livello di vita nel rispetto della biodiversità e delle risorse. Aderisce alla rete globale degli ecovillaggi di Gaia. Ha sede nella regione del Gyurufu (Ungheria).

Comunità di Findhorn (Scozia)
E' un'associazione umanitaria nata nel 1962 che ha sede in una comunità ecologica autosufficiente. La comunità è nota in tutto il mondo per il lavoro svolto con il regno vegetale attraverso la comunicazione sottile con i regni della natura. Gli aspetti di ricerca ecologica sono solo una parte dell'ampio lavoro di ricerca sviluppato dal centro, che è incentrato sugli aspetti spirituali di collaborazione e cooperazione con tutte le religioni e con tutti gli esseri. Ha sede a Findhorn (Scozia). Fa parte della rete globale degli ecovillaggi di Gaia.

Comunità di Lebensgarten (Germania)
Comunità ecologica esistente dal 1984, ospita circa 130 persone orientate a uno stile di vita naturale e alla ricerca spirituale. Ha sede in Bassa Sassonia (Germania). Aderisce alla rete globale degli ecovillaggi.

Global eco village network (Danimarca)
Sito della rete globale degli ecovillaggi, insediamenti che mettono nella pratica gli insegnamenti olistici per la costruzione bioecologica e la cooperazione per programmi culturali e tecnologici di ecosostenibilità. Fondata a Fjordvang in Danimarca nel 1994 e finanziata come parte delle attività del Gaia Trust, cooperativa umanitaria danese che si prefigge lo sviluppo di una coscienza del pianeta concepito come unità vivente e di una umanità come parte integrante di questo organismo.

Ed altri esempi di ecovillaggi nel Mondo:

Comunità di Rysovo (Russia)
Comunità ecologica fondata nel 1993, si propone di creare un insediamento rurale ecologico indipendente dal punto di vista della produzione del cibo e dell'energia, con accorgimenti di permacultura, architettura ecologica, agricoltura biologica. Ha sede in Russia. Obiettivi del villaggio sono promuovere uno stile di vita ecologico e contribuire alla soluzione di conflitti culturali. Aderisce alla rete globale degli ecovillaggi di Gaia.

Crystal Waters (Australia)
Villaggio di permacultura (cioè di integrazione tra l'architettura bioecologica e l'agricoltura biologica) creato da Eco Logical Solutions (Ltd P.O. Box 529 4552 Maleny Queensland Australia tel +61 74 943943 fax +61 74 943003), una delle prime compagnie professionali create nel mondo con lo scopo di progettare e creare ambienti umani sostenibili, con un'attenzione integrata all'architettura, alle risorse e alla gestione del suolo. Aderisce alla rete globale degli ecovillaggi di Gaia. Ha sede a Crystal Waters, nei pressi di Brisbane.

Comunità di Poona, Osho International Commune (India)
Comunità spirituale ed ecologica nata nel 1974 per opera di Osho Rajneesh, ospita persone di ogni razza, paese e credenza, che sperimentano metodi di indagine psicologica e spirituale derivati dalla fusione tra le tecniche terapeutiche occidentali e le tecniche di meditazione orientali. Ha sede in India nella Regione di Bombay.

Comunità di Auroville (India)
Comunità ecologica e spirituale inaugurata nel 1968, ispirato all'insegnamento dei maestri Sri Aurobindo e Mère, dedicata all'unità umana nella diversità: ospita persone di ogni razza, paese o credenza, con l'obiettivo della pacifica convivenza e del progresso spirituale nel rispetto della natura al di là delle differenze culturali e etniche. La città "dell'alba" è stata riconosciuta e incoraggiata dall' Unesco ed è progettata per 50.000 abitanti. Ha sede in India.

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autore: Elisa Tattoli pubblicato il : 27-7-2001 Nel mondo esistono delle associazioni chiamate ecovillaggi definite piccole comunità rurali o urbane che integrano una struttura sociale basata sulla solidarietà con attività pratiche legate alla progettazione ecologica. ARTICOLI CORRELATI Criterio della Sostenibilità [17-9-2001] Dal "Rapporto Brundtland" del 1987 lo sviluppo sostenibile viene definito come "sviluppo capace di soddisfare i bisogni del presente senza compromettere la capacità delle future generazioni di soddisfare i loro propri bisogni". COLLEGAMENTI Associazione culturale Torri Superiore (Italia) Notizie e informazioni sulla storia e le attività dell'ecovillaggio italiano. Progetto Gyurufu (Ungheria) Notizie e informazioni in lingua inglese sull'ecovillaggio ungherese. Comunità di Findhorn (Scozia) Notizie e informazioni sulle attività dell'ecovillaggio. Comunità di Lebensgarten (Germania) Informazioni in inglese. Global eco village network (Danimarca) Notizie e informazioni in inglese e in danese sulle attività dell'ecovillaggio. Comunità di Rysovo (Russia) Informazioni in inglese sull'ecovillaggio. Crystal Waters (Australia) Notizie e informazioni sugli eventi, attività e corsi dell'ecovillaggio. Comunità di Poona, Osho International Commune (India) Comunità di Auroville (India) Informazioni sull'arte, la cultura, l'educazione, la salute ... nel villaggio indiano. Global Ecovillage Network Sito in inglese sul Global Ecovillage Network con storia, informazioni e indirizzi di tutti gli ecovillaggi del mondo.

02.02.2022

 Creating a New World

World Meditation Day, 21 May 2020

It's World Meditation Day today.
A great opportunity to tuning into some positive vibes, if not feeling exactly there right now.

All around the World people are making the effort to raise global consciousness, coming together in prayer and meditation. Most of us can only do this in isolation at the moment, in a virtual way  behind screens, but the power of the intention is still amazingly strong for the self and the collective.

With all the chaos that is going on presently, due to the corona virus epidemic and the consequent challenging economic breakdown that many people are facing, the sense of reality is very confused; the future is looking uncertain for every single one of us.

With the negative load of news and shared fears, many people are getting caught up in these lower vibrations that can be as contagious as a virus, if not worse. On top of these, with the isolation caused by the lockdowns many people are suffering loneliness, which can easily fuel a depressive state.

Staying in such states intoxicate and weaken our immune system and will power further, if we don't take action.

Something we can do to control our emotional and vibrational states is to manage, or build up with discipline, our resilience in order to reach higher and positive emotions. When we remain in these higher frequencies our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing will benefit: becomes a ward off against physical and emotional pain and also prevents severe illnesses.

According to the Hawkins Scale in the picture here, lower frequency emotions are those that often keep us in stagnating state: shame, guilt, apathy, fear, anger for example.
In lightening up our load and outlook of life we get the chance to expand, grow and thrive.

Bear with me, as I am certainly not a 100% Mrs Positivity. Having struggled (and still do) with depression and several chronic health conditions, I do have the experience of what it tastes like to be at the rock bottom, as I frequently have to re-visit it, during relapses and flare-ups.

Yet, being depression mostly an uncomfortable feeling, I often give 'thanks' to the difficult challenges I have to manage, as they offered me the chance of learning my lessons.
Obviously I wish to avoid finding myself rock bottom if I can, no matter how hard it is. 

There are good days and bad days for everybody.

An 'Enlightenment' state is a bit difficult, if not surreal to keep for 24/7, unless we choose to live life as a monk.
Remaining at the very rock bottom forever is also very unlikely; again a matter of choice.
No matter how successful a person is, we are all meant to have fluctuating events, moods, opportunities throughout life, and already accepting this is a great advantage to all of us.
An interesting take by Dr Demartini on the 'positivity' illusion can be viewed here youtu.be/4HY4k6CU-Zc

Learning to be aware about my own energy and how I can transmute it and transform it is a huge development in my life. I don't have all the answers, but I feel blessed for the little steps upwards I am recognising from my disciplined approach. 

Wishing everyone to find their ideal path 🙌💪🎇

Looking for a prayer to start or end any day?

"Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu"

(low-kaah'-ha suh-muh-staah'-ha soo-khee-no' bhuh'-vun-too)

What it means:

May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.

World Peace and Prayer Day - 21st June

Sri Yantra: “The Symbol of all Creation”

The pace of modern Life seems to have taken a course of its own. With twists and turns, distractions and attractions, we do seem at a never-ending line of consecutive crossroads, that very easily take us off our path or pre-planned destination.. 

Who's left driving, in charge? who's going to reduce, if not stop, the exhaustion of natural resources, the over-consumption and accumulation of 'things'? the polluting of our land, water and air? the abuse on animals and fellow human beings?

We really need to pause, now more than ever, take responsibility and share the awareness that healing is in our hands, our actions and future plans.

21st June is the Summer Solstice in the Northern 

hemisphere, a time said to be powerful to pray for peace and harmony among all Living Beings. 

Grandmother Earth’s gifts; the air, water, plant, animal, and rock nations must be allowed to heal if we wish to live in harmony with Her and preserve it for future generations. 

"May Peace Prevail On Earth"...with no further delay.

“Each of us is put here 
in this time and this place 
to personally decide 
the future of humankind. 

Did you think the Creator 
would create unnecessary people 

in a time of such terrible danger? 

Know that you yourself 
are essential to this World.” 

- Chief Looking Horse

worldpeaceandprayer.com

WORLD HYPOPARA AWARENESS DAY

Ever heard about Hypopara? If you are in my circle of Friends & Family, or in the circle of another sufferer, chances are that you possibly know what I am talking about, even if vaguely.

The full name of this condition is hypoparathyroidism. Because of the "thyroid" bit in it, many people mistake the condition for hypothyroidism, and I don't mean only common folks. Even GPs and other health professionals that are not familiar with the condition, regularly misname the two conditions.

Thyroid and parathyroids glands are part of the endocrine system, although the very similar name and close position to each other, they don't directly work together. They cover however important roles in hormone production.

Anterior and posterior neck view

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare endocrine disorder in which the parathyroid glands are unable to produce enough parathyroid hormone. This leads to a low concentration of calcium in the blood.

A difficult condition to manage, hypopara is still being studied and researched on, and a proper treatment needs to be found.

On the 1st of June every year the Hypopara community celebrates World Hypopara Awareness Day, to raise awareness of this rare disease.

I personally have been experiencing this debilitating condition since 2007, following thyroid surgery for papillary carcinoma. It has not been an easy ride ever since, but thanks to discovering the Hypopara Family in 2014, a mutual patients support group, I have been learning important tips on how to manage the condition the best way possible.

Thanks to the fast speed Science is progressing these days, we all hope and look forward  for an effective treatment will be found soon. Keeping fingers crossed and hoping for the best 🍀🍀🍀

To find out more about parathyroids issues check out parathyroiduk.org

IBS Awareness Month

On a continuation note to the previous post about beneficial Spring detox, it is good to be aware about Irritable Bowel syndrome too, and April is the Awareness month for this frequent condition. 

Many people suffer several typical IBS symptoms, yet are not even aware of this condition and that their nutrition is what's causing them nuisances.

Having a look at several websites that discuss the condition I found it confusing seeing the variety of material suggested around diet and nutrition. Many schools teach conflicting theories and the food industry seems too often the only winning part.

It is fundamental to pay close attention to personal reaction to foods, as we are all different form each other and each of us have different needs.

Back to IBS awareness we need to consider that in addition to the physical symptoms, IBS can also affect our mental health trigging emotional symptoms such as:

• Mood swings
• Hopelessness
• Depression
• Anxiety

The mind–body connection is very strong and some scientists call the gut the ‘second brain’ because it is filled with neurotransmitters we usually associate with being in the brain. The connection between gut and brain is therefore much closer than we think, that’s why they can affect each other so much. 

Physical symptoms of IBS can trigger strong emotions the same way that anxiety can trigger the onset of symptoms such as constipation, cramps or diarrhoea. 


This leaves us to work out how to alleviate the symptoms through diet and identifying triggers in our lifestyle, and we'll benefit both physically and emotionally. 

More information about IBS can be found on IBS Network site

Spring Detox

It's always time for a good detox, but if our skin and hair look dull and we feel overall slow and heavy our body is demanding it.

I have personally just started a detox that combines two types of diets: the gluten-free and the mucusless diets; plenty can be found online in regards to the benefits of each of these.
After just a few weeks into the new diet, my waistline has reduced, making my tummy look flat without much effort- weight-loss was not my aim, but hey, why not! - my skin is also looking much clearer.

Having to cut off on bread, pasta and some grains has certainly instilled curiosity and creativity in my cooking habits. I have been introducing some foods in my diet, such as amaranth and buckwheat, which I hardly used before and I love quinoa and considering baking my own bread.
I opt for natural alternatives, rather than gluten-free varieties of commercially produced foods.
Here a list a varied noodles alternatives
There is plenty of natural and not labelled/packaged foods and ingredients: lets enjoy the abundance!

Helpful foods for a spring cleanse are usually:

• Easy to digest
• Alkaline
• High water content
• High fiber content
• Nourish cleansing systems or organs
• Full of antioxidants
• Full of anti-inflammatories
• 
  

1.  Lemons are the detox fruit, containing lots of vitamin C which helps convert toxins into a water-soluble form that’s easily flushed away.

• Your liver is your largest cleansing organ, and it loves lemons!
• They are the most alkaline forming food.
• Main ingredient of Master Cleanse (Lemonade Diet).
• 
  
• 2. Spinach is rich in Anti-Cancer and Anti-inflammatory antioxidants.
  • Good source omega 3 fatty acids.
  • Alkalises the body.
  • 
    
  3. Radishes: The sulphurous mustard oil in radishes stimulates the circulation system as well as the liver and kidneys to help with a detox.
  • Great for the skin because of high sulphur, silicon and vitamin C content.
  • A good source of fibre.
  • 
    
  • 4. Pineapple helps cleanse and tone the pores in your lungs, which directly affect the elasticity of your lung sacs.
    • Contains the enzyme bromelin, which helps expel intestinal worms from your lung pores.
    • The bromelain is great for digestion.
    5. Artichokes are wonderful food for the liver and the gallbladder.
    • They help detox harmful chemicals.
    • Lowers high blood pressure.
    6. Nettles are a super detox food that strengthens the liver, adrenal glands and kidneys.
    • Rich in minerals
    • Can ease seasonal allergy symptoms
    • The stinging parts are destroyed during cooking.
    • 
      
    • 7. Green tea helps flush toxins out of the system with antioxidant catechins, which increase liver function.
      • Is full of polyphenols which produce extra heat in the body and burn calories so you can lose weight.
      • 
        
      8. Green Peas can be digested easily and eliminated efficiently.
      • Provide useful vegan protein to substitute for heavier proteins.
      • Rich in anti-oxidents including flavinoids, carotenoids,  phenolic acids and polyphenols
      • 
        
      9. Fresh coriander leaves have been clinically proven to remove mercury.
      This healing herb:
      • Lowers blood sugar.
      • Lowers bad cholesterol.
      • Improves eye health.
      • 
        
      10. Celery has anti-cancer compounds.
    • Active phthalides relax artery walls to reduce blood pressure.
    • Is a negative calorie food.
    • The high fiber assists colon cleansing and weight loss.
    • proven to protect liver cells from the damaging effects of alcohol and other toxins.
    • Are a good source of easy to digest protein.
    • 
      
      11.  Sesame seeds are full of amino acids called methionine and tryptophan, which helps the liver and kidneys to function and detox effectively. 
      
      
      12. Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that increases anti-inflammatory enzymes in the liver.
      • Turmeric powder has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
      • Improves Phase II liver detoxification. Reduced Phase II detoxification is associated with environmental sensitivities, fibromyalgia and CFS.
      • Helps detoxify the blood.
      • 
        
      13. Cabbage activates detoxifying enzymes in the liver.
      High content of vitamin C and sulphur in cabbage removes toxins.
      • Helps keep blood pressure low because of its high potassium content by opening up blood vessels.
      
      

      

      
      

      14.  Dandelions are a powerful food to detox the liver.

      • Coming soon to a lawn or a garden near you! Dandelion roots and leaves feed the liver and help assist cleansing.
      • Stimulates the digestive juices, helping the digestion of fats.
      • Contains 48 substances that support your body to detox naturally.
      • Dandelion greens are best in the spring before they get too bitter in the summer.
      • My own story how detoxing saved my life.
      • 
        
      15.  Citrus Fruits are high vitamin C needed to make glutathione which feeds liver.
      • Reduces mucous.
      • High amounts of pectin which is good for cleansing.
      • 
        
      16. Asparagus helps cleanse the kidneys, and reduce water retention.
      • Contains inulin which promotes the growth and activity of friendly bacteria in the intestines making it difficult for unfriendly bacteria to grow.
      • Food highest in glutathione, an important anti-carcinogen.
      • 
        
      17.  Garlic: Antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-cancer, garlic can clearly be named a powerfood.
      • Garlic contains specific antioxidants and substances that play an important role in natural detoxification.
      • 
        
      Also: Raw veggies are highly alkalizing and high in fiber, which helps cleanse the colon. Plus high sulphur vegetables (onions, carrots, artichoke, asparagus, kale, and beets) helps the liver detoxify harmful chemicals.
      
      Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/17-top-foods-for-a-spring-detox.html#ixzz2wpZ0q1YD

100 Years of Manor Gardens

For the past year or so I have had the privilege to work with community groups and events organised by Manor Gardens, a charity organisation based in Islington.

Nita Upadhyay is the Mental Wellbeing Champions Project Manager. A young and dynamic lady Nita has introduced me to several of the groups Manor Gardens champions for: the young mothers group, the Latin American and the Bengoli groups, among others.
The most amazing experience was to work with survivors that attend the stroke project, a group which meets twice a week.
Interacting with Dawn, Thomas, Steven, Sheila, Margareth, Victoria, Leslie, Emelia and Evelyn was a wide eyes opening since I never came across stroke survivors before. It was amazingly rewarding seeing their faces turning calmer, their shoulders falling softer and their chests breathing deeper at the warm contact exchanged.

Manor Gardens is celebrating its Centennary this year: I congratulate with the organization for the hard and successful work done to date and I send many wishes for the services to continue bringing better and happier lives to those living challenging situations.

http://www.manorgardenscentre.org/services/

Latest Updates: Facial Acupuncture training.

I don't think I have been lazy lately, but this is only my third post in the year for this blog. The fact is that I have been very busy building a new relationship (Love Heals!), taking photography more seriously and of course updating my skills in the complementary healing field.

Over the Summer I have taken the Facial Acupuncture training at the Yuan Clinic & Traditional Medicine College, in Colliers Wood. After the experience I felt inspired to continue training till I perhaps complete the full acupuncture qualifications one day. Started with the ears, now face, there are three other micro-systems currently taught at the college. They are all so powerful and effective as the full body treatment, with perhaps the advantage that clients can simply stay sat on a chair: no need to undress or lie on a couch if there isn't one available.

John Tindall is a highly knowledgeable teacher and practitioner. He has been the Chairperson of NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) in the past for several years and his Traditional Chinese Medicine practice is enhanced by the fusion with Shamanic and Latin/Native American traditions. I recently took part to one sweat lodge organized in the countryside and the experience was deeply healing.

John's regular Qi Gong classes are also very powerful and somehow mystic when you manage to tune-in the flow. I very often prefer to practice Qi Gong on my own and at my preferred time, but attending a lesson is a real treat, which I recommend to all advanced and beginner students.

Yuan Clinic & Traditional Medicine College

The Dragonfly Story

For the very first time today I have attended a memorial service in London.
A wonderful Jasmine dedicated the afternoon to her lovely son Jos, which passed away recently.
I had only met Jos in a couple of occasion; his deep sensitivity and kindness touched me right away.

The room was filled with friends of both, the mother and the son, remembering sweet and funny times spent together. His presence could be felt so strongly: the photos displaying his beautiful smile, his ashes in a casket on a table by the wall, and the warmth remembrance of his dear ones talking about him.

It felt as if Jos was just there, gazing at all the familiar faces that were paying tributes to him.

On the table, near Jos's ashes casket there was a page with a beautiful story, The Dragonfly Story, which I read with eagerness. The story is aimed at children to let them familiarise with the concept of Death.
After reading it I felt that it very much applies to any age since it holds very simple and important concepts that many people ignore: life as evolutionary and transformational process, rather than a specific time with a beginning and an END.

I wish to dedicate this story to whomever might have suffered a bereavement in the long or the short past and for some reason have been finding it difficult to move on from the events.
Hold dear your precious past, but do not let it be a burden to your present life. Live fully your present day, filling it with Love, Happiness and contentment where ever you are at today, as it will pave the days to follow, the way you wish them to be.

The Dragonfly Story

Down below the surface of a quiet pond lived a little colony of water bugs. They were a happy colony, living far away from the sun. For many months they were very busy, scurrying over the soft mud on the bottom of the pond. 

They did notice that every once in awhile one of their colony seemed to lose interest in going about. Clinging to the stem of a pond lily it gradually moved out of sight and was seen no more. "Look!" said one of the water bugs to another. "one of our colony is climbing up the lily stalk. Where do you think she is going?" Up, up, up it slowly went....Even as they watched, the water bug disappeared from sight. 
Its friends waited and waited but it didn't return...

"That's funny!" said one water bug to another. "Wasn't she happy here?" asked a second... "Where do you suppose she went?" wondered a third. No one had an answer. They were greatly puzzled. Finally one of the water bugs, a leader in the colony, gathered its friends together. "I have an idea". "The next one of us who climbs up the lily stalk must promise to come back and tell us where he or she went and why.".
"We promise", they said solemnly.

One spring day, not long after, the very water bug who had suggested the plan found himself climbing up the lily stalk. Up, up, up, he went. Before he knew what was happening, he had broke through the surface of the water and fallen onto the broad, green lily pad above. When he awoke, he looked about with surprise. He couldn't believe what he saw. A startling change had come to his old body. His movement revealed four silver wings and a long tail. Even as he struggled, he felt an impulse to move his wings...The warmth of the sun soon dried the moisture from the new body. He moved his wings again and suddenly found himself up above the water. 
He had become a dragonfly!!

Swooping and dipping in great curves, he flew through the air. He felt exhilarated in the new atmosphere. By and by the new dragonfly lighted happily on a lily pad to rest. 

Then it was that he chanced to look below to the bottom of the pond. Why, he was right above his old friends, the water bugs! There they were scurrying around, just as he had been doing some time before. The dragonfly remembered the promise: "the next one of us who climbs up the lily stalk will come back and tell where he or she went and why." Without thinking, the dragonfly darted down. Suddenly he hit the surface of the water and bounced away. Now that he was a dragonfly, he could no longer go into the water...

"I can't return!" he said in dismay. "At least, I tried. But I can't keep my promise. Even if I could go back, not one of the water bugs would know me in my new body. I guess I'll just have to wait until they become dragonflies too. Then they'll understand what has happened to me, and where I went." 

And the dragonfly winged off happily into its wonderful new world of sun and air.......

STICKNEY, D. (1997). Water Bugs and Dragonflies.
Explaining Death To Young Children. The Pilgrim Press.

Jas during the Gong's meditation

The Year of the Dragon!

A Belated Welcome to The Year of the Dragon!

The Year of the Dragon is considered the luckiest year in the Chinese Zodiac.

According to Chinese tradition, the Dragon is a powerful and auspicious creature; a symbol of power, strength and good luck -the Dragon is the ultimate symbol of good fortune on all levels.

Wishing you good health, prosperity and success for the months ahead :)

Click to see the Lion Dance performed by the Yellow Dragon Fist team for The Year of the Dragon.
The Lion Dance is traditionally used to bestow good fortune and prosperity. The Lion Dance is usually performed at the opening of a new business and on Chinese New Year, but can be used for any special occasion or celebration.
www.yellowdragon-kung-fu.co.uk/index.html

Loving the transformation process.

As we are approacchint the end of the Summer and Autumn Equinox it's time to talk back about about transformation and time of change.

Here I am going to share an easy to follow list created by Cate Mackenzie, a formidable and very inspiring woman that teaches and guides thousands of people towards improving their lives and achieving the most wanted goals.

I have met Cate several years ago, and her positive and uplifting energy stays fresh and vibrant anytime I think about her. You can follow Cate, sign up to her newsletter and join her workshops catemackenzie.com and you'll surely attract more love, beauty and positivity to your life.



Tips to staying open to loving new beginnings 

1 Anchor yourself!
What are your anchors? List them and anchor yourself daily. Anchoring is about earthing and grounding yourself so you feel safe and this allows you to move in new directions. Examples of anchors could be morning pages, healthy eating, exercise, meditation, phonecalls, coaching, therapy, nature.

2 Write and talk about your visions. It can really help to move beyond a block by holding a peaceful loving vision of what you really want. By taking yourself into a beautiful vision it can support the movement to go beyond your fear.

3 If you are struggling with feeling split between two parts of you that feel as if they want different things, put your hands out and hold each part in each hand and gently bring the hands together in a prayer position and then pull your hands into your heart and feel how that feels.

4 If you are feeling that you have a fear or block about new beginnings then start with honouring that fear and acknowledge it so that you surrender to having it. For example I surrender to having a fear of loss. Then once you have done this and acknowledged the fear of loss then surrender the fear of loss. The two stages are I surrender to having the fear, then I surrender the fear. It is very powerful.

5 If you are worried in any way about new beginnings then hold your hands again in front of you and imagine holding a ball of light and that this ball of light is a solution to whatever it is you need. You do not need to know what the solution is but by holding it you have intended that it exists and it will now come in. And you may be surprised how quickly it does!

6 Have fun, slow down and allow yourself to be. This can allow the new love or new work or new feelings of joy to come in even without you noticing. List what you love and have fun each week.

7 Clear any clutter that you can so that your home is peaceful.

8 Write a daily gratitude list, it provides instant transformation into the positive.

Planetary Influences

Time for ourselves...here it comes!
A New Moon is entering the sky.

It is so good and important to stop and inspect what's going on inside ourselves every so now and then. Good to hear that the Planets are going to seize us naturally helping in this task that we might otherwise overlook.

Time passes by fast sometimes that we don't even realise how we might have changed or how events might have affected us, either way positively and/or negatively, changing our beliefs, behaviours and attitude towards life. Sometimes are small changes that we don't even notice, nor take into consideration. Other times they sign the beginning or the end of a path in our lives.

Noticed any recently? Time to pay attention :)

Wishing you the transformation and changes you wish in your life!

Read here: Astrology: Planet Jupiter Goes Retrograde

Global Meditation Flash Mob

I was sooo pleased for being invited to the Global Meditation Flash Mob at the very last minute on Wednsday. This is an event co-ordinated by Wake Up London with over other 80 cities worldwide; it takes place once a month, on the last Thursday of the month. Will try to make it a regular because it was such a great experience.

The intention of the movement is to expose the world to meditation and expand positivity to every walk of life. Previously spots such as Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden have been picked for this act of gentle love creation.

Goals:

1. To create an environment for people from all walks of life to come together in meditation.

2. To spread awareness of meditation to the public.

3. To come together as a community to send positive intentions out into the world.

4. To show that leading by example is the best way to lead. Simple acts can stimulate major paradigm shifts in thinking



http://www.flickr.com/photos/10323806@N05/sets/72157627179275833/

Health Day @ Skylight

It's time for another Health Day at Crisis Skylight, tomorrow from 12pm to 5pm.

Complementary therapies are always very popular and the booking sheet gets filled up straight away.
You need to get there early if you wish to have a go to a bit of pampering  :)

I will also run a Qi Self Massage workshop at 3.30pm to shake off stress and tension. It's going to be fun!

Where? 66 Commercial Street, London, E1 6LT Tel: 0300 636 1967 

http://www.crisis.org.uk/index.php

.

Crisis is the national charity for single homeless people, dedicated to ending homelessness by delivering life-changing services and campaigning for change.

FHT updates

Here you will find the link to access the FHT directory. 

E2 postal code will allow you finding my page :)

It is not so immediate I know, but this is the way

their website was designed...wrongly to my point

of view....

Deaf Awareness Week.

I am aware that I am late in mentioning the "Deaf Awareness Week", however I am sure that it will still be beneficial to share a few lines in regards.

Deaf Awareness Week will be mentioned at the New Links Womens Group on Monday the 23rd.

I will be running a little workshop where basic BSL (British Sign Language) will be learned and practised. 
We have done some BSL in the past at the group and both the mothers and the kids loved it.Perfect time for a retake.

When and where?

Monday, 23rd May 4-6pm (dinner will follow)

New Methodist Church, Merchant Street, Mile End


I  "LOOK AT ME" I 

 Deaf Awareness Week 2011

Monday 2nd to Sunday 8th May 
    

The aim is to improve understanding of the different types of deafness by highlighting the many different methods of communication used by deaf, deafened, deafblind and hard of hearing people, such as sign language and lipreading.

• ·         Do you know any Deaf person?
• ·         What are the types of Deafness?
• ·         Name different ways to communicate
• ·         How do deaf and deafblind communicate?
• ·         Ways to ease communication with a deaf person

« Top Tips at work.

1) Face the person you are talking to.
2) Repeat things they have missed.
3) Email them notes of meetings.
4) Think carefully about conference calls.       
                                                                
« Top Tips for deaf children.
1) Don't get hung up on communication.
2) Let them enjoy their childhood.
3) Include them in games and fun.
4) Explain what's going on.

« Top Tips for home.
1) Have a rule that subtitles are always on.
2) Always say who is on the phone.
3) Include everyone at the table in the conversation.
4) Never say: "I'll tell you later" or "It doesn't matter".

         Remember to use the three R's 
when a deaf person can't understand you:

    Repeat, Rephrase and/or wRite it down.

http://www.deafcouncil.org.uk/daw/index.htm