Heart and Soul Guidance

30/06/2022

Stepping Off the Hamster Wheel.

he Mindfulness-Based Pain Management Programme, developed by Vidyamala following a series of spinal conditions which left her needing to use a wheelchair, has been shown to improve self-management of pain and improve the quality of life.

Vidyamala describes mindfulness as “living in the moment, noticing what is happening and making choices in how you respond to your experience, rather than being driven by habitual reactions.”

Interesting article that is well worth a read.

I can’t believe that it’s nearly three years since I started writing the Mindfulness and More column. As I sat down to begin this one, I realised that I was struggling to choose what to focus on this time round. So, I decided to settle down for a few minutes of mindfulness practice to quieten my...

24/06/2022

How effective is mindfulness for treating mental ill-health? And what about the apps?

Mindfulness forms part of the trillion-dollar wellness industry, representing 1.5–6% of yearly spending around the world (estimated to be more than US$200 million) on wellness products and services.

Smartphone apps, in particular, have skyrocketed in popularity offering incredible promise for mental health with wide reach, and scalability at low cost. Mental ill-health was on the rise before the pandemic but reached new heights during it.

Correspondingly, COVID created previously unseen demand for mindfulness apps and online courses.

The article below is a useful commentary on what is available out there.

Mindfulness can have benefits, but it shouldn’t replace first-line treatment, and it shouldn’t claim to be able to.

20/06/2022

What does being 'comfortable in your own skin' actually mean and how do you get to that place when you feel peace and calm?

In this video Karen explains what it means to her and how she can help you get to that place.

03/06/2022

7 reasons why you need to meditate daily.

Contrary to popular belief, meditation is not about zoning out and emptying your thoughts or mind. It's about zoning inwards, acknowledging your thoughts, and then detaching from them without judgement.

The most common reactions I get when I talk about meditation are: “I cannot meditate”, “I cannot empty my mind”, “as soon as I empty my mind a thousand thoughts enter my mind”, “sitting for long hours hurts my back and hips” or “mediation makes me more anxious”.

This helpful article helps explain things starting with the basics.

Contrary to popular belief, meditation is not about zoning out and emptying your thoughts or mind. It's about zoning inwards, acknowledging your thoughts, and then detaching from them without judgement.

02/06/2022

That's not very rock'n'roll! The Rolling Stones 'will prepare for gigs with yoga and recovery rooms on their Sixty tour'

Great to see some of the most unexpected people are relying on the wonders of yoga!

The Rolling Stones have reportedly swapped boozing for bikram yoga as they plan to focus on their wellness while on their Sixty tour,

According to The Sun, Mick Jagger, 78, Ronnie Wood, 75, Keith Richards, 78, will have a yoga, workout and recovery room to make use of along with a special area to ensure they feel ready to go on stage ahead of their show at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain on Wednesday.

Good for you guys!

The rockers will perform at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain on Wednesday as part of their Sixty tour.

26/05/2022

If you are emotionally struggling right now please be assured you are not alone.

The cultural pressure to be 'positive' or to 'change things' at this time of the year can often build up negative emotions and can lead to stress, anxiety and feelings of just not being 'good enough.'

It is so normal to have these feelings but if they get too much and you need help or advice please do contact me on email at karen_churchill@hotmail.co.uk

24/05/2022

How reiki can help with your anxiety, grief, stress, chronic illness.

Ian Mok first experienced reiki three years ago, when he was living in London. He was going through a stressful time and, for weeks, his stomach felt like it was on fire. Western medicine didn't help and his doctor just told him to be mindful of stress.

When his sister (visiting from Hong Kong) offered to give him reiki treatment, an energy-based healing technique, Mok was so desperate to get rid of his stomach pain that he accepted. After one session, the pain subsided. The next day, it disappeared.

Fascinating article well worth a read.

How reiki can help with your anxiety, grief, stress, chronic illness and more – all about the hands-on healing therapy with roots in Buddhist scripture

20/05/2022

World Meditation Day.

Slow the pace of life for a time and focus on yourself.

By meditating, you can reduce stress, improve brain function and well-being, and get a break from daily life.

When the world around you is ensconced in madness, and you can’t quite seem to find a moment of peace in the storm of the day, it’s time to step back and remember those blissful moments as a child where we merely lost ourselves in the world.

World Meditation Day is a call to the world to take time to participate in this millennia-old practice and clear our minds, remembering that we are people first, and workers second.

Slow the pace of life for a time and focus on yourself. By meditating, you can reduce stress, improve brain function and well-being, and get a break from daily life.

17/05/2022

Yoga - where do I start?

A growing number of people are appreciating the power of yoga and the real difference it can and does make to so many peoples physical and emotional well-being.

If the thought of even starting yoga feels intimidating then why don't you start but just simply watching/listening to this Yoga music on You Tube and slowing down your breathing is a great place to start.

Get the new Yellow Brick Cinema iOS app for a 7-day FREE trial: https://apple.co/30uHqHe3 Hour Yoga Music: Peaceful Music, Meditation Music, Relaxing Music, ...

16/05/2022

Despite the pressure to 'go out and get em' on a Monday the reality is that the start of the week can be a real challenge for many people.

Therefore there is nothing better on a Monday than spend even a short time with some meditation and the link below is one we think you may find helpful and informative.

Refresh your mind each Monday with a guided audio meditation. Led by experienced practitioners, these brief meditations use proven stress-reduction techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness and positive imaging. Take a few moments to participate. And start your week with greater clarity, focus...

09/05/2022

If you are emotionally struggling right now please be assured you are not alone.

The cultural pressure to be 'positive' or to 'change things' at this time of the year can often build up negative emotions and can lead to stress, anxiety and feelings of just not being 'good enough.'

It is so normal to have these feelings but if they get too much and you need help or advice please do contact me on email at karen_churchill@hotmail.co.uk

06/05/2022

7 best wellness festivals in the UK to book for 2022.

Festival season is almost upon us, and as music lovers and camping enthusiasts prepare to brave a week of minimal showering, classic British weather and sleepless nights.

The charm of music festivals is tempting to many, but if you're after more of a wholesome, mindful escape with nature - you'll love to learn about these wellness festivals set across some of the most beautiful locations in the UK.

Discover the best wellness festivals in the UK this summer, from Rock Oyster to Boardmasters, WellFest, The Big Retreat and more