Unfortunately we cant all sit on a beach and meditate like this every day. But can take ourselves off in our mind to a beach in meditation for a moment or two. 7.5 million U.K. workers suffer from mental health problems in the workplace, and sadly 44% do not tell their employers. 

I have been working in London for last few days. It’s such a beautiful city and so full of vibrancy and culture. 
I also love the anonymity of a large city, living in a small town can feel as if you living in a goldfish bowl. 

I’m on a mission, a mission to restore confidence in those who need it. Part of my work is with young people, and it’s a privilege and a joy. But I find myself deeply troubled by the lack of confidence and self esteem in so many of them.

Once in a while, you find a book filled with love, that makes your heart sing!  A few years ago, I saw the Dalia Lama give a talk and it was a very special moment for me. The author Douglas Abrams describes His Holiness and Archbishop Desmond Desmond Tutu as “ moral leaders”.

So much of what we dream about doing, never happens because we think we will fail. The person we are up until this very moment, is down to our experiences.

There is an incredible world out there, but for some, the thought of adventure or even just leaving our creature comforts can be terrifying. If you suffer from separation anxiety, fear of letting go in some way, it can be debilitating. Grounding yourself can help you to take baby steps in the right direction. 

When I teach meditation, I’m often discussing with my class how to stop the brain chatter, the thoughts that seem to pop up. Not being able to concentrate or to clear the mind, is often the reason most people feel they can’t meditate.

Today are two “official” days. It’s Blue Monday today and it’s Hugging Day. It’s seems to me that one should cancel out the other actually. Blue Monday was recognised back in 2015 by a travel show. It’s is meant to be the bluest day of the year, in the depths of January and Winter. 

Colour can affect us in many ways. Sadly, I had to attend a funeral at the weekend - but instead of wearing black, we all wore bright colours. Not only did we look and feel as vibrant as we could, we made it a celebration of a life - and I’m sure this helped us all in some small way.  

When I turned 40, I remember thinking “OK this is fine!” - and celebrated with a wonderful party and danced the night away.  But as I neared my 41st birthday, it suddenly hit me that this ageing thing doesn’t stop!  The next milestone was 50 and that’s old. I mean, as a teenager, I thought my parents were ancient in their fifties!

Life can be tough; and sometimes we have to face things we would rather not.  Ancient Hermetic wisdom said that life was like a pendulum, swinging backwards and forwards.  

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve heard a woman pull herself apart, I’ve done it myself. Whether you feel not thin enough, not tall enough, not clever enough, not successful enough, you’re just not enough. As children we’re conditioned to learn and think in a certain way.