Dearest Readers ,

Hope you are keeping safe and well. Lets talk Trust and Patience today…..

On a personal note I had a wedding in my whanau -it was my brother`s- and my boys and I could only be with them in spirit .However the challenges of the times and stark simplicity of the event – also reminded me of the poignance of Trust and Patience – core values of mindfulness– and the difference these values make to our everyday wellness.

The intention for today`s writing is to

1. Reinforce the depth of wisdom that comes in knowing to inculcate Trust and Patience in all that we do….
2. Highlight the richness that these two values bring in to our Everyday Wellness.

We are living in times – where we do not know for sure – when things will ever return to normalcy…..

There are many of us who live far away from family and some of us have been impacted by the the throngs of the pandemic in myriads of ways….. The impact can leave us feeling displaced – disconnected and maybe even feel sorrowful. This can further lead to low feelings that take its`toll on our immune system .

Trust is believing that there is light at the end of the tunnel-

Patience is about learning to wait -it is also about acceptance – and being connected to the now –

So what are ways that we can emanate Trust and Patience in challenging times

Here are a few:

Find something positive in our immediate context – no matter how dark and grim it feels

Engage in simple acts of kindness and notice the way your spirits sour…..

Be in the midst of nature – each day

Be in the company of wise , kind , intelligent and fun people – who make you laugh and think

Learn a skill – crochet , music or pottery – or whatever that takes your fancy

Smile heaps ……

When we do the aforesaid …..subtle changes happen within our brainworks – and makes a positive shift in the way we think – we feel and engage

• Our brainstem – gets unsettled when we are anxious….. – when we believe things will go well and when we are happy to wait in the moment – our brainstem – feels settled/ regulated and our thinking improves

• Whenever our brainstem is settled / regulated – our focus improves

• When our focus improves – we make better choices -and we blossom into resilient beings…..

With much much love

To my dear readers – hope you are enjoying the cool autumn air i.e.,if you are living in the Southern Hemisphere – and for those of you bracing the summer months …I hope you are doing all that is needed to keep cool …

Today I said good-bye to an educator -a colleague – friend – a leader – one of the finest human beings – so kind- so bright and so beautiful. Today was about remembering the goodness and generosity of spirit she emanated and we remembered all the things that mattered to my dear friend. All of the things that mattered to her was about nature, children , family, pets , learning, fun , and lots of love ……. Her spirit, the messages , the aura and grace in the gathering today resonated with the ethos of the profound Maori whakatauki – he tangata , he tangata , he tangata – it translates as it is the people , the people , the people

KINDNESS : Every single person at my friend`s memorial day spoke of the kindness and the warmth she radiated in the manner she connected with everyone. She had the most brilliant sparkle in her eyes that touched every single person she connected …

GRATITUDE : What also struck me was she had a special message for those at her gathering – and that was about thanking our mums and caregivers – in a world where we are quick to cast the blame on either our lineage or our upbringing – my friend`s message sounded cool , inclusive , forgiving and refreshing…

PRESENT AND CONNECTED : She wanted to be remembered for the simple joyous things that bring a smile in our hearts – like rain drops , little chooks , puppies , children , stories , songs and stars…..

The intention of elaborating on today was to share the spirit of joy , kindness and love that comes from a life so well lived!!!

So now to put that into practice:

• So my dear readers make a note to practise kindness to yourself – to someone you know or to a passerby. You can emanate kindness by giving of your time, giving a smile or offering a gentle word . This does wonders for physical health and emotional health

• At the end of each day give thanks to what made you smile or what brought you a light moment – it could even be a hot cup of tea or a meal that was truly nourishing – this adds dollops of wellness to our lives

• Please take a moment to connect to be present watch the sun glisten through the clouds, the chirping of the birds, the flowering of the fruit trees , the sound of the windchimes, the waves and the sea- this helps us take notice of what really matters – and motivates to give back to the Universe that always has so much to offer!!!

My dear friend will be cherished and remembered for all of the things that she emanated right through her sixty one years…..seems too short a life span for someone so remarkable. As the service came to a close -a most delightful tui turned up to affirm – my friend`s legacy – love for learning – for humanity – for education – of connecting to everyone with warmth , love and radiance will always be in the midst of each of us now and forever ….

Arohanui

You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give -Kahlil Gibran

Greetings to you all on one of the finest of Saturdays in the month of March…..

“The best way to cheer yourself is to cheer someone else up”- Mark Twain

The sun was at it`s brightest in the city of sails- we had blue skies , cool air and a lot of warmth – hope the day for each of you is going well ….. hmmm it is all very well when things flow and we feel the zennnn in all that we do !!

However there are times and days when everything feels off- beat and we feel a sense of restlessness and unease – which permeates into our being and sadly impacts on each of our outcomes – immediate and long term ones.

• 

So the intention of today`s writing is

A. To share some truths about using brain science -sharing some home truths of how our brain is structured – knowing these truths can help make a difference of how we think, feel and do life …mindfully

• The brain is like a four layered tool box
• Each layer has a function or a role
• The bottom part of the brain is known as the brain stem
• The brainstem feels unsettled when we feel sadness, fear or anger
• The top part of the brain is known as the cortical region – looks after our learning and thinking
• When our brainstem feels unsettled – we cannot think well, feel well or do well

B. To reiterate the power of affirmations – the power they have in making us think better , feel better and do better:)

So here the the 5 aspects of why affirmations work….

• The primary need of the brain stem is to feel safe – brain stem is known as the primitive brain
• When we use affirmations , we fulfill the brain stem`s need to feel safe
• When we feel calm and safe , the brain stem is in a happy calm regulated state
• When the brain stem is happy, calm and and regulated – the brain stem releases the “feel good hormones”
• When the “feel good hormones” are released we can focus – and function effectively – feel better, think better and do better!!

• 

“Nothing can bring peace but yourself” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

• 

With much aroha from beautiful NZ

Kia Ora to you all from the land of long white cloud , hope the week and the month of March has started well. In today`s blog I wish to elaborate on the benefits of being mindful. Mindfulness is an inherent wisdom that has always been here – however we as humans have to shout a huge thank you to Jon Kabat- Zinn founder – Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine. His ardent work in this field affirms the physiological and psychological benefits of mindfulness.

There is a story behind my rationale for having chosen this topic. I was participant to a dialogue and very soon it became obvious that this was no dialogue – it involved one person talking in a loud and impassioned voice…. What helped me here – was stepping back.

We have all at some point in our lives experienced contexts that are incredibly challenging. Being mindful helps us to 1. Take a step back – -……… and when we do take a step back

2. We also create a space that feels safe .

In that safe space we create an opportunity for ourselves to connect within- to the present moment and focus

To gain insight and develop an awareness -of what really matters…

So this practice of mindfulness cannot just happen overnight – we need to make the time to excercise our brains or our minds in learning to be still .

What are ways that we can inculcate the habit of mindfulness

• Practice Breathing – Take the time to be still and watch / hear your breath
• Taking notice of your breath – practising breathing – is about informing ourselves that everything is ok
• We can practise breathing – when we sit , when we take a walk –
• So, let`s just focus on our breaths and take in more of the good 😊

What are some of the other benefits of practising mindfulness- this is an excercise that

• Improves focus
• Nourishes the brain ( Refer to my earlier writing on brain and wellness 🙂
• Improves our ability to learn
• Reduces stress
• Helps us to take better care of ourselves
• Reduces some of the risks that comes from being impulsive
• Makes us more thoughtful
• Makes us kind and wise
• Adds purpose and intent to our lives
• Allows us to think before we speak
• Increase the feeling of physical and emotional wellness

So do make the time today to take a break – tune in ….. and make mindfulness an everyday practice .. and enjoy all of the nourishing and the wisdom that comes with it …..

” Mindfulness is about love and loving life – when you cultivate this love , it gives you clarity and compassion for life , and your actions happen in accordance with that.”- Jon Kabat- Zinn

A very good afternoon to you all …. the topic for today`s writing inspired from a book called “Aroha” that I am currently reading . The book is written by Dr. Hinemoa Elder an eminent psychiatrist and an advocate for mental wellness from beautiful Aotearoa. The author talks at length about the ancient wisdom that remains an inherent aspect of Maoridom – in choosing a whakatauki – a Maori proverb that works for each of us…..🌟

This is mine : A whakatauki that I use in both my personal and professional realm-“aha koa iti he pounamu “- which translates as although you are small , you special like a green stone- which refers to acknowledging each of the strengths and oddities that makes us who we are….❤️

The book Aroha resonates with my earlier writings on how words and language are powerful tools in the way we inform and educate ourselves on the ethos of how we aspire to live …..it takes into account the choices we make and the responses we choose at various circumstances of our lives.

Thiruvalluvar of Tamil literature wrote Thirukurall – each very short and succinct verse that emanates the wisdom that comes with defining values with affirming words ; words that have the power to create positive thoughts , feelings and actions…. words that set the trajectory of our lives. 🌟🍀

The year has started well and yet I feel an element of grim sadness as I write knowing my mother is having a particularly difficult time with her health. The sadness comes from not being able to be there with my family in India and learning to accept the looming uncertainty that comes with the current times. I take some comfort in knowing that my mother is supported in best of comfort, that she is with family and is able to have access to specialist medical care that will hopefully bring her reprieve that she so richly deserves.

I have a choice to either hold on to the gripping sadness or make a sincere effort to stay positive. I am choosing to stay connected with my family and friends both sides of the globe .

I also make a conscious note that I am in a country that is now my home-and continue to thrive in the comfort of interactions with my adult sons and extended whanau . I am exceptionally grateful for the “connect” I have with friends some of who also feel like family here. I am incredibly grateful that this book called Aroha was lent to me with spontaneity by a dear colleague 📚

The intention of highlighting some of the words in the above paragraph is to reiterate the power of affirmation that comes with using words/ vocabulary that resonates with comfort , kindness and love.

Using such words helps to create a belief system that is founded on positive thoughts .

Reinforcing positive thoughts facilitates a pathway towards making a conscious choice of choosing a response that is positive – light and affirming.

I set about in the beginning of 2020 and made a few lines that I call my personalised script …For those of you reading this blog , I make a request to have a play with words and make a personalised script that sets the pace and tone for this year….light filled – fun – and affirming

“That best portion of a good man`s life , His little, nameless, unremembered acts ,Of kindness and love” William Wordsworth

With much love ,

Kia Ora my dear readers ,

Greetings to you all from the Southern Hemisphere ☀️The year has begun with plentiful sunshine and the air is warm and filled with light and hope . I pondered a bit on what to write about for my first blog for this year .

Kindness is something that we spoke about a lot in the past year – and along with kindness comes forgiveness . I choose to write on forgiveness as it is an inherent aspect of healing and wellness .I am still learning about this principle – and as I begin to see the light of this incredible virtue I thought it would be apt to share this light abd learning with you all ☀️

All of us at some point would have experienced varying levels of betrayals – and what really helps to move past the blows that some of our fellow humans throw at us – is choosing to forgive.

An amazing book that I read by T.D.Jakes speaks beautifully on forgiveness .and writes “forgiveness is a gift to yourself.”

Here are 5 key points

Forgiveness is a choice that we can make to help with our own healing 🍀

Forgiveness liberates us from feeling burdened – we don’t have to remain a hostage of the past 🛶

When we make that choice we create a journey that is free of bitterness and resentment 😊

Forgiveness is about removing negative perceptions of the past and connecting to everyone with kindness 🍀

Forgiveness is a virtue that connects with the present and allows for kindness peace and love. ❤️

“ if you want to see the brave , look to those who can forgive.”- The Gita

So here’s to a very affirming beginning for us all ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️❤️

With much aroha ❤️

My dear readers,

As we head towards the new year amidst the buzz of the festive spirit, I write again to touch base with each of you to review the year in the context of wellness and connectedness. This year has been much about the pandemic – and much more about the lessons learnt during what has been a year of crisis for so many of us.

Ironically COVID has emphasised connectedness in more ways than one – COIVID touched all of humanity -regardless of class, gender and race. We also got to learn new ways of keeping busy- having purpose – and living well –working from home has been the norm and long distance travel almost a thing of the past.

How did we stay connected? What helped ….

• Taking time to Excercise
• Practising kindness
• Taking time to reflect
• Spending time with nature
• Being able to ask – what am I to learn from this
• Refraining from blame
• Reaching out to those who struggled
• Learning to reach out and ask for help
• Showing acts of kindness and love in small and big ways
• Supporting home grown talent and
• Being grateful – taking in all the positives and
• Having Faith – that this too shall pass….

All of the aforesaid comes from loving more …..and living in the now…..”Anyone can live sweetly, patiently , lovingly , purely till the sun goes down. And this is all that life really means .”- Robert Louis Stevenson”

So Let our New Year be all about loving more and living in the now 😊

“Tomorrow is a new day , you shall begin it well and serenely”.- Ralph Waldo Emerson

With much love

Greetings dear readers I needed to take a mini break and so I did . Today I was reminded of the thought that having more space for heart matters – like love patience and kindness has everything to do with wellness.

The intention here is to share insights on kindness love and gratitude on our wellness .

Here’s a story for you : A collegial friend of mine one day said that at the moment she was taking care of an unwell member of her extended family – which sometimes is challenging . She retold that what made it possible for her was telling herself that she needed to make her heart just a little bigger- To make room for love and kindness and then everything seemed less challenging .

Another piece of information that I read and found incredibly valuable was from the Heart Brain foundation – the principles resonates with the pearl of wisdom from my friend’s story .

Here are 3 concepts for you 🍀

1. When we make decision from the heart – we allow room for creativity and positive emotional experience

2.Heart has its own intrinsic system and heart sends information to the brain – that can influence how we think feel and engage – which ofcourse has an impact on our wellness

3.So when we feel kindness and compassion in our hearts – when heart and brain are in sync – we allow ourselves a pathway that leads us towards becoming kinder -better connected – purposeful and resilient beings

Finishing today’s writing with much love and here’s a picture that is finally completed and ready ☀️🌟🍀🎼👏🏽

Kia Ora my dear readers ….as the rain pours down with an incessant beat, I decided to make time to connect with you all. Thank you for taking the time to read ☀️🍀

The purpose of today’s writing is to share my thoughts on accepting the not so pleasant occurrences in each of our lives 🛶

But why ?? and How ?? And What for …should we consider welcoming and accepting the less fortunate experiences. 🙃

Firstly – being willing to explore into unpleasant or negative experience -can be a learning and teaching point in itself . We can choose to grow from it if we look at this as a life lesson about being strong, kind and brave 😊☀️

Secondly challenging experiences comes to us all in some form or the other – He waka eke noa – which translates as we are all in this together – so how we choose to respond to each of our jolts is what matters most . We can also lead ourselves to becoming insightful and reflective .Kindness and awareness of the self comes from being reflective… kindness helps with healing too 🍀🌟

Lastly when we choose to transform the challenges – we learn to inculcate a sense of purpose in all that we do . Every word we speak and every action we take influences the way our lives unfold ❤️🌟☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️🍀

As we think so we become … Wayne Dyer 🌟

5 things you can do to support your wellness

Make time to reflect – take count of your personal strengths – give thanks to things that make you smile – flowers, the stars , a call from a friend – and so on – make time to excercise – and – be kind to yourself and others around you .❤️

Am sharing a Maori proverb that caught my eye and intellect “ Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.”

Have a great week ☀️❤️ and Ma te wa for now 🍀

How do we

Greetings dear readers as we head into warmer days ….. The weekend has been full with
company of friends I cherish ,
Luxury of family ….
Good food and
The exuberance that takes over when you have had all of the above …..

The friends and family have taken leave and it`s back to me zone again – as I look at my week ahead – it looks just as full ….. however I also sense a hint of displacement within …. and it feels like
– How is the week going to unfold
– Have I got everything sorted as it is meant to be…..
– Will some of this be challenging and
-Will this be all be okay.

I know for sure that most of us with day to day demands of work and / or family – feel this way – go through similar apprehensions . What changes this is being aware of what you think and how you feel – has a strong influence on what you do. In my work with people – children and families – how I engage or what I do – determines the outcome of each of my interactions

Ways to celebrate being calm and connected when feeling challenged…
Be mindful of the connection between what we think – and what we feel influences what we do ….
Make the time to be still
In that stillness acknowledge your strengths and capabilities
Accept your challenges just as they are
Be reminded of your values , your goals
Identify a purpose in all that you do
Think of all of the good things that make you smile
Think of all of the times you practised kindness to
Others and yourself….
Enjoy the breathing in and
Breathing out-
It will all be okay 🙂

The intention of my writing today is to share my insights on finding the time each day – to practise connectedness to your sense of self and core values .When we do this – minor trepidations take leave and we are more able to look at goals and values – with purpose- and objectivity. Finding time to practice connectedness is about taking time to reflect. Dr Bessel and Dan Siegel pioneers of brain science affirm that Reflection , Meditative practice and Thinking – excercise that part of the brain ( which I refer to as the stem in my previous writings) where kindness comes from….. so let us each day find a quiet place to sit and be still and bring in the calm- and let us be mindful that it is this connectedness to our sense of self and the calm within , which would help us surf through the waves ….. small and big.

“Contentment and indeed usefulness comes as the infallible result of great acceptance , great humilities – of not trying to make ourselves this or that, but of surrendering ourselves to the fullness of life – of letting life flow through us.” David Grayman