Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate with Meditation:

“A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks” Charles Gordy

I love the idea that smiling is used as a healing and meditation practice by many ancient cultures.    Taoists believe that holding a smile on your face and directing it inwards towards your organs and inner body, is the key to good health and longevity.

Traditional Balinese healers know that a smile washes away bad energy and recommend smiling meditation as a simple way to calm the mind and bring health to the soul.  The inspirational Thich Nhat Hanh has always encouraged us to smile as part of our daily practice for a more peaceful world, and as an essential ingredient in any  walking meditation.

 Photo by stuck in customs:

How to smile on the inside:

I was first introduced to the Taoist exercise called the “inner smile” about 15 years ago.   I was studying with an awesome qi gong and Taoist instructor who had spent many years living in China.

Each week we were guided to smile on our face, really feel the smiling energy and then imagine ( in our minds eye )  sending the smiling energy into each of our organs.   Slowly and deliberately breathing the smiling energy fully into each organ.  We spent at least 5 minutes allowing each organ to receive the smiling energy before moving onto the next.  It was calming and an easy way to feel relaxed on the inside.  You’d be surprised how tense and tight organs can get.

Now, this might sound super easy, however  some weeks - to my surprise - some organs simply refused to receive a smiling breath.  The stubborn organ ( with attitude ) generally was tight, hard and tense.  It obviously needed relaxing along with a little bit of attention and love.  To achieve success, I would place my hands on the organ (for a stronger connection) continue to breathe and smile into the stubborn body part; until it finally softened and received the well-being benefits of the smiling energy.

I must say this simple little exercise taught me alot about my organs as I became more and more intimate with them as each week passed.  If the organ being stubborn was the kidney then I made sure I drank more water and used the smiling energy to dissolve any trapped fear in my kidneys.  If the organ being stubborn was the liver  I ate clean simple food - giving the liver a rest and focused on using the smiling energy to dissolve any trapped anger in my liver.

A few extra yoga twists were also useful in giving the organs a gentle detox and bringing fresh blood flow.

Smile into your organs and dissolve negative emotions:

In case you don’t know Chinese medicine believes there is a connection between your organs and emotions.    By simply giving your organs mindful attention and filling them with more healthy energy such as smiling and breathing (more oxygen and blood flow), you are in effect shifting emotional garbage trapped in your organs.  I can honestly say it does work.

Following is a simple explanation as to the emotions linked to your main organs.

1: Smile into your liver and dissolve anger:

Smiling into your liver can not only help dissolve anger and resentment but greatly assist with the decision making process.  Allow yourself to forgive, accept and feel kindness.

2: Smile into your kidneys and dissolve fear:

Allow yourself to feel safe and secure.  Breathe into your kidneys, feel them soften as they release fear and stress.

3:  Smile into your lungs and dissolve sadness or depression:

Fill your lungs on the inhale and totally empty them on the exhale.   Allow fresh new air to fill your lungs as you inhale the smiling energy.  Feel them relax and release any feelings of sadness and depression.

4:  Smile into your stomach and dissolve anxiety:

The stomach can often be a place where we hold lots of worry.  Smiling into your stomach can greatly help bring you into the present moment releasing worry and anxiety about the past and future.  Continue breathing the smiling energy into your stomach until it feels totally relaxed.  A relaxed stomach means improved digestion and a calmer you.

5: Smile into your heart and dissolve hate and impatience:

Smiling into your heart can help shift cruelty, hurt, hate and impatience.  Feel your heart fill with joy, kindness and compassion with each breath cycle.

6:  Smile into any body part:

Of course you can enjoy a quick 5 minute smiling break by breathing into any part of your body that is overworked, fatigued or stressed.   Smile into your eyes if they are tired.  Smile into your jaw if you are clenching your teeth.  Smile into your shoulders if they are hunched and tight.  Smile into your feet if they are tired.  A smile encourages you to soften, release and improve energy flow.

Book recommendation on the Inner Smile:

If you really want to improve the health of your organs you can add colour and sound to deepen the practice.  Click here to read more about Mantak Chia’s inner smile practice or buy his book  Taoist Ways to Transform Stress into Vitality: The Inner Smile * Six Healing Sounds.  I have a few of Mantak Chia’s books and I can personally recommend them all.

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or connect on facebook

You are welcome to subscribe to my weekly articles by email - It’s free:

If you felt this article helpful a stumble would be appreciated:

More articles from the Rejuvenation Lounge:

12 great reasons to start alternate nostril breathing:

Dry skin brushing for a simple daily detox:

How to teach our children meditation:

Clever tips for a great nights sleep:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate With Yoga: 

” The yoga mat is a good place to turn when talk therapy and anti-depressants aren’t enough” Amy Weubtraub

Don’t be fooled.  This seemingly insignificant looking yoga pose can teach us all so much about standing on our own two feet and coming back to our centre.  Tadasana or mountain pose as it is known, helps to distribute the weight of our body evenly over our  feet.

It encourages us to stay grounded, improves alignment and supports a better flow of energy throughout the body.   I can hear my yoga teacher now, “Balance ears over shoulders,  shoulders over hips and hips over ankles, tuck your pelvis slightly, roll back your shoulders and lift your chest, just a little”.

Photo of Kori from Touch of Yoga - California

Over the years Mountain pose has taught me lots about my body and how I hold it.   I’ve found it to be naturally grounding, encourages the mind to become calm and focused (great for boosting concentration), opens up the meridians, wakes up the legs, lengthens the waist, spine and neck, nourishes the root chakra, strengthens the abdomen and above all promotes a tall, strong stance.

Mountain pose at a glance:

Believe it or not this pose is quite complex and detailed.  Each year I seem to learn new little adjustments or corrections that I can do to further improve my mountain posture.

However, my intention with this article is to inspire you (hopefully) to take a closer look at your posture more often, so I’ve shared a simple overview of mountain pose.

Practice anytime you want for at least 8 breathes, particularly when you feel the need to come back to your centre.  I find it perfect for when I’m feeling rushed.

1: Ground the four corners of your feet:

Stand with your feet together.  Big toes touching.  Arms by your side.

Spread your toes and feel the four corner points of your feet really sinking into the ground.

1 - The ball of the big toe

2 - Ball of the little toe

3 - Left side of the heel

4 - Right side of the heel

I remember when I first practiced this simple action I discovered that I was often leaning forward with more of my weight slightly towards my toes.   A sure sign that my head was in front of my shoulders and my mind was racing at a hundred miles an hour.

2: Lengthen your waist, spine and neck:

Next, stand tall by subtly lengthening your waist, then spine and neck.  I use a few rounds of belly breathing to help create some more space in my body.

Roll shoulders back and allow your chest to naturally lift and open up.

Keep neck, shoulders and jaw relaxed.  Soften your throat.

3:  Balance your ears over your feet:

Feel the weight of your body evenly distributed over your feet.  You can sway around a little until your find your natural centre or exagerate and notice what it feels like to have more weight towards your heels, toes or favouring either side of any foot.

Balance ears over shoulders,  shoulders over hips and hips over ankles.

To complete this posture simply activate the energy in your arms by stretching your fingers.

4:  Watch out for these common mistakes:

Leaning too far forward with your head.

Shoulders hunched or tight.

Knees jammed.  Keep them soft.

Stomach extending too far, spilling out energy.  Place one hand on your lower back and one hand on your abdomen to help tilt pelvis slightly forward.  I’m prone to a sway back so this is one minor adjustment I continually have to correct.

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge

You are welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free: 

More articles from the Rejuvenation Lounge:

How to breathe better:

A typical day at my Balinese Retreat:

Live more in the moment with the 3 arrivals:

12 great reasons to start alternate nostril breathing:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate Your Home:

“Remember tomorrow, recycle today”

Creating a chemical and toxin free home environment is very important to me.   Each year I look at new ways I can improve the quality of air in my home and reduce my families exposure to hidden chemicals and toxins.  After 15 years, its still a work in progress but the small steps I take each year means my environment is getting greener and healthier for my family.

 Photo by elana’s pantry:

Eliminate all things plastic from your kitchen:

My big focus last year was to eliminate as much plastic from my home as possible with particular care given to the kitchen.  I’m pleased to report after 12 months, plastic chopping board gone, bamboo chopping board in.   Plastic storage containers gone, glass storage containers in.  Plastic cooking utensils gone, stainless steel and bamboo in.  Plastic kettle gone, stainless steel kettle in. Plastic mixing bowls gone, stainless mixing bowls in.  Plastic coat hangers gone, wooden coat hangers in.  Plastic pegs gone, wooden pegs in.  And so my list goes on.

Kinder cleaning products:

This year my focus is to go even greener with my cleaning products.  Homemade if I can.  Haven’t got time for complicated recipes or hard to find ingredients so I’m looking for easy and inexpensive.   For years now I’ve been using my favourite all purpose bench spray (recipe shared below) but thought it was about time I extend my range.  So, I borrowed a few green lifestyle books from the library, both of which I can highly recommend:

Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life by Sophie Uliano:

Easy Green Living: The Ultimate Guide to Simple, Eco-Friendly Choices by Renee Loux

In fact Sophie Uliano has a wonderful you tube station and shares 5 simple uses for common inexpensive household products.  There’s topics like 5 simple uses for white vinegar, and one of my absolute favourite 5 excellent uses for aloe vera juice.

5 Kind Green Cleaning Recipes:

Here’s five clean green cleaning recipes that I have already started using this year (with the exception of the all purpose spray).  Of course I hope to add more as the year progresses - small steps at a time.

I hope these very simple recipes inspire you to make at least one little green change to your cleaning habits this year.

1:   Wash your toothbrush with white vinegar:

Toothbrushes can easily breed germs particularly when they are never really dry out totally.  Soak your toothbrush at least once a week in straight distilled white vinegar.  Vinegar of course kills most moulds, germs and bacteria.  I soak my for the whole day.

If possible put your toothbrush outside regularly in the sun to completely dry out.  The sun also helps to kill bacteria.

You can also clean your toothbrushes by adding a few drops of grape seed extract to half a cup of water.  Leave for at least 30 minutes.

2:   Clean your fruit and vegetables with grape seed extract:

Water alone will not wash off all pesticides, chemicals and whatever else your fruit and veg may have been exposed too.

Grape seed extract is ideal solution that has many benefits.  It is known to fight many virus, eliminate parasites, and remove pesticides and bacteria.

Wash your fruit and vegetables in the sink add a few drops of grape seed extract along with a splash of vinegar and give everything a good wash.

3:  All purpose spray:

Fill a water spray bottle with half water and half vinegar.

Add 4 or 5 drops of lemon and eucalyptus essential oil.

Lemon and eucalyptus essential oils are naturally antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal. It leaves the walls, benches, floors and surfaces smelling great.  And, vinegar of course is great for zapping germs and bacteria.

4: Remove smells from carpet:

Baking soda/bi-carb soda is a fabulous all purpose, non toxic cleaner.  It can remove stains, used as a mild scourer for pots and sinks, a deodorizer for the fridge, down drains and on the carpet.

I simply sprinkle baking soda on the area of carpet that smells and leave for at least 15 minutes before vacuuming up.  I recently used baking soda to rid the carpet of vomit smell and it worked immediately.   I was impressed.

5: Soda fizz toilet scrub:

As I have 3 boys having a clean but more importantly nice smelling toilet is always a challenge.  I simply refuse to buy commercial toilet cleaning products as their fumes literally make me feel ill.

The following recipe I discovered in Renee Loux’s book  Easy Green Living.  Enjoy.

1 tablespoon of castile liquid soap

1/3 cup baking soda

1/3 cup distilled white vinegar

8 drops of essentials oils (lavender or rosemary)

Squirt the soap into the bowl, dowse with baking soda, then pour in the vinegar and essentials oils.  Let it fizz and sizzle for 3 minutes, then scrub and flush.

In Australia I currently buy Melrose castile liquid soap, 15 years prior I was buying Dr. Bonners which is sold world wide.  Both are excellent, Melrose is just a little cheaper for me and also made locally.

For a quick toilet fix, pour one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl and leave for 15 minutes before flushing. Vinegar is a great deodorizer. Smells are instantly gone.

The only bought air freshner I have used for toilets is Orange Power.  Not sure if it is sold elsewhere in the world but its certainly sold in all supermarkets here in Australia.

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or find us over at facebook:

You are welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free: 

More articles from the Rejuvenation Lounge:

Detox your kitchen bench: 6 simple things you can do now:

Happiness is going a little bit greener everyday:

Power at your finger tips with hand yoga:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate With Water: 

“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water”  Loran Eisley 1957

Seriously, regular cold showers are incredibly beneficial and incredibly healing.  They can improve circulation, help boost white cell activity, dissolve tension, bring more blood flow to your organs, help your body detox, balance hormones,  revitalize chakra’s and cleanse the auric field. 

Photo by ankor2

I know from my own personal experience (a 3 month experiment with cold shower therapy) my thoughts are a lot more positive, things that would normally bother me just bounce off, energy levels are stronger and I feel lighter and clearer.  Its a very noticeable difference, not just subtle.  

They say having a cold shower after you come home is one of the most beneficial times, as it helps ‘flick off” any negativity that you may have been exposed to during the day.  

Cold showers simply work as a rejuvenation tool and I’m sure you’ll notice a difference after a few days, if not immediately.

12 essential reasons to have cold showers:

1: Mood booster:

It gives you an instant rush, leaving you feel awake and alive.  Cold water releases natural endorphins into your blood stream and brain. It shifts your mood. There are many scientists who even believe cold showers can help alleviate symptoms of depression.

2:  Releases stress and tension:

Tension is generally blocked energy and a cold shower helps move and shift that blocked energy.  Better energy flow equals a more relaxed and less stressed you.

3: Improves circulation:

Cold water stimulates blood flow to the core of your body bringing better blood flow to your organs and glands.  Improved blood flow equals more oxygen and a healthier you.

4:  Flushes out toxins:

The cold water contracts your muscles to encourage the flushing out of toxins.  With improved circulation the removal of toxins and pathogens is far more efficient.

5:  Clears negativity from your aura:

When your aura is strong it acts as a protective shield.  When fragile or damaged it can leave you drained and depleted.  Cold showers are excellent for cleansing, uplifting and strengthening the energy field around your body.

6:  Cleanses your chakra’s:

Cold water is known to spin your chakras.  Its such a simple way to cleanse and revitalize them.  Make sure the cold water reaches all chakra’s, in particular the throat chakra which can often get missed if your neck is not fully open and extended.

7: Strengthens your immune system:

Improved circulation, more efficient removal of toxins and better oxygen flow throughout your body all support a healthier immune system.

8:  Speeds up the healing process:

For all the above reasons your body is working more effectively in healing and repairing itself from illness.

9:  Restores your energy levels:

Each cold shower boost the flow of energy throughout your body, releasing fatigue and lethargy.  You are left feeling refreshed and uplifted.

10:  Brings you fully into your body and fully into the present moment:

Without a doubt having a cold shower brings you 100% into the present moment.  It is very difficult for the mind to wonder if you are in the middle of a 1 minute cold shower.  You are totally focused on your body in the here and now.  Try and worry about something else when you are having a cold shower. It’s kind of impossible.

11: Cheap and environmentally friendly:

Cold showers are a very green thing to do.  It costs virtually nothing plus you are saving energy by not using hot water.  I personally only have a 3 minute cold shower due to our current water restrictions.

12:  Clears negative thinking:

Our cells contain water, and water holds memory of our thoughts, beliefs and lifestyle.  Regular cold showers help clear those cells of negative thinking supporting a more positive way of being.

Cold shower guidelines:

I’ve gathered notes and fliers over the years from many different naturopaths and holistic healers.  Here’s a collection of facts and variations that I hope you find as helpful as I did.

Have one when you get home from work:

As I mentioned before, I feel this is one of the most beneficial times to have a cold shower.  Helps clear negativity from your energy which you may have been exposed to during the day.

Essential times to have a cold shower:

Many practitioners recommend 2 or more cold showers a day.  This is particularly essential if you are working on shifting a physical or emotional problem.  The majority recommend at least 3 a day. First thing in the morning, when you get home from work and before you go to bed.

Start cold, warm, then finish cold:

The most common approach is to alternate.  Start with a cold shower, washing yourself  normally with warm water and then finish with cold water.  If you can’t start with a cold shower (not just yet anyway) at the very least finish with a cold shower.

Avoid when menstruating:

It’s quite a common recommendation to only have warm showers during your moon day cycles.

Start with 15 - 30 seconds:

Start small and gradually work up to 1 or 2 minutes.

Begin with your feet then move to your knees and legs.  Gradually introduce the cold water to all parts of your body.  Some practitioners  say its not absolutely necessary to get your head wet, just your face and back of neck (an important energy location)

Be sensible:

Little and often is far more effective than eight minutes at once.  Be mindful if you are feeling weak, listen to your body and start with small steps.

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or find us over at facebook:

You are welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free: 

More articles from the Rejuvenation Lounge:

Power at your finger tips with hand yoga:

6 special bath recipes for sleep, healing and relaxation:

Balance your nervous system with a daily self massage:

Simple daily detox rituals:

Hand yoga to prevent exhaustion:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate With Words: 

Sometimes all we need are a few little sentences that encourage us first thing in the morning to set a more positive tone for our day ahead.  Meaningful words that when read or written down can adjust our thinking, or shift our focus (if needed).

Five simple sentences that can help lift stress, dissolve anger, worry or negative thinking.  Five refreshing sentences that when read or meditated on, can bring us closer to a more connected and inspiring way of life.

Photo by Lumiere

Dr. Mika Usui ( 1865 - 1926 ) is the founder of Reiki and creator of the principles.    Whilst there are a few variations of these ancient principles out in the world, I personally don’t think it matters which one you use.  The important thing is to feel, and know in your heart, which set of 5 principles you feel most connected too.   Your intuition or gut feelings will certainly let you know.

Below are the 5 reiki principles that I have chosen to share with you today.  Read them gently and slowly.   Enjoy.

1:  Just for today, I will not be angry

2:  Just for today, I will not worry

3:  Just for today, I will be grateful

4:  Just for today, I will do my work honestly

5:  Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing:

Of course you can create your own five principles.  In fact why not.

For example, if you are not keen on using the word anger you may change it to:  “Just for today I will feel peaceful”   or if you are not keen on using the word worry simply change to:   “Just for today I will trust totally”.  

The whole idea is to uplift your thinking and overall  sense of well-being -  just for today - with 5 simple sentences, that mean something to you.  If you have another 5 principles that you live by please share them.  I’d love to hear what they are.

The Five Reiki Principles by Dr. Mikao Usui

1 -  Just for today, I will not be angry.

Anger at others or oneself or at the whole world, creates serious blockages in one’s energy.  It is the most complex inner enemy.  Reiki is an excellent tool to remove anger blockages  which have accumulated in the body.  Letting go of anger brings peace into the mind.

2 - Just for today, I will not worry.

Endless worries may fill one’s head, and each one bores a small hole in one’s body and soul.   Letting go of worry, brings healing to the body.

3 - Just for today, I will be grateful.

Be grateful from your heart.  Inner intention is the important element of this principle.  Simple things as thanks, forgiveness, smile, good words, gratitude can improve others life and make them happy.   Being thankful brings joy into the spirit.

4 - Just for today, I will do my work honestly:

Support yourself and your family respectably, without harming others.

5 - Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.

Honor your parents, honor your teachers, honor your elders.   Being kind brings love into the the world.

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or find us over at facebook:

You are welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free: 

More articles from the Rejuvenation Lounge:

10 inspiring Confucius quotes

A valuable tool for a worried mind:

Hand yoga to prevent exhaustion:

12 instant benefits of humming daily:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate Your Soul: 

“Inspiration is my favourite feeling”

I thought it’s about time I share with you a little more about myself and what I do outside of writing this blog.   In case you don’ know, I also facilitate  Rest and Rejuvenation retreats in Ubud, Bali and I must say they are my absolute joy and passion.  Along with my blog and children of course.

As I’ve been receiving lots of enquiries lately for this years Balinese Retreat  (yeah!),  I felt it perfect timing to give you a sneak peak into what you can expect on any given day which includes daily massages (yes daily massages), meditation, yogic breathing, hand mudra’s, relaxation yoga, mantra’s and lots more relaxation practices.  I’ve also added a little extra on how I prepare myself for each retreat.

 Photo by Ben Bieske:

 A few months prior to each retreat  I think of nothing else except -  How can I create an even more restful, and even more nurturing experience for all participants?  I prepare my energies, meditate on the retreat, journal about the retreat and generally open myself up so I can deliver exactly what is needed for all women.  My whole body, mind and soul is focused on creating a memorable retreat that leaves everyone with all the good feelings and energy levels they deserve.

A typical day:

Imagine, just for a moment you are booked for my next Rest and Rejuvenation Retreat.  For 5 days and 6 nights you simply put yourself first - 24 hours a day.  You’ll experience a continuous flow of nurturing to improve your energy levels, quieten your mind and strengthen your immune system.  Your five senses will be awakened and deeply nourished.

Your mantra for the Balinese Rest and Rejuvenation Retreat is “Its all about me”.

Mornings:

In the mornings I facilitate the rest and rejuvenation classes and draw on both knowledge and intuition.  You’ll be treated to a series of restful practices, breathing techniques, different meditation styles and gentle body movements in the marble meditation/yoga room at our retreat venue.  A chair, yoga mat, yoga eye pillows and cushions are all used to insure each practice is deeply restful.

Middle of the day:

Most lunch times and early afternoons (with a few exceptions) are free time to do whatever you choose.  Most participants either, shop, sleep, read, go on an adventure or take a swim in the pool.  This time has been created to enjoy some alone time, if that is what is needed.

Afternoons:

Each afternoon we meet at 3.00 o’clock in the foyer of our retreat venue.  It’s time for pampering and extra special nurturing  with specialized hand selected massages and body treatments.  You’ll be driven to a different spa each day.  Each location has been carefully chosen to offer you, what I believe to be the most beneficial treatments to encourage rejuvenation, improve energy flow throughout the body, calm the mind and release blockages.

Early evening  Yoga Nidra:

I finish each day back in our marbled meditation/yoga room with one of the deepest forms of rest you can experience - yoga nidra.  In fact they say 30 minutes of yoga nidra is similar to 3 - 4 hours quality sleep.  This will allow your body and mind to integrate the energy practices and treatments for the day and to prepare you for a great nights sleep.

 Photo by Lululemon:

Evenings free:

Most evenings are free except for the first and last nights which are the welcome and closing dinners.

Relaxation, meditation & gentle moving practices:

The morning rejuvenation circles are specifically designed to quieten your mind, soothe your nervous system, release tension, improve the quality of your breathing, relax your body, open up your meridians, balance your chakra’s, connect you more clearer to your intuition and repair your auric field.

My morning rejuvenation sessions are drawn from both knowledge and intuition, so the morning practices will vary from group to group.  Following are just a few of the practices that your body, mind and soul will be enjoying.

Breathing exercises:

Improve the quality of your breath with practices such as alternate nostril breathing,  full belly and yogic breathing.  Quality breathing greatly helps to detox your body, oxygenate your organs, release stress from your muscles, change your posture and calm your nervous system.

Sound medicine:

Chanting or repeating certain chakra sounds is fabulous to clear energy blocks and release tension from the body.  “Om” is a very healing sound that when chanted (particularly in a group) is amazingly nourishing.

* 12 instant benefits of humming daily:

Gentle body stretching:

We practice a few very gentle and calming yoga relaxation exercises to calm your adrenals, soften your thoughts and allow the body to let go and rest.  Exercises include legs up wall, child pose, supta baddha konasana  and chair yoga.  All are simple postures that are extremely beneficial to rest in.

Meditation:

There are many different styles of  meditation that I may use during the morning relaxation practices.  Humming meditation, walking meditation, crystal meditation, guided meditation, chakra meditation or relaxation meditation

* Teach yourself walking meditation:

Hand Mudras (Hand yoga):

Simply by holding your hands and the tips of your fingers in certain positions you create a circuit, that directs a flow  of energy to specific parts of your body and brain.  Hand mudra’s are used often to enhance a particular relaxation or meditation practices.

* Power at your finger tips with hand yoga.

Releasing ceremony:

I create a special crystal healing circle where each retreat participant is invited to lie down in the centre (one at a time) and release deep pockets of stuck energy and tension.  This is considered by many of the participants to be one of the highlights.

As additional support I may use  Australian bush flower essences, crystals, essential oils, along with individual reiki and angel oracle cards. I also dowse your aura and chakra’s for any imbalances.

Daily massage and specialized Ayurvedic treatments:

Much thought and care goes into hand selecting the very best body treatments in and around Ubud.  And not everyone will get the same massages at the same time.  There will be variations depending on your individual needs.

Tumeric body scrubs, papaya body wraps, sea salt scrub, sea weed body scrub, ayurvedic crown massage, chakra dhara, shirodara, mandi lulur and flower baths, just to name a few.  All you need to remember as a retreat participant is that you get a massage or body treatment every day.

One Auruvedic body treatment worth giving a special mention to is Chakra Dhara.  It is a new addition to our Rest and Rejuvenation retreats.  Warm herb oil is dripped onto each of your chakra points. It is an ancient oil ritual to balance energy flow, and purify the mind, body and spirit.  It removes toxins promotes circulation, increases flexibility and relieves pain and stiffness.

Hope this article helps shine a little insight into my retreats and what else happens in my life, other than writing the Rejuvenation Lounge.

To find out more about my Balinese Retreats please click here.

To find out more about my Queensland (Australian) Retreats please click here.

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge 

You are welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free: 

If you felt this article was helpful a stumble would be appreciated.

More articles from the Rejuvenation Lounge:

Hand yoga to prevent exhaustion:

12 instant benefits of humming daily:

Shake off your afternoon slump

How to get your “Om” on

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate With Words:

Journal writing can cleverly bring clarity to a confusing or overly emotional situation.   It can spring clean the corners of your mind making way for new fresh thoughts.  A good dose of journal therapy is like a great friend that supports you all the way, and never judges.  Hooray for journal writing.

Journaling is the perfect partner when you need to connect more intimately with your true self.   A little alone time with your journal can often reveal exactly whats needed.   Whose knows,  journal therapy may be just the sort of  medicine you need right now.  I know it certainly is for me.

 Photo by pigstubs

Journal writing can be whatever you want it to be.  It can be short or long. For daily reflection, to record specific memories (new baby) to release stress, to find out what you really think, to vent, and vent, and vent, focus on an area of life that needs your attention, gain clarity, fine tune your goals, explore your emotions or ask for divine guidance.

It is for all these reasons I personally find journaling quite revealing and incredibly satisfying.  Your spelling can be bad, writing messy, page filled with swear words (if you feel that way inclined) - either way it’s the one place where you can be the least inhibited, totally open and explore what you feel needs to be explored.

For the past decade journal writing has cleverly known exactly when to re-appear back in my life.   It has recently shown up (yet again) and will stay for as long as it needs too;  a few weeks, a month or even longer.  For this I am truly grateful, as great insights always follow.

Journal to reveal:

At the moment I’m asking my journal one question each morning “What is it I need to know today?”  Sometimes the answers are short and sweet such as spend more time with your boys, drink more water, clear more clutter or go for a walk in nature.   Three minutes and its all done.

Other times it is lengthy as the words on my page do their best to bring depth and insight into an area of my life that needs attention.  These type of journal sessions usually take at least twenty minutes or longer.  I do my best to stop my thinking (getting in the way), and simply let my pen write, and write and write.

My hand seems to know when to stop.  I’m impressed.  What I read back is a revealing intimate conversation with the deepest part of me and of course a higher guidance.  I can’t help but discover more about myself.

As Stephanie Dowrick shares in her book Creative Journal Writing: The Art and Heart of Reflection  “It is virtually impossible to write a journal and not discover more about yourself”

A journal prompt especially for you:

If the above question doesn’t appeal to you then you may be drawn towards starting your journal writing session with a different prompt.  I listed a few below which I have gathered over the years from a collection of books and writers.

I feel most in tune with life and myself when ……………..

The reason I feel rushed is …………..

I don’t want to write about …………

Why I want to journal ……….

I remember ……………..

What can I do about ……………

What should I concentrate on in the coming years ………………..

Why am I confused ……………………..

My attitude to money comes from …………………

If you are already a journal lover please share your unique connection with journaling.   You might be a follower of Julia Cameron’s morning pages I’d love to hear your insight and stories.  You can email me direct (healthylivinglounge (@) gmail.com )or post a message on my blog in the responses link at the end of the post.  Please note if you have received this article by email you will need to zip over the my blog to be able to see the responses link.

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or become a fan of Rejuvenation Lounge on facebook 

You are welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free: 

If you felt this article was helpful I would very much appreciate a  stumble

More articles from the Rejuvenation Lounge:

Live more in the moment with the 3 arrivals:

Let go of your emotional clutter

12 great ways to strengthen your aura:

How to get your “Om” on

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate With Yoga:

Your body, along with any stiff or sore muscle bits are going to really appreciate the following chair yoga postures.    Release tension from your spine (due to lack of movement or awkward sitting), increase your muscle tone and flexibility, let go of tightness in your lower back, lengthen those hamstrings, strengthen your glutes or give your organs a gentle detox with a twist.  All can be achieved by practising yoga from the comfort of your very own office chair.  How easy and awesome does that sound.

 Photo courtesay of Fila:

In fact, don’t limit your office chair yoga practice to work.   Try these yoga exercises when flying, on a train, in a bus, if you have limited movement,  if you are feeling low in energy (the restorative pose #8  is the one for you then), whilst watching TV,  pregnant,  sitting at someones bedside for long periods or even in a waiting room.  Gosh, I guess you could even do them on your bed.  There are endless situations to take advantage of and benefit from chair yoga exercises.

8 of the best chair yoga exercises:

The following office yoga postures along with explanations have been written by celebrity Yoga guru and now Fila Yoga Ambassador, Kristin McGee.   Kristin is pictured in all the demonstration images below.

My favourite is the “twist”.  Its not until I actually do this pose (after sitting for hours in front of a computer) that I realize just how stiff  my back has actually become.

Enjoy, let me know which one is your favourite and remember to breathe mindfully as you go.   A few rounds of alternate nostril breathing before you start would certainly be very beneficial.

1 - Eagle Arms (And legs)

Sit erect and place arms in front of you at a 90 degree angle.  Cross your arms so that the right arm is above the left.  Interlock your arms and press your palms together with the tips of your fingers pointed upwards.  Feel yourself contracting.  This pose strengthens triceps, shoulders, and back muscles.  It’s a good preventative measure against carpal tunnel syndrome.  For your legs, simply cross your legs and interlock them with one foot behind the other.

2 - Lotus Preparation

Lotus is the traditional seat for meditation.  You can just sit comfortably in your desk chair, with your neck and spine straight and erect, to begin to calm your brain.  Place your hands palms up, with the thumbs and first fingers touching.  If practical in the office setting, practice crossing your legs to build up the Lotus position.  This will helps free your spine from the stress of sitting at your desk all day.   Traditional Sanskrit texts say that “Padmasana”, Or Lotus destroys all disease.  Note:  Lotus is a two-sided pose, so be sure to practice both leg crosses.

3 - Mountain Pose

Sit erect, clasp your hands, and extend your arms forward.  Turn the palms away from you and raise your arms until the palms face the ceiling.  Stretch and feel yourself growing taller as you reduce the stress in your head, neck and shoulders.  This posture lengthens your sides.  If you want, add to this posture by bending your arms to each side.

4 - Twist

Place your palms on the arm of your chair and turn your chest and abdomen to the right, moving your left shoulder forward and your right shoulder back.  Expand your chest fully and feel yourself detoxifying.  Twists are great for the spine, your abdominals,  and the obliques.  Repeat on the other side.

 5 - Lunge

Put your hands on your chair, take your left foot back, and sink into a low lunge.  This is a great stretch for the hamstrings and it also strengthens the glutes and the psoas muscle group.  Repeat on the other side.

6 - Thread the Needle

Sit in your chair and cross your right leg over your left knee.  Flex both feet and lift them off the floor.   “Thread the needle” by clasping your hands around your left leg, just under your knee.  This posture stretches hip rotators, outer thighs, and relieves tension in the lower back.  Be sure to reverse sides.

7 - Scale Pose

Place your palms on the arms of your chair and cross your legs at your ankles.  Exhale, contract your abdominal muscles, and lift your buttocks and legs away from the floor.  Hold yourself suspended for five to eight full breaths.  Lower yourself, change the cross of your legs, and repeat the motion.  If you can’t lift yourself, change the cross of your legs, and repeat the motion.  If you can’t lift yourself, start with your buttocks and add the feet as you build strength.  This posture strengthens your arms and lower abs.

8 - Restorative Poses

Before returning to work, give yourself a few minutes to relax.  After all, in yoga, for every action, there is a reaction.   This relaxing pose is so simple, but is very effective in reducing stress in your facial muscles and helping to prevent fatigue.   Simple cross your arms and place them on the surface in front of you.  Then rest your head on your crossed arms.

 All photo’s are courtesy of fila.

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge

You are welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free: 

If you felt this article was helpful a stumble would be appreciated.

More articles from the Rejuvenation Lounge:

12 instant benefits of humming daily:

A written guide to yoga nidra:

Shake off your afternoon slump

How to get your “Om” on

24 ways to give your body more attention:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate Your Home:

There is nothing helpful nor healthy about clutter.  Clutter is restrictive and heavy.  It is well known for effecting one or many areas of your life - day in day out.

The burden of clutter becomes screamingly obvious when you physically sell, give away or throw it out.  You then realize just how emotionally or physically draining and life interfering all your clutter has been.

 Photo by bonbongirl:

The flip side of course - clearing clutter is one of the greatest ways to boost your energy, get yourself out of a rut, feel lighter, improve your health, remove obstacles and create space for the new to arrive.  Clearing clutter is a proven therapy for creating change in your life.  Now is always the perfect time for a focused clutter busting session.

Simplify your living space and feel the difference:

To help reveal the many sneaky disguises of clutter I have shared with you 10 common forms of emotional clutter that may be lurking unknowingly in your home.  Some will speak loudly to you whilst others will not.  Some will be a total surprise and others will just act as a reminder.  Either way they are intended to give you an extra nudge in supporting you release stuck, thick heavy energy lingering unhelpfully in your home or office.

Start simply with one kitchen draw or your hallway cupboard.  If you find clearing clutter a burden then make it a game,  pretend you are about to move overseas (I use this method often), simply repeat a mantra  “I am happy to let go of my clutter sooner, rather than later”  to find your momentum or gather more inspiration by clicking here.

Remember clutter is anything unwanted, unloved, broken, unused, doesn’t work, expired or doesn’t fit.  It is both healthy and helpful to regularly simplify your work and living space by clearing clutter.

The 10 many types of emotional clutter:

1. Emotional guilt clutter:
Presents and gifts hiding around your house that are not lot loved nor used can be classified as clutter.   You simply feel obliged to keep them.  If you threw them out you would feel guilty.

Shift your thinking to “conscious sharing” or “re-gifting”.   Start this year by “re-giving” your unwanted, unloved  gifts to those who really would value and appreciate them and release the emotional guilt energy from your home once and for all.

2. Fear of  “lack” clutter:
You keep all kinds of stuff just in case.  Just in case you might need it some day,  just in case you couldn’t afford to buy another one in the future, just in case you might read it some time soon, just in case you lose weight or just in case for no particular reason. The fact that you haven’t used it in 2, 3 or 5 years generally means its once useful purpose has expired.

To create flow in your life things must be constantly be coming in and going out.   You must let go when no longer needed and receive when necessary.  Once you block stuff going out of your life ( by holding onto your clutter with scarcity and fear of lack)  you stop the flow of abundance.

3. Unhappy relationship clutter:
Keeping stuff from past unhappy relationships keeps a part of you tied to that relationship and tied to the past.

There is absolutely nothing healthy or advantageous from hanging onto memorabilia or gifts from a past unhappy relationship.  Be strong, be honest and ask yourself, what is the benefit for holding onto these things.

If in doubt as to your attachment and the draining effect then try the “energy up, energy down” exercise.

4. Depression clutter:
People with depression tend to have a lot of things stored on the floor. Stuff on the ground pulls your energies down and encourages you to withdraw from the world emotionally.

If your floor surfaces are covered with lots of stuff make an effort each day to start moving things up from off the floor. I guarantee it won’t be long until you start noticing a difference in your moods and how your home feels.

5. Addiction clutter:
Compulsive buying for the sake of it and addicted to sales and bargains without any thought simply adds to the congestion and confusion already filling your home and life.

Take an honest look at your stuff and see if you have any addiction clutter floating around.  Better still never go shopping without a list, consciously choose what you intend to bring into your home and for every new item purchased throw out at least two.  Keep the energy flowing.

6. Need to impress clutter:
You feel your sense of self worth is reflected by the appearance (or value) of the stuff in your living space. You generally don’t like many of your possessions but have them because they are the latest trend, most impressive or even most expensive.

Filling your home stuff to impress your ego or others, simply means you are out of alignment with your life and the energy in your home.  This can be as obvious as a bookcase full of books that you never look at or even care about.  It simply gives the impression you are well read and knowledgeable.

7. Unhappiness clutter:
Buying stuff to make you feel happy again is a quick fix solution. It does not bring deep long lasting satisfaction to your life and the item you bought only brings happiness momentarily. Unhappiness clutter can then turn into guilt clutter when you realize a few days later you don’t really need it and feel guilty for buying it.

8. Emotional hiding behind your clutter:
Overfilling your rooms, cupboards and home with stuff is often used to hide from the outside world or your true self.   It keeps the attention away from you and focused more on the hundreds of nick knacks you have everywhere.

9. Denial clutter:
If you are scared of change then you will have denial clutter.  You have a sense that your world may fall apart if you start removing serious amounts of clutter from your home.  You may be consistent in throwing out surface clutter but when it comes to a serious clutter busting session to invite wonderful change you consistently tell yourself this item or that possession is not clutter.

Do you really need all those plates and salad bowls in your kitchen or clothes in your wardrobe?

10. Other peoples  clutter:
When you look after stuff for other people get clear with how long you are minding it for.  Short term is generally fine as you are being helpful.  If however their stuff turns into annoyance or frustration then your act of kindness has evolved into energy draining clutter that’s not even yours.  Your friends or family need to find other arrangements or put it in storage.

More articles I’ve shared before on clutter:

 * Six simple things you can do when you can’t shift your clutter:

* 6 excellent reasons to uncomplicate your life:

* 4 fun clutter busting games:

* The energy up, energy down exercise:

* Detox your home and feel brand new:

 *Please note for those of you who have been long time readers of the Rejuvenation Lounge this article was originally written over 2 years ago.  It has been revised, revamped and updated.  I felt it very timely to share with you at the beginning of a New Year.

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or connect with me on facebook or twitter 

You are welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free: 

If you felt this article was helpful a stumble would be appreciated.

More articles from the Rejuvenation Lounge:

11 rules for being human:

Attract more positive energy today:

Relax and unwind with a yoga eye pillow:

How to get your “Om” on

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate With Relaxation:

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”  Lao Tzu

The 3 arrivals is a fabulous well-being practice that encourages your mind, body and breath to arrive - into the present moment with awareness and calm.  Its origins are Buddhist, and takes no more than 5 minutes of your time to bring you into the here and now.   Your breath, mind and body are all invited to be at the same place, at the same time.  A very healthy relaxed  place from which to live.

 Photo by  Justin Adam’s:

I have personally found the 3 arrivals  a real life saver over the past few weeks as I have spent many long hours in emergency rooms and hospitals with my youngest son.   So whilst the 3 arrivals  is essentially recommended as an ideal practice prior to meditation, you can easily benefit from this wonderful  restful / mindfulness exercise anywhere, anytime.  Before you get out of bed, before you turn the computer on, in the shower, waiting in a queue, at traffic lights,  before you eat a meal or when you are about to start a new task.  In fact, I truly believe that the more you practice the 3 arrivals the more you will want to do it.

7 weeks to finding the Buddha in you:

The 3 arrivals is sourced from a wonderful book I am currently reading called Everyday Dharma: Seven Weeks to Finding the Buddha in You by Lama Willa Miller.   I love, love, love this book.   Each day Lama Willa shares simple insight or thoughtful exercises to encourage you to live your life with more awareness.  You certainly do not need to be a Buddhist to benefit from this book.

Meditation on the 3 arrivals:

Time taken 5 minutes:

Step one:  Arrive with your body:

Step two: Arrive with your breath:

Step three: Arrive with your mind:

1: Firstly, arrive with your body. 

Give your body permission to unwind and chill out.  Get into a comfortable position, then exhale (as loud as you like) with a sigh or ahh!   Let it all go.  Use the exhale to release physical tension and stress.

As Lama Willa Miller shares this is like a mini holiday for your mind and body. 

2. Arrive with your breath.

Notice your breath.   Feel the rhythm of your breath.   Let your breath breathe you.  Simply allow it come and go naturally.  Allow your breath to arrive into this moment.

3.  Arrive with your mind.

Stop getting involved in your thoughts. Stop planning and worrying.  Do not think about the past or be concerned about the future.  Give yourself permission to just be.  If you do nothing the mind arrives.

As Lama Willa Miller says “Thoughts are like fish-bait.  If you stop biting at the bait, you will not get hooked.  If you leave thoughts alone they will not harm you”.

You can find Lama Willa Miller on twitter and learn more about her book by clicking here.

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or connect with me on facebook

You are welcome to subscribe to my weekly articles by email - It’s free:

More articles from the Rejuvenation Lounge:

Power at your finger tips with hand yoga:

How to teach your children meditation:

12 great reasons to start alternate nostril breathing:

from the Yoga Studio in Secunderabad (Hyderabad, India).

Rejuvenate Your Mind: 

“Time is non refundable.  Spend it wisely”

Yoga Nidra means, “sleep with awareness.”   It is an effective way of achieving relaxation physically, mentally, and emotionally.   In fact, a single hour of Yoga Nidra is equivalent to many hours of quality sleep and is much more resorative and rejuvenating.

Modern medical science accepts that a calm mind can act as a healing force for many conditions. These conditions include heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, digestive problems of all kinds, arthritis, acute cough and cold ailments, as well as other chronic degenerative conditions.

 Photo by Tarnalberry

How to prepare yourself for Yoga nidra:

Gently lie down on your back in Shavasana posture (as above), legs apart, arms a little away from the body, with palms up. If you want to cover yourself with a cotton sheet, you may.   Close the eyes gently, while adjusting your body.

There should be no movement during Yoga Nidra. Try to listen to your heartbeats…   Be witness to all the sounds of the surrounding nature…Watch the incoming and outgoing breath for some time consciously… As you breathe in, the abdomen is rising, and as you breathe out, the abdomen is falling… Feel great comfort, ease, and relaxation…

Set your intention:

Before beginning the practice of Yoga Nidra, make a short resolve.  It is an important stage in Yoga Nidra. Resolve is a determination to become something, or to do something, in your life. Everyone has desires and ambitions.   For example, you may like to give up any of your habits, or you want to practice something new to better yourself.    You may resolve that you will remain healthy all your life or that you’ll follow the path of Yoga from now and onwards.  Whatever resolve you make, repeat it three times to yourself, thinking that God is witnessing you.

Next, move your awareness through your body:

• Face.  Be aware of the top of the head…   the forehead…   both sides of the forehead…   the right eyebrow…   the left eyebrow… the space between the eyebrows…  the right eyelid…   the left eyelid…   right eyeball… left eyeball… right ear… left ear… right cheek… left cheek…the nose… upper lip… lower lip… and the chin…

• Right side Visualize the right hand thumb… index finger…middle finger… ring finger… little finger… feel the tips of the fingers… Be aware of your right palm… wrist… forearm… the right elbow… upper arm… the shoulder… the right chest… right side of the stomach… the thigh of the right leg… its knee…the calf muscles… the ankle… the heel… the sole… the right big toe… the second toe…the third toe… the fourth toe… the fifth toe… the whole right foot.

• Left side Now take your consciousness to the left side. Repeat as you did above with the right side.

• Back.  Your body is touching the floor… be aware of the points of contact between the body and the floor… Relax your heels… calf muscles… back of the knee… thighs… hips… lower back… upper back… right shoulder… left shoulder… shoulder blades… back of palms… back of the arms… the neck… and the back of the head…

Now move your awareness to your major body parts:

Bring your awareness on the main parts of the body… full right foot… left foot… feel both feet together… the right leg… the left leg… both legs together… full right hand… full left hand… feel both hands together… the right arm… the left arm… both arms together… your full back and spine…complete abdomen… chest… and the whole face… the face is totally relaxed and peaceful… now feel your whole head and body together.

Visualize your body lying down on the floor completely relaxed.

Concentrate on your breathing:

Now become aware of your natural and normal breath.   The breath is coming in and going out freely… you move with the breath fully consciously.

Do not force the breath… Be the witness… Concentrate on the abdomen…

With each inhalation, it is expanding…with each exhalation, it is sucking in… Now, as you are aware of your breath, start counting backwards with each in breath and each out breath, as follows:

“I am breathing in 27 (or 10); I am breathing out 27 (or 10); I am breathing in 26 (or 9); I am breathing out 26 (or 9); and so on, from 27 (or 10) to 1.

Say the words and numbers mentally as you count your breaths.  After completing the counts, pause for about 5 minutes if you started counting from 27 and for about three minutes if counting started from 10.

Keep your awareness on the sensations in your body:

Be aware of your body and of your sensations.  Feel, with each inhalation, that cool air is entering your nose, and the body is becoming more energetic.

You are getting strength, power, courage, good health, and happiness.

Feel as with each exhalation, warm air is coming out of your nose, and you are releasing all the toxins, stress, ill health, all the weakness from your body.  The body is becoming relaxed, and you feel as if you are sinking into the floor.

Nature visualization:

Mentally select a place of natural beauty, which you have ever visited and liked, such as a park, a garden, a lawn, or a riverside.  Feel as if you are mentally present at that place.  Take your mind to that place, and feel as if you lying at that place and are breathing the air of that environment.  Keeping the mind involved with the same environment, feel as you are experiencing and enjoying the same happiness again.

Repeat your resolve:

Repeat your affirmation and resolve, mentally, three times, with total involvement and awareness.

Culmination:

Unwind all efforts…  draw your mind outside…   become aware of your breathing…   become aware of your surroundings… the room you are in…  do not open your eyes… lie quietly until your mind is completely awake and externalized.

When you are sure that you are wide awake, turn the body to left side and sit up slowly.  Rub your hands, massage the face gently, and open your eyes.  The practice of Yoga Nidra is now complete.

Note:

Keep your cell phone and landline phones off during the resting period to avoid distraction.

This is a guest post by  Dr. Rita Khanna’s of the Yogashaastra Studio in Secunderabad, Hyderabad, India .  Dr. Rita Khanna’s was initiated into this discipline over 25 years ago by world famous Swami Adyatmananda of Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh (India) and is a well-known name in the field of Yoga and Naturopathy.    Her email address is: yogashaastra@gmail.com

I really appreciate the time you’ve taken to read our guest post, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or become a fan on facebook

You are welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free: 

More articles from the Rejuvenation Lounge:

Teach yourself walking meditation:

Power at your finger tips with hand yoga:

12 great reasons to start alternate nostril breathing:

How to get your “om” on

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate Your Home:

“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Whenever I see prayer flags they seem to instantly inspire me to act more peacefully.   They remind me of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the colourful Tibetan monks.  There is something magical and quite calming about their very presence.

Prayer flags are an important part of the Tibetan culture.  Each  coloured flag is infused with special mantra’s, sacred symbols and words that are believed to use the energy of the wind to send blessings in the breeze.   Lung-ta is the Tibetan name given to a set of prayer flags that fly in a horizontal line.

 Photo by hatter10_6

The wind horse  is probably the most common ancient symbol you’ll find on prayer flags.  It is said to represent good fortune.  The higher you hang your wind horse  prayer flags the more good fortune is believed to come your way.  

Now, in the western world it is not uncommon to find Tibetan prayer flags hanging across entrances, in front yards, back yards and even inside homes.   I love them and happen to think Tibetan Prayer Flags  are a perfect way to bless your home.

The meaning of the colours:

The most common of prayer flags today are made of five colours blue, white, red, green and yellow.  Each representing the five elements - blue for sky, white for clouds, red for fire, green for water (or wood) and yellow earth.   Monks believe that the blue flag, which always starts the set of five colours, should be hung at he highest point as it symbolizes the sky.

In case you didn’t know green is considered an auspicious colour for the Dalai Lama which has been determined by his Tibetan astrology.  In the book Tibetan Prayer Flags it explains that green flags would be raised on a Wednesday to coincide with his lucky astrological day.

Cleanse your prayer flags:

Zamling ji sang is the name of a Tibetan smoke ritual which uses the smoke of burnt offerings to clear obstacles and heal the environment.  A Tibetan monk would chant a mantra and ring his bell as the auspicious smoke floats into the air.

In Tibet juniper bushes are considered a sacred plant.   The smoke from this plant releases special energies that purify and cleanse newly hung prayer flags and the surrounding area.

Whilst I don’t have a juniper bush handy,  I do use a sage smudge stick or herbs on a disc of charcoal to create my own little sacred smoke ritual when hanging new prayer flags.   I also add a few rounds of  “om”  to make it extra special.

Best location for your prayer flags:

In Tibet they can be seen on mountain tops, on the eaves of homes, around temples, at high passes, scared locations, even across rivers and bridges.  They are hung for all in all sorts of locations for all sorts of reasons; the arrival of lama, to bless a home, sacred site, protection against earthquakes and send blessings in the breeze.

Many of my friends use them near their front entrance but really the choice is yours.   You might choose to erect them in an area of your garden that seems flat or lacking in some way to bring blessings and new energy to that location.  I’ve even heard of a woman using the energy of the wind and prayer flags to scatter her husbands ashes.

Best time  to hang your prayer flags:

 The early hours of the morning, when the energy of the day is still calm and pure, is considered very auspicious to hang your prayer flags.

According to the Tibetan calendar there are certain days which are considered inauspicious (Bhaden days) for hanging your prayer flags.  Over the next few months they are December 20th 2009,  January 1st and 28th 2010 and February 8th 2010.

A wonderful gift idea - Send your blessings on the breeze:

You might also be interested in a wonderful book I bought about 5 or 6 years ago called  Tibetan Prayer Flags: Send Your Blessings on the Breeze.   It also comes with a set of 15 wind horse prayer flags.

It is written by Diane Barker who has traveled many times to Tibet and was lucky enough  to have  Dru-gu Choegyal Rinpoche as a consultant on this book.  Its a small beautiful book that’s easy to read, very informative with many amazing pictures, and a set of prayer flags.    A wonderful gift idea.

I really appreciate the time you’ve taken to read my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or become a fan on facebook

You are welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free: 

More articles from the Rejuvenation Lounge:

How to get your “om” on:

10 inspiring quotes from Confucius

12 great reasons to start alternate nostril breathing

The instant benefits of humming daily

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate Your Energy:

“ Stand in front of your hallway cupboard. Does your energy go up or down”   

There are lots of things that potentially can zap our energy, and many wonderful things that will nourish and refuel it.  Often, without realizing there can be certain areas in our living space that can subtly deplete us.

If you value your energy then its worth taking time out to stop, notice and feel if anything in your living space is adversely effecting or draining you.  Its all about tuning into the energetic influence your stuff has on you.

Photo by victoriabernal:

At this very moment I am practicing the Energy Down Energy Up exercise in my home. I get myself into a quiet, still frame of mind and feel the feelings that I sense coming from draws, certain objects, cupboards, walls or any area of  space.  Is my energy go up or does my energy go down ?   I then quietly tune into my intuition and decide what if anything, needs to change.

If a rooms feels stuck or heavy it can simply mean it needs re-arranging or a space cleansing.  Changing the layout of a room can be as good as a holiday and great for getting the energy moving and uplifted again.   Alternately it may be clutter that is weighing heavy on the rooms atmosphere which then requires a clutter busting session.

Interestingly it can be as easy to fix as one item or piece of furniture that spoils the whole feeling of a room.   It could be something annoying, broken or inherited (sad memory).  We are all different and what is draining for one person may not be for another.  Trust your intuition and what you are feeling.  Your body knows best.

As a result of doing this exercise I discovered that my couch pulls my energy down.  When I’m really honest I have to admit that its uncomfortable, I don’t like the colour and it always seems to annoy me.  I’ve tried putting it outside in the sunshine,  cleansing it with a sage smudge stick,  throwing rugs over it, putting crystals underneath it but nothing has changed its energy draining effect on my body.  The couch must go.

“Surround yourself with things the lift you up, not bring you down”  Carole Fogarty

The Energy Down Energy Up Exercise:

If you are doing this exercise for a room then its best to stand in the centre.  You are likely to get the strongest and truest feelings there.

If you are doing this exercise for a certain object then hold it (if you can) to either your heart or stomach area.  This may help you sense more clearly if your energy is going up or down.

I also find that early morning, before the kids are awake is one of the  best times to practice the energy up, energy down exercise.  Everything is a little clearer and calmer, before the busyness of the day.

1:  Close your eyes:

It’s best to have your eyes closed so you are not distracted by any house cleaning or the likes, that you may distract you.

2:  Relax your breathing:

The calmer your mind and body the more in tune you will be with your “gut feelings”.  Breathe into your belly, let go and relax.

3:  Place your hands on your stomach:

Intuition or gut feelings are often felt in the stomach area.  By placing your hands on your stomach area you may be able to feel any tightness or tension that comes into your stomach muscles and sense a more accurate energy down energy up feeling.

Hands on stomach is a great alternate if you are not sure if your energy is going down or up.

4:  Trust your very first impressions:

Your body will know instantly when standing in the centre of a room if it pulls your energy down or brings your energy up.  Don’t get carried away with a conversation in your head (it will confuse you). Trust your first very first thought or feeling.

5:  Not sure:

If it’s a neutral feeling, then that’s OK, but keep a watch on it in the future.  If you are having trouble deciding if its energy down or energy up open your eyes and notice what feelings you have then.

If that doesn’t work quickly think of one word that comes to mind when you look at the object.  It might give you a clue such as annoying.

6: Still not sure, try clapping:

If the above doesn’t work then experiment with my favourite tip of all - clapping.  By clapping into a corner or in front of a cupboard you can tell by the crispness or dullness of your clap whether the energy is heavy and draining.  Sharp, crisp clear clap means the energy is light and uplifting.  Dull, flat clap means the energy is stagnant, heavy and depleting.

I’d also like to let you know that I am in the process of writing a simple “House Blessing and Space Clearing Guide” to help you shift heavy or dull feelings in your home.  Expect it to arrive just after Christmas. It will help greatly with any “energy down” feelings you may have about your home.

In the meantime you are very welcome to share any ideas and thoughts you may have with the readers in the comments section below.  Please note if you have received this post via email you will need to go back to the blog to leave a comment.

I really appreciate the time you’ve taken to read my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or connect on facebook

You are welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free: 

If you liked this article I would really appreciate a stumble:

More articles from the Rejuvenation Lounge:

4 effective clutter busting games:

6 excellent reasons to uncomplicate your life:

Energy suckers v energy givers:

Simple solutions when you just can’t shift your clutter:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate Your Breathing:

“One way to break up any kind of tension is good deep breathing” Byron Nelson

 When your breathing is restricted it creates an unseen chain reaction in the body that can greatly compromise your overall health, well-being and ability to think clearly.

You can literally create miracles simply by adjusting the flow of your breath.  Imagine being able to reduce stress hormones, calm your emotions, boost your oxygen intake, gently massage your internal organs, let stress go, come back to your centre, relax your muscles, detox your body and simply improve the overall efficiency of your organs and body.

 Photo by szlea’s

As Christmas nears and life is probably getting a little busier and crazier than usual, now is the perfect time for us all  (myself included)  to remember to breathe.

I  do my best to come back to my breath often (probably 2 or 3 times each hour), spending a few small minutes to observe it and adjust as necessary.   Most times I need to relax, soften and deepen it.  At the same time I repeat a mantra that I have borrowed from Thich Nhat Hanh  “Breathing in I am calm, breathing out I smile.”

I guarantee calming your breath over Christmas can be a real sanity saver.     I personally find it helps bring me back to my centre,  re-aligns my focus (slows down rushing thoughts) and creates a healthy buffer around me from the busyness of the outside world.  Spending longer on the exhale is like pushing tension and stress away from you. Holding your breath is like sucking it in and calling it closer.

Breathe peacefully over Christmas and enjoy these very simple breathing tips.

How to breathe better:

1: Lift your chest:

Rounded shoulders and sunken chest squish your lungs and restrict your oxygen intake.  Give your body, lungs and organs some more breathing space.  Improve your posture and open your chest up.

2: Breathe past your collar bones:

Short shallow breathing is the sign of a stressed, tense body with thoughts to match.  Simply soften, relax and deepen your inhale each time you catch yourself in panic mode with short, shallow  breathing.

3:  Don’t squeeze your stomach in when you inhale:

A relaxed soft belly allows your lungs and diaphragm to fully expand.  Squeezing the tummy in (on the inhale ) restricts your oxygen intake.

4:  Breathe into your belly:

Feeling your belly rise and fall with each breath cycle is something I am taught regularly in yoga.  Place your hands on your belly and feel them rise on the inhale and fall on the exhale.  It’s a fabulous way to know for sure that your breath is reaching all the way down to your belly.

5:  Fill the front, sides and back of your belly:

If you are keen to get extra clever - feel the front, sides and back of your belly area expand with each inhale.   You might notice, like me, that the back area of your belly is often tighter and not as open as the front or sides.

Simply bring your awareness and breath to any tight areas of your belly and use the breath to invite more softness and spaciousness.  Ah! use your exhale to let go, release and create that extra space inside your belly area.

6:  Un-hunch your shoulders:

Hunched shoulders block the flow of blood and energy to your brain.  Relax your shoulders, open your chest, lengthen your neck and create more breathing space between your shoulder blades. Notice how much easier it is to breath now.

It also wouldn’t hurt to part your lips slightly and make sure no tension is being held in your jaw.

7: Exhale fully:

As you exhale fully and deeply, feel your belly button move towards your spine.   Use your exhale to remove all that stale, stuck yucky air and energy lingering in the bottom of your lungs.

8: Exhale longer:

Spend longer on the exhale if you are wanting to slow your thoughts down, relax your body or let go of something. Use your exhale to create a healthy breathing space between you and the busyness of the outside world.

If I’m a bit frazzled spending twice as long on the exhale is a quick way to re-balance my breathing and energies.

9:  Stop holding your breath.

When you start paying more attention to your breath you may find that you hold your breath more often than you realize. Simply being aware is the perfect first step towards improving the quality of your breath.

10:  Your nose is for breathing, your mouth for eating:

In all the practices I have explored over the years - yoga, tai chi, qi gong they have all encouraged to breath in and out through the nose.

* 12 great reasons to start alternate nostril breathing

Recommend resources:

If you are keen to improve the quality of your breathing even more and acquire a deeper knowledge, then there is no better place to start than with one of Dennis Lewis books.

Book 1 - The Tao of Natural Breathing: By Dennis Lewis:

Book 2 - Free Your Breath, Free Your Life: By Dennis Lewis.

Following are a couple of articles which may also appeal to you.

How you sit effects your breathing by Dennis Lewis

Deep breathing facts by Dennis Lewis

I really appreciate the time you’ve taken to read my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or connect on facebook

You are welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free: 

More articles from the Rejuvenation Lounge:

12 great reasons to start alternate nostril breathing

Why “yes” breathing is so important to your life:

15 clever things to know about your breathing:

14 fabulous ways to look after your body at work:

Attract more positive energy:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate Your Body:

“Remember the tea kettle - it is always up to its neck in hot water, yet still sings” 

Chai tea is the wonderful spiced drink from India.  It’s a delicious brew of black tea combined with awesome spices such as cardamon pods, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and ginger along with moo milk, soy, rice or even coconut milk for an exotic twist.  Yum!

I’ve been a lover of chai tea for nearly 20 years and even dare to consider myself a bit of a chai tea alchemist in the making.  I brew it with love and enthusiasm and drink it with absolute pleasure.

 Photo by move the clouds

Drink it hot in winter or as an iced tea in summer. And, if you happen to already be a lover of chai spices - then you are going to love the chai recipes I’ve discovered over the years.  Imagine chai ice cream, chai cheesecake, chai muffins and chai creme caramel.

Double yum.

7 Greats Reasons To Drink Chai Tea:

Following are the health benefits for the most common spices that you’ll find in chai tea.  Of course for maximum nutritional value and flavour its best to make your own from whole organic spices.   This guarantees you are maximizing the vital life force energy of the spices.

I personally prefer to buy a good quality loose chai tea and add extra cardamon pods, cinnamon, ginger and grated nutmeg to my liking.

1 - Cardamom:

Stimulates the mind and gives clarity, increases appetite and soothes the mucous membranes. It helps relieve gas, heartburn and nausea, settles upset stomachs and is effective against allergies caused by dairy products.

I use green cardamon pods in my chai tea.

2 - Cinnamon:

Has long been used to fight colds, flu and sore throats. Also used as an antidote for diarrhea, stomach upsets and to help ease menstrual cramps. It is warming to your body and restorative to the nervous system.

Just smelling the wonderful odor of this sweet spice can boost brain activity!

3 - Cloves:

Believed to invigorate and restore, helps generate heat in the body, useful during the cold/flu season. Cloves soothe tooth ache, serve as a breath freshener, relieve nausea and can also be taken for gastric upsets.

4 - Star Anise:

In traditional Chinese medicine, star anise is prescribed as a digestive aid. More recently, Shikimic Acid, extracted from star anise, is one of the chief ingredients in the antiviral Tamiflu drug used to fight avian influenza.

5: Nutmeg:

Supports your digestion and can help relieve nausea.  Helps moisten the airways and reduce the drying of the mucous membranes in the throat that is often associated with smoking.  Also a great tonic for  lack of sleep when taken in small doses.

6: Vanilla:

Not found in many chai tea blends but it’s in one of my favourites mychai.

Loved for its exotic flavor and aroma. Also helps to improve the appetite and assists in digestion.

7:  Ginger:

Ginger is commonly used as a digestive aid and contains compounds that ease motion sickness and nausea. These healing qualities can be attributed to its high Vitamin C and antioxidant content. This root is also useful in fighting heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. It is also excellent for improving sluggish circulation.

 * Great short video clip on how to make chai tea:

Chai tea recipes:

And just when you thought life couldn’t get any better here’s a list of wonderful things you can cook with your favourite chai spices.  Enjoy.

 1 - Chai tea ice cream:

2 - Chai muffins:

3 - Iced chai tea:

4- Chai creme caramel:

5 - Chai cheesecake:

6 - Vegan chai muffins:

7- Chai latte muffins:

Thanks to Leeanne Crawford from Mychai for helping me with the information on the healing and medicinal qualities of the spices.

I really do appreciate you taking the time to read my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or become a fan on on facebook

You are welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free: 

More articles from the Rejuvenation Lounge:

Attract more positive energy:

The yoga of eating:

Snack happy with bliss balls

Ghee, the healthiest butter:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate Your Mind:

“Today I will uplift the atmosphere in my mind”  

It’s time to give your stress wings and let it fly … away.  Lets be honest,  I mean really, is all that continuous stress and excess worry really worth it ?

Will the things you are rehashing,  over and over again in your mind today really matter in few years time.  And more importantly, do you really know the side effects or damage that’s happening below the surface of a worried looking face.

 Photo by  Lucas Janin’s

So, in my ever evolving journey to live a life - as stress free as possible - I am sharing with you, what I believe to be a collection of worthy, thought provoking quotes on stress.   This post is intentionally simple, short and very stress free.

As an old Chinese proverb says “Tension is who you think you should be.  Relaxation is who you are”.  How awesome is that.  Enjoy.

10 Quotes on stress to help you loosen up:

1:  “If you ask what the single most important key to longevity, I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress and tension.  And if you didn’t ask me, I’d still have to say it”  George Burns who lived to 100

2:  “Stress is like an iceberg.  We can see one-eighth of it above, but what about what’s below ?”

3:  ‘The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it”  Jim Goodwin

4:   “Give your stress wings and let it fly away”  Carin Hartness

5:  ” For fast acting relief.  Try lying down” Lily Tomlin

6:  “Is everything as urgent as your stress would imply”  Carrie Latet

7:   “How beautiful is it to rest and then do nothing afterward”  Spanish proverb

8:  ” I try to avoid stress - it makes me feel like I’m rubber-stamping all my organs “Urgent” Berri Clove

9:  ” Tension is who you think you should be.  Relaxation is who you are.  Chinese Proverb

10:  ” Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.”  Etty Hillesum

More suggestions to help you  loosen up:

5 of the best 30 second relaxation practices:

12 instant benefits of humming daily:

12 great reasons for start alternate nostril breathing:

3 potent herbal sedatives:

I really appreciate the time you’ve taken to read my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or become a fan on facebook:

You are welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free: 

More articles from the Rejuvenation Lounge:

14 fabulous ways to look after your body at work:

Attract more positive energy:

How to get your “om” on

15 clever things to know about your breathing:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate Your Aura:

“Every cell in my body is loved and healthy”

Your aura is simply an extension of you.   When strong it acts as a protective shield.  When fragile or damaged it can leave you drained, unwell and feeling disconnected from yourself.

Think of your aura as your own personal body guard (in the form of a giant bubble) that simply “flicks off” anything stressful, disturbing or potentially draining that you may be sensitive too.

 Tom’s photo’s

I’m a firm believer in cleansing and nurturing the aura for the overall integrity of our health and well being.    Particularly, when many ancient cultures from around the world believe, that illness first starts with a weakness in our auric field.

Years ago I completed a crystal healing practitioner course, and discovered how relatively easy and inexpensive it was to repair and strengthen an aura, by simply wearing or even just holding certain crystals.

However if crystals are not your “thing” then I have shared with you below, a collection of aura cleansing and strengthening remedies that I have gathered and used (at some stage) over the past 20 years.

Please feel free to share your own aura strengthening remedies that you have successfully used the past, I’d love to hear them.

12 Great ways to strengthen your aura:

1: Yogic cleansing bath:

This recipe helps removes chemicals from your physical body and negativity from your aura.  Soak for 20 minutes each day and repeat for 7 days.

If you start to feel dizzy or a little weird leave bath immediately as you have successfully loosened and removed enough toxins and negativity for one day.

• 1 lb Baking soda
• 1 cup Sea salt

* Six special bath recipes for sleep, relaxation and healing:

2: Sage smudge stick:

The smoke from white sage is known by the North American Indians to be very cleansing.   I love white sage and have used it successfully for many years to remove negative vibes that I sense in my home or around me.    Sage emits negative ions which is the good stuff you find in the air just after a storm or at the ocean.

To cleanse your aura, simply light your sage smudge stick and use your hand to direct the smoke over your head, face, front/sides of your body, under your feet, around your hands and arms, and as much of your back as you can reach.

Here is what a Sage Smudge Stick looks like:

3: Let the sun feed your aura:

Lots of lovely sunshine is known to feed and expand the aura.  Spending time outside amongst nature is incredibly healthy for your body, mind and soul.

The sun fuels you with energy, optimism and loads of vitamin D whilst nature nourishes your senses and grounds you.

4:  Sea salt:

Swimming in the ocean or soaking in a salt water bath greatly helps to cleanse the aura and draw out stress.

The sun expands and feeds your aura whilst the sea carries away the negativity.

If you don’t have a bath, and not near the ocean, simply give your body a sea salt scrub before taking a shower.  Grab a handful of sea salt and rub it all over your skin before showering.  It helps remove dead skin cells, refreshes your aura and draws out toxins.

5: Cold shower:

Cold showers have the ability to clear away negativity in your auric field, remove toxins, improve circulation and draw out tension from your body.

I have personally put the cold shower theory to the test for a whole 3 months (over summer a few years ago).  The results were amazing.

My thoughts were clearer, I felt lighter, more energy and things which normally bothered me and hung around my thoughts for days - came and went with ease.  I didn’t hold onto negative stuff like I had done before.  It helped me greatly through a very difficult time in my life.

* 12 essential reasons to take cold showers:

6: Sound medicine:

Sound is recognized by many ancient cultures as a healing tool.  The sound from Tibetan singing bowls and crystal bowls are well known for their ability to dissolve negativity and clean your energies.  Listening to their sounds before going to sleep is an easy way to support your overall well-being.

Alternately chanting the sound   “Om”  is an incredibly fast and efficient way to shift stuck, stagnant or negativity energy from your aura and physical body.

Click here and you will find the Tibetan Singing bowls in the relaxation link.

7: Labradorite (crystal) :

This crystal is worth a special mention.

Labradorite has been shown by Kirilian photography to heal tears in the auric field by preventing leakage.  Holding a labradorite crystal for 20 minutes will last for about 12 hours after the stone is no longer worn.

It is dubbed the “healers” stone and is widely used as protection by body workers, teachers, childcare workers and nurses.  It’s a great crystal to wear as a bracelet.

8: Reduce your exposure to electrical stuff:

The radiation and frequencies which are emitted from electrical gadgets, I believe, can interfere with our bodies own natural rhythms, cycles and well-being.  Spending too long, at close range, to these man made frequencies can build up static in your auric field and can cause disturbances.

Make your bedroom a priority to be as electrical free as possible.  Charge all your gadgets away from your bedroom or at the very least away from your head when sleeping.

Lepidolite is a fabulous crystal to have as a protective field of energy between you and your electrical gadgets. At home I place piece near our TV, beside the beds and near the computer.   You will notice over time, the lepidolite eventually becomes paper thin as it absorbs the radiation. It’s quite amazing.

9:  Vetiver (an essential oil):

A few drops applied to your belly button at night with help you from taking on too much of other people’s junk.  Vetiver is very grounding, and particularly balancing when feeling spacey after long sessions in front of a screen.

It’s excellent essential oil for calming and grounding and one of my favourite essential oils to use at home.

Vetiver also has a special relationship with your chakras and helps to bring them into alignment.  Your chakra’s are directly connected to your aura.

10:  Black Tourmaline (crystal):

Great for deflecting radiation and is well known for transmuting negative energy from the aura.  It’s a protective stone that can also help you with negative thinking.  Its the perfect crystal to carry in your handbag.

Crystals have been used for thousands of years for healing and protection.  Smoky quartz on your desk or near the phone will protect you from other people’s stresses and negativity.  Amber is an excellent stone to help strengthen your aura. Kunzite will detach unpleasant thoughts.

I can highly recommend wearing an ametrine (amethyst and citrine) bracelet for around 3 - 6  months to heal tears and holes in your auric field that may have appeared from surgery, child birth or extreme stress.

11: Flower essences: Fringed violet and Angelsword:

Angelsword repairs and Fringed violet helps heal damaged or distressed auric fields. Take orally or dab 7 drops of each onto your solar plexus (just below your belly button) before going to bed.

Both these flower essences come from the Australian Bush Flower essence range.   If you don’t live in Australia I recommend buying the equivalent flower essences from your own country.

One overseas essence that I can recommend is the Guardian spray from Alaskan essences.  I have personally used this spray many times.  It is known to create a powerful force field of protection in your aura.

12: Be mindful of people and places that zap your energy:

Notice which places, people or situations leave you consistently feeling zapped or drained.  Limit yourself to these situations or at the very least wear a protective crystal to prevent your energy being leached.

Labrodrite would be a good crystal to start with.

* Attract more positive energy

I really appreciate the time you’ve taken to read my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or become a fan on facebook

You are welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free: 

More articles from the Rejuvenation Lounge:

Let go of your emotional clutter:

Boost your energy:

The 12 instant benefits of humming daily:

15 clever things to know about your breathing:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate Your Mind:

“Everyone of your thoughts count so don’t waste them”

In times of stress its always beneficial for our minds to communicate a different message to our bodies other than worry, panic or anxiety.  Dis-functional thinking can worsen your stress, the situation, (or even an illness) and fill your body with unnecessary tension and anxiety.

An affirmation is a handy tool for difficult times, and encourages you to respond differently to any unpleasant situation.

An affirmation can either help you move on from what has already happened or support you by affirming what you would like to happen or how you would like to feel.

An affirmation is a fabulous way to create a healthier energy around any situation that you may be facing in life.

Photo by alchemist’s daughter

The new and old workings of an affirmation:

Dr Mona Lisa Schulz    is a neuropsychiatrist and has a doctorate in behavioral neuroscience, shares that affirmations have a bio chemical, a neuro chemical and a neuro pharmacological effect on the body.   All of which re-wires the brain so it lights up differently.   The mind is then able to communicate more supportively to the body.  Mona Lisa is well known for her book The New Feminine Brain: Developing Your Intuitive Genius   and has personally used affirmations to stop her own migraines and severe back pain which she had previously suffered from for many years.

Florence Scovel Shinn 1871 - 1940  well known for her book in 1928 Your Word is Your Wand believed (way back then) that words have power and whatever man voices, he begins to attract.

“Man’s word is his wand.  Man has the power to change an unhappy situation by waiving over it the wand of his word”  writes Florence Scovel Shinn.

In her book  Your Word is Your Wand   Florence shares many affirmations that she has prescribed for her clients with great success over the years of her career.

Dr Emile Coue (1857 - 1926),  was a French pharmacist who at the beginning of last century opened a free clinic. He offered his clients an affirmation (or as he called it way back then a “conscious autosuggestion”) in conjunction with their medical treatment that they needed to repeat as prescribed.

Coue believed that dysfunctional thinking patterns could worsen an illness. The Coue method offered this specific ritual as part of his mind/body belief to support the healing process.

His clients were to repeat 20 times in the morning and 20 times in the evening the following affirmation:

“Every day in every way, I am getting better and better”

The secret to a successful affirmation:

Many of Coue’s successors discovered that an important ingredient for the success of his work was the mental repetition without effort.  For maximum efficiency the affirmation needs to be repeated calmly, without will, yet with absolute confidence and expectation of success, according to Coue.

Louise Hay believes that an affirmation should always be written and said in the present tense such as   “My income is constantly increasing”.   It’s always a great idea to have a visual reminder of your affirmation either around your home, at your work or on a sticky note attached to your coffee mug.   In case you don’t know Louise Hay totally turned her life around and survived cancer by using affirmations daily. Louise has a wonderful book which comes with a short CD that I can highly recommend called  How To Use Affirmations To Change Your Life:

16 Affirmations For Difficult Times:

So no matter what your personal situation, know that you can create a healthier energy around the situation by choosing an affirmation, writing it down and then repeating it often.

Most of the following affirmations are from Louise Hay except where mentioned.  My personal favourite at the moment (which is not listed below) is “Every cell in my body is loved and healthy”

1. “My life gets better everyday”
2. “There is a huge demand for my particular skills and abilities”
3. ” I earn good money and enjoy what I do”
4. ” The past has no power of me”
5. “  I release old hurt, resentment and anger easily”
6. ” I know that I deserve love and I accept it now”
7. ” I go with the flow, my life is easy and filled with joy”
8. ” I create a joyful, peaceful world to live in”
9.  ”I trust myself and I trust life”
10.  ”Breathing in I am calm”  “Breathing out I smile”  Thict Nhat Hanh
11. “I am safe wherever I turn”
12.  ”I am gentle kind and patient with myself”
13. “I laugh at life and choose not to be offended by anyone or anything”
14.  ”My income is constantly growing”
15. ” I make friends easily wherever I go “
16. ” I easily flow with change “

On finishing I would love to leave you with a wonderful Buddhist kindness prayer.  It is believed to help lift your worries.

“May I be free of worry, May I be well, May I feel safe and at ease, May I be at peace”

I really appreciate the time you’ve taken to read my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or connect with me on facebook or twitter

You are welcome to subscribe to my articles by email - It’s free: 

How To Use Affirmations To Change Your Life:

More articles to lift your spirits:

10 inspiring Confucius quotes to grab on the run:

24 ways to give your body the extra attention it deserves:

The 12 instant benefits of humming daily:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats:

Rejuvenate Your Family: 

“Today I make healthy choices that support and fulfill me” Louise Hay

Food can be medicine for both your body, and your mind.  In Ayurvedic medicine Kitchari is an important one pot staple dish.  It has been considered the perfect protein in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.

An excellent meal for convalescence, children, elderly and especially for when you are feeling depleted.   It’s healing and very soothing to your digestive system, and an incredibly light meal that encourages a buoyant spirit. I personally find it one of the most nourishing and strangely calming meals to eat.  There is nothing heavy, lacking, nor dulling about this one pot meal.

Photo by JonBen

 Kitchari - An ayurvedic mind/body balancing recipe:

I’m currently making this dish at least 3 times a week and hence the reason why I’m sharing it with you today.   The following recipe was given to me by my Ayurvedic practitioner as a recommendation to improve the efficiency of my digestive system.

Please feel free to adjust recipe as you choose.  Most of the time I fry a little onion, ginger and garlic in ghee, and then add to my Kitchari. You will find there are lots of variations of this dish out there on the internet.

The main ingredients are always rice, moong dhal and digestive spices.  The important thing is to prepare one with flavours that appeal to you. You may also find that the spelling changes slightly.

Ingredients for kitchari:

 

• 1 cup of split moong dhal lentils (moong is light yellow in colour - if you can’t find, use the small light red split dhal - it is also known as mung). Rinse and soak the moong dhal for at least 2 hours beforehand.
• 1 cup of basmati rice
• 4 teaspoons of turmeric  (I use a combination of both fresh and powdered turmeric)
• 1 tspn asafoetida (also known as food of the gods or hing) Buy from Indian food store or health food shop.
• 6 crushed cardamon pods
• 2 tsp salt ( I use a good organic sea salt)

Place washed rice and soaked dhal into a pot with all the above ingredients

Cover by 4cm - 5cm with water, then simmer

If you like a more soupier dhal then add more water

Simmer until the dhal has lost its shape and has a nice velvety texture

I usually cook slowly for 1 1/2 hours

Garnish with coriander

Optional variations:

Replace the above spices of turmeric and cardamon with 1 tspn of each of the following ground coriander, black pepper, garam masala, cummin powder

or

1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tspn cummin powder, 1/2 tspn fennel powder, 1/2 tspn black pepper, 1 tspn salt, fresh ginger, 1 onion, 3 cloves of garlic, ghee.

Fry  ginger, onion and garlic in ghee and then add spices to the dhal, rice and water.

* Click here for pictures and more information on moong dhal

* Find out more about asafedita by clicking here:

* Another recipe that you may like, which includes vegetables from Frans House of Ayurveda blog

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or connect with me on facebook or twitter

You are welcome to subscribe to my weekly articles by email - It’s free:

More articles from the Rejuvenation Lounge:

Ghee, the healthiest butter:

3 potent natural herbal sedatives:

An awesome shake that soothes your nerves:

Snack happy with bliss balls:

5 simple and cheap ways to detox the body naturally:

Editor Rejuvenation Lounge and facilitator of Women’s Rejuvenation Retreats

Rejuvenate Your Family and Home:

“Dab the essential oil vetiver onto the souls of your feet before bed, to help calm and ground you”

Airborne virus and bacteria enter the body through the nose and mouth usually via the hands, but also breathing.  By dabbing your hands, nose and around the mouth with a few drops of essential oil you are creating a fabulous natural barrier to further boost your bodies natural defense system.

 Photo by calypso:

In addition (or as an alternate) you can use an oil burner as an effective way to fill the air in your home with lots of anti-bacterial, anti-viral and antiseptic properties from the most suitable therapeutic and medicinal essential oils.  As winter is coming up in America (and many of my readers are from America)  I felt it perfect timing to share with you some fabulous information on essentials oils that I have recently been reading.

It’s worth a quick mention that I am currently drawn to clove, lemon and cinnamon essential oils - even hand made cinnamon incense.   I’m trusting my gut feelings with the oils I feel drawn too and have been enjoying infusing my home with their wonderful aromas.  So, if you are in doubt as to which oils to use, trust your gut feelings.

9 Essential Oils That Boost Your Protection From The Flu:

1 - Clove oil:
Clove inhibits the growth of oral pathogens. The health benefits of clove oil can be attributed to its antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, aphrodisiac and stimulating properties.  It is useful for cough, asthma, headache and stress.

2 - Lemon oil:

Lemon oil vaporized or applied to the mouth and nose can impact meningocuss, typhoid bacilli staphylococcus aureus and stretococuss pneumoniae within three hours. The therapeutic properties of lemon oil are antimicrobial, antiseptic, carminative, diaphoretic, tonic, anti-rheumatic.

3 - Thyme oil:

In traditional aromatic medicine thyme has been used to fight against bacterial, viral and fungal infections especially in the respiratory tract. Thyme is a tonic for the nervous system and is good for physical and mental exhaustion (jetlag), relieving tension (fear of flying), anxiety and insomnia.  Thyme lifts the spirits.  The therapeutic properties of thyme oil are anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, carminative, expectorant, tonic, hypertensive.

4 - Pine oil.

Pine oil is useful to relieve mental and physical fatigue.  It is cleansing and invigorating and makes an excellent vapour therapy to kill air born germs that enter via the nose and throat. It can be used for cuts, bites, muscle aches and pains.  Coughs, bronchitis, catarrh, colds and flu.  It eases breathlessness and sinusitis. The therapeutic properties of Pine Oil are restorative, anti-neuralgic, antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, deodorant, expectorant.

5 - Lavender oil.

The aroma is settling, soothing and helps promote sleep.  Lavender is perfect for stress, crisis, cold’s and flu.  It is known for its spirit lifting abilities. The therapeutic properties of Lavender oil are antiseptic, analgesic, anti depressant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, bactericide, decongestant, deodorant, sedative and nerve tonic.

6 - Cinnamon oil.

Cinnamon oil has great value in aromatherapy. It fights exhaustion and feelings of depression and weakness.  It has powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties and is useful to fight cold’s and flu.  Therapeutic properties of cinnamon oil are analgesic, antiseptic, antibiotic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, insecticide, tonic.  Cinnamon inhibits the growth of respiratory tract pathogens Hemophiliacs, influenza, streptococcus pneumonia.

7 - Eucalyptus oil:

Eucalyptus oil has a cooking and deodorizing effect on the body. Useful with fevers and migraine.  It helps coughs asthma, throat infections and sinusitis and catarrhal conditions.  It soothes inflammation and eases mucus clearing the head of stuffiness of colds.  The therapeutic properties are analgesic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, expectorant, deodorant, decongestant, expectorant, anti-spasmodic.  It is useful for burns, cuts, skin infections, blisters and assists in breathing freely.

8 - Blood orange oil.

Blood orange oil has a sweet, fresh smell.  The therapeutic properties are antiseptic, anti-depressant, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, calming and sedative.  It is a sunny and radiant oil, bringing happiness and warmth to the mind.  It helps people to relax.  It can be used to strengthen the immune system.

9 - Manuka oil.

Manuka oil is from a plant grown in New Zealand. It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory.  Manuka oil has shown to be effective in laboratory tests against over 30 different micro-organisms.  In particular streptococci and staphylococcal bacteria and fungi that affect the skin.  You can find out more about manuka oil by clicking here

My personal book recommendation:

In case you are interested my favourite essential oil book which I’m guessing I’ve owned for over 20 years is The Fragrant Mind: Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood and Emotion.  It has been with me every step of the way for all my children’s bumps, bruises, aches and pains.

You can find out more about the Super Traveller by clicking here.

Thanks so much for reading my article, Carole.

Return anytime to the Rejuvenation Lounge or connect with me on facebook

You are welcome to subscribe to my weekly articles by email - It’s free:

More articles from the Rejuvenation Lounge:

12 great reasons to start alternate nostril breathing:

5 simple and cheap ways to detox the body naturally:

12 essentials reasons to take cold showers:

Boost your energy now: