The truth is for many of us, as hard as lockdown has been, it has been a massive time-out, it has been easy to put our dreams and goals to one side, prioritising survival over progression. The thought of once again entering into real life and coming face to face with where we are can be overwhelming. It’s a scary realisation and an uncomfortable thought to know we’ve lost sight of who we are, what makes us happy and how we are able to express ourselves in the world.

We often come around to that seemingly unfathomable question “Is this all there is to life?” before promptly running in the opposite direction and burying that feeling of discontentment deep within us for another day.

My mission is to smash any preconceived ideas you might have about purpose.

It gets passed around a lot in the coaching world, it can feel unobtainable, out of reach, something that is reserved for those who are on a mission to save the world or have some perceived higher purpose.

Here’s the thing: It really doesn’t need to be that complicated. You can live out your purpose by simply reconnecting to yourself.

When I was at my lowest point two and a half years ago, I had lost all sense of my purpose, I simply didn’t know the value I had to bring to the world.

Community is important to me; I thrive off the value that connection brings. I live out my purpose by being present in my community. Sometimes that can be as simple as striking up a connection with the owner of a coffee shop. No, I am not saving the world but it makes me happy and feel connected.

Have you ever sat with the question: “What value do I want to bring to the world”, through a simple lens of chatting to the person who owns your local coffee shop?

Your purpose is your why
It is your compass in your life
It is how you connect to the world

• The purpose isn’t a single goal
• It isn’t a destination
• It isn’t reserved for who we perceive as “gifted” people
• It isn’t necessarily defined by your career (I know shocker)

I like to say that purpose is the value you bring to the world as you see it.

Direction rather than a destination
Avoid defining the end as your purpose. Your goal is your milestone or destination. Your purpose is the direction you want to travel in. France is destination whist how you choose to get there is a direction. Likewise, becoming a teacher, nurse or singer are our goals. Educating, helping or entertaining people is a purpose.

Resonates with who you are
What do you love doing? Your purpose should reflect your passion and values. This requires a certain level of self-awareness because you can’t know what your passion and values are unless you are prepared to do the work to uncover them.

Rooted in love, not fear
Your purpose should liberate you and be aligned with love and not fear or your EGO. Purposes like “to be rich,” “to be successful,” or “to have status” are fear-based. Your purpose should come from within.

Grab your journal and respond to these questions:

1. What do you love to do?
   When we’ve lost sight of who we are, the act of reconnecting to something that made you happy as a child can have a huge positive impact on your mental wellbeing.
2. What comes easily to you?
   Living in purpose shouldn’t be forced, it should feel balanced and integrated.
3. Ask yourself, What are two things I most enjoy expressing in the world?
4. Then ask, What are two ways I most enjoy expressing these things?
5. When have you felt the most fulfilled? What has changed since that time?

We don’t have one purpose, life isn’t that linear, it will change as we do and the world around us does. It isn’t surprising that after such a weird time in our lives that we are feeling lost. The good news is that through some time and attention you can once again find a path that will guide you to emerge with purpose.

Nadra Shah is a certified CBT and life coach, she spent her career working with award-winning purpose-driven organisations, helping social entrepreneurs get clearer on their WHY. She was voted one of the top 100 creative leaders with a social heart by The Dots. She has been featured in The Guardian and Women's Health. Nadra helps women who are stuck, overcome fear to live a more purposeful life, getting out of their heads and into the life they deserve to be living.

Reclaim You: A masterclass to help you find your purpose Mar 18th.

Nadra’s Website
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Being yogis with experience, we know first-hand that keeping up with an online class can sometimes come with challenges, whether it’s a missed cue from a teacher you’re keen to replay, an unlucky laptop placement on your floor, or wifi that is playing games. This is why we wanted to bring a bit more ease into your practice and turned to our friends at Looxa who create yoga sequence illustrations.

In essence, it’s a class summary with drawings of all postures. You might ask, why is it useful? We say – it’s convenient for noting down the teacher’s cues, in-depth study of the sequence or your sensations during the practice, and handy to have with you while flowing offline or getting insight to a class without having to drag a slider.

You can check the debut illustrations by Looxa in this Kula Flow with Beau Campbell – simply click “resources” button under the video player and download the PDF attachment. We’d be really grateful to know your feedback and whether you found it helpful – simply drop us an email at info@wanderlust.com

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The Rigveda reveals the disk of the Sun functions as a chakra opening gateway between the human realm and the world of the Divine Energies.

Sanjana who is the consort of Surya, transcended onto earth into the forests to perform a tapasya (penance) to obtain the strength to absorb the heat rays of her consort Surya. Her long deep state of tapasya began entering into to a state of samadhi. As her tapasya climaxed, Surya full of happiness and excitement approached the tapo bhumi (penance ground) taking the form of a green stallion. Galloping with ecstatic joy to reunite with his consort, the stallion entered into a mystical dance to awaken Sanjana and reward her tapasya.

Surya stallion thumped his right foot adorned in anklet bells; resonating the sound of a drum awakening her root chakra and the jingling of bells opening her third eye chakra. Jumping and swirling gracefully, the stallion started neighing making sounds of a conch; directly evoking the crown and throat chakra.

The body of Sangha started to tremble and perspire in excitement as she felt the energy of her consort aligning and merging with her own chakras.

Offering gratitude and love, Sanjana softly opened her lotus tear-filled eyes to see her loving Surya ecstatically dancing in the form of a green stallion leading to the heart chakra opening.

The almond-shaped eyes of the stallion pierced fiery golden rays directly into Sanjana’s loving eyes opening her sacral and solar plexus chakras. Thus, all the chakras of Sanjana realigned with her consort Surya and she was blessed to hold the Sun’s energy.

This beautiful, transcendental yoga flow is still practiced by many mystical Yogis enabling them to open their chakras and achieve spiritual enlightenment through the sacred energy of the Sun and his consort.

A tilak of Kumkum paste is applied is to the forehead which is known as the center of latent wisdom and concentration and the gateway to the third eye.

Clothing with some colour of green is worn to represent the stallion

Water offerings are poured to the Sun acknowledging his energy as a source of movement, creativity, passion, and pleasure followed by Surya namaskar

Pandaryu dhoop (dried agar barks, leaves, flowers) is set alight manifesting into sacred smoke carrying prayers of evocation requests to the energy of Sanjana and Suraj.

A handcuff marked with the trishula – trident symbol or a gemstone bracelet is placed on to the wrist representing the Shakti of Sanjana

Anklets bells are worn to awaken the energy of this yoga flow

Japa of the Surya beeja (seed) mantra is chanted on a garnet gemstone mala evoking his energy:

Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah Suryay Namah

A kalasha (pot representing the body of Sanjana) is venerated with Kumkum (powdered cinnabar representing life), haldi (purification) and akshata (raw rice offerings to the evoked energy)

Ignited cotton wicks drenched in ghee (clarified butter) are placed on the palms and on top of the kalasha which is then balanced on the head.

The wick flames;

• On the palms act as a witness to the ritual
• On the kalasha attract the crown chakra, evoking the energy to enter through, channel and realign within the practitioner.

Then the dance of the green stallion commences gradually by thumping the right leg, whilst swirling around softly waving the flames on the hands in circular motions.

As the flames start to climax they are removed from the palms as well as the kalasha.

The dance flow continues into jumping gallops, clapping of hands in swift movements and evoking neigh sounds just like that of the stallion.

Vedic mantras, chants of Shakti evocations are devotionally sung during this dancing yoga flow.

If mastered correctly in posture and with devotional love, this practice can transcend into a beautiful sacred opening attracting the spiritual energies of Suraj and Sanjana

1. Green coloured clothing
2. Water filled pitcher – Sun offering
3. Trishula cuff bangle – trident symbol

or green jade, garnet, citrine gemstone bracelet (representing the energy of Sanjana and Suraj)

4. Ankle bells or a string with some chimes
5. Pandaryu dhoop – dried tree barks, leaves and flower
6. Coal – for burning the dhoop
7. Kalasha – brass, metal or clay pot
8. Kumkum – vermillion
9. Haldi – tumeric
10. Akshata – rice
11. Cotton wool for the wicks
12. Ghee – clarified butter to dip the wicks

1. Crown chakra – the kalasha, flamed wicks, neighing sound
2. Third Eye – (Naad Bhrama – transcendental sounds) anklet bells, clapping, neighing
3. Throat – swirled dance creating a wind air movement
4. Heart – green coloured clothing
5. Solar Plexus – the flamed wicks on the hands
6. Sacral – the garnet japa mala
7. Root – sound created by thumping the right leg

Further information can be found here.

Nik Palmar is the founder of Kleem, a brand dedicated to sharing a journey of mystical experiences; yoga, vibrational mantra chants and mindful living, along with spiritual heritage, culture and passion to make their vision easily accessible to the modern contemporary world. Kleem embraces the present and seek to stay grounded in gratitude for the beautiful and extraordinary gift that is life.

The hope is that wherever you are on your journey, Kleem will inspire you to keep seeking truth, love and compassion and live authentically in everything that you do.

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Spring is an opportunity for renewal and rebirth—for planting seeds to nurture, and to witness the unending cycle of grow and change. It is also a reminder that we cannot be born again until we experience a sort of death—a shedding of old layers, habits, and outmoded beliefs. When we recognize that each waking moment is an opportunity to be born again, it is here, in the now, that we can experience the sheer joy of present moment awareness.

In the Northern Hemisphere on March 20, the Vernal Equinox has been honored for thousands of years as a celebration of life and fertility; a time for striking a balance between yin and yang—and as a “spring cleaning” of stagnant energy that has been stored over the long, dark and cold winter months.

This yoga sequence is designed to facilitate that awakening; to gather and draw energy inward, and then release it outwardly as a metaphorical planting of seeds.

Dynamic Chair Pose (Shakti Uttanasana)

In Hindu mythology, Shakti is described as primordial cosmic energy, representing dynamic forces that move throughout the universe. In this variation on a traditional Chair Pose, attention is directed toward the cosmos, and then to the future and past, empowering us in the present.

From Mountain Pose (Tadasana), inhale the arms overhead to press the palms together, then exhale to shift weight into the heels and sit back into a chair position. Explore the sensation of the tailbone extending back, while the palms and gaze reach skyward, experiencing these powerful opposing forces. On an inhale, lower the palms to shoulder height, gazing at the tips of the thumbs. Breathe in, then exhale to extend the right hand all the way back. Keep the hips square and gaze over the right shoulder, looking to the past. Take a deep breath in, and then exhale to bring the right hand back to meet the left. Inhale to return both palms pressed to the sky.

Cactus Crescent Lunge

From Chair Pose with the palms pressed together overhead, step the left foot back to a high lunge position and keep the back heel lifted. The right knee stays stacked over the right ankle, with the kneecap tracking forward. Following the same dynamic movements as before, lower the palms at shoulder height, then extend the right palm all the way back, before bringing it forward to meet the left again. Don’t be shy about making a great big clapping sound, either. From here, open the heart and chest by drawing the arms into a cactus position, bending the elbows to about 90 degrees and drawing the shoulder blades together on the back body, letting out a big exhalation. Inhale to return the pressed palms together overhead.

Kali Goddess Squats (Utkata Konasana)

Kali is the Hindu goddess of death, often associated with sexuality and fertility. She is also considered a matriarchal figure. We can work with Kali’s energy at the Equinox to honor the infinite cycles of life and death, embodying the nature of duality. With the palms pressed overhead and legs in a crescent lunge position, inhale to straighten the front leg and turn all ten toes to the left to parallel the feet. From a wide stance and with the heels just slightly turned in, exhale to sink into a Goddess Squat, drawing the thighs parallel to the earth and knees bent at 90 degrees. Inhale to straighten both legs, and exhale to squat. Repeat up to four times.

Wide-Legged Forward Bend (Prasarita Padottanasana) to Scandasana

The key to achieving harmony within this movement is striking a balance between effort and effortlessness. Maintaining the same wide stance and straight legs, bring the hands to the hips and then hinge forward at the waist, releasing fingertips to the earth with straight arms. Inhale, lengthening out of the waist and extending the crown of the head forward, then exhale to lower the torso forward and surrender. Breathe deeply here, and then walk the hands toward the left, sinking into the left hip to sit down on the left heel, with the ball of the left foot lifted. The right leg stays straight meanwhile, except the toes flex upward to the sky (by now the heel may have slid further out toward the right). Optional, reach the right arm overhead, entering the full side lunge, Scandasana. Allow for an energetic exchange between your fingers and the proverbial fertile soil, using each inhalation to create more length; each exhale to establish more release and grounding. On an exhale, release the left fingertips back to the earth and straighten both legs, returning to a wide-legged stance and a long spine.

Pyramid Pose “Pumps” (Parsvottanasana)

From a wide-legged stance, walk the hands all the way around to the right to frame the right foot and keep the back heel lifted to allow for more freedom to roam. Inhale to let the hips drop and bend through the right knee, lifting the chest and gaze toward the sky, then exhale to straighten through both legs. Again, inhale to bend the front knee; exhale to straighten both legs and fold forward and in, letting the head be heavy and neck relaxed. Repeat up to four times to explore a deep releasing sensation of the outer right hip and a gentle lengthening of the front of the left thigh (the psoas).

Forward Fold with Half Lifts (Uttanasana)

To complete the sequence on this side, step the back foot up to meet the right and inhale to look forward with a long spine. Exhale to bow forward and in, keeping enough bend in the knees to allow for a hinging of the waist, mindful the back is not overly rounding. Allow the head to be heavy and neck released, achieving minimal effort. Repeat up to four times, before placing the hands on the hips. Inhale, leading with the heart to return to a standing posture. Reestablishing a foundation back in Mountain Pose, it is now time to repeat these movements on the other side of the body.

Photos courtesy of Beth Kessler Photography

—

Andrea Rice is a writer, yoga and meditation teacher, and Wanderlust Festival presenter. Her articles and essays have appeared in The New York Times, Yoga Journal, The Wanderlust Journal, NY Yoga + Life, mindbodygreen, and SONIMA, among other publications. She has been teaching yoga since 2010, first in Brooklyn and Manhattan, and now in Raleigh, NC, where she currently resides. She is also co-authoring a book about the application of seasonal rhythms and yoga philosophy to modern life, which will be published by New Harbinger in early 2020. Connect with Andrea on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and sign up for her quarterly newsletters on her website: www.andreariceyoga.com.

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This is the time where we start pondering about how our vision can take shape, who do we want to create it with and set up a sustainable long-term plan that will support our desire, not just for the short term.

How can we do that? One of my favorite strategies to use is the SMART framework:

The more specific you can be with setting your goals, the more suitable action you will be able to take. Supported by your vision, it can be slightly more big-picture framed. Vague and undefined only sets up to failure, as we can get lost in the details – details are fun and help us to create a more appropriate solution.

Ask yourself: is it quantifiable? Having a measurable goal allows you to identify when exactly it has been reached and it gives you a better understanding of what needs to be done or changed in order to get to that goal.

And sustainable – for you and the environment. The reason to set a goal is to ignite an element of motivation and drive within you but if it’s too high and unrealistic, it can cause the opposite effect. It’s crucial to make it gradual. You’ll have short-term and long-term goals, and the short-term ones will gradually increase and evolve as you progressively move forward.

t can be something really good to have an amazing vision but it’s important to be aware of our starting point and evaluate available resources at that moment of time we set ourselves up for this new change – time, equipment… whatever assets are required from you.

Planning is essential. Coming up with a routine, with a day and week plan to make sure you have an allocated time for this task. This way you’ll stay motivated and disciplined about going for it – with proper breaks, days off and rewards. (the best way to keep you going!)

Did you know of the SMART system? All in all, frameworks help us to create clearer and detailed plans for us to make the change, but without your desire, your WHY and the willingness to do what it takes to get there, they can’t do much on their own.

Spend some time connecting these two parts of the process – the desire (objective) & why (your sustain) and how to bring it into action.

Ps: Discover my new series Coaching 123 where we cover all coaching-related topics weekly – check all available episodes here, in our COACHING LAB

Monica first discovered yoga and mindfulness two decades ago while developing her career in a result-driven and high-demanding corporate environment. They brought a sense of freedom, inner-peace and calmness that have accompanied her ever since. She combines different styles of yoga and somatic inspired movement (Vinyasa, Slow Flow, Yin, Restorative and Nidra) with sound therapy, coaching and energy healing in order to create deep transformative experiences.

Her style is playful, creative and inquisitive, creating her unique “Holistic Wellbeing” offering, which combines cognitive, emotional and experiential frameworks to empower individuals to embody their authentic and resilient self. Based in London, she works as a teacher, retreat and workshop host both locally and internationally.

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‘An energy signal you send to your cells is 100 times more powerful than any drug or supplement you can take.’ – Bruce Lipton.

Qi gong is essentially breathing, movement and meditation.
It is also a combination of ‘intention’ plus ‘movement.’
The different movements work from the physical level all the way up to the spiritual level.

Essentially because it works, it’s simple and once you have learned the techniques, it’s free! You can do it outside in the park, by the beach, anywhere and it’s my goal to help make that happen.

Qi gong promotes wellness, connecting body, mind and soul in the journey towards optimal health, harmonic attunement and encourages you back to your most natural state of being. The movements install balance, deep relaxation and can be used to remedy stress amongst a myriad of other benefits. Qi Gong techniques, when practiced regularly, help to activate your energy system and empower your physical body into a more vital state of being.

In Dao Yin Fa Qi Gong, the method I learned from Master Fabien Fabien, the techniques empower the Qi of the organs by stretching the twelve acupuncture meridians. The synthesis of color, movement and sound wakes up and redirects Chi within the body. The movements besides working with the physical organs within the body also detoxing the emotions that can get trapped within the organs.

With practice, you can learn how to handle emotions by clearing toxic emotions and cleansing your limbic system. Awareness of the emotions associated with the organs allows you to consciously compose fresh energy & delete stagnant emotions. This practice helps you to feel more stable, more balanced and healthy.

For health, it’s imperative that we keep our cortisol and hormone levels balanced especially with the stresses that we are facing today.

The Hypothalamus gland which is located at the base of the brain regulates our stress and our rejuvenating hormones such as oxytocin. It’s like your inner compass, crucial for brain health, controls your appetite and is like the CEO of your entire hormonal system. The Hypothalamus is a big part of having a healthy immune system just like you liver which is also a key part of the Immune System and when out of balance generates anger in the system, when in balance we feel more decisive, more forgiving and generous. The jaw is also associated with the LIVER, if you grind your teeth at night or have tightness in the jaw, this is a sign that your liver needs some support and assistance.

The main organ of the respiratory system is the lungs, the lungs are associated with the emotions of grief and sadness and by working with a series of movements and sound we are able to clear the lungs of this and welcome in the antidote of this which is courage. Something which is welcomed when we are going through difficult times in our life.

The endocrine system works with the adrenals (situated at the top of the kidneys) the thymus and the pancreas.

The urinary system is connected to the water element and includes the kidneys and the bladder, the emotions associated with these organs are fear and shock and by working with the antidote emotion we help to balance these organs with finding gratitude and stillness.

There are many different types of Qi Gong, for me, the Dao Yin Fa system by Master Fabien Maman and the Universal Healing Tao System by Master Mantak Chia I have found to be the most beneficial.

Qi Gong has three key benefits – it harmonises, strengthens and has a healing effect on the organs and the emotions within the human body system. It increases the flow of energy and oxygen throughout the body, has rejuvenating effects, increases longevity and calms the mind and emotions.

Tracie Storey has a full spectrum approach to sound; DJ/Producer, Sound Designer, Vibrational Sound Practitioner, Teacher and Speaker. She trained as a Vibrational Sound Practitioner exploring the transformational therapeutic properties of Bio Resonance, Sound Meditation and also teaches Qi Gong as part of her practice.

Today she combines all these tools as the founder of her company Elemental Resonance – a platform for restorative vibrational sound & movement therapy www.elementalresonance.com. As a practitioner, her sessions are instinctively tuned to the individual client, as a teacher and workshop lead her skills stretch beyond the treatment room to include immersive group sound harmonisations and meditation sessions.

Tracie released a sound meditation album called ‘Elemental Resonance’ on Celestial Being Records which is designed to work with or without affirmations on the different energy centres/chakra’s of the body. Check out her albums the Elemental Resonance Vol. 1 and Elemental Resonance Vol. 1 (Instrumental)

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Researchers believe that pancakes have been a breakfast favorite for centuries. According to National Geographic, our prehistoric ancestors may have eaten the early-morning staple. According to their website, an study of starch grains on 30,000-year-old grinding tools illustrate that Stone Age cooks were making their own version of flour using cattails and ferns. Researchers believe this powder was then mixed with water, and baked on a “hot, possibly greased, rock.” It may not have been an exact version of today’s buttermilk beauties, but the end result was of a similar concept.

Since then, pancakes have exploded in their popularity. The Greeks and Romans sweetened their pancakes with honey, and the Elizabethans added various spices, fruits, and even rosewater. Early American colonists developed their own pancake jargon, making “hoe cakes, flapjacks, and johnnycakes” out of buckwheat, flour, or cornmeal. Some recipes included molasses, while others used more savory ingredients.

Regardless of what we call them, pancakes have established a seemingly permanent place on breakfast menus. Below you’ll find classic recipes as well as some healthy spin-offs, so that you can take a practical approach to this fun holiday.

Super Simple Vegan Pancakes – Positive Health Wellness

Vegan pancakes are tricky, as eggs and milk can do a lot for the integrity of a pancake. Luckily, this recipe has found a way to concoct a fluffy and sweet cake without using any animal-derived ingredients. Unlike other vegan recipes, the end result holds together quite nicely, making them an easy candidate for flipping and a great platform for maple syrup.

Paleo Lemon Raspberry Pancakes – Paleo MG

Springtime often means fresh flavors and handpicked berries. This recipe combines both, using zesty lemon and raspberries to create a fruit-forward pancakes. The recipe is also paleo and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary restrictions. The flavor combination is bold enough to cancel out the need for any syrup, but we certainly won’t stop you.

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Pancakes – The Minimalist Baker

If you’ve ever wanted an excuse to eat cookies for breakfast, meet your new favorite pancake. This recipe yields a seemingly indulgent cake, but it’s completely free of refined sugar and can easily be made vegan. The nuttiness of the oats pairs well with the dark chocolate and sweet banana, and you might want a glass of milk to help balance out the indulgent flavor. Since they come together in under 10 minutes, this is a fabulous recipe if you find yourself in a morning rush.

Buttermilk Buckwheat Pancakes – Naturally Ella

Buckwheat is a unique flavor: earthy and bold but balanced with a touch of maple syrup. They’re thicker than regular pancakes, so you may need a smaller amount to fill you up. Naturally Ella offers a few variations, suggesting that you had bourbon and peaches for a southern take, or make them savory by adding a fried eggs.

Homemade Pancake Mix – Spend with Pennies

The benefits of a homemade pancake mix are endless; it’s affordable, adds simplicity, and makes for a great breakfast on camping trips. If you often find yourself in a morning rush or you’re looking for more outdoor-friendly recipes, this is the ideal mix recipe. It also makes a great gift for the pancake-lover in your life.

What are some of your favorite pancake recipes? 

—

Amanda Kohr is a 25-year-old writer and photographer with a penchant for yoga, food, and travel.  She prefers to bathe in the moonlight rather than the sun, and enjoys living in a state of the three C’s: cozy, creative, and curious. When she’s not writing, you can find her driving her VW Bug, looking for the next roadside attraction or family diner. She also roams the internet at amandakohr.com and through Instagram. 

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In truth, I laugh a little inside at this photo and then move on to respond to a message.  While I have taken a moment to enjoy the photograph a part of me dismisses what that represents and moves on.

⁠Even now, when I’m cooped up at home, driving my cats and girlfriend mad, a part of me dismisses the achievement of running a solo yoga retreat in Spain with all the related marketing, putting down of deposits, fear of failure, hope, imposter syndrome and joy.  That part of me also dismisses the years of hard work, the 9 classes a week plus a full-time job and then, leaving the security of that career for the life of self-employment. ⁠

What’s interesting is that it takes some serious reflection for me to remember the real reason a part of me dismissed the achievement of running that first solo retreat.  Because I didn’t fill every room, and a part of me compared myself to the Instayogis with xxxk followers. And underneath that comparison was a sense that I just wasn’t good enough (that’s a shame story by the way..)

The part of me that dismisses what I achieve, create, overcome and enjoy, over the years has also dismissed the blood, sweat, tears and trauma of my life. The PTSD, the ADHD, the career-changing mid-life anxiety – ALL dismissed in favor of comparison, or “not good enough”, or “it won’t work”, or “but other people have far more experience” stories.

We all do this – we dismiss, we put down, we ignore, we compare, we blame, we shame, yet we don’t encourage, acknowledge and validate ourselves nearly as much.⁠

I see this so much in my clients who work within the wellness industry.  Classic stories include: “How can I get new clients in a pandemic/recession?” “Who am I to ask for money from people at the moment?” “There’s too much competition – no one is interested in what I have to offer.”..

My friends welcome to the ego. The ego loves to do a number on us! ⁠

When we acknowledge and validate our experience, our history, our life, we can learn to turn down the volume on the ego. ⁠

Notice your energy when comparing yourself to someone else vs your energy in taking time to praise yourself with love.⁠

Notice how hard or weird it can be to feel good about praising yourself.⁠

⁠Friends, we have love work to do. We have to learn how to validate and acknowledge ourselves. We have to learn how to hold ourselves – our lives, with compassion and tenderness. When we can do this, all that we see changes.⁠

It can be easy to believe that what you do isn’t enough, that who you are isn’t enough – that you have to be a better person, a better version of you. It’s common to compare yourself to others and then wonder why you haven’t got it all figured.

Practicing self-validation is key, as is learning not just how to challenge these thoughts but to seek out, understand and have compassion for the underlying beliefs that keep these thoughts and behaviors reoccurring.

As a daily practice why not write in a journal each night before bed one thing you are proud of yourself for – it could be an action, an accomplishment, a thought, a meal, exercise.  Just one thing.  Try it..

My life’s experiences became my work as a holistic coach, breathwork and yoga teacher and over the years, this has enabled me to see myself in others and to offer my experience and support.  Our shame stories lose strength when they are shared because we see we are not alone in feeling like this.  It’s genuinely possible to move from low self-esteem, feeling stuck, indecisive or worthless to feeling strong, grounded in alignment and on purpose.

If you are ready to create long-lasting change, then I would highly recommend joining one of my mindset workshops where we learn why these beliefs occur, how to challenge them, and what we need to do to develop self worth that allows us to genuinely thrive and trust ourselves.  If uncomfortable feelings arise when you read this, perhaps it’s a sign that this exploration is for you.

Join me to learn more at How to Romance Your Self on Saturday 13 February at 10.30am UK. A recording is available to invest in if you can’t make it live.

Andy is a certified Holistic Coach, Yoga and Meditation teacher,  and in-training Transformational Breath Facilitator.  Andy’s passion is teaching and supporting you to master your body and mind, and live an empowered life.   Andy lives near Cambridge *UK with his two cats Connie & Mo and is a firm believer that miracles do happen!

Andy’s affordable group REWIRE online coaching programme  is open for new applicants. Andy teaches and coaches around the UK, Europe & SE Asia and online.  To book a coaching session, join REWIRE, a workshop or class click here.

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Self-love is unique to each of us; what it means to me will be completely different from what it means for you. And whilst our doubts and criticisms are uniquely our own – there are techniques we can embrace to build and boost self-acceptance, self-compassion, and ultimately self-love of yourselves.

Here are two simple techniques you can give yourself this Valentine’s Day to boost self-love:

Write yourself a letter of appreciation, list all the things you appreciate and are grateful for about yourself. Some ideas to get you started – start by thanking your body…. your legs that take you from A to B, your arms that let you hug your loved ones, your fingers that type and send a message to a friend, your ears that hear and take in those wonderful sounds and songs from your favourite artists. Your eyes that see the outside world, the sky, the trees, the grass.

You get my drift.

Now it might feel silly at first but try it out because the rewards are worth it.

When you practice this technique, a couple of incredible things are happening to you. Firstly, when we express gratitude, we get a surge of the hormone DOPAMINE. Simply taking stock of all that you are grateful for about yourself, fires off a surge of this incredible feel-good hormone. Think of it as giving your entire body and system one huge, big hug, showering yourself in feeling good about yourself. And by regularly pausing and taking a moment to recognise and acknowledge how incredible you and your body is – you are creating a new mindset habit for yourself.

Also, the process of putting pen to paper and writing is intrinsically linked to learning. 1. So by writing all the elements of yourself that you appreciate, you are learning to love yourself, to see yourself in a new, more positive light.

The Mindology App also has a Gratitude Journal you can download for free to get those feel-good hormones pumping.

Language is powerful to our psyche and our physiology. Imagine a friend saying lovely, sweet words to you vs. an angry driver on the road screaming insults and road rage – first scenario, you feel good about yourself you are calm, your body is calm, you might even be smiling, and have a warm fuzzy feeling inside, whereas in the second scenario your heart is pounding, your palms are sweaty, your blood pressure up – you are stressed.

You may not realise this, but words actually have a huge impact on your day-to-day mood. Neuroscientist, Dr Lisa Feldman Barrett, has researched the affect words have on us, showing that when you hear negative words there will be increased activity in the brain system that controls heart rate, breathing, metabolism, the immune system, and hormones. Dr Lisa says, ‘The power of words is not a metaphor, it’s in the wiring of your brain.’

What inner dialogue and words are you telling yourself.? Is it time to re-write your own words to yourself? Turn your self-talk into the lovely friend, not the angry road rage driver.

This technique is simple, it is about creating self-love affirmations for yourself. It might seem silly at first but imagine yourself as that sweet friend – what kind and loving words would you use. Choose the words that resonate with you. If something does not feel right, tweak until you find what does.

For example, I like to start my day with an affirmation that – “I am calm, contented and confident.”

This might not resonate with you, so choose what does.

Here are some ideas:

• I am doing the best I can.

• Every day is a new day, a time for change.

• I do the best I can.

• I am unique. There is no one like me.

And if you get stuck, ask yourself – ‘I love myself because…… ?’ Also, write down the affirmations to really give yourself that additional boost of love and positivity.

Finally, practice self-love as often as you can, taking time to appreciate ourselves is something we can do every day not just for Valentine’s Day.

Claire Aristides is a Hypnotherapist, Visualisation & Mindset Consultant and founder of Mindology.App. After completing a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Claire entered the business world working in IT, then launching successful fine jewellery brand Aristides Fine Jewels. Hypnosis has had a significant impact in both the business and personal aspect of Claire’s life and it is this passion for hypnosis that she shares with her clients. Check out her work here and follow Claire on Instagram.

Download Mindology App – App Store download https://lnkd.in/gAAphdz
Android download https://lnkd.in/gxBj5v5

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For some people, adding self-care into a daily regimen can seem inconvenient, or even intimidating. Your first defense might be “I don’t have time for that,” or “I have too many other things to do.” But repeatedly putting the needs of others before our own can lead to a lack of “me time,” which can, in turn, create stress and resentment and prevent us from being our best selves.

Research has illustrated that adding self-care into one’s daily routine reduces stress, decreases the chance of mental and physical ailment, increases productivity, and inspires feelings of happiness. By giving ourselves a daily dose of compassion, we’re able to approach our work and relationships with a clear, happy mind, thus allowing the cycle of positivity to continue.

1. Eat healthily and mindfully.

Too often we eat our meals while multitasking, thus denying ourselves the pure experience of a nourishing meal. Would you work on the computer when having dinner with a loved one? Treat yourself with that same level of respect, and allow yourself to indulge in a meal without any distractions.

2. Keep track of your accomplishments.

While there are great merits to a “to-do” list, we must also recognize the things we’ve done. At the end of the day, make a list (either mental or write it out) of the productive things you’ve done that day. Did you nurture a relationship? Do the laundry? Complete a work assignment? No matter how small, you deserve a pat on the back.

3. Express gratitude.

Just as it’s beneficial to keep track of what we’ve done, it’s also good to notice what we have. Keep a journal by your bed, and note the things that you feel lucky to have. Everything from clean sheets to a good friend is worth noting.

4. Gift your inner child.

What were some of your favorite things when you were little? Did you love sidewalk chalk, picking wildflowers, or eating marshmallows? Treat your inner child to a little present and allow the warm feelings to wash over you.

5. Create a cozy space.

Does your bedroom look the way you want it to? If it doesn’t, maybe add some candles or fun throw pillows. By building a space that feels warm and inviting, you establish an inviting retreat for when tough times arise.

6. Read a book.

Finding a book you love is a great way to feel happy. It feels wonderful to look forward to a good story, and the act of reading helps encourage a sense of peace. I recommend The Interestings, Tiny Beautiful Things, or A Homemade Life.

7. Move.

What people say about exercise and endorphins is true; getting active increases feelings of happiness. Find a form of physical activity that works for you. Enjoy a Saturday morning hike, try a new yoga class online, or go on a bike ride.

8. Unplug.

Instagram and Facebook have some benefits, but does it really make you feel better to expose yourself to everyone’s online versions of themselves? Most often people only report on their success, and so it can be hard when you’re comparing your entire life to everyone’s highlight reels. Take the time to break away from social media, and allow yourself to focus on the beauty of the moment.

9. Create something.

Whether it’s a batch of brownies or a pastel drawing, getting artistic allows us to feel mindful and productive.

10. Build a self-care kit.

Fill a pretty basket with some of the things that make you feel special. It could be nail polish, gummy frogs, coconut lotion, treasured photos, or a new pair of socks. Place your pick-me-ups in a pretty basket, and keep it in your bedroom or bathroom for when you need an extra dose of love.

Remember, by being your best self you’re able to share those beautiful feelings with those around you. Search for the good, share your peace, and watch the positivity grow.

Photo by Ali Kaukas. 

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Amanda Kohr is the Senior Content Editor at Wanderlust. You can find her exploring new highways, drinking diner coffee, and on Instagram. 

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