Mother's Day is a time of celebration for so many, and yet for some, it's a very difficult time.  Not only the day itself, but the lead up to Mother's Day, and all the advertisements and promotions, all the special sales and posts for this celebratory event. It can feel difficult and very hard, often very lonely too. I thought to share just a few things that have helped and supported me and others I've shared conversations with through grief support groups - perhaps if this is a difficult time  for you, you will find something of comfort and solace here.  

Grounding practices are so supportive for our nervous system and our whole wellbeing, but as with everything, I love to talk about ways of doing things, that are practical, manageable and realistic for us all - despite our living locations, circumstances, and situations.  We so often talk and hear about grounding as  'walking barefoot on the beach' and that's not the only way, and it's not possible for all of us to do this, and we don't need to.  Even if you can't go outside through quarantine, self isolation, or perhaps you are unwell or live with an illness which means you can't get outside, or you live somewhere and it's very cold. Whatever our circumstances, we can all still benefit from grounding practices - and these are just a few ways we can do so, indoors. Starting with a curious mind, and being inventive and open to what's available to us, wherever we might be.   

Every single experience calls for a holistic approach.  I believe this is absolutely necessary, in my mind and heart, for anything and everything, as we are all unique and holistic individuals.  

None of us are the same.  We are as unique as our finger prints.  There is no part of us that is the same as another.  We may share similarities, as we do as human beings, but we are all so very different.  

I see you, I hear you and I feel you.  I used to be this person, too.  I used to think it would be impossible to meditate or to even know how to calm my thoughts or my mind.  I was so used to being in a constant switched-on mode, my natural pace was rushing from one thing to the next, fitting as many things in as possible, multi-tasking, achieving and succeeding by being so busy in my work and life, and I thought that I thrived on doing a hundred things at once, and living this way.  Until my body, and life circumstances, told me otherwise. These days, my pace is very different, but I've also really learnt and understood just how difficult it can feel to switch off, and to even believe it's possible to - and I wanted to share just a few thoughts of mine, here, with support for you.  

I know that cold showers are all the rage at the moment, and are being suggested and recommended everywhere for anxiety and mental health benefits. So, let me preface this by sharing firstly, that as with anything and everything - you are a unique individual - and something that works for one person, may not work or feel good or right, for you.  I believe in a truly holistic approach for everyone.  ​

This is part three and the final blog of this series I've been sharing. All about slow living, with intention - as for me, this is the essence of feeling calm and ease, connected within myself, confident in how I choose to be and live my own unique life, with meaning and purpose.  Not dependent on the fast paced, outside world, or feeling influenced by the stress or becoming involved within it, or any one else's way of being and living. Slow living with intention, I feel, is truly knowing our own values, making decisions and choices aligned with these, and choosing this, every day, in every way.  You can read part one here, part two here, and I'm adding to this, with a few more ways to share, in this final piece today.      ​