We love listening to people talking, not always for what they’re saying (!) but the words they’re using. Whether we realise it or not, we all have our own particular favourite – or “pet” – words, which we seem to use more than others. 

 

And then there are the “pet” phrases which can become infamous in a family or group of friends. One which springs readily to mind – and is always guaranteed to bring a rather rueful smile to family gatherings – comes courtesy of an older family member, who starts many of her observations on life with “I’m not being funny or anything but …”. The response to this is always the same, “No, you’re not being funny at all!”. 

With a distinctly autumnal feeling in the air – and we’re not even going to mention the torrential rain of the past couple of weeks (!) - it’s not surprising that many people start taking supplements at this time of year. A bit like taking out an insurance policy for the winter ahead. 

 

It’s made even easier these days, with a huge range available in supermarkets and high street chemists, let alone your local health food store or online. Just pop a bottle – or two (!) – in your basket and you’re covered for the winter … 

 

Unfortunately, there’s a trap waiting to catch the unwary, particularly those on a budget or who focus on quantity rather than quality. It’s a topic we covered a while ago, particularly whether supplements really are a necessary part of modern life, which can be found here. 

We love this expression and it perfectly sums up what we’d like to talk about today. If you haven’t come across this phrase before, it dates back to the Middle Ages and was used by map makers to indicate unchartered areas. As little was known about them they were assumed to be dangerous, harbouring all sorts of monsters and other unmentionable beasts. Hence the warning writ large on early maps. 

A couple of weeks ago we looked at all the easy things you could do to help make this a bug free winter. Getting the basics right. 

 

But what if, despite all your best efforts, the worst happens? Well, all is not lost. There are lots of things you can easily do at home to help speed bugs on their way. 

 

Let’s start with the most obvious one that most people seem to overlook. 

It’s been a while since we wrote about meditation – July 2016 to be precise – and it’s been interesting to watch how it’s gradually become more “mainstream.” You can find the post here. 

 

Despite this, there’s no doubt that meditation does still retain its slightly hippy’ish connotations, as well as being the butt of many jokes and caricatures. This is such a shame as never has it been needed more. 

 

At the very least, meditation provides a simple antidote to the ever increasing pace of modern life. It allows us to hit the “pause” – or “reset” – button giving a little time away from our own particular stresses and strains. Even better, this short time away brings with it a greater objectivity, so we can then view our lives from a calmer and less subjective perspective. And that’s without all the benefits it brings to our bodies. 

 

With all of these good things, why is there still such resistance to it? 

With a real nip in the air for the last few mornings and everyone back at school or work – grown ups as well as children (!) – this week we’re looking ahead to the autumn. Not only to glorious September days – where it’s too nice to be indoors (!) – but also to the less welcome start of the Colds and Flu season. 

 

And, yes, we can hear a collective groan at the mere mention of another winter. Let alone the start of another school – or work (!) – year. But, please, bear with us there’s a very good reason for us mentioning it now. 

 

There are so many simple things you can do now that will pay dividends later. Not only in avoiding the lurgies doing the rounds but also to improve your overall health. As so often is the case, if you get these right then everything else falls into place. 

We haven’t mentioned serendipity recently – or synchronicity if you prefer (!) – but either way we had a lovely example of it in action shortly after posting last week’s blog about daring to dream. It came courtesy of a blog we subscribe to. 

 

For a whole host of different reasons, many people seem to find it hard to start dreaming about what they really want. “Isn’t it being selfish?” “How could it ever happen?” Not to mention all the other rubbish the Little Monster in their head comes up with (!). And we’re sure your own Little Monster has their own particular favourites too… 

 

So, here’s a great reminder of how to get things moving in the right direction, by focussing on the positive rather than the negative.  

As clients and regular readers of this blog will know, we love getting people’s “little grey cells” working. 

 

Perhaps with a completely different perspective on something they’ve never stopped to think about before. And can then never see in quite the same way again… 

 

Or, by asking what seems like a very simple question, which gets them thinking in a very different way. 

 

Looking back on recent blog posts we’ve done a lot of the former but less of the later and thought it was time to redress the balance.  

 

So, if you’re ready for one of those simple little questions to get you thinking, here we go. 

While it seems a little earlier than usual, there’s been a distinctly autumnal feeling in the air for the last few days. The year is definitely turning and, to us, it’s a reminder of one of the pleasures of this time of year. Foraging for all the edible goodies that can be found in the hedgerows right now. Not only are they organic, but come with zero food miles and exercise built in (!). 

 

The one that marks the start of the autumn foraging season – as well as being a favourite of so many people – are Blackberries. And who doesn’t love a blackberry and apple crumble or perhaps pie; not forgetting the ever popular favourite blackberry and apple jam? 

 

With it being the middle of the holiday season – hurrah (!) – we’re going to keep this week’s post short and sweet. 

 

Whether you’re currently on holiday, about to go or just back why not STOP for a moment. 

 

Take a deep breath – or two (!) – and notice how you’re feeling right now. 

 

Then take another deep breath – or two (!) – and let any cares or worries you have drift away. 

 

Notice how you’re sitting or standing. Whether you’re tense or relaxed.  

 

Carrying the world on your shoulders or, perhaps, have them up round your ears (!). Then just let your body relax.