Your Head Must Bow To Your Heart

I used to proclaim that my head ruled my heart as it felt terribly in control, but as the years go by I realise I am just as hopeless at doing what 'I should do' as everybody else.  

I am not just talking about romantic love here, although that is often a very clear example of people following their hearts instead of their heads.  I am thinking more about making decisions in your life based on what your gut tells you, rather than what people around you think or what you feel you 'should' be doing.

I am not suggesting that we should all run away from responsibility and make felt flowers by the seaside.  I simply mean than when we are faced with big decisions, doing what we really want, rather than what we think we should want, is the best way to go about things.  I have a tendency to fight towards the most sensible option and force myself to pick the path which seems to be the most approved and safe.  However, it is usually only a few bends down the path that I realise I am not following my heart and I do a U-turn back down the dangerous but delicious route I should have been on all along.

This might sound terribly indulgent to some people and of course sometimes choice has got nothing to do with it.  Often our circumstances mean we cannot do or be what we want.  However even within limiting conditions I still think there is space to at least begin to fulfill your inner desire and to improve and enhance yourself in a way which puts you more in alignment with what you want.

The thing is, following your gut, your heart and your intuition is often going to take you on the route which holds more possibility for failure and heart ache and therefore... has the most potential for pain.  So often in life we miss out on fulfilling our hearts through fear of failure and emotional pain.  It can be so easy to stay within our comfort Zone, to stick to the safe road and pretend that it is the best choice, to convince ourselves it is what we want.

Following your heart is rarely the easiest road, it is not a gateway covered in candy canes with unicorns clip clopping along beside you.  Far from it.  However, I can promise you that following your heart is the best way to learn about who you are, to grow into the person you want to be and most importantly to meet the people who can teach you the most.

Life is always going to be full of pain and fear (as well as lots of glowing wonderful feelings) and if you are going to experience difficult emotions it is better to choose a worthwhile cause, like following your true desires and discovering yourself along the way.  

After all, if you can be the best version of yourself possible, then you can have the most positive effect on the people around you, and who are any of us without them?

Josie

P.S How do you know which choice is following your heart?  

In my experience for a while you don't, then one day it will hit you like a ton of bricks.  At this point the choice is taken away as you simply have to try whatever it is that is calling you. Whenever I reach this point I always wish I had admitted it to myself all along.  But, it is all part of the process and you start to get better at recognising the feeling you get when you are forcing yourself down a particular route instead of going with what feels right.  Change always carries with it some unease but generally if you feel deep seated unease with a choice you are making don't just label it as fear of change, look deep inside and ask yourself if it is truly what you want?


If you don't know at first?  Just make your first best guess and know that if you have to turn back and choose another route, it is not such a big deal, there is always something to learn along the way, even if you only manage the first two bends.  I have made so many detours already in my short life and I have come to accept my slalom route towards my goal (which also changes every few minutes).

Summer...My Five Steps to do it the healthy way!

So, I am back in dear old Blighty and making the best of all the available foods and activities that make being in England great. The summer is approaching and I have resolved to make this one as healthy and full of greatness as possible. 

1. For a start I am going to make use of all the summer fruits as much as possible.  British strawberries in abundance.  I will start by eating all my Mums handpicked punnet and then consider picking my own, it all starts with a thought, no need to rush these things.  Seriously though, summer berries and a handful of spinach make a terrific green smoothie, chuck in a spoonful of flax and some spirulina and you are literally glowing!  Don't forget that the summer is short so freeze, freeze and then freeze some more for summer smoothies all winter (this means pick, pick, and picking too, strong knees?)


2. Bicycle, walking, gliding, however you choose to travel this summer make sure it is a method which allows you to get some fresh air and plenty of Vitamin D from the sunshine.  When I finish work I like to go for a walk outside just to make sure I get my dose of proper clean air and a bit of time away from the world of computers and passwords, televisions and phones. 

3. It is not going to be Pimms and Old Rosy cider for me this year...I know it is horribly irritating that I will be drinking carrot juice and strawberry smoothies instead, but you will just have to get used to the idea.  Festivals and long summer evenings usually spell hangovers and general liver abuse, but for me, this year, it is going to be about doing all those things but without all that alcohol in tow.  It is so intrinsically British to drink a lot and make those long summer nights blur into squint eyed mornings, but I am going to rebel.  Keep your hat on, I didn't said I would never drink again, I just like the idea of not having to. As I read this back I remind myself of all the people I used to cringe at.  Although I have noticed as I get edgingly older I care less what is expected of me and prefer to do what makes me feel good about myself.  Eugh do I sounds awful?  Yes?  Never mind.

4. Herbal Teas...for FREE.  I am loving the fresh teas that are available in the garden.  My current favourite is mint and fennel.  I love that all I have to do is potter down to the garden and pick a few sprigs, pop them in boiling water and within minutes I have a herbal infusion of the most organic and instant variety.  If you like things sweet you can add honey to taste.  If you choose local honey you can also build up your immunity against hay fever.  Need I say more?

5. Ok, this is my favourite...aromatherapy facial spritz.  I just take an empty spray bottle (glass is better but mine is plastic as it was all I had).  Fill the bottle with water and add a few drops of Lavender essential oil and a few drops of Geranium essential oil.  Pop it is the fridge to keep cool and anytime you feel a little stressed or overheated spray your face and neck with this luxurious spritz. Not only does it smell fantastic and cool you down, but it nourishes after the sun and relaxes your nerves after all that stressful sunbathing, or frisbee playing or whatever it is you were doing out there.  Fantastic. 

Any Ideas of your own?  Post them here for others to share :)


Josie

Detoxing is: Dangerous? Necessary? Beneficial? The Answers.

Hmmmm, is it safe to stop eating?  The answer is yes, as long as you do it right!

When I set off for Thailand two years ago I knew I would be working in a detox centre but I was not sure yet what I felt about detoxing.  Was it really a good idea to limit your food intake?  Does it really do anything to help your body?

I began with a critical eye,  knowing the theory and how it should help your system, but keen to see the reality.  Could putting a tube up your bottom and a green drink down your throat be anything but disastrous?

The reality is detoxing is an amazing process that leaves you feeling renewed and looking sensational.  I did not work with one guest during my time on Samui who felt there was no benefit from the process and many really did transform into newer, more positive, much more confident individuals during their cleanses.


How to start?


Fasting is not something to do yourself at home without guidance if you have never done it before.  It is not simply stopping eating, it is about nurturing your body with special blends of herbs, supplements and juices as you eliminate toxins from your body's systems.  There can be side effects from the process such as headaches, muscular pains or fatigue.  It can bring up emotional issues you had locked away and force you to examine your feelings.  It is a wonderful result and as with all the best things in life, it needs a little commitment and effort.

There are many different approaches and techniques when it comes to detox, there is no right or wrong way, it is about finding the way which suits you and choosing one you are ready for.  Some approaches are more gentle, like eating nothing but raw food for a period of time.  Some are more focused on cleansing the colon with colemas and fibre drinks.  Some are more extreme, such as water fasts.  If you are looking into doing a detox the best thing to do is research the different supplements and approaches and make sure you feel comfortable with the nutritionist or specialist you are working with.


Is it Dangerous?

Detoxing can seem extreme and dangerous to some people, but I can assure you that done correctly it is a wonderful process which really does change the way you view your body and what you put into it.  It is quite amazing how well the body can perform during a detox and as your body releases congestion and has more energy to use on the rebuilding and renewing, you can feel your body come back to life. 


Benefits

When your body is full of toxins (residue in the tissues and systems from stress and chemicals) you can feel tired, demotivated, puffy and bloated.  As you release these built up residues with a cleanse you start to feel more energised and can finally think clearly again.


The whites of your eyes become clear, your skin becomes bright and luminous and as you learn you can feel like this all the time you become inspired and excited.  Constipation, fatigue and headaches can all be relieved with a good cleanse.

It is also a great way to kick start weight loss, although I personally think that it is better to lose weight slowly and gently if you want to make long term changes.  Having said that I have worked with individuals who have kept weight off after a detox, it just takes commitment to change in your everyday world.  I like to see weight loss as an unavoidable side-effect to cleansing your body, rather than the goal.


Who should do it?

Detoxing is not the answer for everyone, I understand it does not appeal to some people and a healthy cleansing diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is a great way to stay healthy.

However, if you want to feel energised and feel your body could do with a spring clean then you are a perfect candidate.  Doing a detox before you get sick is the best approach. You should start with a week of raw food as you research a deeper cleanse.

It can also be used to help people with more serious illnesses who need a really deep cleanse or for people with digestive problems such as IBS.  It is also great maintenance for anyone who is interested in staying healthy and youthful.  I have helped people from the ages of 19-87 detox and seen miraculous results with all of them!  You should always consult a naturopathic nutritionist or specialist before you detox to make sure it is suitable for you and that you do it correctly.

I am hooked and I would love to help anyone who wants advice on where to start!


Josie