After a few years dabbling in this beautiful space, I’ve realised that it is time for my beloved hummingbird to expand her wings and grow – to lean into the wind toward new adventures.
If you have found me in this space, please click here and you will be flown across the virtual winds to land safely in my new online space.
Thank you for taking the time to seek me out and I look forward to meeting you again soon in my new, beautiful way of the hummingbird pages.
Aloha! x
“What was our life like? I almost don’t remember now. Though I remember it, the space of time it occupied. And I remember it fondly.” – Richard Ford
I took a very short trip down memory lane today.
After 20 odd years, I had reason to return to the city that held me through my early to late teenage years. It’s not my childhood home, but it is where much of my seminal growth took place.
And while I walked what were once familiar paths, I felt as though I had stepped into some strange, opaque vacuum. All the places that I had known so well and all the experiences I’d had over time were just there. Only they were veiled by the rampant progression of time and were ever-so-slightly out of reach.
There were familiar facades and buildings, arcades and lane-ways, and while I recognised the bones of these places, I felt at sea and unable to fully remember all I thought I would. I found myself caught in an oh-so-familiar yet terribly alien place. It felt like seeing a ghost.
What strikes me is my assumption that it would still be as it was when I left all those years ago. It seems in moving away, I neatly and carefully wrapped each piece of that place – it’s familiarity, it’s sense of home – and carefully packed it into the archives of my mind. And over time, I forgot about it. Until today.
Like me, this slice of city has aged. It’s a bit worn around the edges, the colours are muted and there are places that seem to have been forgotten about. But despite being weathered, like a favoured pair of jeans the memories I’ve gathered are comfortable. So I will hang on to them and honour their place in my history a little longer.
Because remembering makes me smile. And it reminds me of how far I have come.
“In one drop of water are found all the secrets of all the oceans; in one aspect of You are found all the aspects of existence.” – Kahlil Gibran
I’m not a big believer in making New Year’s resolutions. But I do believe in creating change for the better throughout life, particularly if the body is crying out for it.
For me right now, this is about drinking more water.
Herein lies the challenge, love. I’ve never been a good water drinker. Feeling vaguely thirsty all of the time has become so much a part of my inner landscape that I barely notice anymore. However, I am beginning to notice the increase in headaches, joint & muscle pain, fatigue, fuzzy thinking, irritability, digestive “challenges” and dry skin.
What do all of these symptoms have in common? They’re all intrinsically linked with chronic dehydration.
Our body is made up of about 60% of water, so naturally it makes sense to consume enough water to keep the body hydrated, but there are many other powerful reasons to drink enough water each day. It flushes toxins from vital organs, carries nutrients to the body’s cells, in turn giving a boost to energy levels. It helps regulate body temperature (and hormones), improves skin condition, helps in fighting off infection, hydrates joints and muscle tissue, improves digestion, relieves irritability (and constipation, for that matter) … the list goes on.
So, how much water is enough? Studies suggest that at least 8 glasses a day is a good amount, but the truth is that your water needs depend on a number of factors, including your current health, how active you are, where you live and the temperatures you live in. So while there’s no single, magic formula that fits everyone, learning more about your body and listening to it’s needs will help you determine what is right for you. It’s as much about instinct as it is science.
The thing is to make drinking (enough) water a daily habit. And while this has always been a challenge for me, I am determined to begin.
They say it takes 3 weeks to form a habit. With that in mind, welcome to my mini-revolution!
Introducing the 28 Day Water Challenge (I know, it’s a little over 3 weeks, but I’m determined to nail this habit in).
Beginning on the 1st February, I am going to tackle my own water challenge. I think it will change my life. Are you prepared to see if it will change yours too? 8 glasses (or thereabouts) a day. That’s it. Truly.
Begin with a glass of water on waking to help flush any toxins that have built up through the night then just sip on the rest throughout the day. The trick is to hydrate slowly so the body has time to take the water in and use it. Drink too much, too fast and it will pass straight through your body with little benefit. Drink it slowly and with care and your body will soak the water in and be forever grateful. A new you!
Expect an increase in urination and possibly some headaches and skin breakouts as the system detoxifies and flushes. But it will even out and you will start to thrive. I promise.
Try it. Join the Red Jasper Facebook community and report back. Tell us how you feel as a result.
I’d love you to join me in my revolution. 28 days. Health and vitality. I really believe it’s that simple. I do.
Are you in?
“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul”
Unknown
Sunday’s music to nourish the soul on Monday and ease you into your new week. I hope this week brings you all you wish for.
Please click on the above image and enjoy this week’s Red Jasper Sunday Mix … on Monday. Enjoy!
If you like the music and want to find more, do pay a visit to my friends at One World Music and Global Tonic. All that musical goodness needs to be shared!
“Every individual has a unique contribution” – Jack Cornfield, A Path with Heart
I have a friend with whom I collect images of hearts. It’s not a project we set about on purpose; rather it’s an organically grown collection of snaps that we take on our daily travels and share with each other via Instagram.
For me, these are little gifts from the Universe – they are a symbol of love, hope, compassion, bravery, generosity of spirit and foundation. And when I feel doubtful, I acknowledge these as a message that I am on the right path, right where I need to be. Now.
They are also a reminder of the interconnectedness of all beings. Despite living in different cities, through our heart-centred collaboration, I know I have connected and cemented a firm friendship with a kindred spirit. And in collecting and sharing our images, we are connecting with other special beings; a small community of like-minded people is forming, each of us treading gently along our paths, living creative lives with open hearts and minds.
How lovely it is to be creating connections in all corners of the world through the images we collect and curate. In this time of fast-paced living and even faster-paced technology, we are able to tap into each other – our lives, our cultures, our foundations, our hearts. We are creating a community unbounded by distance or geography. We can see the world through another’s eyes; experience another’s perspective, challenge the boundaries of our own bubble of perception.
This exchange of energy is uplifting and inspiring; a reminder that as a band of compassionate and open-hearted people, we can develop a wider vision of the world and cultivate meaningful exchanges encouraging hope, compassion, bravery and social harmony.
Immerse yourself in a community that inspires and uplifts you; walk your path with gentle compassion and an open mind; notice the messages of hope and encouragement that will guide you along the way. Trust your foundation. Know you are where you are meant to be. Right here, right now. Welcome fellow travellers!
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. That is to have succeeded”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Image from the talented Sheridan Nilsson, who photographed our wedding under this beautiful sky in Spring last year.
“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul”
Unknown
Music to nourish the soul. To accompany you through your Sunday. To remind you that sitting still for a while is soothing for the spirit and healing for the heart. It is a kindness you deserve to give yourself.
Please click on the above image and enjoy this week’s Red Jasper Sunday Mix.
If you enjoy what you hear, do visit my friends at One World Music and
Global Tonic. All that musical goodness deserves to be shared!
