The Preciousness of Ordinary Moments

Image via Ali Edwards

Whilst taking part in the fabulous Brené Brown's course 'The Gifts of Imperfection', I discovered Ali Edwards; designer, blogger, author, "Ali is well known for capturing everyday life with photos and words and creating scrapbooks from those moments that often pass by in an instant...Ali's passion resides in that very special place where the stories and images of life intersect".

A good friend once bought me a print by a Bristol based artist, Susan Taylor, of an Eskimo Proverb 'Yesterday is ashes; tomorrow is wood. Only today does the fire burn brightly'.

I find staying in the moment incredibly hard sometimes, but am practising it more and more, because I think there is definitely Power in Now (as Eckhart Tolle famously talks about).  Recounting old hurts, lost love, holding on to times we wished were still here is wasted energy...by looking back or worrying about the future, we forget what amazing blessings we have right in front of us now. The modern world is fast, we are bombarded with marketing messages to encourage us to want more, have more and whilst we're seeking to attain these things, much of the small stuff is missed.  Slowing down a bit helps us to enjoy the joys of today.
  

It does take practice...I went for a 5 mile walk recently, through a beautiful area in Bristol with deer, acres of land, grand views of the city.  The sun was out, and I found myself noticing the blossom on the trees, how green the grass looked, and the sky blue, and I soaked up the tranquility of walking somewhere peaceful, and breathing in the fresh air.  It felt good.

So, whether you're just reading a good book, hanging out with friends or family, taking a walk, swimming in the sea, having a massage (something I want to do more!) - try staying in the moment, and enjoy every minute of it.

Spring has arrived!

                                                                                                       Image via Ivory Flowers

Spring has finally arrived...the light is coming back, blossom is appearing and the daffs are popping up. It's my favourite season (well, closely followed by Summer).  I feel a real sense of renewed creativity at this time of year.  I'm definitely looking forward to upping my intake of Vitamin D.  It signals the start of carefree times...strolling in the countryside, exploring favourite places in Devon, Cornwall and Wales, dusting off the Bell Tent, wild swimming, sitting by the Bristol Harbourside, long cycles, reclining in the garden with a good book, cool drinks in pub gardens with friends.  Ahhhhh, the good things in life.

It's also the time of year when there are an abundance of stunning flowers around.  We're blessed to have the fabulous Ivory Flowers in Bristol. Xanthe Ivory is my favourite florist, and from humble beginnings - with stalls at a local Sunday market and outside Bristol's popular Tobacco Factory Cafe/Bar, she has recently set up shop with a wonderful chocolatier.

I'm exploring ideas at the moment for Fleur & Flo and think it would be great to hear from people like Xanthe, about the passion behind the work they do.  I'm always inspired by those people that are out there enjoying success doing what it is that they truly love!  Watch this space.

Flowing with Grace

Image via Prairie Yoga

I was recently at a yoga class and was introduced to the Sanskrit word 'Anusara' which translates to flowing with Grace.  I love this.  I have been doing yoga on and off for years, but I've never quite kept a regular practice going, so I have a long way to go in mastering the poses...and am still fairly awkward moving from one to the next.  I aspire to flow with Grace for sure.

But, what I love about yoga is that it is my practice, I'm getting to know my body, and moving it in the way that yoga encourages feels so good. It's not just the movement, it's the quiet, the chance for me to calm my busy mind.

Getting centred in my own life is a big focus for me at the moment, as I try and figure a few things out, both on a personal and professional level. As Max Ehrmann said in Desiderata "Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence...Speak your truth quietly and clearly...Keep interested in your own career...Be Yourself..."

Yoga is something that, through getting into a regular practice, I now really value to help me do exactly that - take the time out of the craziness of life to 'hear' myself and find what it is that resonates most with me in work and play...and flow with my own grace.