Are you past, future or present focused?

Eckhart Tolle in his book 'The Power of Now' states:
 

"There is never a time when your life is not "this moment".
Is this not a fact?"
 

I feel like we often forget this. We're so focused on what was and what we hope will be that we're missing what is.
 

Where do you spend most of your time?

Do you worry about things, have anxiety, excessively plan and overthink?
- then you're probably spending a lot of your time future focused.
or
Do you often have feelings of grief, sadness or guilt?
- then you're awareness is likely to be focused on the past.

If either, or both, of these is familiar to you try asking yourself
- Is my worry and anxiety for the future creating a stressful, miserable now?
or
- Are my memories of the past creating an unhappy present?

Becoming aware of feelings, thoughts and behaviours is the first step to overcoming them, awareness also pulls you instantly into the present moment.

There's a quote you may have heard by Bil Keane, "Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present."
I'd like to expand on that with "The past is for memories and lessons, the future for hopes and dreams, but now is the true gift - that's why it's called the present."

Wishing you health, harmony & happiness
Kylie
 

www.reclaimwellness.com.au 

Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/bilkeane121860.html

Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present.
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/b/bilkeane121860.html

This Tuesday we're holding another Sound Cleansing 7:30 - 8:30pm. If you haven't attended a sound cleansing before it really is a beautiful way to relax and unwind. In the words of a past participant "Amazing! Walked out feeling refreshed, cleansed and ready to take on the world. Sometimes all you need is some time for yourself to do something you enjoy. Thank you for creating that for me."  For more information click this link https://www.facebook.com/events/110383492759525/ or call 0412 335 720 THIS MONTHS ESSENTIAL OIL SPECIAL... Motivate Blend - $40.00 (RRP $47.70) PRIMARY BENEFITS: Promotes feelings of confidence, courage, and belief Counteracts negative emotions of doubt, pessimism, and cynicism INGREDIENTS: Peppermint Plant, Clementine Peel, Coriander Seed, Basil Herb, Yuzu Peel, Melissa Leaf, Rosemary Leaf, Vanilla Bean AROMATIC DESCRIPTION: Fresh, Clean, Minty To order please call us on 0412 335 720 before Wednesday 12/10

What are the consequences of your actions?

I was chatting with a wise woman recently about the consequences of our actions and she made the point that there are good consequences for our actions as well.
Now I'd always thought the consequences of my actions should be carefully considered and I'd always viewed consequences as possible negative outcomes for myself or others - the term "dire consequences" comes to mind.
But since this conversation I've started also to think about what good consequences could result from my thoughts and actions. This has been a bit of a game changer for me so I thought I'd share it with you.
If you focus on all of the consequences that could result from your behaviour it takes a bit of pressure off, it helps you to also see the possible positive outcomes and gives you confidence and hope that while there may be some "dire consequences" resulting from your actions there's also this other side of "wonderful consequences" that may result as well.

Here's hoping your thoughts and actions bring a series of wonderful consequences for yourself and others.

Wishing you health, harmony and happiness
Kylie

self nurture

The issue of self nurture often comes up when we are working with clients and how to explain this has been a bit of a challenge.

How would you say you nurture yourself?

Often we think of nurturing as pampering ourselves with a facial, manicure or new hairstyle.

While these things may feel wonderful in the moment are they truly nurturing our souls?

To explain this more I'll use an analogy of a plant in a dark cupboard that I heard recently. Imagine you go into the cupboard and wash or trim the leaves of the plant (the equivalent of a facial or haircut), and tell it it looks beautiful -  this is pampering.
What if instead you were to take it out of the cupboard and into the sunshine, water it and maybe repot it in some nutrient dense soil - this is nurture, and this is what we need to do for ourselves.

So this week maybe see what you truly do in your life to nurture yourself.

In health, harmony & happiness
Kylie

www.reclaimwellness.com.au
www.facebook/2reclaimwellness.com 

*** Dandelion Wishes ***

Ever wondered why we make wishes on dandelions?
A book* I read recently provided this answer...
 

"Hundreds of years ago people used to eat the green leaves
of the dandelion plant because they are extremely high in vitamins,
which gave it its Latin name, which translates as the
'official cure of all ills', so people see them as good luck
and now make their wishes on the seeds."

                                                                                 * 'If you could see me now ' ~ Cecelia Ahern 

So my wish for you today is that you find a dandelion to wish upon that cures all your ills.
In health, harmony & happiness
Kylie

 

www.reclaimwellness.com.au
www.facebook.com/2reclaimwellness

Human being or Human doing?

Of the three statements above, which do you strive for?
Do you try to do your best, be your best or be the best?

What do you see as the difference?

I remember as a child being encouraged to do my best, and if I was ever disappointed with my performance I would be consoled with "well as long as you did your best".

In regards to being the best - that was certainly prized and rewarded.

But being my best - I don't think that was ever mentioned...which is weird when you think about it considering we're human beings not human doings.

I wonder how different our world would be if we were encouraged to be our best instead of doing our best - would it shift our focus and meaning away from what we do and instead have us valuing ourselves and each other more for who we truly are?

And lastly why are we striving to be the best? What does that even mean to be the best at something and who decides? There's also an element of disappointment attached to this as you will never be the best at anything forever so at some point you are going to fail.

Best, I think, to be your best you because no one else can ever do that better than you!

Wishing you health, harmony & happiness
Kylie

If practice makes perfect then I guess it might be helpful to look at what we actually practice?

Do you practice kindness, forgiveness or compassion?

Or is much of your day spent practicing annoyance, boredom or sadness?

Up until a few days ago I only ever thought of practicing as something I consciously did to try and learn a new skill or get better at something. I never really thought that my whole day is full of practicing and all those things I'm choosing to practice, I get better at, and they become my reality.

Do I really want to be better at being angry, stressed or uninspired. Would my life be different if I practiced being enthusiastic, happy or calm instead?

This week try being mindful of what you practice and maybe ask yourself "Is this really something I want to perfect".

Wishing you health, harmony & happiness
Kylie

Just wanted to let you know that every Friday on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/2reclaimwellness I'm going to FLIP IT!

I'm going to highlight the flip side of an issue by looking at it from a mind, body, spirit perspective and try to flip the way you think about wellness.

This issue may be a physical symptom, a disease, an emotion, a thought or behaviour. So far I have addressed arthritis https://www.facebook.com/2reclaimwellness/photos/pb.699596323451431.-2207520000.1467695932./1042885435789183/?type=3&theaterhttps://www.facebook.com/2reclaimwellness/photos/pb.699596323451431.-2207520000.1467695932./1042885435789183/?type=3&theater
and shoulder pain
https://www.facebook.com/2reclaimwellness/photos/pb.699596323451431.-2207520000.1467695932./1047426692001724/?type=3&theaterhttps://www.facebook.com/2reclaimwellness/photos/pb.699596323451431.-2207520000.1467695932./1047426692001724/?type=3&theater
If you have any illness, pain, behaviour or diagnosis that you would like to explore from a mind, body, spirit perspective please send me a text on 0412 335 720, reply to this email, or post your query on facebook - I'd love to hear from you.

Wishing you health, harmony & happiness
Kylie

Quick Quote

Just wanted to share a quote that got me thinking this week...
 

"We are possessed by our possessions,

consumed by that which we consume."

 ~ Duane Elgin

How true is this for you?
What are you possessed or consumed by?

Wishing you a joyful week.

In health, harmony and happiness
Kylie

I just want to BE HAPPY!

How often have you heard someone say "I just want to be happy"?
How often have you said it yourself?

It's a common desire and one you would think, living in this beautiful land of plenty, we would be able to achieve. However, for many people happiness is illusive. Sure we may have fleeting moments of happiness and future happy times we look forward to, but overall, day to day, how happy are you?

On a scale of 1 - 10 (10 being extremely happy) where would rate your happiness? 
Now to clarify here I'm not asking about "facebook happiness", i.e. the outward portrayal of you having an enjoyable life, I'm talking about real happiness, when you're on your own with no distraction or mask - how happy are you?

Now using the same scale how happy are you with the following:
                - your job
                - your relationships
                - your family life
                - your financial situation
                - your self

Asking questions is the first step to finding answers. So if you find yourself saying "I just want to be happy" take this further by asking yourself questions about happiness, what it means for you and how you can bring it into your being.    

Wishing you health, harmony & happiness
Kylie

If this blog resonated with you and you "Just want to be happy" then please join "The Happy Bunch" - a weekly group that meets every Thursday for discussion, activities, self exploration, friendship and outings.

The group will implement ideas from the book'The Happiness Equation'  

by Bridget Grenville-Cleave and Ilona Boniwell, Ph.D.

If you'd like more information or to join please visit the Facebook group

 https://www.facebook.com/events/619237118242110/

or email me kylie@reclaimwellness.com.au

I look forward to seeing you there :)

Defensive Listening

Do you listen to respond, to instruct, to correct or do you listen to hear?

Often we listen defensively - to defend ourselves or others, to defend our ideas, our values or our beliefs.

We listen to have an opinion on what is being said so we can reply in agreeance or opposition, to support the speaker, to give advice, to let them know where they are right or wrong.

Sometimes this may be what the speaker is seeking - backup, support, constructive criticism or guidance, but often the speaker just wants to feelheard.

So today try to listen and just hear what someone else is saying. Silence your own judgement, opinions, advice and reflex replies. Stop listening to the voice in your head and really tune in to the voice of the speaker. Then show them that you heard them, show them that you understood and valued what they said (this can be as easy as saying "yeah I really hear what you're saying, it sounds like you feel ….… ").

How different does it feel to listen in this way? 

How different would it feel to be heard in this way?

Why not try it with a partner, friend, family member or workmate. Take it in turns to really listen to one another and see how it feels to truly listen and truly be heard.

And please if you don't have anyone in your life that you believe will truly listen to you and you feel a need to be heard give us a call on 0412 335 720 - we love to listen.

In health, harmony & happiness
Kylie

"A man's goodness is truly measured by what he is, not by what he does." 

This quote is from a novel I'm currently reading, and loving, by Deepak Chopra (who knew he wrote novels???).

The words are said by Merlin in response to King Arthur asking him what he should do to be a good King.

"There is nothing you need to do to be a good king", Merlin said
"A man's goodness is truly measured by what he is, not by what he does."
 

Often our lives revolve around what we do and what we need to get done. When we meet someone new we usually get asked "what do you do?", or people we know will often ask "what have you been doing lately?" but rarely, if ever, do we get asked what we are.

So that's my question for you today - What are you?

Happy ponderings
Kylie

Cycle of Life...

While walking my dog, Tuppi, this morning I noticed the flowers pictured above growing in my neighbours front lawn and was reminded once again of the cycle seen everywhere in our world.

From seemingly nothing something arises reaches full expression then ends.

This cycle can be seen in all things man made and all things in nature, in an idea, a project, a day and a life.

Trying to deny or fight against the cycle leads to feelings of anger, grief, sadness, worry or regret. Like when a loved one passes, a relationship ends or a project concludes before we're ready to let it go. We can feel stuck and imbalanced while we try to hang on to what was, not sure of ourselves, our purpose or our path.

But if we can learn to accept the cycle, letting go of the things that are blocking our acceptance and ideally even take some personal meaning from the process then we can start to move on to find our happiness, love, benevolence and peace once again.

Wishing you health, harmony & happiness
:) Kylie

Childhood lessons

Many, many years ago I was watching Oprah interview Madonna and the following discussion (as best as I can recall it) really stuck with me.

______________________________________________________________

Oprah: "What is the most important thing you are going to teach your daughter?"

Madonna: "Self-respect."

Oprah: "And what are you going to teach her about men?"

- here the audience giggled a bit, Madonna smiled slightly and responded with

"If I teach her self-respect, I don't have to teach her anything about men."
______________________________________________________________

I loved her answers then and I still love them now.

If you were asked the same question what would you reply? And if, like me, you don't have children what would you teach your child self?

In health, harmony & happiness
Kylie

 

Are you sympathetic or empathetic?

What's the difference between these 2 words and why does it matter?

I've heard many times over the years that it's more helpful to be empathetic than sympathetic but l never really understood the difference until I heard the following explanation.

Imagine you are on a boat with a friend who is seasick and throwing up. If you approach your friend with empathy you would hold their hair back, offer them a seasickness remedy or do something that shows you care. If you approach your friend with sympathy you would join them in their misery and start throwing up with them!

Empathy is understanding what your friend is going through, standing in their shoes and offering understanding and support. Sympathy is feeling what your friend is feeling and joining them in their response - it shows you understand their situation but offers little comfort or help.
 

Thinking of these 2 different ways of responding
Which would you like to receive?
Which do you give?

                        Yours empathetically

  Kylie and Leanne

      www.reclaimwellness.com.au  Phone: 0412 335 720

Pain, pain go away! Don't come again another day

What is pain and why do we experience it?

Pain is the bodies way of getting us to pay attention, to let us know something's not quite right - a prompt to make us do something different, to save ourself.
For example, when we step on a sharp object the nerves send a message to the brain to register the pain saying "pay attention something's not quite right", the brain then sends a message to the muscles to move the foot or step lighter telling us "to do something different" and the pain goes away…

Except when it doesn't!

What's that about?

Why do some of us have long held pain?
For example back pain that may have first occurred from a fall and over time the injury has healed from a medical perspective but the pain never really went away. Some days it's worse than others, sometimes things ease it and sometimes they don't.

Why is that?

What's going on there?

Doctors and scientists may have no answers to these questions but do you? Does your body that initially sent the pain message hold the answer on how to stop the pain message still being sent?
Of course it does - but you have "to pay attention, somethings not quite right" and I mean really pay attention to all of you because the body doesn't only send us pain to change our physical behaviour it also sends pain to get us to pay attention to our emotions, behaviours, thoughts and beliefs.
Think about when you're really sad particularly when you're trying to suppress your sadness and hold it in - any chest pain?
What about when you're stressed - any headaches or neck pain occur as a result?
What about feeling anger - do your muscles stiffen, your joints lock up?
All of these physical pains are warnings from our body to "pay attention something's not quite right" and to "do something different", because if you don't, overtime, your unexpressed sadness may show up as lung or breathing issues like asthma, cold/coughs or even pneumonia, your unresolved stress could turn into migraines, aneurysm or stroke, your constant feeling of anger or frustration may cause symptoms of arthritis, debilitating muscle pain or inflexibility.

So if you have any "unexplained" physical pain broaden your awareness. Look outside of only the physical and consider what emotions, behaviours, thoughts or beliefs may also be causing you pain, may also need you "to pay attention, somethings not quite right - do something different".

It's worth a try :)

Yours in health, harmony and happiness



If this newsletter has touched a chord in you but you are unsure how to heal your pain from this new level of understanding please call us because this is what we do - we help you get in touch with your body but also your mind and your spirit so you can access what it is you need to know "to pay attention to", to clear any blocks "the somethings that aren't quite right" and to choose new emotions, behaviours, thoughts or beliefs "to do something different" and reclaim wellness.

January Newsletter and offer

The beginning of a new year often brings with it great plans for change. There's a feeling of renewal, beginning again, giving up old habits and focusing on what we want out of life.
If you've set yourself a New Year's Resolution and you're already seeing your commitment dwindling or you're feeling stuck and unsure of where to go from here we'd like to offer you a FREE 30 Minute Kinesiology Balance*. 
Kinesiology can help uncover what may be holding you back, highlighting and clearing the stress or concern being held in the body, mind and spirit, bringing about feelings of renewed passion, clarity and understanding.
Please call us on 0412 335 720 to book your appointment.
Wishing you health, harmony & happiness
Kylie & Leanne
  *Offer is only valid for one appointment per client and available from 19/1/16 - 29/01/16

December Newsletter "Joy"

The beginning of Summer marks the start of the fire element in Chinese 5 element theory and JOY is one of the main emotions linked to this element. So embrace JOY this month, try to see it everywhere you go, and if you can't see it try creating it for yourself and watch it spread to others.
 

JOY SHARED = JOY DOUBLED
 

Find it in the simple things - a child's smile, a sunrise, a flower, a "thank you".
See it, share it, be it.

In Health, Harmony & Happiness
Kylie & Leanne