Soulful Sunday #45: We Are Eternal

Soul Reflections

A year or so after my Dad passed, I remember discovering a book titled We Are Eternal by Robert Brown. Brown’s work, among others, brought me great comfort at a time when death seemed a fearfully inevitable end to living. Exploring my spirituality and life after death allowed me to make peace with the concept of dying, which I have now come to trust as a transition into another realm – our spiritual home. When our time comes to leave this physical world and our physical bodies, our souls live on. We are eternal. 

Fear not death. Live each day as if it is your FIRST, not your last. Live with a sense of childlike wonder and curiosity. For in this lifetime and lifetimes beyond – you are safe and protected in the arms of Love. 

Soul Strolls

I am still travelling New Zealand with my man. Today, we took a trip to the Cape Reinga to visit one of the most significant cultural sites in Aotearoa (New Zealand). For Maori, this is where the persons spirit comes after death and departs for their eternal home.

What makes the Cape Reinga so special is at this most Northern Point of New Zealand, you can witness two oceans collide – the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman. It really was a spectacular view, almost like life meeting death in a beautiful collision of white waves.

Soul Food

I have been enjoying some delicious delicacies in New Zealand. I have tried Pāua, Blue Nose and an array of other fresh seafood. One thing I did pass on was Kina. A type of sea urchin, Kina is collected from the sea, cut open and eaten straight from it’s casing. Here you can see my partner’s cousin opening their catch, and my man enjoying his yummy feed! Salty!

Soul Music

Today, I’d love to share Bob Dylan’s, Forever Young as a tribute to my Dad. And a reminder to us all to live courageously, to stand up right and be strong. And may we stay forever young at heart.

Soul Sisters

I’d like to leave you with Dainty M’s post, Dealing With Separation. Sometimes, separation can be hard. Even when we we know it is an inevitable part of life. Here, Mfon offers some insightful tips to ease the discomfort and pain of departure.

I’m wishing you all a peaceful Sunday from across the miles. May you remain eternally at peace with yourself and others. Remember, life is to be savoured and enjoyed, so waste it not in fearful thoughts of yesterdays and tomorrows. Embrace living NOW.

Love Always,

Hayley xx

Magic

For some, the magic of Christmas is still very much alive, and for others, Christmas can be a tough time of the year.

At times, I struggle living on the other side of the world away from family and friends. I also reminisce of loved ones lost, memories of times when our family was complete… Maybe you feel the same?

In the absence of those we hold dear, we must work a little harder to embrace the joys of Christmas. Over the years, there are a few things that have helped me to remain open to the magic of Christmas, and I’d like to share them with you:

1. Take the focus off yourself. The act of giving naturally places you into a position of receiving. When you give your time, love, patience and gifts to others, this simple act of service ignites a sense of peace and fulfilment within. Make somebody smile this Christmas with your words or actions and feel the warmth it brings to your heart.
2. Spend time with children. If you wish to feel more of the magic of Christmas, be in the company of children. Whether they are your nieces, nephews, or your own offspring, spending time with children at Christmas is the surest way to connect with your own inner child. If you don’t have young ones in your family, consider taking gifts to a children’s hospital. Share the joy of Christmas with those who need it most.
3. Slow Down. It’s so easy to get caught up in the mayhem of Christmas that it’s no wonder the magic can often feel lost. We over spend, over eat and over ‘do’ to the point we become stressed, burnt out and blue. This Christmas, slow down. Take your time and be present. Simplify simplify simplify. Remember what the true magic of Christmas is about – connection. Take time to connect with strangers and loved ones, but most important, take time to connect with yourself. Take a stroll, a warm bubble bath or play your favourite Christmas jingles as you prepare a meal. Give yourself the gift of self-love.

I hope you received some little gems of magic in these simple, yet powerful tips. Embracing you all in a warm, loving hug. May your time be filled with magical, loving connections this Christmas and beyond.

In love & light,

Hayley xx

 

Soulful Sunday #44: The Wisdom of Rest

Soul Reflections

I often amaze at the way society has shaped us into a nation addicted to doing.

The chronic doer is often commended for their ‘productivity’ and applauded for their ability to get things done. But at what cost? Their health? Their sanity? Their loved ones? People addicted to doing often feel a sense of adrenaline each time they tick something off their ‘to do list’ and rarely feel at ease when simply resting. But as Lin Yutang reminds us:

Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of the non-essentials.

Now I’m not suggesting we all go on strike and neglect our daily duties in favour of Netflix. But what I am suggesting is that we allow moments in our day to simply be. To be still, to enjoy moments of solitude, to give our undivided attention to our loved ones without the distraction of electronics and phones, to make time for laughter, play and creativity each day.

Your body, mind and heart need not wait until an unfortunate event, loss or illness forces you to stop and pay attention. Healing can begin now. Living can begin today. Today, silence your phone. Leave the chores for a few hours. Trust that what’s important will be taken care of. And the rest? Well that can simply wait.

Soul Strolls

This week I have been enjoying some gentle strolls around my local park. I also enjoyed a lovely catch up with friends at Cantani Gardens in St Kilda. The same spot where I enjoyed festival fun and music at The Pleasure Gardens last weekend. This week, the festival friendlies were nowhere in sight, and we enjoyed a peaceful picnic among the trees. What are you doing this weekend? Remember, if resting and recovery is on your agenda – however that looks to you, then I applaud you.

Soul Food

I am loving chia seed puddings at the moment and I also LOVE LOVE LOVE DoTerra essential Oils. I’ve been using them for over a year now with amazing benefits on an emotional and physical level. Today I am sharing Alice Nicholl’s recipe which combines my two favourite things in this delicious Citrus Parfait.

Soul Music

Today, I’d love to share a track called Breathe by Delilah. So often we get in our own way and we feel we can no longer breathe. This song reminds me to be free from myself.

Soul Sisters

Today I am sharing Bernice’s post The Book Of Awakening. A beautiful reminder of our blessings to be here enjoying this human experience. Let us not waste that opportunity in worrying, and embrace this moment, here, today.

Wrapping you all in a restful, warm hug. May your Sunday be gloriously restful and refreshing.

In love & light,

Hayley xx

 

Live For Now

I can’t think of anything worse than a life not lived. Arriving at the end with a heart full of ‘if only’s’, ‘what if’s’ and ‘I should have’s’ seems somewhat tragic to me… I’d like to think we can all arrive feeling that we have lived life to the fullest, that we experienced the joy and beauty of a life free from fear and regret.

To live life is to be present and open; to be fearless and free; to think, speak and act from the heart. It is not always possible to be and do all of these things all of the time – but we must certainly try.

As Katherine Mansfield beautifully states; ‘Warm, eager, living life – to be rooted in life – to learn, to desire, to know, to feel, to think, to act. This is what I want. And nothing less. That is what I must try for.’ …And so must we.

What in life is holding you back? Fear of failure? Fear of getting hurt? Fear of looking foolish? Fear of succeeding? The change and responsibility that comes with all of that? It makes sense to go forth with the flow, to do what feels right for you at a pace that feels sustainable, but we wont get very far if we have one foot on the gas pedal and one foot on the breaks. Yes, tread gently, but let us also be unafraid to throw caution to the wind.

For in the end, isn’t our wish to say that we have truly loved and lived?

In love & light,

Hayley xx

The Little Things

When I look back over my life and the moments I cherish most, it’s often the little things which have had the biggest impact…

…when Dad told me he was proud of me (I worked in retail at the time, nothing extravagant – but he was proud all the same); Mum’s sentimental gifts (a handmade family scrapbook, a bracelet with Dad’s handwriting on it, a locket containing a cutting of his hair – all of which I will cherish always); being asked to be bridesmaid at my best friends wedding; the letters, gifts and ‘thank you’s’ I’ve received from the children I’ve taught over the years; each day I get to ‘do life’ with my deliciously thoughtful man; walking hand in hand, a warm embrace, heartfelt words of love, laughing until my cheeks ache; simple moments of peace and pleasure…

All of these ‘little things’ are the true meaning of a rich and fulfilling life.

Today, take note of the ‘little things’, because they really are the big things.

In love & light,

Hayley xx

Love Is The Great Miracle Cure.

This morning I wrote in my journal; “Tomorrow is the first day of Spring here in Melbourne. A time for new beginnings. Self-care and self-love is the focus for September…”

I spent this morning taking care of myself. I have learnt the importance of self-care from many great teachers, but mostly from the incredible work of Louise L. Hay. So off I went on my morning walk, stopping to take photos of flowers and to pet some dogs along the way. When I arrived home, I spent half an hour stretching my body and going deeper with my yoga and meditation practice, then I wrote my morning pages… I don’t always get to spend my mornings this way, but when I do, I feel so much better. I have more energy to give others the best of me, instead of the rest of me.

As I hopped online to beginning blogging, it was then that I learned the news. Louise L. Hay, one of my greatest inspirations, had transitioned this morning, aged 90.

Many will know Louise as the pioneer for self-love and the founder of Hay House publishers. Her book ‘You Can Heal Your Life’ takes pride on my bookshelf, and is my go to book whenever I’m in need of a reminder of the power of our thoughts. Louise’s book has sold over 50 million copies worldwide and continues to bless the homes of many.

Today, as we remember Louise’s great work and the incredible healing she has contributed to our world, may we join together in love and harmony, and give thanks for her many beautiful blessings and teachings. Peace be with you.

“In the infinity of life where I am,
All is perfect, whole and complete,
I no longer choose to believe in old limitations and lack, I now choose to begin to see myself
As the Universe sees me — perfect, whole, and complete.”
― Louise L. Hay, You Can Heal Your Life

In love & light,

Hayley xx

A New Day

Life is rarely perfect. Last week I failed to meet deadlines, managed to work through only half of my to do list, and arrived at the end of the week feeling like I’d accomplished very little. There were disagreements, disappointments, tears and set backs, but amidst the chaos that is life, I can wholeheartedly say: “I am grateful for each and every moment.” As mentioned before, life is rarely perfect – but we can learn to love our perfectly imperfect lives.

When things don’t go according to plan, look for the beauty in the lessons. Take note of all that you have to be thankful for. If life appears to rush by faster than a Busta Rhymes rap, take a moment to breathe. Give yourself permission to do absolutely nothing. Sometimes we need to lose ourselves in the many contrasts of life to remember that life is for living; the good, the not so good, and the crazy!

In releasing some of the expectations we place on ourselves we can learn to accept life as it is. We make peace with the parts of our lives that are working for us, and those parts which need some tweaks. Experience and observation allows us to regain some momentum and clarity, and it is through this process of trial and error that we can begin to make the necessary adjustments

Today, let go of the ‘what ifs’, the ‘should haves’ and the ‘could haves’ and embrace this new day. Release all expectations of what today should be. Whatever life throws at you, give thanks for it’s many lessons and blessings.

In love & light,

Hayley xx

p.s I though you might like to hear a mega fast Busta Rhymes rap! Enjoy 😉

The Three Grand Essentials To Happiness

Happiness is a state of mind; a state which can shift from pure contentment to complete dissatisfaction in any given moment. This change in perspective can be triggered by a number of outside circumstances seemingly out of our control; unexpected news, the loss of something dear, an ill-mannered interaction with a stranger…

At times our discomfort is prolonged and happiness can feel like a distant memory. I remember the overwhelming feeling of complete sorrow in the long months that followed my Dad’s death. I was a sinking ship. Afraid of marring others with my grief, I’d hide my devastation beneath a brave face, but on the inside I was an empty vessel lost at sea. If I knew then what I know now, I would advise my nineteen-year-old self to honour her feelings; to be unafraid of reaching out and asking for help.

If you are feeling bereft, try not to stuff down your emotions. Be kind to yourself and trust that this feeling will pass. It may not go away entirely, but as sure as the tides ebb and flow, so will your state of happiness. Nothing in life is constant. As rocky as the oceans may seem, the tides will settle in time. So don’t lose heart. It’s not your job to control the weather – life is unpredictable. But we can learn to navigate the storms, we can learn to stay afloat instead of drowning.

We can begin with the three essentials to happiness.

Something to do:

This could be as simple as petting your dog; making a start on a long neglected project or planting some vegetables to harvest in winter. Participating in life brings us back to the only moment we have – NOW. It is now that we are free from the binds of the past and worries about the future. For me, writing, walking in nature, and belly laughing with loved ones always brings me back to a state of gratitude for the moment I’m in.

Something to love:

At our core, we are pure, unbounded love. Therefore, not to love is a slow death to the soul. Yet many of us forget that we cannot give away what we don’t have. Love begins first with oneself. Not in a conceited self-righteous way, but in a way that is non-judgemental and self-accepting. When we truly love ourselves, we are able love others unconditionally. Make a promise each day to look in the mirror and say with deep compassion: “I love you.” Watch how that love flows outward to others.

Something to hope for:

Studies have shown that those who practice optimism and gratitude live longer, healthier lives. Hopeful individuals repeatedly show reduced levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Hope instills a sense of faith that everything will work out for our highest good. You don’t have to be religious to have faith in a higher power. You can have faith in yourself; faith in a loving Universe, faith in others, faith in a non-denominational Divine guidance. In short, faith and hope free us from the shackles of limiting beliefs, bringing a sense of peace to even the darkest of days.

Today, take the time to do something you love. Reflect and give thanks for this moment. Trust that everything is precisely as it is meant to be, and keep the faith.

In love & light,

Hayley xx

Enjoy Life

There is no harm in surrounding ourselves with comfort and beauty, so long as we enjoy them… The antique chest of drawers you saw which you simply adore; the sleek new set of wheels you’re itching to drive one day; that Hawaiin holiday of a lifetime; a house in the country; a cute wee puppy – all of life’s pleasure’s are there to be enjoyed (so long as we can afford them and are causing no harm to others!) 

Life was never meant to be dull or boring, nor must we go without in order to live virtuously. The problem arises when we attach our happiness and self-worth to what we have, rather than to who we are at our core. 

True happiness cannot be bought nor can it ever be taken away. No-one, and no thing can deny us of our innate peace. They may dull, stimulate, threaten or enhance the love and joy that already exists within, but that love and joy is infinitely ours and we have the power to sustain it, regardless of our circumstances. 

Today, enjoy life’s pleasures. Remember that what you focus on expands. Awaken to the abundance you already possess.

In love & light,

Hayley xx

Soulful Sunday #32: In Difficult Times

Welcome to my thirty-second instalment of ‘Soulful Sundays’. A weekly share where I post a roundup of soulful reflections, each including recipes, songs, quotes, blogs I have read and/or any other inspirational discoveries to sooth the soul.

For me, Sunday’s have become a day of quiet contemplation and simple pleasures. A time to reflect on the week gone by and to consider my hopes and dreams for the week ahead.

My hope is to extend some love outward and to share some simple pleasures with anyone who cares to receive them.

Soul Reflections

In times of difficulty, we may wonder; ‘Why me? What have I done to deserve this?’ We have been conditioned to believe in a God who judges and condemns; the man upstairs who watches over our every move, waiting for the moment we step out of line so He can send His Angels of Punishment down to teach us a lesson or two! Is it any wonder, then, that when the shit hits the fan, we immediately blame ourselves?

The truth is, we live in a loving Universe who knows no difference between good and evil. There are no discrimination’s or favouritism’s when deciding between luck and adversity. Circumstances befall us, not to reward or punish ‘good and bad’ behaviour; but to strengthen us.

We are each strengthened at various stages in our lives. Without life’s contrasts, life would remain static. Life’s joys teach us peace, love and appreciation. Life’s adversities teach us resilience; acceptance and forgiveness. In times of difficulty, it pays to keep faith. Know that life loves you and all is well.

Soul Strolls

I am currently house sitting for friends, who I used to live with before they welcomed their beautiful new arrival; baby Yvey. I have missed my daily walks to the local park since moving away. So sure enough, as soon as I woke I indulged in one of my favourite little soul strolls. I spotted this vibrant Lavender soaking up the early morning sunrise, and smiled. Isn’t nature one of life’s true treasures?

Lavender at sunrise

Baby Yvey

Soul Food

I recently stayed with a good friend of mine who came to my rescue when I needed a place to stay. It was the perfect relief needed for rest and recovery. We woke most mornings to yoga followed by a delicious and nutritious smoothie. I have shared my smoothie recipes before, but today I’d like to re-share my Choco Berry Smoothie recipe in honour of my good friend Sal. This was a winner for her! She loved it, and I hope you love it too!

Soul Music

Since today’s post is about resilience in the face of adversity, I’d like to share James Arthur’s version of Stronger; a reminder that what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. James Arthur has released two albums since winning the UK X Factor in 2012. If you have yet to hear his music, check him out! His voice is raw and emotive. A true gift.

Soul Sisters

I’d love to share Di’s post What Is Love, Mummy? I found it beautifully vulnerable and one we can all relate to. Head over to Di’s blog, Matters For The Heart to discover more heart warming reads like this one.  I know Di will welcome you with open arms.

Wishing you all strength and peace on the blustery Melbourne Sunday!

 

In love & light,

Hayley xx