Soulful Sunday #40: The Sweet & Simple

Welcome to my fortieth 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

Since I read An Artists Way last year by Julia Cameron, I try to journal most days. I love to write, and so find this part of my day therapeutic. It’s a chance to connect with myself, my thoughts and feelings, and to let go of anything that may be troubling me. Cameron suggest we try ‘morning pages’ – a stream of (unedited) consciousness of no less than three pages upon awakening. It’s great for clearing the mind of any mental chatter before we begin our day. This powerful ritual brings our awareness to any repetitive thoughts patterns, habits or new insights we may be experiencing.

Lately, I added a fourth page titled ‘Cherished Moments’ which I write in the evening before sleep. I’m not one for writing about every little detail of my day, but being the sentimental soul that I am, I do like to capture the magic in the mundane, those moments that truly matter to me.

My ‘Cherished Moments’ are simply that – moments that I cherish the most from each day – a gratitude list if you wish, or a history of the ‘sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.’

Today, may you cherish each moment and savour those that leave lasting footprints on your heart.

Soul Strolls

I am currently house sitting for my friend in Mentone for three weeks whilst I care for his two cats and his dog, Bambi. Bambi was found on the side of the road as a pup, beaten and left for dead. A nervous, yet sweet, tender soul with a loving disposition, she enjoys walking. And so do I! A match made in heaven… 🙂

Here’s Bambi soaking up the beach vibes… whilst the cats chill out at home on the sofa! 😉

Soul Food

I have been working some long days this term, and have turned to quick, easy dinners which can also be used the next day for leftovers, like my Scrambled Tofu & Veggie Spaghetti. It is quick, simple and yummy. Winning!

Soul Music

Today I am sharing this magical track which literally lifted me up and set me on fire! The video is stunning and the message is one of simple purpose and Divine magic.

Soul Sisters

I have been focusing on the simple things in life this week, and so has my good friend and fellow blogger, Miriam. I feel compelled to share Miriam’s post titled The Calm Hour. A magical post of beauty and wisdom, Miriam reminds us to savour the simple and embrace the stillness within. I urge you to head over to Miriam’s delightful page! I always leave feeling uplifted and inspired…

Wishing you all a simple Sunday of stillness, peace and cherished moments.

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

Soulful Sunday #39: The Best In Life

Welcome to my thirty-ninth 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

As we reflect on the week passed and embark on the new week ahead, I invite you to slow down. How easy it is for us to become overwhelmed with the many tasks we must accomplish each day. But as we move through our week, let us remember to recognise those timeless values we often take for granted; a new day; song birds, a warm mug of tea; a smile from a stranger, a hug from a loved one; laughter; a shared meal; fresh linen; the first bite of an apple; the aroma of coffee; cuddles with our animal friends; an unexpected gift…

Remember to savour the best in life, those timeless moments that, if we stop to appreciate and notice them, remain with us for lifetimes.

Soul Strolls

Today, as I sat by the river and tuned into my Higher Self, I watched as the water flowed by. I was able to let go of the details, and simply allow the experience to flow.

The river weaved its way through the many twists and turns. Occasionally, the water would become stalled in a hole, it’s path blocked by the rocks. It would linger and bob for a while, until fresh water flowed through, guiding it ever onward – eventually coming to rest where still waters lay.

Let us be like the river; trusting, allowing, and always moving with the flow of life.

Soul Food

I hosted my first DoTerra Essential oils class this weekend. I have been using these beautiful gifts of the earth for a year and feel called to share the many ways Pure Essential Oils can enrich our lives and support our emotional and physical well-being.

I provided some Wild Orange infused dark chocolate for my guests. It was divine! The recipe was very simple. I melted 400grams of dark chocolate and added 2-3 drops of DoTerra’s Wild Orange essential oil. (You could experiment with other flavours too; Peppermint, Ginger, Lime!) I then sprinkled some sesame seeds on top and left to set in the fridge! Simple, soulful and delicious.

 

Soul Music

I have shared Sons of Zion’s Life before, however, it feel so fitting with today’s post. This stunning, yet simple track reminds us to cherish each moment and live for today.

Soul Sisters

Today I would love to share a simple yet powerful post by SpiritualJourney17, 9 Intentions That Will Transform Your Life. Head over to Bernice’s page for a healthy dose of intentional wisdom.

May your week be full of gratitude and the best in life,

In love & light,

Hayley xx

The Duty of Being Happy

With so much to ‘do’ in a limited number of hours each day, we often neglect the most important duty of all – the duty of being happy. Poet and writer, Robert Louis Stevenson was right when he acknowledged that our happiness ‘sow[s] anonymous benefits upon the world.’

When we take responsibility for our own happiness, each person we come into contact with profits. At times, it may seem as if our happiness depends on outside circumstances – but if we remember that happiness is a choice, we can remain steadfast even in the face of adversity. Our happiness is not determined by our gains and our losses, but by the way we choose to respond to life.

Happiness is not a possession to be prized. It is a quality of thought, a state of mind.

– Daphne Du Maurier

Today, take a moment to check in with yourself. How are you feeling? If you notice you are not happy, you can begin to raise your vibration with gratitude. Happiness is a by-product of being grateful. When you take a moment to count your blessings, however small that may seem, you’ll discover that happiness is already available to you, here. Right now. In this moment.

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 😉

Soulful Sunday #34: Believe, Receive

Welcome to my thirty-fourth 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

There is a natural joy that comes from giving. When we give, we honour our innate desire to love unconditionally. To gift without the expectation of any return is one of the purest acts of kindness we can do for another.

Receiving, however, can be a struggle for many. Preconditioned beliefs from childhood are prevalent; ‘there isn’t enough’, ‘money doesn’t grow on trees’, or worse still, it is ‘greedy’ or ‘wrong’ to want more. Encounters with power hungry or controlling individuals may also leave us feeling afraid or unworthy of receiving. Such limiting beliefs block our ability to receive with ease and grace.

It is time to let go of old misconceptions and be willing to accept all the best life has to offer.

You deserve to be happy. Life was never meant to be a struggle. Next time a gift comes your way, say ‘thank you’ and accept it with grace. Try to refrain from saying ‘you shouldn’t have’ or ‘this is too much.’ Let go of the past. Believe you are worthy of receiving abundance and embrace the life you deserve.

Soul Strolls

Today’s soul stroll took place in Sunbury. We decided to go for a drive and came across this beautiful dog park. I left my phone in the car to avoid interruption and missed a photo opportunity of a beautiful lake nestled in a nook of trees. But I have the memory of that pristine lake captured in my heart.

Sunbury

Soul Food

Today I am sharing this delicious gluten free Zucchini Bread by Chef Shine. Which, if you’re English like me, is basically ‘courgette’ bread. I love bread. In fact, it’s my favourite thing. But unfortunately, bread gives me the bloats so I’m always on the look out for healthier alternatives, such as spelt or rye. I’ll certainly be giving this one a try!

Soul Music

I’d like to share Supertramp’s Give A Little Bit. A magical reminder that the best gifts in life are free; love and kindness.

Soul Brothers

I’d love to share this heartfelt poem by Vishal titled Wild days, heart break and pain. Vishal’s poetry is always vivid with colour and emotion. I felt it more than worthy of a share in today’s Soulful Sunday, since Vishal bares his soul each time he writes.

Wishing you all a beautiful Sunday. May you enjoy the gift of today.

In love & light,

Hayley xx

 

Heart’s Whispers

We have been socially conditioned to believe that success and fulfilment are directly related to money, fame, recognition, social status, the perfect partner, fast cars and expensive suits. We find ourselves pursuing other peoples perceptions of what it means to be successful, only to discover that we still feel a deep sense of lack in our lives.

If we take a moment to listen to our souls truth, to let go of the need to ‘keep up’, we remember that true happiness resides, not in possessions, but in our hearts – in the things that matter the most; friends, family, love, joy, connection, creativity, simple pleasures, cherished moments…

Today, let go of the need to acquire more. Remember, the simplest matters of our hearts often lead to a truly abundant life.

In love & light,

Hayley xx

Love the Moment

Whether you are standing in line at the check out, or reading your favourite novel; curled on the sofa with a loved one, or cleaning the dirty dishes – pause… Smile. And love the moment you are in.

Nothing is more powerful than gratitude – nothing far greater than love. When we embrace each moment with joy and appreciation, we breathe energy and life into the present. This stimulates higher frequencies of pure peace to move into our field of energy. Mindfulness is an art, and one we must practice each day if we are to become good at it.

Bless, love and accept each moment, regardless of your circumstances. In doing so, you will surpass all boundaries and limitations.

Today, breathe and smile. Love the moment you are in and trust that all is precisely how it is supposed to be.

In love & light,

Hayley xx

Ready To Receive

Impatience, frustration, discontent, sorrow; we’ve all experienced such crushing emotions to some degree or another. As much as we’d like to deny their existence, it serves us not to stuff down our feelings, to pretend they don’t exist. When we acknowledge our discomforts and allow them to move through us, we honour our emotions in ways that can inspire change. The key is to avoid remaining stuck in the feeling of discomfort for too long.

Without life’s contrasts and adversities, we could never come to know what our true desires are, nor would we appreciate them when they arrive. The best way to become aligned with our desired results is through deep appreciation and gratitude. Like attracts like. If you wish to have more things to be grateful for – be grateful for the blessings you already have. Smile, and be ready to receive what is coming to you with an open and grateful heart.

In love & light,

Hayley xx

Soulful Sunday #29: Happy Fathers Day

Dad greeting me into the world xx

Welcome to my twenty-ninth 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

Wishing my Dad a Happy Fathers Day in the sky. Heaven knows how much you are missed each and every day; how grateful I am to have had you in my life, and how privileged I feel to get to call you my Dad…

Thank you for blessing me with your love and for always being my guiding light. Loving you always, forgetting your never xx

Soul Strolls

During the Queen’s birthday weekend here in Melbourne last week, we took a day trip to Daylesford to enjoyed a lakeside lunch at The Boathouse. The sun was shining, the lake was peaceful and still, and the food was yummo! The perfect get away we’d been craving. We strolled around the town perusing the antique shops and boutiques.

The simplest things makes life so rich.

The Boathouse, Daylesford

Soul Food

Today I would like to share with you this Raw-ish Caramel Ginger-nut Slice from one of my favourite health and wellness sites. It looks incredible. I’m always looking for healthy alternatives to satisfy my sweet tooth, and this one seems divine! I hope you have as much fun trying it as I will.

Soul Music

In memory of Dad, I am sharing Bob Dylan’s Forever Young. Dad was a huge Dylan fan, and this track, which was played at Dad’s funeral, reminds me of the way Dad lived his life. He will always be forever young in our hearts.

Soul Sisters

I am sharing a beautiful post titled To The Beautiful Women Who Is Striving To Be Skinny by My Own Private Idaho. A powerful piece that acknowledges the way women become so entangled by the numbers on the scale. Here we have a stunning reminder of our inner worth and beauty.

I wish you all a peaceful Sunday. On this day, may we remember our Fathers past and present and send them peace and love.

In love and light,

Hayley xx