It only takes a reminder to breathe,
a moment to be still, and just like that,
something in me settles, softens, makes
space for imperfection. The harsh voice
of judgment drops to a whisper and I
remember again that life isn’t a relay
race; that we will all cross the finish
line; that waking up to life is what we
were born for. As many times as I
forget, catch myself charging forward
without even knowing where I’m going,
that many times I can make the choice
to stop, to breathe, and be, and walk
slowly into the mystery.
I believe we can all prosper and thrive when we remember to take a moment to breathe, to walk slowly, to stop and smell the flowers along the way…
May you move slowly into the magic and mystery of the weekend.
Do you feel anxious? Worried? Confused? Just when you think you have all the answers, does your mind send you reeling frantically with thoughts of “What if?”
Hush now. Be still. For one thing is certain – the solutions are not in your head.
The mind has a funny way of thinking it’s way in circles. It’s main stimulant of doubt, fear and procrastination presents countless roadblocks to inner peace.
Rule your mind or it will rule you.
– Buddha
Recognising that your thoughts create your experience is the ultimate pathway to peace. We are only ever one thought away from living the life we intended to live, a life that truly matters. For authentic guidance, we must rely on a source much greater than our minds; we must learn to trust in our intuition.
Learning to detach from our incessant thinking can be tricky at first. We identify so strongly with the stories we tell ourselves, that we create all kinds of problems and dilemmas in our heads. But with a little practice, patience and perseverance we can develop our awareness and learn to tap into our intuitive power. Try spending time alone in nature, or go deeper with mindfulness practices such as yoga and meditation. Connect with your breath and feel the answers arise from the space between your thoughts; your authentic self.
Divine guidance is always available to you. Your soul’s whispers are just that – whispers. Unless you are willing to get quiet and be still – you wont hear the messages coming to you from your heart.
Remember, you are more than your thoughts. You are bigger than your mind. The same life force that exists in every living thing exists inside of you. You are connected to the same Divine wisdom that created you. Today, tap into that wisdom. Listen to your heart. Wrap yourself in the reassuring hug of Divine Guidance.
Welcome to my thirty-fifth 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 are days when our hearts are so over-joyed we feel we could walk on air we’re so high… And then there are days when we want to punch pillows and hide under duvets in a darkened room. Life’s contrasts are real. But we needn’t hide or run from them. We just need to live them. And be kind to ourselves in the process.
Whether you are high on life today, or having a duvet day (like me) because your lady cramps are in full force and the sight of puppies causes you to cry into your rice crispies – whatever your mood may be, honour yourself. Do what makes your soul happy (or at least do what makes you feel sane!) Take yourself off for a walk. Watch back to back episodes of Friends and laugh untill your belly hurts. Create a delicious, nourishing meal that heals, or devour some crumpets with drippings and drippings of butter!
Whatever you decide to do, do it with complete love for yourself. Honour your feelings, and trust that everything will be just fine.
Soul Strolls
I have the honour of house sitting for my friends again, taking care of their beautiful cat, Bella, whilst they are away on holiday. Their home is ten minutes from Princes Park, so I have been lucky enough to enjoy some daily soul strolls again this week. There is nothing like a walk to wash away your woes. I took this photo on the first day of Spring here in Melbourne, Australia.
Since ancient times, the first of September has been viewed as a time for reflection and renewal. As the seasons gently give way to one another, may we be gentle on ourselves. The seasonal transition is synonymous with our own growth and regeneration, so let us be kind as we reflect, blossom and bloom into all that we were meant to be.
Beautiful white flowers captured in Princes Park on the first day of Spring
Soul Food
Tomorrow, I’ve decided to make my Amaranth & Seed Superfood slices, it’s been a while since I’ve made them. They are such a delicious little snack to keep on hand for those moments when you need a little pick me up without the added nasties that can sometimes be hidden in so called pre-packaged ‘health’ bars. What’s your favourite little go-to snack?
Soul Music
I’d like to share a meditation track today titled, Love Song From The Mountains by Deuter. It is truly mesmerising, the perfect song to honour yourself with in a moment of tranquil bliss. Take a moment to close your eyes and become lost in it’s heavenly sounds.
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.
Welcome to my thirty-third 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
“Quit daydreaming…” “Get your head out of the clouds…” “Those things don’t happen to people like us…”
From a very early age we have been led to believe that dreaming is for the absent minded, for those who live in a world of make believe. I once knew someone who was so proud of their ability to think logically, they believed logic equated to truth and anything else was complete fantasy. But even Albert Einstein knew that:
Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.
– Albert Einstein
Never stop dreaming. The world needs more dreamers. Dreams are Divine whispers of the soul guiding us toward inspired action – so get still and listen. When we follow our bliss we live a life on purpose. Aligned with our hearts truest wishes, we give others permission to follow their dreams, to spread their joy with the world.
Today, be unafraid to dream. Remember that you are a limitless being with the ability to create the life you intended to live. If you can dream it, then you can do it.
Soul Strolls
I have been very lucky lately with plenty of house sitting opportunities arriving just in time to see me with a place to stay. I feel blessed to have friends with pets who need a pet sitter whilst they are away on their travels. This has worked out perfectly since I am currently in search of fixed accommodation. The Universe really does have ways of taking care of everything… So long as we surrender and trust the in process of life. My most recent house sitting opportunity is located close to a beautiful park in Box Hill, Victoria. Wattle Park is the perfect sanctuary for dreamers like me.
Soul Food
I have been very under the weather lately and have been loading up on fruits and veggies to flood my body with some well needed Vitamins and Minerals. Today I am re-sharing my favourite Kiwi & Kale green juice recipe just in case you too need a delicious boost of goodness!
Soul Music
Since today is for dreaming, I am sharing Gabrielle’s Dreams. This track takes me back to my teenage years when I lost sight of my dreams for some time. Let’s remind ourselves that ‘dreams can come true.’
Soul Sisters
I would love to share this simple yet powerful poem by Chole about the importance of listening beyond the voice to reach our hearts, our souls. Head on over for an inspirational poem.
May you keep your heads in the clouds and your dreams close to your hearts. This Sunday is for dreaming. Dream big.
Welcome to my thirtieth 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
Recently, I have been stripped back to the bare minimum; no fixed abode, no car, and fluctuating work opportunities. At times, I have felt uncertain as to how I will survive the coming weeks; but when self doubt creeps in, I remember to keep the faith in a supportive universe. It is this deep faith that has ensured a constant stream of abundance continues to flow to and through me.
Both abundance and lack coexist. Where we place our focus is a matter of choice. We can choose to tend to the garden of insufficiency, or the garden of appreciation. Give thanks for life’s true riches; friends, work, family, health, nature, love, joy and laughter. Watch how the seeds of appreciation blossom into the bountiful fruits of abundance.
Soul Strolls
I recently enjoyed a beautiful stroll through the Botanical Gardens with my sweetheart. I love that, even during Melbourne winter, nature thrives with the colour and vibrancy of life.
Soul Food
I love wholesome meals. You can’t beat the smell of a home cooked stew or soup drifting through your home on a brisk winters day, which is why I have started using my stock pot again. Today I am sharing this delicious Pea & Ham Soup by my favourite health and wellbeing blogger, Alice Nicholls. Enjoy!
Soul Music
I would like to share this track by Slumber Jack. It’s a reminder not to be afraid anymore, plus it has a pretty sweet baseline! So rock your socks off!
Soul Sisters
I would love to share Michelle’s post Sunrise Sermon: Safe in His Arms. It is in keeping with today’s theme of counting our blessings and focusing on what’s right, rather than what’s wrong. Do head over for an inspirational read.
Welcome to my twenty-sixth 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
When I contemplate the friendships I have remained closest to over the years, the ones that have been a constant presence in my life – I have discovered they each possess a quality rarely found in everyone we meet. Besides love and trust, what is the special glue that binds two souls together? The vital ingredient that allows you to feel at ease in another’s company? Acceptance. Acceptance says; “It is safe for you to be vulnerable in my presence. It is safe for you to be you.”
Those friendships of mine have stood the test of time because they have accepted me for who I am, nothing more and nothing less. Nothing is expected of me, and nothing is taken for granted. Their only wish is that I be myself, in all my wonky glory. We have laughed together until our bellies hurt and our eyebrows feel like they’re about to merge into our hairlines! We have cried rivers of tears in front of each other, have listened without judgement to one another’s deepest despairs, and have shared our most personal dreams and wishes. Our love, trust and acceptance afforded us the ability to say: “Your heart is safe with me.”
Just be yourself. Let people see the real, imperfect, flawed, quirky, weird, beautiful and magical person that you are.
– Mandy Hale
We each have our irks and quirks. That is what makes life so colourful. It’s what prevents life from becoming too uniformed, too grey, too dull. So what if your ears stick out, if your bum jiggles when you walk or you snort like a pig when you laugh?! Life is tough enough without having to conform to the ideals of how others say we should be, think, speak and act. Go easy on yourself. Allow yourself the freedom to be you. As long as you aren’t causing hurt or upset to anyone; be the unapologetic, unequivocally amazing person that you are!
Soul Strolls
Since moving house, I am truly missing having a good park in walking distance to where I live. I have taken to the neighbourhood and have been walking up and down the quieter streets, and today I went in search of a local park. I found one about 25 minutes from my house, which was mostly a cemetery beside an oval. Within moments, a man in his fifties asked me if I’d go on a date with him! Taken aback, I told him I already have a boyfriend, to which he replied “I’ll kiss you!” I left promptly afterwards. The search for a good park continues! hehe I did manage to capture this pretty wee thing on the way home!
Soul Food
I have been under the weather for the best part of two weeks. What started as a sore throat soon escalated into a chest infection when I refused to listen to my body and continued to work despite needing obvious rest! My friend and fellow blogger Miriam who blogs at Out an’ About suggested I eat bone broth! Thankfully, I’m already on the mend – but next time I am ill I will be sure to try one. I managed to find a good bone broth recipe on my favourite health and wellness websites here. (Just in case you get a case of the sniffles!)
Soul Music
I would like to share So True by The Black Seeds today. It’s a lovely track which shows that when we are true, and trust in others, we get and give the best of ourselves.
Soul Sisters
Today, I am sharing a post titled ‘Change Your Attitude’ by Bernice at SpiritualJourney17. It reminds me of a lesson I taught to my children about replacing the ANTS (Automatic Negaive Talk) in our heads with PETS (Positive Eotional Talk). Head over for a read!
Wishing you a Sunday where you are free to be you, in all of your wonky glory!
Welcome to my twenty-fifth 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
I cannot stress enough the importance of beginning each new day afresh. Yesterday has been and gone. We cannot undo what has already been done, but we can bless yesterdays lessons with love, and embrace the joy of a new day.
When we drag our past forward into the present, we feel heavy with yesterday’s sorrows. After a while, the accumulation of upsets becomes too burdensome to bear. We must be willing to let go of the notion that things could have been any different. Accept that things were precisely as they needed to be, for those were the lessons we needed to acquire in order to move forward.
Let go. Free yourself from yesterdays sorrows and release the past. Don’t hold yourself hostage to it for a moment longer. Know that you did the best you could with the knowledge you had in that moment, and the same is true of others. Forgive and move on. Today is a new day, with fresh hopes, dreams and joys waiting to be discovered.
Soul Strolls
Since moving house recently, I have yet to discover a local park that is large enough to enjoy a good stroll. The hunt will continue. In the meantime, I took to the streets, but there is beauty to be discovered all around if our eyes are open to it. I captured these cute we flowers in someone’s front garden. Pretty and pink, to brighten these darker evenings in Melbourne.
Soul Food
I have been under the weather lately, and am in need of comforting foods which offer a good source of nutrients to support my health. So I am sharing this delicious Peppermint Chocolate Mousse by one of my favourite health and wellness bloggers, Alice at The Whole Daily. I use DoTerra Essential oils for their therapeutic, organic healing qualities.. This mousse can also be made using orange essential oils! Yum!
Soul Music
Today I am sharing James Bay’s – Let It Go. A gentle reminder to let things go, to let them be and to leave everything that’s broken to the breeze.
Soul Sisters
I am sharing Nina’s post How Did You Live Today? A gentle reminder to live each day to the fullest. To embrace the moment and to not allow another day to go by wasted. Thank you Nina for the reminder.
Life is too short to dwell in the past. So today, let go.
Welcome to my twenty-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
I just handed an apology card to someone special that, upon reflection, could have contained one simple word in order to bring peace – ‘sorry.’
At times the urge to explain causes our message to become lost in translation. We appear to justify, defend, over-analyse, or excuse – when in actual fact, our attempts to shed light on the situation are genuine, heartfelt and true. But quite often, one simple word that brings peace is all that’s required.
There are too many adjectives in the dictionary to describe how things are; too many verbs to explain how and why we do the things we do; too many nouns to identify the world in which we live – so today, keep it simple. Think of one word that brings you peace. Forgiveness? Love? Gratitude? Relax? Surrender? Sorry? Acceptance? Kindness? Hugs? Tea?! Whatever that word may be, feel the peace that comes with it. Invite peace in, because life is rarely perfect. And neither are we. But we CAN feel at peace with our perfectly imperfect selves. We CAN embrace life’s flaws and the teachings they bring.
Soul Strolls
I haven’t been taking my daily walks lately, and have really noticed the difference. I simply haven’t been myself. This week I will make a conscious effort to walk each day again, as it really does bring balance to my life. I did manage to get out mid week however, and took a photo of these pretty pink flowers along the way.
Soul Food
I’m trying to add 9 cups of veggies a day into my diet, and am looking for tasty ways to incorporate them. Green juice and smoothies help, as well as simple dishes like this Crispy No Fuss Cauliflower. How do you add more veggies to your diet? Do you have any favorite recipes to ensure you get a healthy dose of the good stuff?
Soul Music
Hawaii has been on my bucket list for a long time. And since I am contemplating peace, I thought I’d share this track by Ziggy Marley. I’d love to be on a beach in Hawaii…bliss.
It’s getting late here in Melbourne, and I have much catching up on reading others posts to do. I shall do so tomorrow and the come back to add a recommended read to this Sunday feature. This week, the word I will focus on that will bring me peace is, balance.
Welcome to my twenty-first 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
This morning, as I sat and watched the sunrise, I listened to the birds and the sounds of nature and felt utterly at peace. Quite, amid Mother Nature’s orchestra, I heard it all. My mind, which had woken restless and busy, became still.
In today’s quote, Lao Tzu, philosopher and author of Tao Te Ching, reminds us that revelations lie within. When we commune with that peaceful place through mental stillness; meditation; time spent in nature; connecting with our surroundings and our self; or in simple moments of solitude – we discover the answers we seek.
In the silence between our thoughts, truth resides. Clarity emerges from that inner knowing that arrives when we silence the mental chit chat and become still. When we connect with our intuition, our soul.
I left the park feeling refreshed and at peace. My worries had dissolved and I had nothing else to think of. As the world around me began to wake, I was free to enjoy the moment. I stroked the dogs of passers by and watched the ebb and flow of life with a smile.
Today, be still. Disconnect from thinking, relax and breathe. Listen to the whispers of your soul and trust that all is well. Trust that everything will be ok.
Soul Strolls
I love lavender, which is why I had to take a photo of this beautiful patch growing in my local park. I use lavender oils daily to help me to sleep at night. Ahhh bliss.
Soul Food
I’ve been itching to make risotto lately, and thought I may try this delicious Cauliflower Risotto with Saffron and Peas found on Kris Carr’s website. It looks delicious!
Soul Music
Today I thought I’d share Cold Plays Up and Up – I like this song because it has an element of hope within it’s lyrics. We all need a little boost of hope from time to time.
My friend is currently waiting for me to take me to the beach! So I must dash – but I want to wish you all a peaceful Sunday.
Dear Dad 