TRAVEL TO BALI

Sometimes when we suffer from the 'moody blues' it can feel like an eternity - and sometimes we feel like there is just absolutely nothing going our way.  This may happen at times of stress or pressure or it could be down to nothing we can put a finger on.  

What I have learnt from my own experience - is that when our emotions are low - that little voice will become even lower, even more negative and sometimes up to a point where we start questioning life and the reason behind it all.  I am writing this as a reminder for myself more than anything else.  In those times, we need to remember that sometimes that little voice is not your voice.  And sometimes we just need to give it a good dose of its own medicine - and almost fool ourselves into a more positive state of mind.  

What worked for me when I was really low - is I decided that I need to book myself on a little retreat.  I knew my soul needed it as much as my body, and I thought by doing something nice for myself, it will help me pull through, just until such time I go away.  The funny thing is.... and I didn't realize it at the time - but by doing something like that, just booking a little trip away - it immediately gave me something positive to focus on.  Previously I felt like I had lost my purpose a bit - and with this little retreat I was booking, I really felt like I somehow was regaining a bit of purpose again in my life.  My purpose for now was just to plan the most nourishing trip in beautiful surroundings close to nature.

That was a good thing.  Not only that, but by doing a bit of research on the kind of experience I wanted to have, and the kind of retreats that was out there - it was almost like in a flash a whole new world opened up for me.  I started feeling excited - excitement causes positive vibrations, and positive vibrations will no doubt attract more positive experiences!  This is a truth!  So... I found a rather perfect sounding little 'yoga and energy flow' retreat hosted by H2O yoga and meditation  on a little island that's just a couple of hours by boat from Bali.  I could not really afford it at the time - but I decided to go for it.  

And now - just over 2 weeks on from deciding to book this trip - my life feels like I have regained a part of me that was dormant for a long time.  I have never been to Bali, but as I was going so far on this retreat I decided to stay an additional couple of weeks to explore the island and see what else it has to offer.  I am very drawn to the greenery and the hills and mountains and rice fields - and the images I am sharing in this post are just a few inspirational photos that really helped me on my way!  Now I can start the countdown in all seriousness.

I am writing this post - and I'm not saying that you need to book a trip to the other side of the world in order to escape from your current situation - but what I am saying is this - by deciding to do something nice for yourself, you are establishing that you are worth having a nice experience, and just by doing that one small thing - right there you have your first little positive vibration and boost.  

Then secondly as you are deciding what it is that you'd like to do - it may be a massage, or it may be planning a theater outing with some friends - whatever you feel is doable and that you will enjoy - and during the times you are researching the event or the spa that you will be visiting - you are continuously filling your minds eye with positive images, reading about treatments and slowly but surely you are within yourself creating a more little positive bursts and vibrations all around you.  Slowly but surely the negative thoughts and that lowness will start to disappear because negative vibrations cannot thrive in a positive environment....

So alas - I hope you'll find your happy place, or your happy outing - it may even be to head out into the city or the countryside with your camera and take some amazing shots on a cool spring day - it may not need to be costing you anything.  Just be sure to do it!  Whatever it may be.... and enjoy it, and enjoy the planning of it and enjoy dreaming about it.  Its all good, and its all ok - you are allowed to dream, and by dreaming about it, you are lifting your gaze towards the horizon and that's always a good thing!

Enjoy the journey and hope these images  

Images via Pinterest

HELLO EARLYBIRD

I'm all for this kind of routine... early mornings are the best.  Can't quite put my finger on it, but there's just something different about the energy in the early morning hours.   And it feels like you get so much more out of the day.   I've been doing this new Kundalini yoga routine a couple of mornings a week between 5 and 6 am for an hour - and a touch later on the weekends.

It can be a combination of this and some other changes I have recently been making - but I think I am finally able to step out of my dark place.  The past few months up to the end of February really have just been dark and no matter how hard I tried I could not feel happy or content .... I'd rather not ponder on this for too long, perhaps a post for another time - as what I really want to share is how much better I've been feeling lately, not only physically but also mentally and within my soul.

Going to bed early in order to get up early in the morning is just such a rewarding treat!  Give it a try, put down your tablet or phone and laptop at a reasonable hour - I'd say at least 2 hours before bedtime - to allow yourself a gentle wind down before sleep.  And reading a book most certainly helps to cross over into the land of nod!

Have a good week, and if you've also been feeling a bit out of sorts - I'm sending you a big massive universal hug - and a whisper .... 

.... you will be fine, 

and things will turn out good, 

and sometimes they may even turn out better than expected,

but even if they don't right now, 

then know in time they will 

xxx ....

Image via Pinterest

A NEW SPACE

And finally I'm settled and all moved into my new space.  I didn't move far.... just up a flight of stairs, but what a difference and what a delight!  The saying goes... a change is as good as a holiday, and that couldn't be truer right now!  I loved my old room don't get me wrong, and I spent just over 3 1/2 very happy years in that light and bright space.  But I think there comes a time for us all to need just a tad more space - still in a shared house, cause that is how most of us Londoners live - by choice or not...

I am fortunate though, and very grateful to live in a beautiful house, in an area I adore - and sharing with some lovely new housemates.  Its all good!  And change is good.

The changing of the seasons,  a bit more blue skies, but still that slight freshness and a bite in the air.  I love knowing that spring is almost almost here!  And I do feel like I am slowly waking from my hibernation, from that dark place I have fallen prey to.... the weight is lifting and I feel like I am slowly awakening my purpose again - stepping back into the path that will lead me towards the future....

So, with a grateful heart and from my cosy new bed - I wish you all a good night, a good rest and some sweet dreaming

Tomorrow awaits, and oh tomorrow I will welcome you with open arms, an open heart and big happy smile - tomorrow you'll be mine!

xx

Image - just a little quick snap of my little sleeping arrangement in my new loft room.... more to follow soon

IN CHANGE THERE IS POWER

“It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, 

to embrace the new. 

But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. 

There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, 

for in movement there is life, 

and in change there is power.” 

—Alan Cohen (Photo of Pina Bausch, Dancer) ..*

Image via Pinterest

SUNDAY STROLLS

follow the mad rabbit.... you're almost there

columbia road flower market - you have arrived

beautiful hydrangea and succulent stall

a sea of heads as far as the eye can see

most perfect little lemon tree

almost went home with this lush bit of green

and some more people

random capturing of footwear and cobblestones

street performers and a little one jamming to the beat

time to stop for a little caffeine fix and a treat

good spot for a spot of coffee and a croissant

the one that stole my heart

me looking happy with my a beautiful split-leaf philodendron of my very own

So ... Sunday I had a good day.  And thinking back to it now I can count very many factors that contributed to that one beautiful day of bliss, in a sea of days that feel like I am absolutely drowning in my own mind ... and waves of thoughts that just come crashing down on me - pushing me back down against the ocean floor.

No Sunday was different, Sunday was good.  I think it has helped that I managed to de-clutter my space quite dramatically - and it has most certainly lifted a load, having a more minimal space does have an impact somehow on our thought processes and how we process them.  Not sure what the link is there, but I sure can be witness - it felt good, I felt light and I want to keep it that way.

I had an early start to the day, and tried out a new yoga routine in the morning; also something new I have just stumbled upon while searching the web for a springtime retreat.  I stumbled upon 'kundalini yoga' and wow - something very different alltogether, but felt quite wholesome and nourishing and just what my body and mind and soul needed on this particular day.  Have anyone else given it a go?  There are a couple of classes in my local area, and I am joining one on Sunday - quite excited about this revitalising find.  But also, much needed, as I feel I am on a journey to reconnect, or re-ignite myself - searching for my purpose - and it feels like this class may just help me on this journey of rediscovery.

Getting things done can feel really good too!  I think having gotten quite a few things checked off my list, I felt like I could really go out and enjoy spending some time just wondering, but also with a purpose.  In a previous post (last Friday to be exact) I mentioned that I was going to get myself a split-leaf philodendron and that's exactly what I set out to do on a sunny and crisp winters Sunday.  Blue skies and sunshine can most certainly lift one's mood - and so can being surrounded by beautiful flowers.... and hordes of people (not!) But without the people it just won't be the same, the pushing and shoving and slow milling around trying to sneak a peak at the flower stalls as you get shoved along.  The first gab I got I swung left and found the corner store where I knew, or was hoping to find my plant.  And... alas, there were quite a few of these beauties to choose from.  And in saying that I almost got distracted by a plant of a whole different calibre and character!  But pleased I stuck to my instincts.

After a coffee and quick spontaneous catch up with a darling friend, I ventured home - with the sun still shining and the happy sounds of people and chitter chatter still fresh in my ears.  I came home to a neat and sundreanched room - and realised with a real thug at my heart that I will miss this beautiful bright and sunny room once I move to the loft.  But - at the same time the move will bring a new chapter and some much needed changes for me - sometimes change is as good as a holiday!

I ended my day with a visit to Hillsong Church, it was a beautiful service and I felt content and happy and like it was a perfect end to a perfectly happy day.

Hopefully with winter now almost behind us, and spring to look forward to - this haze that I'm in will pass and if not .... least I'll have my new plant, and the reminder of a beautiful sunny day, to move me along into my new space...

All pics by me
Last pic by my friend Marie

KEITH NASH FINE ART WATERCOLOURS

Today I'm finding endless calm and inspiration from these beautiful landscapes and seascapes - Keith Nash seems to capture the light breaking through the clouds, the reflections on the waters edge - the stillness of the moment so perfectly.  I am transformed to these coastal scenes - and maybe I want to stay just there in those lush mellow hues and tones, and maybe I just won't want to come back...

For more of his work, check out his website below - and from there you can also purchase some of the work of this super talented artist.  

From his website I quote:  Keith Nash is a professional watercolour artist living in Norfolk, UK.

His work is a blend of contemporary and traditionl styles, capturing the changing light and tones of the East Anglian landscape and marine environments.

Images via keith nash

PHEW.... FRIDAY YOU'RE FINALLY TO MY RESCUE

A couple of peaceful images to ease us into the weekend... I'm also soon moving into a new spacious room in the house - its the loft with its own en-suite bathroom.  Have been trying to get some inspiration for it - and I really like these minimal leaf arrangements a lot.  Just a touch of greenery complements any space oh so nicely!

I particularly like the Monstera Deliciosa (picture 1, 3, 5) —also known as the splitleaf philodendron - and think I'll head down to Collumbia Road Flower Market on the week-end and get myself a nice plant for my new room.

I will be moving next week-end, fortunately only up one flight of stairs - phew lucky me!  And am rather looking forward to settling into my new space - it will be my very own little sanctuary and I cannot wait!  A vast space, which definitely lends itself to a very minimal style of decor - it will be my challenge to keep it minimal.  May need to redecorate some of my concrete pieces - they're slate at the moment, but I quite fancy a bit of white for a nice change.

So another week has just flown past and its scary how quickly time is passing at the moment and I get anxious as there is so much I want to do, but never enough time and then I can't stop thinking of all the things that are still half-done or undone, and then I get myself in a right pickle .... ok.... just breathe, step outside, get some air, go for a walk young lady  - and ... breathe out....  all in good time!  Things will get done in the end; I just feel at the moment like I'm racing against time all the time...   

Nevermind, have a super weekend - and I'll post an update on my new plant on Sunday

x

Images via Pinterest

TUESDAYS CHILLED TUNES: KILN - RUSTDUSK

Just stumbled upon this group last night - KILN - super mellow ambient sounds and beats - easy listening - almost takes you on a journey to a beautiful far away place!

The artwork on their album covers might just as well be an exquisite piece of art on someone loft apartment walls;  gosh I think I may have stumbled on my new favorite group of 2015!  

Interesting and creative, I want to know and listen more.   I think this will be great to listen to while meditating or practicing my Tai Chi and Qi Gong... or just unwinding in the evenings.

The trio behind Kiln is Kevin Hayes, Kirk Marrison, and Clark Rehberg III - do read more about their work here

Sounds via Youtube

Images/ album covers via KilnAudio

DARLING WEEKEND GET AWAY

So finally I am sharing some images of inspiration and some sketches of my little project in South Africa.  The plan is for this little spot to be a week-end getaway which will truly be like no other... A space where one can switch off completely - and just be.  Be and enjoy being;  reconnect with loved ones, reconnect with yourself -  a space where time will really feel like its standing still.  I want it to be fully sustainable and self sufficient, especially with the load sharing and water supply that is of major concern in that beautiful country.  Still so much potential, but still sadly so badly administered...

Still regardless of all that - I am still positive about my little project, and it is something I want to get off the ground sooner rather than later; I want to be able to enjoy it with my family when I visit, but especially with my parents who have been dreaming with me for such a very long time.  I want them to experience all the years of sketching and planning and dreaming, but also for me - it will at least be something worthwhile I'm hoping to do with my life.

I also want to open it up as a retreat of sorts - where people who are keen to make some lifestyle changes can book in for a stay and become more aware of how easy it can be to live a more fulfilling life - just making small changes every day, which then soon will become the big changes!

My sketches are not quite there, but I'm liking the current layout -  there will also be a bigger space at a later stage.  But I think starting small is starting well.  But most certainly some additions as time goes by - and a splashpool is one of them forsure!

My little get away is opposite a nature reserve - so really a place with uninterrupted views into the far distance, wild flowers and birds and I imagine some weird and wild creatures which us citydwellers will not be used to finding in the outdoors!

Anyone with some feedback or comments or if you know of interesting products and materials I can consider for the construction will be most welcome - or if you would like to share any other thoughts or ideas - please do get in touch I'd love to hear from you!  (info(at)lindedavies(dot)co(dot)uk ) or misslinde(at)gmail(dot)com.  Being in the northern hemisphere planning something for the southern hemisphere is not always easy - I want to make the most of the sun, when really in the south you want to be shaded from the sun most of the time... little things like that!

Well - least I'm kindof back on track again now - and .... hopefully as this progress through the different stages I'll be sharing more as time goes by.  Thanks for visiting and have a super week!

x

Images via Pinterest mostly here:  plot-3604-weekend-getaway
and here:  plot-3604-weekend-getaway-flooring/
and here:  plot-3604-weekend-getaway-master-suite/

Sketches by me

I'M STILL HERE....

Just a quick hello from my desk  :)  

I'm still here - just been pulled in a few different directions and trying to just keep going and keep staying positive and keep smiling.  Also lots of business, like as in being busy - and you all know I am not a fond activist on the 'keep busy' front!

But alas, when life does give me busy, I pull up my sleeves and jump straight in!  Things should normalize again after this weekend, I have a whole list of ideas on things to share - even as far back as my trip to Brugges ... and perhaps even beyond!

Making no promises yet, but would love to get back on track this weekend if I can and start sharing some of the good stuff again.

Hope you're all well and happy and good now that we have all pulled through January, cause that can be quite a tormenting month in the northern hemisphere... or perhaps it was just for me....

Image via Pinterest