Frankincense the magic elixir to rejuvenate body and soul ♥

Boswellia Carterii or Frankincense Tree is a small tree which grows to a height of three to seven metres and has abundant narrow leaves and white or pale pink flowers. It is native to the middle east and North Africa. Incisions are made in the trunk to allow the milky white oleo resin to seep out. This resin then hardens into an orange brown gum and is then steam distilled for its essential oil.

Hello there, my blooming gorgeous ones!

My apologies for such a long gap but I have been focusing on launching my new NYR business and preparing for my first parties, as you know. The parties went well with some lovely feedback and I was very proud of overcoming my fear of public speaking, even if it was only to a small group of lovely supportive people! Yep, I know, ridiculous for someone who was prepared to stand naked on a stage in Tunbridge Wells in 'The Graduate'....but there you go, such are the mysteries of the Comfort mind!

Ommmmmmmmm............

Interestingly with reference to anxiety, that does launch me very nicely into the subject  for this blog, which is about the many wonderful uses of Frankincense Essential oil. Although I would like to look mainly at the healing, rejuvenating and preserving properties it has on the luscious skin of our late blossoming bloomers :) , Frankincense is also a very useful oil to have in your 'Essential Oil Kit' for many other reasons. One being it is the perfect remedy to have handy when you are in stressful situations.

Anxiety can bring up those awful feelings of tightness in the throat, a quickened heart rate and shallow breathing.  So simply grab your Frankincense oil, find a hanky or tissue and put a couple of drops on it and inhale.....slowly and deeply. Frankincense works by slowing down the breathing and increasing the bodies ability to breathe deeply and freely and relieves tightness in the chest. It also helps to calm the mind.

In fact for any respiratory difficulties such as asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and laryngitis its anticatarrhal, expectorant, anti infectious and soothing properties can prove very useful. I would suggest a few drops in a bowl of hot water in a room, as an inhalation (not for asthmatics) or again inhaling from a hanky. Another way to apply it .....my own invention.....is to grab a tube of Aloe Vera (has a multitude of uses!), squeeze a blob into your hand and then add a couple of drops of Frankincense or one of Eucalyptus and one of Frankincense and rub the ointment over your chest and neck.A   handy oil for your medicine chest!

Frankincense Oil is actually probably one of the most important incense ingredients since history began. It has been burnt on alters and in temples since early antiquity. The use actually probably goes further back than the earliest written records and is perpetuated in the current practises of many religions. The English name is derived from the medieval French word Franc meaning " Pure" or "Free" and the Latin incensium meaning "to smoke". It played a role in the religious and domestic life of the Ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Persians, Hebrews, Greeks and Roman Civilisations. The gum is also mentioned 22 times within the bible and was offered as a gift for the newly born Jesus by the Magi. It has been discovered that burning Frankincense produces a psycho- active substance trahydrocannabinole which helps to expand consciousness. In meditation practise it is used to calm and centre the mind and stop the ceaseless chatter. To deepen the breath. To calm and elevate.

So pop a couple of drops in your burner before your daily meditation and yoga practise ;)

The Utchat or Sacred Eye.

'Frankincense, like Chamomile was employed in the worship of the Egyptian sun god Ra, a primordial symbol for whom was the Utchat or "All Seeing"- the sacred eye that burned with judgement. Frankincense rekindles the inner light of the mind' Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit by Gabriel Mojay.






For skin care it is an extremely important oil and one used in many of NYR's beauty preparations. It was used by the Egyptians for embalming to preserve the bodies. It has what is known as cytophalactic properties which means it stimulates skin renewal and had been shown to work in improving slackening on the skin and slowing down the appearance of wrinkles. It may even work on existing wrinkles that have already formed too....hurrah!

Elixir of youth in a bottle

I often use it in blends I make for the skin particularly if I am wanting to work on assisting the skin to rejuvenate and heal. I love to blend it with a Rosehip oil and Grapeseed oil base and then add Lavender, Rose and Geranium and maybe a drop of Mandarin or Orange to lift the fragrance of the blend.

Here's my own secret recipe for beautiful skin! (You will need a little measuring jug and a small glass bottle)

Base 
50ml Grapeseed Oil (Half a bottle of 100ml NYR Grapeseed Oil)
5ml Rosehip Oil

Aromatherapy Oil
2 drops Frankincense
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Rose
2 drops Geranium
3 drops Mandarin (to lift fragrance)

You can play around a little with adding or subtracting a drop of each oil until you are happy with the fragrance but I wouldn't exceed about 15 drops in total.

Beautiful and a wonderful nightly treatment for the skin......delicious!

Award winning Cream

If blending your own is not for you Rejuvenating Frankincense Facial Oil has been proven to moisturise the skin in clinical trial or up to 12 hours, would be a great alternative.

NYR do a fabulous award winning Frankincense Range which contain a wealth of organic, wild crafted and natural ingredients. The range include their multi award winning Frankincense Nourishing Cream and Frankincense Hydrating Cream which were pitted against leading high street and luxury moisturisers and came out top in customer trials.

Rejuvenating Frankincense Serum

They also have the fabulous Frankincense Serum which is designed to penetrate the skin layers and really deliver those important ingredients to the deepest layers of your skin. Add a couple of drops to your skin after cleansing and before moisturising. You will also find that your need for moisturiser becomes much reduced.

NEW! Frankincense Cleanser

Also announcing their Rejuvenating Frankincense Cleanser. This two step cleanser is getting rave reviews  from everyone and is definitely on  my 'to try' list!
Step 1 - Cleanses
Step 2 - Smoothes and Refines.
It can also be used wet with a hand hot damp muslin cloth or wiped off dry.




To check out any of these go to my website and if you fancy giving them a try please get in contact at https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/SamanthaComfort


So definitely one to keep in your medicine chest and used in your daily beauty regime.

Rejuvenating for Body and Soul!!

Speak soon my gorgeous bloomers :) xxx

Blissed out in a vat of 'Wild Rose Beauty Balm'

Aaaaah my gorgeous friend!

Hello there my gorgeous blossoming bloomer :)

Yes, its official, I have fallen crazily in love with a face product! This may seem a touch sad but seriously Wild Rose Beauty Balm may rank as one of my all time favourite products ever! Before I launch into any poetic musings ;) I felt it really important at this stage to tell you why I have chosen to promote and support Neal's Yard Products. If this bit isn't of interest, then shoot down to the poetic musings underneath!!

My main reason is because, above all others, I absolutely believe in their ethics as a company and the extremely high standards of their products. Plus lets face it they are so delightful to have and use!

I love the look of those gorgeous blue bottles sitting prettily in my bathroom. I find them such a treat to use and they smell absolutely delicious! I love the fact that they are filled with only the highest quality natural, organic and wild crafted ingredients. I feel confident they are doing no harm to my body and that their ingredients actually promote health and wellbeing rather than contaminating my body with chemicals and nasty fillers .Plus, as I mentioned in my previous blog I received an amazing Professional Aromatherapy training with Neal's Yard ten years ago, so know they walk their talk.

Here are some other reasons I choose them.

Neal's Yard Store Covent Garden

• Not tested on animals.
• British Company
• Have been certified organic from the Soil Association for over twenty years.They have more certified organic health and beauty products than any other UK company. Any non organic ingredients come from potent wild crafted ingredients or naturally sourced materials that might be gathered under non controlled environments and therefore, although naturally organic, can not be certified so.
• Are free from anything that might compromise your health i.e., Mineral Oils, Silicones, Parabens,Synthetic Fragrances, GMO products, Phthalates, Nano, EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Carbomer,DEA, Acrylates and BHT. All nasties that you don't want to be absorbing through your skin and into your blood stream on a regular basis!!!
• Support Organic Farming and ingredients are sourced ethically and sustainably.
• Their glass, plastic bottles and paper are all completely recyclable.
• Carbon Neutral Company
• Supporter of charities and environmental organisations and winner of an International Green Award. Their owner Peter Kindersley was awarded Outstanding Achievement award at the Natural Organic Award.

'changing the world with pure products
one blue bottle at a time'

Good enough reasons I think :) Anyway enough of that.... on to my Wild Rose Beauty Balm love affair!

If like me simplicity works well for you you could literally just have this one product and use it for EVERYTHING!!! It also smell completely GORGEOUS and is packed with FANTASTIC ingredients. 

Is that enough CAPITALS for you!! :)

Cleanser

You can use it as your daily cleanser.Taking a small amount onto your finger tips and massage it into the skin. Let it soak for a second Then take a  hand hot cloth or flannel (sadly their muslin cloth they provide isn't that effective) hold it over the face and just gently wipe away. Makes an effective eye make up remover too, although some may find it a little oily over the eye area but to me its fine.

Moisturiser It makes a lovely moisturiser. I massage it in at night time generally (as it is a little heavier) and let it soak in overnight. However it does work well as a little extra day time moisturiser when I am up dog walking on a cold frosty morning!

Face pack Love it! Apply an extra layer of this gorgeous balm and let it soak in.Lie in a bath, relax and inhale deeply......aaaaaah....

Aftersun/Dry Skin/Hair Nourisher It contains some fantastic ingredients to help nourish, replenish and heal the skin. Perfect to take on holiday to apply to burnt bits, flaky bits, dry ends and sore spots!

Lips Great Lip balm too!

Seriously if you are a can't be bothered with loads of different products, travel light kinda girl.... then this one is for you!

Here are the luscious ingredients listed below.

Wild Rose Hips

Wild Rosehip Oil. Cold pressed oil from Rosehip Seeds that contain 30-40% GLA and are one of the richest sources of antioxidant Vit C. Deeply nourishing to the skin and helpful with skin conditions like Eczema and Psoriasis as well as Ageing and damaged skin. Helps to prevent wrinkle formation

Borage and Hemp Seed Oil. Also very rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids

Frankincense Oil. Excellent cytophalatic properties. It encourages skin renewal and turnover, restores slackness to the skin and helps prevent wrinkles....hurrah!

Patchouli. Also a very effective skin regenerator

Palmarosa Oil. Another effective skin regenerator and balancer

Geranium Oil.  A very useful oil to help balance sebum production in the skin and is a great hormonal balancer and has healing, antiseptic and astringent properties.

Rosemary Oil. Which helps promote good blood flow and circulation in the skin.

Fabulous stuff!  I am strangely addicted as you can tell!

If you fancy trying it for yourself please visit https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/SamanthaComfort

Remember if you order with me before the end of this month and spend over £45 in total you recieve a Rose and Geranium Shower Gel absolutely free!

Plus hold the front page! News just in that if you fancy purchasing one of their fragrance candles you will recieve one of their matching room frangrance room sprays (£16) absolutely free as well! ONLY AVAILABLE UNTIL LUNCHTIME MONDAY!

Enjoy!!!!

Love Sam xx

Aromatic Delights, Blossoming in New Directions, Neal's Yard Remedies and Special Announcements!

Everybody needs beauty .......places to play in and pray in, 

where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. 

John Muir (Naturalist,Author and Preservationist 1838-1914)

Hello my blossoming beauty! I have some exciting news!


 I have decided to return to my first love of Aromatherapy and reintroduce it back into my practice. I have also become a consultant for Neal's Yard Organic Range. This combination has provided me with a wonderful new direction for my therapy practice, will work beautifully with the concept behind 'Blossoming' and will also have some fabulous benefits and offers for you too, which I will be sharing with you very shortly.....hurrah!


Firstly, if you can bear with me, I just wanted to tell you a little about my personal journey into the world of  Holistic Aromatherapy , the reason for my love of and connection to Neal's Yard Remedies and also what this will all mean for 'Blossoming' , my therapy practice and you, my late blooming beauty! 


The aromatic world of essential oils was something I was drawn to and intrigued in from fairly early on.Whilst pursuing an acting career and travelling, I continued feeling a strong instinctive pull towards working in the field of complimentary healing. I began with studying Reiki level 1 and 2 and working with energy healing, which I found to be astonishingly powerful. However it was Aromatherapy and the sensory pleasure of working with these beautiful but potent oils which continued to appeal.Opening each little bottle, inhaling their aromatic aroma's, creating heady blends that not only delighted the senses but which worked gently but powerfully together to heal the body by utilising the healing power of nature. 

NB I now work with both these healing energies together.

"..the art and science, of using essential oils in treatments. Aromatherapy is truly a holistic therapy, taking into account the mind, body and spirit of the person seeking help..." Patricia Davis

Sandalwood

Whilst appealing to my more esoteric, spiritual, sensual, right brained side I am also by nature quite a grounded person (despite a few friend's view to the contrary!) and Aromatherapy has its roots deep within the science of chemistry. The volatile oils are carefully extracted from the flowers, leaves, nut kernels, seeds, peel, roots, bark and wood of plants, trees and fruits. The chemistry of each oil means that it can have a multitude of different actions within the body including anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral anti-microbial, anti inflammatory, cytophalatic, decongestant....etc The list of the positive actions the oils have is endless and it is the art of the Aromatherapist ,with their understanding of essential oils science and chemistry, to carefully blend oils together to have the most synergistic healing effect on the body. 


However Aromatherapy is so much more than that.The effect that just inhaling these oils can have can be quite profound too.Their scents have the power to evoke deep emotional response within people by working directly through the olfactory system straight to the limbic system. They have also been used throughout their rich history in spiritual and religious practise throughout the world to connect to the spirit world and transport us to heavenly realms. 


An Aromatherapy treatment can be one of these most blissful, sensual, delicious and delightful experiences you can have!

Neals Yard London

Anyway one day nearly twelve years ago, I happened to walk into a Neal's Yard shop, picked up a leaflet about a new Diploma they were offering in 'Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Science.' and everything fell into place.There was no doubt in my mind and in my heart that this was exactly what I was meant to do.It was the first year they had run their 'Diploma in Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Science' and I look back at that year of intense study with huge fondness. Not only were we blessed with fantastic teachers and lecturers but we got to study right in the heart of Neal's Yard in Covent Garden and at Chelsea Physic Garden.


 My happiest memory was our week long study trip to a herb farm located in the fragrant and picturesque foot hills of the Pyrenees near the old fortressed town of Carcassonne in southern France. There we received advanced level training in the French tradition of aromatic medicine from French Doctors/ Naturopaths on how to use the oils internally (orally and anally!) to treat illness. In the UK our practice is restricted to the use of massage, poultices and inhalation as our means of allowing these potent, volatile oils to enter the body. The french have a much more advanced system.

Lavender Fields of Provence

 We spent the week living together and studying in a wonderful old french farmhouse, surrounded by fields of wild lavender .Time off from study saw us relaxing over long lunches and leisurely evening meals made from fresh ingredients sourced locally, lovingly prepared by the staff and washed down with local red wine and fresh mint tea. After lessons  we enjoyed walks and early evening ambles through vibrant purple lavender fields and clambered up hill sides breathing in the warm scent of wild rosemary, thyme, mint and basil deep into our nostrils. Absolute heaven and the highlight of my wonderful course.


 Having qualified as a Holistic Aromatherapist and having gained my membership of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (MIFPA) I left the UK to set up an Aromatherapy Practice and help run a Health Club in Southern Spain.

Aromatherapy Practice, Elviria, Spain
(Notice the beautiful Neal's Yard blue bottles in the background!)

After returning to the UK I left my Aromatherapy practice for a while. I decided to re qualify in Rejuvanessence (www.in-essence.co.uk) which has became the main focus for my therapy practice for the last two years.  However the universe has continued gently nudging me to return to my first love again and  recent events have served to reawaken this desire in me again. I will be starting to offer relaxing aromatherapy massage and clinical Aromatherapy in my practice very shortly. However this time I would like to particularly focus on oils for skincare particularly for skin rejuvenation and for the beautiful healthy glowing skin so desired and treasured by us 'Blossoming' late bloomers!


Becoming a consultant for Neal's Yard beautiful range of products works perfectly with this too.


I will go into depth about this over the next few days, weeks and months but briefly I will now be offering the following.

• Neal's Yard Organic Parties with wonderful free gifts and benefits for the hostess and as an extra special gift of a free Aromatherapy massage to win from me for one lucky lady! 
• Relaxing Aromatherapy Massage at Knowle Grange from April and Clinical Aromatherapy too by special arrangement
• Special articles about which oils I believe are most beneficial for beauty to all us blossoming beauties and suggested Neal's Yard products that contain these oils.
• Offering special personalised Aromatherapy Facial Blends for clients to use at home
• Neal's Yard/ Aromatherapy Facials in the future.

For further details on  hosting parties, the Neal's Yard Organic range or even opportunities to become a consultant yourself please visit my NYR website.

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/SamanthaComfort

Speak soon!


Love Sam xxx

Nine simple secrets for a long, happy and healthy life from the 'Village of Eternal Youth'

Simple Pleasures

' I came to Camodimele hoping 

I might learn how to live longer, 

but discovered something much 

more important- how to live well'

We all want to live long and healthy lives but, if you are like me, the wealth of information out there as to what actually constitutes a healthy optimum diet can feel overwhelming! In the last few years,whilst pursuing a diet to optimise fertility, I discovered that interest in a raw food way of eating had blossomed and was becoming an increasingly more popular choice amongst nutritionist and optimum health and longevity seekers.  

The arguments as to why this is the optimum diet are absolutely sound. In simple terms unlike all others animals, apart from domesticated pets, we eat our food cooked. It makes no sense on many levels to cook food as we destroy many of the enzymes, vitamins, minerals and macro and micro nutrients available to us. A live food bursting with nutritional goodness is transformed into a dead depleted version of its true self .The raw food diet/living food is about eating fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, wild edible greens, sprouts, superfoods (which includes raw chocolate!) and herbs and oils in their raw unprocessed form. Raw food cuisine has burst onto the health scene all over the world with a wealth of information, delicious recipes, restaurants (check out London and Brighton!) and even raw food coaches are available to help you transition to a high raw way of eating.  I am completely sold that for optimum health, healing, glowing skin and eyes, vitality and boundless energy this diet is the ultimate. 

I would thoroughly recommend (if this subject interests you) that you begin with Karen Knowler on her website www.therawfoodcoach.com

HOWEVER !! 


Whilst agreeing that including lots of raw/ living foods into our diet is the best way forward, I also became aware that all of the long living cultures in the world do include cooked food in their diet as well. I want to eat healthily and well but I do want some flexibility to include and enjoy cooked foods and various cuisines. I don't want it to be about strict denial nor becoming obsessive.


 So what are the simple rules about diet which experts agree on and which all longer living communities throughout the world (who often eat different foods because of whats available in their particular environment) share in common.Let me introduce you to our very own long living cousins living on a hyper Mediterranean diet in a village in the mountains of Italy!

'La Montagna ti da tutto'  The mountain gives you everything

I am enchanted by Italy. It is a place that warms my heart and makes all my senses come alive. Its not just about the beauty of its landscapes, its extraordinarily rich cultural heritage, its architecture, its stunning works of art but its about the people and lifestyle. A zest and passion for life, a love of family, a value in friendship , a joy in simple pleasures and a cuisine for which they are famed.

  So with my love of good food, my interest in healthy living combined with my love of  Italy I was delighted to discover the book ' A Year in the Village of Eternity' by Tracy Lawson. Campodimele is  a village perched high in the Italian Mountains. Made famous in Europe for the long and vital life of its inhabitants the people remain extraordinarily active into their eighties and beyond with the average live expectancy being 95. Tracy lived amongst the villagers for a few years and was welcomed into the hearts and homes. She shared their lives, was taught their recipes (nutritious, simple and tasty, perfect!) and how they prepared and preserved their food. She learnt about their deep connection to the land, respect of the seasons ' Ogni cosa ha il suo momento' (everything has its time) and their approach to life. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/8627933/The-secrets-to-a-long-life.html

Aaaah to sample the local olive oil that 'tastes like the scent of the mountains on a warm summer days - fruity, grassy, perhaps a hint of herbs, strong and distinctive' 

So what can we learn from the villagers about the 'Cibo Genuino' genuine food that they prize so highly and their tips for longevity and abundant health and happiness.

• Eat locally grown produce that is organic and in season. The people of Campodimele grow much of their own produce on land that is free from chemicals, harvested at the peak of perfection and eaten in season. They do use preserving techniques to store their produce but living by their rules of Cibo Genuino  means that is preserved using natural techniques without chemicals, such as freezing or in olive oil, natural salt etc. They eat their fruits and vegetables raw and cooked but they eat lots of them. So to follow their example eat an abundance of colourful fruits and vegetables. Make these the heart of your diet. Learn to make smoothies and explore the world of juicing. Really enjoy natures abundance but always choose, local organic and in season when you can  and if not frozen berries out of season are great for smoothies! Better still learn to grow your own or source a good supplier locally.  

• Eat Wild Edibles. The people of Campodimele have a philosophy that the mountain will provide and harvest fresh green edibles all year round. They also include a simple green salad in their diet everyday. Green and most particularly wild greens pack a power punch of nutrition and they are the best secret to great health. Again an easy way to get more of those into your diet is through green smoothies and juices. A wonderful start would be to access the work of Victoria Boutenco and her green smoothie revolution (!) and her son Sergei who is an expert on picking and living on wild green edibles.www.rawfamily.com

• Drink clean mountain water . Difficult to access I know! So when possible choose spring water as much as you can, preferably from organic land in glass bottles unless you can find a local supplier!! I know its expensive but good clean water is absolutely vital to our health.

• Breathe clean air, free of air pollution.Try to get out into nature, into the woods, by the beach, climb some hills and breathe deeply as much as you can right from your belly!

• Eat meat, eggs and dairy that is free range and from lean, healthy animals. The people of Campodimele eat chicken, wild boar and hare that live wild in the mountains and free range oily fish from coastal area nearby. Meat is also limited and lots of legumes are eaten by the locals which are high in protein and low in saturated fat. If you choose to eat meat or fish always choose free range/wild and organic and limit your consumption 

• Simplify your life and reduce your stress. Really prioritise whats truly important

.....and relax

• Take lots of physical activity. Walk, cycle, run, swim, skip, dance, play sport, do yoga, just do lots of it particularly outside and enjoy moving your body.

• Find a sense of belonging and community. Cultivate friendships. Build family bonds. Live with passion and purpose. Become part of the community, local and global through others with shared interests.

• Find a sense of spiritual connection. Cultivate inner peace and connectedness in whatever way sings to your soul.

• Recognise your connection to nature Cutivate a respect for the earth, for animals, the seasons and living in harmony with natures rythmes.

There is no place for processed acidic chemical and additive laden foods and drinks. The food is produced in soil free from pesticides and nourished with clean pure water. They eat the food within hours of it being harvested or use natural methods to preserve their food. They prepare food that is a delight to the senses, is simple and highly nutritious.They do drink coffee, they do enjoy wine but not too much. They live low stress lives, connected to the land, the seasons, their family, community and their God. 


That is the simple secret to a  healthy happy and active life until very old age Campodimele style. 

I raise a glass to that :)

Celebrating my Birthday and 'La Dolce Vita'

The fabulous Juliette Binoche

This Saturday I will reach the fully ripened and rather grown up age of 47.

To celebrate my birthday here are some rather delicious celebrities who also share my birthday this year. I raise a glass of something sparkly to them, to me and to all you other luscious late blooming lovelies out there blossoming in your forties and beyond!

Courteney Cox

Sandra Bullock

Monica Belluci

On the theme of blossoming in your forties and beyond, I have been inspired by a beautiful book I am reading at the moment called ' A Year in the Village of Eternity' by Tracy Lawson. It chronicles the time she spent amongst the people of a mountain village of Campodimele in Italy known as 'Il Paese della Longevita' or 'The Village of Longevity', where the average life expectancy of both men and woman is ninety-five.

Me enjoying
simple Tuscan pleasures :)

Filled with wonderful recipes and mouth-watering descriptions of their local dishes, all made with the freshest ingredients, sourced locally. The dishes are simple, flavoursome, nutritious and lovingly prepared. It describes their strong connection to the land and the 'warmth, friendship and feste' of these healthy, fit, long-living mountain people.

Like Tracy I am not a scientist or a doctor but have a keen interest in nutrition. I have listened intently to many experts and teachers in the field of optimum health over the last few years particularly in the raw food community. There are different schools of thought but through the confusion some very basic truths have emerged. 

Many of the longer living cultures throughout the world have varying diets depending on their environment and food availability but there are some very strong linking factors and truths about the quality of their food, lifestyle, environment and their connection to the land that just can't be ignored. It is also as much about what their diets don't include as to what they do.

I would like to look at these factors in my next blog but the most important gift Tracy Lawson was given from living with the community was not just learning about longevity.

"I came to Campodimele hoping to learn how to live longer and discovered something much more important-how to live well "

Here's to health, happiness and a long, joyful, adventure filled life!

Cheers!!

PS To those with a good memory the 'Green Smoothie Challenge' was put on hold due to my performing in a play in the last week. Certainly not a great time to consider a cleanse! However the resources were great, green smoothies are now being made and I will definitely look at doing it (or at least version of it) in spring or early summer. 

Cheers!!

Intentions, Green Smoothies and beyond!!

Hello my lovelies and 'Happy New Year' everyone!

After my last couple of blogs stating my intentions for 'Blossoming'and sharing my own personal journey I realised it was time to get practical! Aaah now there's a challenge! I am naturally an idealist and dreamer at heart and take great delight in having the glorious, beautiful vision to leap majestically towards. Trying to inspire and encourage others along the way with all the positive possibilities....I am thankful for having tolerant friends! Having creative vision is certainly important (looking at my vision board fills my heart with joy) but actually taking action is vital! The importance of finding pleasure in the step by step on the journey and being able to focus and immerse oneself into one thing at a time....now that's the key. Having clarity and focus whilst holding the vision.This is my life challenge too and an important one!

To this end and having filled my mind, several notebooks and my email subscription list with so many voices on the subject of raw and living foods, health, spirituality, growing and marketing an authentic heart centred business etc etc..over the last few years I decided to take stock! We get so overloaded and bombarded that at times it feels difficult to think straight! I end up feeling overwhelmed, unfocused and suffering from a mild form of ADD! My decision was only to include those voices and websites that inspire, excite and uplift me and that will truly support where I am wanting to develop this year personally and professionally. Another factor to my choice was their level of integrity, authenticity and most importantly heart.

So with the step by step in mind, I looked at how I was going to begin my journey of implementing all I had learnt and truly begin my journey in earnest towards becoming the glowing, energetic, creative, connected blossoming/ripening  'wise' woman I aim to be! With previous fits and starts on this journey  in the past I feel it is important that I use my knowledge now for lasting change.If that helps others too that would be wonderful :)

Luckily I sprung upon the very thing I was looking for a couple of days back. A 21 day 'Green Smoothie Challenge' with the very delightful Tera Warner which is to start properly tomorrow. She has a fabulous and supportive website which is well worth a visit http://www.terawarner.com. Tera and her team will be supporting me and others on this challenge and I will journal my experience including any other information I have learnt or gathered. Yes, you lucky lot that may also include my previous forays into the world of colonics!


As a side note I also recommend signing up to the next Wish Summit she will be holding this year filled with some fantastic inspiring speakers. You can check it out  and sign up at http://www.wishsummit.com (its free) and I  heartily recommend it! 

Detox is a much banded about phrase nowadays. However, done properly, a real system cleanse can be a powerful tool for healing and rejuvenation.I have been interested in the power of fasting for many years. I did achieve it on my own for three days (some people do it for far longer) and treated myself to a juice fast at a Nature Cure Clinic many moons ago....funster that I am! I know that the results can be astounding but fasting is quite hardcore and there are some rather unpleasant side effects that can be experienced during the detox process.

Mmmm tasty!

 More popular (and certainly far more appealing to me) is cleansing the body using the power of raw green goodness, in the form of luscious green smoothies or by feasting on juices. This still allows the digestive system to rest and cleansing to take place but by soaking your cells with delicious nutritious elixirs to feed and nourish them, many of the side effects felt during a fast are reduced or greatly eliminated. People can continue with their day to day life,whilst still feeling bright eyed, energetic and amazing too. Green smoothie/juice feasts of up to three months are not considered unusual for the very experienced.

Cleansing the body and resting the digestive system has some amazing benefits and I will let you what I hope to achieve and how I get on (the ups and downs!) on my smoothie challange journey!

Tera also encouraged us to set down our intentions for the coming year in a variety of areas in our lives so in the spirit of openess and to keep me focused I have put mine up.... although a couple required me to be quite brave! Please read if you feel so inspired. There is a link to this page at the side of my blog  where it says 'pages'. Please feel free to list yours too in the comment box. I really hope this blog will be all about sharing and support.

Here's to a wonderful 2012 to all you beautiful blossomers out there.

Much love xx