Owning your personal journey

We often look at others as a point of comparison to see how we would like our lives to be, or as a guidance for the path we wish to take. However we invariably see the end result. Rather than the working moments that precede the beautiful shift. You, yourself are experiencing your own journey to your most vibrant self. You are at a certain point along that path and those you admire may be at a different stage of theirs. However you cannot judge yourself based on what another person has or is doing.

As with everything we must value the process, even more so than what we view at the end. For it is the things that we go through that shape us most monumentally. Every day we are faced with challenges. Whether they be small hurdles or large life altering moments. But each and every one mounts together to create the life we lead and the person we are.

Next time you find yourself judging your life based on another person, take a moment to consider this. You are an individual. A person with a beautiful experience of the world worthy of appreciation and celebration. You cannot mirror your life based on another person because you are not them, and you have your own gifts to share with us all.

We wish you a beautiful week ahead of you and hope that this gave you a bit of inspiration.

Much Love,

H+K

Removing yourself from busy-ness

How often do we wish that we had ‘just half an hour to do nothing’. In our minds we are whisked away to some far off island with a coconut in one hand and a pile of books beside us. We are hardwired to think that we can only relax when we go away. Constantly told that our lives are meant to be stressful and that being busy is always a sign of success.

However, being busy doesn’t necessarily equal success, neither does remaining in a state of stress. Our journey into our true and most vibrant selves involves filtering through the fear of not being viewed as hard working enough. Often when we pile our schedules full of things to do and people to meet, we are falling into the trap of choosing other people’s views over our own happiness.

Now one thing you can do, to safeguard your time and space is to really hold on to that which is truly important. In each moment or decision take a second to think “does this serve me, or will it only add pressure”. Looking at our lives in this way enables us to reduce the amount of perceived stress, and we are able to gain greater clarity in our minds as to what is truly needed.

We hope this helps you in some way, remember to treat your life as something beautiful and special. Treasure it and nourish yourself in every way.

Much Love,

H+K

Listening

Another glorious week is upon us! We are so excited for this new season and have enjoyed feeling the shift in the weather.

One thing we are looking into this week is the idea of listening, to others but equally to yourself. Oftentimes we don’t take time to listen to exactly what our soul is asking for, we sideline the things we desire or that would nourish us fully.

Ways to recognise that you need to begin serving your needs more are:
1) Taking a moment to write down 3 things you feel you may be neglecting in your life. That could be because of time constraints but if you begin to let go of the things you love you may start to resent the situations or people that get in the way of that!

2) Be open to the signs. The universe is an immensely powerful force. We are constantly receiving messages and cues leading us towards our higher and more vibrant selves. Take a moment to notice these signs and their frequency, often it will lead you to ways you can really celebrate your life and heighten your experience.

3) Be mindful of how you speak to yourself. We are all culprits of negative self talk , but it is a huge weight to carry when you are on your journey. Acknowledge the moments that you are particularly harsh towards yourself and open up a dialogue. Why do you say these things and how can you ensure that you work towards lessening and removing that kind of attitude towards yourself.

We hope that you have a beautiful week, full of growth, happiness and light.

Much Love,

H+K

Dealing with Disappointment

In the search for our best and happiest lives it can seem odd to focus on the power of disappointment. We live in a world that doesnt look favourably on failure and moments of retrograde. For obvious reasons we seek out success and triumph instead of lessons in failing. However sometimes our times of greatest growth occur when we fail. Those low periods in our lives that teach us our true resilience and strength and allow us to fully come into our own.

The greatest feeling of inner confidence comes from the knowledge that we have overthrown some challenge or moment hardship. In those chapters of our life where we may feel like the universe is conspiring against us, it may in fact be granting us our greatest gift. We are in reality experiencing a moment of profound growth, something that will help to shape our future and spur us on to an even more wonderful life.

When you are faced with hardship, instead of viewing it as a negative, take some time to settle into it. Ask “What are you teaching me?”, and “How will this shape who I am?”

You have the opportunity to use your potential pain and fear to fuel your life. Instead of living in a state of lack or loss, look at it as a chance to develop your tool kit and prove to yourself what you are capable of.

In every way you are strong, capable and completely magnificent.

Much Love,

H+K

Finding Ease in Change

Change can be hard, even if it is a good change. We get used to a particular way of living our lives and when there is an alteration to our schedule or the way we spend our time it can really throw us mentally and emotionally.

One really key thought or mentality to have is the idea of ‘Ease’. Learning to find the ease in everything you do and trying to find ease in the way you think, feel, speak and treat yourself and others. Look for the softness in the moment and seek out the calm at the edge of your control and letting go ever so slightly.

It can be hard of course, we are hardwired to be constantly opposed to change and to seek out ways in which to stick to the status quo. Oftentimes we sabotage ourselves from our happiness by looking for comfort instead of growth.

But remember, it is so important to learn when to let go, when to fall into the ease of change in order to find your best and happiest life.

Change is good, our reaction to it is what makes all the difference.

Much Love,

H+K

Don't let others take your 'key'

Happy Monday! What a beautiful weekend we had, we are all feeling very grateful and excited for the warmer months ahead of us.

In every day we can find ourselves confronted with a person, idea or situation that doesn’t sit well with us or goes against our values. Our natural response can often be defensive or that we get our guard up and brace ourselves for an argument. However what if instead of letting that person or thing disrupt your happiness we could just learn to let it go?

One concept that relates well to this is the idea of your ‘Key’. Motivational speaker John Kehoe speaks about it in his books on ‘Mind Power’. The key is that which is within you that motivates and allows you to navigate your life with intention and purpose. It is the power within you that enables you to achieve amazing things.

Now when we let other people demotivate us or derail us we are giving them our ‘key’ thus giving them the power over our lives and the way that we interact with the world. Instead, what we can do is bolster ourselves and prepare for situations that may cause us to feel disconnected or disempowered. Practices that can help us are mediation, journalling, yoga, or even just running or doing a task mindfully. Allowing yourself time and space to mentally prepare a mindset of calm will enable you to confront those moments with a clearer mind and intention. This adds power to your experiences and allows you to be more steadfast in your approach.

Remember that you are a powerful individual with an incredible life to lead. Don’t let the petty thoughts and intentions of others distance you from that!

We hope you have a glorious week ahead of you,

Much Love,

H+K

Office Routines

We have all been there, we sit down at our desks and the next time we look away from our screen its been 2 hours!

Time flies when you’re busy and when you get ‘in the zone’. But what kind of an impact is that having on your body?

As Chiropractic advocates we understand how important it is to move your body regularly and with a clear intention. Getting stuck behind a screen at your desk can seriously impact on your health in numerous ways, keeping active and moving your body periodically throughout the day is a wonderful way to not only boost focus but to keep your body functioning as it should.

Often when we sit at our desks we lose attention to our posture and can find ourselves in a classic ‘turtle shell shape’. Shoulders are hunched forward, sitting cross-legged, head jutting forward and squinting at our screen. By sitting in this way you place extreme pressure on your spine. If you imagine that your head is a bowling ball, when you hold it above you it is relatively easy to keep it there, however the further forward you hold it away from your body the heavier the ball seems. The weight of the ball isn’t changing necessarily, but it feels like that! And the stress that places on you to maintain that shape increases!

That is what it is like when you sit with incorrect or unmanaged posture. Your head places an incredible amount of strain on your spine when it is jutting forward. This stress can express itself in a number of ways and carries its way throughout your body.

This shape is not only physically detrimental but energetically so as well. When we are closed in like this posture emphasises we are locked off from our own potential. The energetic centre of the heart is required to be open and spacious in order to tap into our inner compassion and love.

So when you are next at work remember to set your reminder to get up and move your body. Every 20 minutes would do the trick! Get up, take a few deep breaths, roll your shoulders and stretch our arms. Anything to get your body out of that seated posture.

Furthermore you could look at having a standing desk, or placing your computer up to eye height in order to reduce the pressure on your body and to help maintain those lovely natural curves in your spine.

Let us know if you have any questions on this topic! And we hope that you find ways to move your body and show yourself a bit of love and kindness today.

Much Love,

H+K

Happy Earth Day!

What a wonderful world we live in.

Every day we marvel at the Earth’s capacity for love and for it’s astonishing beauty. However, recently it has become far more obvious that we need to care for her. Our world is in turmoil and it is our job to help her!

At H+K we have realised how in every day we need to make small changes and large promises in order to safeguard our home, and our future.

As such we have started looking at ways in which we can reduce our impact and work towards a more mindful and compassionate life.

Here are our top focuses to reduce our impact on the planet:

• Reusable Coffee Cups- A very say way to reduce your single use plastic use! We love our keep cups, they are so handy and you can really find a beautiful cup that you love! Often cafes even give you a discount for bringing your own cup.

• Boomerang Bags (Or at least thats what they call them in Australia!) Reusable Shopping and produce bags- We all have managed to transition away from single use plastic bags when we pop over to our local Tescos. However, how many of us are using reusable produce bags? It can be so easy to plop our tomatoes in one plastic bag, and our bananas in the other, but in reality why do we need to? It’s important to be conscious of the ways in which you can reduce your overall plastic consumption.

• Being aware that your shopping can influence the global market- Now this is a big one. Our shopping habit is like a vote, we are using our money to reinforce the practices that we perhaps consciously or unconsciously support. Therefore when you next go to the supermarket look for the things that you wish for there to be more of or perhaps that you believe in. Try and steer clear of plastic wrapped vegetables, or even those that contain too much packaging in general!

We hope you all had a restful Long Weekend, and that this post acts as inspiration for positive change!

Happy Earth Day!

Much Love,

H+K

Learning to say no

We all have moments when everything just seems to spiral out of control. Planning dinners, sports runs, school events, office meetings and then everything in between! 

Constantly chasing the next to-do and prepping for the next event or catch up. But what if we told you that it’s ok to say NO.

Learning when to say no is a hard thing, we are taught and encouraged to accept any invite and always make ourselves available for the next step (in our career, family life and personal goals). By allowing yourself a bit more time in your day (both mentally and physically) can not only make you feel more energised but far more empowered. Your time is precious and sometimes you need to be a little more discerning with how you spend it.

Discovering that there is a fine line between overwhelm and balance is part of maintaining a lifestyle that has longevity. Enabling yourself to really build a life that prioritises balance and ease can yield such beautiful gifts.

We encourage you to look at the ways that you can simplify your week or even your day. Are there things you can let go of or perhaps put aside for now until you have more mental space and clarity? 

Also are there events and commitments that perhaps you can decline so you have more time to yourself? 

Please take care of yourself, learn when to say no to opportunities and feel empowered by that choice! You’re doing so well. 

Much love, 

H+K 

Checking in with yourself

Another glorious week is upon us and we have a feeling it is going to be a good one!

Have you taken time to check in with yourself recently? This is such an important activity that should occur at least once a week. It gives you the time and the space to really acknowledge how you are doing. Emotionally, Mentally and also Physically. Now, we aren’t just advocating a simple check of the to-do list. We are looking at really, truly, checking in and seeing how you can help yourself to feel more grounded, secure and productive.

A simple activity could be sitting down with a cup of tea for 10 minutes today and answering these 5 Questions:

1) How do you feel? (Emotionally and Physically)

2) Is there something that you want to do this week just for you?

3) What are 3 things you can do today to take a bit of pressure off.

4) What is one thing you did last week you are proud of.

5) What is your inspiration for this week? (Mantra, Quote or even just an emotion you want to carry through for the week)

Setting an intention for your week but also acknowledging the things you’ve achieved and want to focus on is a powerful way to really refine how you go about your week.

Good luck and Much Love,

H+K

Green Spaces and our Happiness

Do you ever wonder why you always feel more revitalised and energised when you have been for a walk in nature, whether that be in a local park, on the beach or in a forest?

Well when we are out in nature we experience a release of dopamine (the happiness hormone) which helps us to feel more grounded and positive. Furthermore whilst taking a walk or enjoying time in a green space scientists have recorded less activity in the fear centres of our brain, lower stress hormone output, lower cardiovascular response (to stress) and an overall feeling of wellbeing.

Now it can be easier said than done, creating more time to go for a walk in between meetings and daily responsibilities. But even by surrounding yourself with plants at home you can experience the benefits of nature.

Especially for those of us who live in busy cities away from quiet and calm spaces, taking time to either cultivate a beautiful indoor green space or going out and about into local parks can be a wonderful way to manage stress and anxiety.

For an excellent article on the topic read Mind Body Green’s take on nature as an Anxiety management tool.

We hope that you find time today to marvel at nature, to sit in a park and breathe in fresh air. It will do you the world of good!

Much Love,

H+K

Harnessing your breath for focus

Happy Monday to you all! We hope you have had a wonderful start to your week and feel rested and prepared for more spectacular growth.

How often do you stop to think about your breath. We do it subconsciously and often without acknowledgment of the immense privilege and gift our breath is. Our body intuitively nourishes us every few seconds, sending fresh oxygen into our cells to fuel us and allow us to do what we wish. It flushes out stagnant air and with it stagnant energy.

Yogis believe the breath is a powerful way to harness our inner energy or prana. In fact breath focused work in a yogic practice is called pranayama. A conscious and focused breath is a powerful tool to unlocking inner potential and clarity.

When you were last in a yoga class, can you remember the emphasis the teacher placed on intentional breath with the movement of your body. This is because it enables you firstly to truly focus on the present moment, but also it gives your body greater ownership on the situation. By connecting your mind to your body and your breath you are creating a holistic approach to the task at hand.

Now for most of us we are breathing ‘incorrectly’, this being a non-diaphragmatic breath. This means that we breathe into the top lobes of our lungs and are not utilising our whole lung capacity. For many of us the stress and pace of daily life prevents us from truly breathing deeply. We are jumping between work commitments, family dramas, traffic jams and caffeine bursts. In a constant state of reaction our chest collapses as our shoulders roll inwards, our necks jut outwards and our core crumples beneath the stress. You can see if you are breathing diaphragmatically because your belly will expand but the chest will remain soft.

An easy and effective exercise can be the four corner breath. Imagine a square, inhale to the bottom of your belly for a count of four, hold for a count of four, exhale for a count of four and hold at the end of your breath for final count of four. Repeat this as needed, but this can help you to really gain back your power and focus.

Next time you feel a little overwhelmed, or that you cannot catch your breath, give the above exercise a try.

We hope you have an abundant week,

Much Love,

H+K

When things go wrong!

We have all had those days. When you can’t find your words, when you burn your toast and set all the smoke alarms off and you also managed to forget your Oyster Card on the way to the station.

Those days suck.

But do they have to? Maybe they are a message from the universe that you need to stop, that you need to listen to what is placing the hurdles in the way. What if you are having these moments of ‘failure’ as a reminder that you can’t always have it together. That these little pauses or trips along the way are a demonstration that we are all human and imperfect. Furthermore they are a reminder that nothing is ever 100% terrible. Just because you spilt your tea on your laptop or your car won’t start doesn’t mean that today is going to be a terrible day. It just means that it is turning out a little different to how you had planned it.

In those moments when everything feels too much, and that you need it all to just STOP, take a breath. Have a sip of water, stretch your body. How wonderful do those 3 things feel. How glorious it is to be alive and to have be where you are, in the present moment.

Yes times can get tough, but don’t let the smaller details of this very imperfect life get you down. Learn to roll with them, laugh at them as they cruise in and out of your life. Focus on the things you can control, your mind and your thoughts. Let go and just let life be. Good Luck!

Much Love,

H+K