The Marathon Monks

I just read this article with much interest - not least because Mikao Usui (the founder of Reiki) was a lay Tendai buddhist monk, and sat upon Mount Kurama meditating and fasting for 21 days, (I'd like to see myself fast for 21 minutes!) but simply because it really rings true about pursuing what you want out to get out of life and being dedicated to do it.

I especially like the quote: 

"Never give up on a dream just because of the length of time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway."
—H. Jackson Brown

You can see the full article here (I have pasted it below as well for easy reading): http://jamesclear.com/mental-toughness-marathon-monks

Happy reading
Sue x

If You Commit to Nothing, You’ll Be Distracted By Everything

By James Clear    |    Motivation, Resilience, Simplicity

In the northeastern hills outside Kyoto, Japan there is a mountain known as Mount Hiei. That mountain is littered with unmarked graves.

Those graves mark the final resting place of the Tendai Buddhist monks who have failed to complete a quest known as the Kaihogyo.

What is this quest that kills so many of the monks? And what can you and I learn from it?

Keep reading and I’ll tell you.

The Marathon Monks

The Tendai monks believe that enlightenment can be achieved during your current life, but only through extreme self–denial.

For the Tendai, the ultimate act of self–denial — and the route to enlightenment — is a physical challenge known as the Kaihogyo. Because of this challenge, the Tendai are often called the “Marathon Monks.”

But the Kaihogyo is much more than a marathon.

The Kaihogyo

The Kaihogyo is a 1,000 day challenge that takes place over seven years.

If a monk chooses to undertake this challenge, this is what awaits him…

During Year 1, the monk must run 30 km per day (about 18 miles) for 100 straight days.

During Year 2, the monk must again run 30 km per day for 100 straight days.

During Year 3, the monk must once more run 30 km per day for 100 straight days.

During Year 4, the monk must run 30 km per day. This time for 200 straight days.

During Year 5, the monk must again run 30 km per day for 200 straight days. After completing the fifth year of running, the monk must go 9 consecutive days without food, water, or rest. Two monks stand beside him at all times to ensure that he does not fall asleep.

During Year 6, the monk must run 60 km (about 37 miles) per day for 100 straight days.

During Year 7, the monk must run 84 km (about 52 miles) per day for 100 straight days. (52 miles per day!) And then, he must run 30 km per day for the final 100 days.

The sheer volume of running is incredible, of course, but there is one final challenge that makes The Kaihogyo unlike any other feat…

Day 101

During the first 100 days of running, the monk is allowed to withdraw from the Kaihogyo.

However, from Day 101 onwards, there is no withdrawal. The monk must either complete the Kaihogyo … or take his own life.

Because of this, the monks carry a length of rope and a short sword at all times on their journey.

In the last 400+ years, only 46 men have completed the challenge. Many others can be found by their unmarked graves on the hills of Mount Hiei.

3 Lessons on Mental Toughness and Commitment

The mental toughness of the Marathon Monks is incredible and their feats are unlike most challenges that you and I will face. But, there are still many lessons we can learn from them.

1. “Complete or Kill.”

The Marathon Monks are an extreme version of the “complete or kill” mentality. But you can take the same approach to your goals, projects, and work.

If something is important to you, complete it. If not, kill it.

If you’re anything like me, then you probably have a bunch of half–finished, half–completed projects and ideas. You don’t need all of those loose ends.

Either something is important enough to you to complete, or it’s time to kill it. Fill your life with goals that are worth finishing and eliminate the rest.

2. If you commit to nothing, you’re distracted by everything.

Most of us never face a challenge with the true possibility of death, but we can learn a lot from the monk’s sense of commitment and conviction. They have clarified exactly what they are working toward and for seven years they organize their life around the goal of completing the Kaihogyo. Every possible distraction is rendered unimportant.

Do you think the monks get distracted by TV, movies, the internet, celebrity gossip, or any of the other things that we so often waste time on? Of course not.

If you choose, you can make a similar decision in your life. Sure, your daily goals may not carry the same sense of urgency as the Kaihogyo, but that doesn’t mean you can’t approach them with the same sense of conviction.

We all have things that we say are important to us. You might say that you want to lose weight or be a better parent or create work that matters or build a successful business or write a book — but do you make time for these goals above all else? Do your organize your day around accomplishing them?

If you commit to nothing, then you’ll find that it’s easy to be distracted by everything.

3. It doesn’t matter how long your goal will take, just get started.

On Day 101, the Tendai monks are thousands of miles and 900 days from their goal. They are setting out on a journey that is so long and so arduous that it’s almost impossible for you and I to imagine. And yet, they still accept the full challenge. Day after day, year after year, they work.

And seven years later, they finish.

Don’t let the length of your goals prevent you from starting on them.

Never give up on a dream just because of the length of time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.
—H. Jackson Brown

What Makes You Different From the Marathon Monks

There is one very fortunate difference between you and the Tendai monks. You won’t die if you don’t reach your goal!

In the words of Seth Godin, you literally have the “privilege of being wrong.” You won’t die if you fail, you’ll only learn.

Furthermore, you can always change your mind. If you commit to a goal, work on it for a year, and decide that this isn’t actually what you wanted … guess what? You’re free to choose something else.

This should take a burden off of your shoulders! You don’t have to worry about committing to the right thing. If you’re debating between choices, just choose one. You can always adjust later on.

You have the opportunity to choose a goal that is important to you and the privilege of failing with very little consequence. Don’t waste that privilege.

Where to Go From Here

The biggest lesson that the Tendai monks offer for everyday people like you and me is the lesson of commitment and conviction.

Imagine the sense of commitment that the monk feels on Day 101. Imagine what it feels like to embrace the final 900 days of that challenge. Imagine what it feels like to accept a goal that is so important to you that you tell yourself, “I’m going to finish this or I will die trying.”

If you have something that is important to you, then eliminate the unrelated and unimportant tasks, get started no matter how big the challenge, and commit to your goal.

Every big challenge has a turning point. Today could be your Day 101. Today could be your Day of Commitment.

Happy 2016 everyone!

Wow, so here we are - at the very first day of 2016!

How are you going to make this year special? What plans have you got?

Whatever they are, I wish you abundant happiness, love, laughter and success in all ways.

With love,

Sue xx

A Six Step Method For Mind Training

Source: Frans Stiene and Master Chih I (538-598) - Fourth Patriarch of the T'ien T'ai School

This six step method of mind training makes use of the breath.

Breath is the source of life. When breathing stops the body is just a lifeless object and, because the nervous system no longer works, the mind just vanishes. So we see that life is preserved by breath which links body with mind and ensures their existence. Although you can't see it, air moves in and out of your nostrils when you breath. So there is body and mind with breath linking and uniting them.

There are three practices in moving from the mundane to the sublime and the 'main practice' is essential for changing mental gear. Stopping (Chih or Samatha) gives the first hint that there is sunshine behind the clouds of illusion and Contemplating (Kuan or Vipasyana) is the technique that opens the doors to clear perception.

* Preliminary practice

- count the breaths

- follow the breaths

* Main practice

- stop following the breaths

- contemplate the breaths

* Concluding practice

- realise that breath and breather are inseparable

- realise pure being

Count the breaths

Having regulated your breath so that it is neither tight nor loose, count slowly from one to ten for either in breaths or out breaths. Fix your attention on the counting so that your mind does not wander. If you notice that your mind has gone somewhere else and you have lost the count, go back to one and begin again. With practice you will get good at this counting procedure. Your breathing will become so fine that it is almost uncountable.

Follow the breaths

Stop counting the breaths but focus your mind on following them in and out. In this way your mind and your breathing will become mutually dependent. As your mind becomes more peaceful you will notice the lengths of your breaths and you will feel as if they pass through all the pores of your body. Your intellect is now quiet and still.

Stop following the breaths

Stop putting attention on the breathing and instead intentionally (yet unintentionally) fix your mind on the tip of your nose . While doing this you will suddenly notice that your body and mind seem to vanish and you will be in a state if stillness.

Contemplate the breaths

Although this state of stillness is very pleasant the next task is to turn the mind back on itself. The in and out breaths will now appear to be like wind in the void and to have no reality of their own. With practice there will be a clear feeling that the breath enters and leaves the body through all its pores.

Realise that breath and breather are inseparable

There will still be an impression of a subjective mind which contemplates the objective breath. These are viewed as two parts of a duality and the absolute state of the fundamental mind has not therefore been reached. The 'subjective knower' follows 'the breath' as it rises and as it falls. But 'rise' and 'fall' are fundamentally illusory and unreal: like 'waves' that rise from 'water', they only appear to exist. The mind that rises and falls is not the true, underlying, uncreated self-mind. The self-mind is beyond 'is' and is therefore void. There is no subjective mind that contemplates and no object to be contemplated. Knowledge and its object vanish.

Realise pure being

There will still be an idea of no knowledge and no object. This is removed when the mind becomes pure and clean through not discriminating.

The mind becomes still like calm water and contains no discriminating (unreal) thoughts. The return of the false to the real is like waves subsiding to reveal the water.

Source: Frans Stiene and the ultimate source is The Six Profound Dharma Doors (Lu Miao Fa Meng) of Chih I but as this contains much abstruse jargon Yin Shih Tsu paraphrased it in Chapter 6 of his Experimental Meditation for the Promotion of Health. This is quoted in Charles Luk's (Lu K'uan Yu) (1964) The Secrets of Chinese Meditation; Rider; ISBN 0 09 155091 2 and the above version is based loosely on that translation.

Deepening my Reiki knowledge

Each year I travel to study with Frans Stiene, the author of the critically acclaimed "Reiki Sourcebook". Frans dedicates his time to literally living, breathing and thoroughly researching Reiki, notably from the Traditional Japanese perspective, which is as close as possible to how Mikao Usui intended it to be, and indeed, taught it. It's probably safe to say that Frans is one of the world's leading Reiki teachers, if not, THE one.

Spending time learning directly with Frans is like nothing else on earth! The energy one enters when working with and around him is simply sublime and it's so easy to feel your practice literally take leaps and bounds forwards with every meditation, reiju and attunement.

I'll write more on my experiences in my next newsletter, but for now I leave you with this lovely photo which I'll always cherish...

Are you looking for a rewarding way to earn additional income?

Do you love Neal's Yard Remedies Organic?
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• Would you like to buy Neal's Yard Remedies Organic products for a 25% discount every time you shop?
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Contact me today for more info, or Sign Up immediately at

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If this sounds like you, then perhaps becoming an Independent Consultant with Neal's Yard Remedies Organic is something you'd like to do.

It is a hugely rewarding experience and great fun. There is no pressure to perform, no extortionate buy-in and no one's going to make you sell, sell, sell! Though, if it's a successful business that you want, that's what you'll get, and we'll be there to support you all the way. As an Independent Consultant, you will receive a 25% discount off any products you order and you will get 25% commission on products that you sell.

The current campaign which offers you a choice of 2 starter kits for just £45 - sign up to EARN or SAVE - either way, it just makes sense! 

Please get in touch with me by return to chat it through so that you, or someone you may know, doesn't miss out on the wonderful opportunity to join an ethical, quality, respected and luxurious brand which can kick-start their independence, enjoyment and love of beauty.

Why not spread the love?
Tell others about the offer so that they can benefit too and building their own future success…

• Who do you know who would benefit from being part of NYR Organic?
• Who is saving up for their next holiday?
• Perhaps looking for a fresh challenge?
• Anyone looking for an organic brand to use in their therapy business?
• Who simply loves their NYR products and would appreciate the 25% discount on own purchases?

You can join on my website:
https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/susanemma/area/become-a-consultant/
or call me and we can go through it together

If you have any questions and would like to know more, as a Team Leader I would be very happy to help guide you get the most out of your Neal's Yard experience.

I look forward to welcoming you to the Neal's Yard Remedies Organic family - in whichever capacity suits you.

New Intake Starting 30th Sept - only 3 spaces left!

Reiki is a natural, safe and holistic method of stress reduction, relaxation and self-healing.

In the late 1900’s, Mrs. Hawayo Takata brought Reiki to the West and without her, it’s unlikely that anyone outside Japan would recognize the word “Reiki”. What Mrs. Takata taught is referred to as “Western Reiki” because many of the traditional Japanese aspects were watered down, given that she was teaching Reiki to (mostly) Americans, in a time at which there had been much animosity between America and Japan.

Recently however, more detailed information regarding Reiki as it was traditionally practiced in the East has come to light. The world is now moving back to a practice of working with the traditional methods taught and practiced by Mikao Usui himself (the Founder of Reiki). When we work with Reiki this way, we find that our hands-on healing becomes even more powerful, and the integration of the original methodsprofoundly enhances and deepens our spiritual Reiki practice.

It is for this reason that I am delighted to announce a course of 4 x 2 hour weekly classes covering the Traditional Japanese Reiki Techniques as taught by Mikao Usui.

Each week I will teach specific exercises combined with experiential practice and student discussions, to help you gain a personal connection with the techniques, namely:

•The five elements of traditional Japanese Reiki
•The Japanese energetic system
•The Reiki precepts in Japanese and from a traditional perspective
•Reiki as a spiritual practice
• Several traditional Japanese techniques and meditations which are pivotal to the system of Reiki

You will also receive 4 Reiki empowerments (one each week).
 
These classes will help you to go deeper within your own personal practice and really experience the true essence of Reiki. 
 
These classes are suitable for:
 
•Reiki Practitioners of all levels, whether First Degree, Second Degree or Masters.
•Whether you are a beginner or have been practicing Reiki for many years, you will find this course helpful in growing your practice and helping your self-healing and clients alike.
•They are especially suited to those practitioners who have studied “Western” Reiki and would like to learn more about the Japanese ways.
•Anyone who would like to move their Western Reiki practice over to a Traditional Japanese practice, or understand how to effectively combine the two.
•Anyone who would like to enhance and deepen their understanding of the art they practice, and the gift they use. 
 
Course dates: Wednesday, 30th September, 7, 14, 21 October
Course cost: £100

Classes start at 8pm. Held in Addlestone, Surrey, KT15

* All learners will receive a certificate.
* If you are a professional practitioner, you will gain 8 hours towards your Continued Professional Development (CPD).
 
There are a limited number of spaces available on the course and they will be confirmed on strictly first come, first served basis.

To book your place, please email me on info@susanemma.com
 
I look forward to hearing from you and to sharing this journey with you.
 
Reiki Blessings,
Sue

________________________________________________

About your teacher: Sue Walsh

I am a professional Reiki Master-Teacher and have been practicing healing and complementary therapies for over 13 years. I have gone to great lengths to ensure the quality of my training, having studied with some of the best teachers in the world, including Frans Stiene, William Lee Rand, Doreen Virtue and Jack Angelo.
 
I feel genuinely blessed to be following a path that I find so uplifting and inspiring and I am sincere in my desire to help others achieve what they need on their own journey. My passion is to teach Reiki in a way that inspires my students and makes Reiki a positive, life-changing adventure rather than just another certificate on the wall!

My Personal "Can't Live Without" Neal's Yard Remedies Organic Products List:

1. BEAUTY SLEEP CONCENTRATE

NYR says: "Our luxurious, lightweight and easily absorbed Beauty Sleep Concentrate has been scientifically formulated to support your skin’s natural night time regeneration, while helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Proven in clinical trials to increase skin's moisture levels by up to 98% over 12 hours."

Why I love it: As a busy mum, working most of the hours that God sends, I find this indispensable in not only keeping my skin looking fresh, but also in getting a decent and good night's sleep! As a natural sceptic, I couldn't quite believe the claims about this product helping with sleep but having tried it over several months, it's genuinely surprising how well it works. I have consistently good sleep whenever I use this product, and wake up the next morning feeling well-rested and ready for another active day.

See more info here: Beauty Sleep Concentrate

2. ENGLISH LAVENDER BATH & SHOWER GEL

NYR says: "Enjoy a skin-softening shower or a fragrant, relaxing bath infused with the aroma of organically grown English lavender – a much softer scent than its French cousin – enriched with skin-soothing extracts of organic chamomile and oat. Our English lavender is organically grown and tended by hand on a family farm on the rolling hills of Hampshire."

Why I love it: No matter how many luxurious shower gels I have used in my time, this is my absolute favourite, and it doesn't have a huge price tag either! Nothing can compare to the heavenly lavender scent which is so complex, it's hard to believe it's "just lavender". There is no fake, synthetic cloying smell but instead a completely unexpected and delightful floral escape - it's like being on holiday every morning! 

See more info here: English Lavender Bath & Shower Gel

3. WILD ROSE BEAUTY BALM

NYR says: "This balm can be used in 3 ways - as a deep nourishing balm for dry skin, for simple cleansing and exfoliating, or as part of a full facial treatment to decongest and enrich the skin.

1. Deep Nourishment Use on dry or sun-damaged areas to restore and nourish. Apply sparingly to clean, dry skin.
2. Simple Cleansing Cleanse excess make up from the skin and moisten face with warm water. Gently massage balm into skin. Run cloth under hot tap, squeeze out water and use it to wipe off balm in gentle circular movements.
3. Full Facial Cleanse excess make up from skin before you start. Run the muslin cloth under hot water, squeeze out and place it over your face to warm the skin and open pores. Repeat. Apply balm in a gentle circular motion, avoiding eyes. Run cloth under hot water again and place over the face. The warmth allows the oils to infuse and the balm to penetrate the skin. Rinse the cloth and use it to wipe the balm away, exfoliating and cleansing as you go. Finally run the cloth under cold water and place over the skin to close the pores."

Why I love it: Don't ask me to live without my Wild Rose Beauty Balm... EVER! It's my desert island product and if left with only one item to choose from, this would be it. One little sample of this multi-award winning product was the sole reason for me joining NYR as a consultant and I have never heard a bad thing against it. If you've received a sample pack from me, you'll have been lucky enough to try it yourself. It is so versatile and nourishing without being heavy and gloopy on your skin and it lasts for absolute ages, so you definitely get your money's worth.

See more info here: Wild Rose Beauty Balm

These are just a small selection of my favourite products and if you have any questions regarding others, I'd be very happy to help!

Want to be part of a team that believes in "People Helping People" ?

If this resonates with you, then perhaps becoming an Independent Consultant with Neal's Yard Remedies Organic is something you'd like to do?

It is a hugely rewarding experience and great fun. There is no pressure to perform, no extortionate buy-in and no one's going to make you sell, sell, sell! Though, if it's a successful business that you want, that's what you'll get, and we'll be there to support you all the way. As an Independent Consultant, you will receive a 25% discount off any products you order and you will get 25% commission on products that you sell.

If you want to enjoy the 'blue bottles' for yourself, you have a few options available:

1. If you would like to order NYRO products, you can do so through me, as your dedicated personal consultant. To thank you for ordering through me, you will receive free samples with every order and a loyalty card that you won’t get in-store or online.
2. If you would like to take advantage of the current £45 kit offer, you can sign up as a consultant yourself. This will enable you to order products direct from NYRO and receive a 25% discount. (This is in addition to any sale discounts and offers.)
3. You can then choose whether you want to use your consultant status to get a discount on your own products, or if you want to sell them to others. You can do as little or as much of this as you wish to. There is absolutely no pressure to sell, though there is a huge potential for success and earning additional income.
4. If you would like to earn some free products without signing up, you can arrange a pampering get together with your friends/family/neighbours. It’s a great opportunity to have fun, try before you buy, and really experience the range in more depth. (See pg. 4 of the brochure).

The ethos of Neal's Yard Remedies Organic is to spread the word about organic products that do not harm us, animals, or the environment. They are the world’s first health & beauty brand to be awarded 100/100 for ethics in an independent audit by The Ethical Company Organisation.

They donate huge amounts of money to environmental issues. For example, through the sales of the Bee Lovely Range, they have donated £60,000 to projects that Help Save the Bees.

Not many people can say that they started their own business, with the backing of an internationally respected and renowned, ethical, high quality product for the mere tag of £45.
The offer will revert to £95 at the end of May.

Why not spread the love?
Tell others about the offer so that they can benefit too and begin building your own team - and future success…

• Who do you know who would benefit from being part of NYR Organic?
• Who is saving up for their summer holiday?
• Perhaps looking for a fresh challenge?
• Anyone looking for an organic brand to use in their therapy business?
• Who simply loves their NYR products and would appreciate the 25% discount on own purchases?

Are you a therapist?
Neal’s Yard is such a well-respected and popular brand, that any therapist using the products for facials, massages and other treatments will immediately have an additional revenue stream. Most clients want to buy the products that have been used in their treatment! Because the NYRO products last so well, you’ll find yourself needing to use less product than before, thereby keeping your costs down.

You can join on my website:
https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/susanemma/area/become-a-consultant/
or call me and we can go through it together

If you have any questions and would like to know more, I would be very happy to help.
I look forward to welcoming you to the Neal's Yard Remedies Organic family - in whichever capacity suits you.

Nepal Earthquake Appeal

On Saturday morning I was at a Counselling class when suddenly my tutor grabbed his ringing mobile and ran from the room muttering something about Kathmandu. At the time, none of us were aware of the earthquake but we were soon to learn more, to our horror, because his daughter was in Kathmandu at the very time it happened. Needless to say, he was distraught. It really hit home and shocked me to see how just one person's world can be tipped upside down by an event like this; when they weren't even directly involved.

The complete and utter distress, trauma, misery and anguish caused by something like this cannot ever be fully comprehended, and thankfully for many of us, it's not part of our daily life. We have all, I am sure, been saddened by the news of the Earthquake in Nepal and the devastation it has created.

I am lucky enough to work with an amazing company, who strive to make a difference - we call it People Helping People.

Like many of you, I've already made a personal donation, but I have felt compelled to do more and thankfully so are Neal's Yard Remedies. On top of personal and team fund-raising efforts, Neal's Yard Remedies will be donating 10% of all sales, across the entire business today, to the Nepal Earthquake Appeal.

What am I doing?
•  I've personally made a donation through Action Aid
•  I'm offering to donate 20% of my commission from my personal customer orders for the months of April and May
•  I'm giving away loyalty points worth £60 to anyone who places an order to support the earthquake appeal, irrespective of your order value

What can you do?
•  Make a personal donation direct to the appeal
•  Place an order with me for Neal's Yard Remedies products before 9.00pm tomorrow night (Thursday, 30th April)
•  For maximum effect, please place your order today so that it qualifies for the Neal's Yard Remedies Company donation campaign

I'd appreciate you sharing this information please, and if you feel like treating yourself or loved ones, to some new skincare, health and beauty products, then today would be a great day to do so.

Do you want a new and exciting adventure in your life?

Do you have a summer holiday to pay for? Got someone's birthday coming up? Or would you like to do something fun in your spare time?

I love being part of Neal's Yard Remedies Organic because I can share the wonderful products with lots of people in the knowledge that they are safe, ethical and do no harm.

This has been life changing for me on so many levels, my skin has improved, my health has improved and I have a fun past time which earns me free products. I enjoy sharing ...the amazing blue bottles knowing that people are going to love them!

Sound interesting? Ask me for an information pack today or click on the sign up button above. You'll receive the full starter kit with trolley bag, online shop and FREE training & unlimited support.

Friday Flowers

Bach Flower Remedy: BEECH

This remedy is for people who are lacking compassion and understanding; they feel very critical, judgemental and intolerant of others. They struggle to see the good in others, usually because they are struggling to see it in themselves.

The Beech Flower Remedy can help one to be more lenient, flexible and loving to themselves and others.

Easy to remember as “Bitchy Beech”!

Dr. Bach said: “those who feel the need to see more good and beauty in all that surrounds them. And, although much appears to be wrong, to have the ability to see the good growing within. So as to be able to be more tolerant, lenient and understanding of the different way each individual and all things are working to their own final perfection.” The Twelve Healers and Other Remedies

The Universe Has Our Back

by Karen Berg

"Instead of feeling doubt every time something seemingly negative happens, what we should be saying is: “I don’t understand this situation, but I’ve done everything I can to make it a positive experience. So I’ll have certainty that in the larger scheme of things, the situation is indeed positive.” With this consciousness, we give darkness no entry into our experience or our life.

Today, when something doesn’t go as planned, have certainty that the universe is working for your highest good."

Friday Flowers: Cerato

On Fridays I like to post "Friday Flowers" to add some beauty to your day. So, here are some Friday Flowers for you, as well as some insightful info on how the Bach Flower Remedy for this particular flower can help people who find themselves needing it.

Your Friday Flower for today is Cerato...

This is the remedy for people who lack faith in their own judgment. When faced with making a decision (or having made one), they second guess themselves and they go around asking for opinions and advice from others – ending up even more confused because they did not follow their hearts.

Cerato helps us to listen to our inner voice and trust our intuition, so that we can make decisions based on our own guidance and not that of others. It restores the qualities of inner certainty and wisdom. You are the expert of your life and Cerato helps you to remember this.

Dr. Bach said: “Those who have not sufficient confidence in themselves to make their own decisions. They constantly seek advice from others, and are often misguided.”
The Twelve Healers and Other Remedies

In short: Asking others for advice instead of trusting own judgment. Restores inner wisdom and trust in self.

New Year, New Beginnings?

If this resonates with you, then maybe the idea of becoming an Independent Consultant with Neal's Yard Remedies Organic is something you'd like to consider?

It is a hugely rewarding experience and great fun. Neal's Yard Remedies currently have an incredible offer of £60 for a kit of over £200 worth of full sized products. If you sign up, you will receive a 25% discount off any products you order, you will get 25% commission off products that you sell and you have the option to earn additional income through parties. Got a holiday to pay for ??

The ethos of Neal's Yard Remedies Organic is to spread the word about organic products that do not harm us, animals, or the environment. They are the world’s first health & beauty brand to be awarded 100/100 for ethics in an independent audit by The Ethical Company Organisation.

You do not have to sell if you don't want to, and you can simply sign up to buy products for your own personal use. No targets, no pressure - which is exactly why I signed up ;-)

The offer will revert to £95 on 15 February. Contact me to find out more or JOIN HERE

I have personally gone through the kit contents and priced them up one by one. If you were to buy all the items in your kit individually, it would cost you over £250 - never mind the fact that it's simply not possible to buy the trolley! So, £60 for the chance of getting over £250 worth of products, as well as 25% of any products you buy in the future (at the very least, as this is in addition to any sale discounts), as well as the chance to earn 25% off any products you sell - it most certainly seems like there must be a catch because surely nothing can be so good... can it? Well, I can tell you that there certainly is no catch, it just is what is it is; a superb offer that you would kick your self for not taking advantage of.

Labelling...

How are you labelling yourself today ?
– or this year ?
– or this lifetime ?

I once worked for civil engineers and we had a little picture of a crane that we used on presentations. What do you think that crane picture was saved on the computer server as?
“Crane picture” perhaps?
No, it was actually called “Derek”.

Huh? I can hear your confusion from here. I couldn’t agree more.
 
The crane picture had been named Derek some years back because the man who originally drew it was called Derek, and the name had just stuck. People no longer referred to it as ‘the crane picture’ but simply as ‘Derek’, even though it really wasn’t a particularly suitable, or useful, or even vaguely descriptive title.
 
In that moment that the crane picture was originally saved to the server, the person who called it Derek simply needing to label it, didn’t for even a second realise how longstanding the impact would be of calling the picture that.
So, when you label yourself or others as something, you are doing exactly the same thing.
 
Is there a label you have given yourself which, no matter how outdated and incorrect it may be, you still believe of yourself? In that moment of labelling yourself, what image have you created for yourself, and of yourself? Did you once call yourself ‘lazy’ for not tidying your room (when you were a teenager), and yet now, even though you are highly motivated, do you still on some level believe yourself to be lazy?
 
How does that effect how you see yourself?
What impact does that have on you in other aspects of your life?
 
You may work very hard not to be lazy but because of that one incorrect label, it may still haunt you and sit at the back of your mind, which just isn’t very fair on you. Take a moment to think about what labels you may have given yourself that have not been updated. Do this in fairness to yourself so that you can re-name those labels and enjoy the freedom of spirit that comes with that change. ‘Lazy’? No! Actually, it should be ‘Motivated’.
 
How you label yourself (or how you assume a parent, partner, or significant other has labelled you in the past) has an impact on your overall self-image and consequently on your self-esteem and success in life. Make sure you are keeping the highest image of yourself in your mind to support you through your journey in life. Your labels should be updated, current, useful and helpful.
 
Make sure that your labels reflect who you truly are, and want to be!
The beginning of the year is a prime opportunity for you to make this change. Set the intention that now, and for the rest of this year, that you’re going to do that and see how positively life-changing it can be.