Currently we're running through a Z-A of activities to try, in order to manage stress and anxiety and support self-care.
F is for Fairgrounds, Feng Shui & Flotations
Fanfare please, it’s fabulous F. Here are some flashes of inspiration I’ve found to facilitate your flourishment.
What to visit: Fairgrounds
Pop up or travelling entertainment for all ages and interests. More common in the summer months but can appear around bonfire night too – as they're generally more fun in the dark. Childhood memories conjure up candyfloss, quirky market stalls, ghost trains, ‘funhouses’ (also beginning with F) and the like. Is it just me or are the rides more thrilling when you can actually see how it's loosely tied to the ground?
If you enjoy a parade across your senses and the warm (whatever the season), lively atmosphere, then this is for you. Bonus points if you haven't been to a fairground in over ten years.
What to discover: Feng shui
Feng (wind) shui (water) is an ancient Chinese practice which focuses on how we make adjustments to areas we live and work in to allow flow and harmony. It's about energy, balancing yin and yang, qi and the five elements of the universe: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal.
When it comes to design and layout, we often hear about feng shui-ing our homes. There are some basic principles to follow, but ultimately it's also how a room makes us feel. Chances are, if we're calmer and more centred when moving a desk into an open space, or with a bed facing the door, then it's all good.
What to experience: Flotations
Quite the opposite of fairgrounds, ‘sensory deprivation flotation therapy’ allows you to escape from any extremities of noise and light in daily life. Flotations (or floatations as both are correct) are usually found connected to, or marketed as, a spa treatment. The salt water allows a feeling of weightlessness whether you're in a tank or pool. With no idea what the time is, or why we even care, worries and concerns float away too.
If the dream-like feeling isn't quite enough, check out these rewards.
While you're lying there, in the trance-like state - you can also visualise and manifest.
What fascinating words:
Fanciful
A few definitions, including 'whimsical' more than once. Suggests fantasy and fun.
Felicity
Very much about happiness - instances of, causes, ways of being. Such a positive word.
Flabbergasted
Do you find yourself in a state of great astonishment? Then you're absolutely flabbergasted. I wonder if you can be just a bit flabbergasted though... probably not.
Futuristic
Of the future, predicted, imagined (or both.) There's a real sense of awe to the word.
I hope the letter F features focus and flow in September.
Saturday 13th September, 11:00am
G is for Genealogy, Ginger & Giraffes
G is the genie in a bottle this month, bringing glamour and grace. It was options galore and hard to choose, but here are some gems I've gladly gathered for your garden of growth. (OK, I'll stop now as I'm feeling giddy! :-) )
What to explore: Genealogy
Haven’t we all got a mysterious family member somewhere in our lineage? With the popularity of TV programme ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ and websites like Ancestry.co.uk, it can be fascinating to learn who and what make up elements of our appearance, personality, medical background etc.
I don’t know about you, but I think there’s something really exciting about discovering old photos, documents and letters that tell us stories about people connected to us by blood, but who(m) we can never meet as they are now long gone. It can be a real comfort, helping to cement our identity. Plus, it’s a great source of inspiration for us writers!
What to incorporate more of: Ginger
So it might not look like the most appetising of plants, but the benefits of ginger for health and wellbeing are very attractive.
I’ve always been aware of ginger’s spicy kick in food and drinks, its digestive aid and immunity boosting properties. However, after more reading – it seems there’s a never-ending list of reasons to hire it as our sidekick for facing numerous ailments and issues. The list below barely touches on all the things it's been known to do:
Ginger also looks very promising in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Fresh, ground or in essential oil form – whatever works best for you helps ginger to work its best for you.
What to appreciate: Giraffes
These majestic and peaceful creatures have always been quite fascinating. You might have noticed how tall they are, and their very long necks, but it’s not just their obvious physical features that make them unique. Here are some of the most interesting and fun skills our beloved giraffes could put on a CV.
Good at stare contests
Giraffes can communicate using their excellent vision. Their friends notice when they've seen a lion from miles away due the stare they're giving it. Fellow members of the group join in.
Tough tongue
Not only do they have antiseptic saliva, but a tongue with built-in sun lotion. Yes, you read that right - UV protected.
Musical communication
A mother whistles to her young, making a flute-like sound. They also communicate using a very low frequency hum. One not audible to humans. It's like they are silently singing to each other.
Foodie
Giraffes love a mango. Spending a large proportion of the day searching for food is necessary for them. Did you know that they can eat 75 pounds of food in the space of 24 hours?
What glorious words:
Gadabout
Means ‘a person who travels from place to place enjoying themselves.’ A nice way to think of it is someone curious about different cultures and living in the moment.
Gallop
Associated with horses and running fast. “A rapid or hasty progression or pace” is the lesser known definition and supports Miranda Hart’s vision, with sudden, unexpected and excited movement.
Glossary
Our Oxford says “an alphabetical list of words relating to a specific subject, text, or dialect, with explanations; a brief dictionary.” One could call these Z-A posts a sort of slow glossary.
Gush A sudden outpouring or display of affection or enthusiasm…a lovely thing to be around.
I hope the letter G gives grounding guidance in August.
Wednesday 13th August, 10:00am
H is for Hampers, Hidden Beaches & Hot Air Balloons
The letter H helps us to make hay while the sun shines this July. Here are the highlights for happiness and healing on the horizon.
What to create: Hampers
Long thought of as wicker baskets, or even briefcase like, of food or wine. They now come in all shapes and sizes, containing anything from edible surprises to crafty gifts. It doesn't need to be a special occasion, but it is always a treat!
Many websites and shops will allow you to choose products to individualise as much as possible. If you fancy being more creative, why not make it truly personal and curate a box full of the recipient's favourite things. It's also a great way to keep costs down.
A present guaranteed to induce smiling. We don't really need a reason to show someone we care.
What to explore: Hidden beaches
I do love a beach, especially pebble. (I know, I'm in the minority.) Summer brings crowds. If you're a people watcher, or in pursuit of activity, then perfect. But if you like a sun lounger snooze, to settle down with a good book or simply watch the waves, then you probably want peace and quiet.
Hidden patches of sand, shingle, rocks and caves offer nature up in serene seclusion. A chance to explore and reflect, where exclusivity feels special. It's also a chance to run around shrieking and build all the sandcastles you want, without getting in anyone's way. Ah, bliss!
Check out this list of UK gems
What to experience: Hot Air Balloons
A very different kind of wicker basket! This magical way to travel has been offering a sense of adventure for nearly two centuries - the first vehicle we learnt to fly in. They are a unique way to sight-see, and a mindful experience. A good lesson for just going with the flow and surrendering.
Bookable experience days are aplenty out there or you can just stumble across one on a day out. Suitable for children (7+, I believe) and adults including the elderly, where a standard level of fitness is required.
Did you know that the part of the balloon that holds the hot air/gas is called the envelope?
What honourable words:
Halcyon
Meaning calm and peaceful. It can refer to an idyllic time in the past that is remembered as better than today. I also love the ancient legend about a bird nesting at sea around the winter solstice and calming the waves.
Higgledy-piggledy
"In confusion or disorder." This is a great example of ‘reduplication’ (for forming new words by repetition of a base word often with a slight change of sound.) Another one is Helter-skelter. :-)
Hippocampus
The brain area associated with processing memories and emotions. I talk about it a lot with my clients, often imagining university buildings where hippos study!
Hysterical
To me, the word connotes the moment a cry becomes a laugh - an uncontrollable switching of spirits. Although portrayed negatively a lot, one of its definitions (the one I like most) is 'very funny.'
I hope the letter H is a harmonious haven in July.
Sunday 13th July, 8:30pm
I is for Ikigai, Inside Out & I Spy
This month’s Icon includes many ideas to indulge and inspire as we idly stroll into improved summer wellbeing.
What to find: Ikigai
That which gives your life worth, meaning, or purpose. A reason for being.
A lovely Japanese term with a few interpretations, but let’s go with the most direct: ‘alive’ (iki) ‘benefit’ (gai). It’s about finding fulfilment while contributing to the best interests of all. A huge topic but here are the key points feeding in:
People who find their ikigai appreciate the joy in small things. The secret to living a long and happy life.
What to watch: Inside Out/ Inside Out 2
For me, the wonderful blend of cute, clever and emotional could not portray 'anxiety' (and stress) any better in the more recent of the franchise. But both of these films tug at the heart strings, depicting the confusion and conflict of everyday thoughts and feelings. Each of these elements is important and we're shown how they can work together.
If you haven’t yet had the ‘joy’ of Inside Out, arm yourself with lots of tissues and prepare for endless nodding. I absolutely adore these films and I desire the same for you.
What to play: I Spy
Many of us remember this game from long journeys during childhood. A time before the internet was our constant entertainment provider. Which is funny considering its name could easily be written as i-Spy, and be an Apple product.
Not only can you play anywhere, at any time of year, with any number of people (minimum 2), it’s free. Importantly, it’s a mindfulness activity too. If we’re looking for things to choose on our turn or for correct guesses to score points, we’re paying more attention to the world around us. That’s a massive win.
What illuminating words:
Idiosyncrasy
Something peculiar to an individual - I love learning about these when I meet new people.
Iridescent
“Showing luminous colours that seem to change when seen from different angles.” Great definition by Oxford. Thank you!
Intergalactic
Science-y term (generally referred to in fiction) signifying things happening between galaxies.
Intuition
Lots of definitions – but the most fun and fancy are:
I hope the letter I ignites your imagination in June.
Friday 13th June, 4:00pm
J is for Jigsaws, Jokes & Jukeboxes
With the letter J comes a joyful return to things we can do instead of using fancy tech, or at least very little. Join me on a journey of re-discovering simple activities which have become a bit lost in the 21st century.
What to try: Jigsaw puzzles
Did you know jigsaw puzzles used to be called dissected puzzles? It was only after the jigsaw cutting tool was invented (1800s) that fancier shapes could be created for the pieces. Dating back to the 1760s these were first introduced by European mapmakers.
Puzzling (what a phrase!) might be fiddly and require patience to complete, but it's a great way to relax and reduce stress. Also to socialise - a team effort and chance to reconnect with your nearest and dearest. The largest number of people ever to solve a jigsaw puzzle is 9,569! However, they work solo too.
Our recent pandemic saw quite the increase in sales, and they've moved into the present day. Most pictures can be turned into puzzles too now, so if you've got any photos laying around you can put the pieces of yourself back together! :-)
Other benefits of putting two pieces to hundreds of thousands together.
What to write/make: Jokes
The oldest uses of humour with a punch line are thought to be around 4,000 years old. It wasn't long after, the bar joke was born. (A dog entered a tavern and said: “I can’t see a thing. I’ll open this one!”) Hhmm... I'm not sure if we're supposed to get it. I guess that's the thing with comedy, it can be very subjective.
There are many types of joke too. My favourites are anecdotal and farcical. I wonder what yours are?
We listen to them, make them and tolerate them all the time. When did you last tell a joke? At the moment of writing, mine was about twenty minutes ago, replying to friend's text whose cat is called Marmite. She said 'now sitting with marmite' and my response came 'did lunch get messy?' No matter how silly, cringeworthy or inappropriate, these cleverly worded bites can be irresistible.
What to engage with: Jukeboxes
These funky and colourful machines used to liven up social gatherings, symbolising a unique era of music and culture. They became popular in the 1940s but were around as early as the late 1800s. The first ones were coin-operated and only provided one song. Electronic jukeboxes allowed more options and genres.
Jukeboxes have been known by several names including Phonograph Jukes, Selectors, or the harder to pronounce, Rockola and Wurlitzer.
Many are still around, having been restored. Collectors take delight in embedding them in the digital age, or perhaps appreciating a bygone era. It's lovely to stumble across one and bask in the nostalgia. I found one in Reading a few summers ago. I wasn't alive in the glorious, oversized music player's heyday but their lingering presence allows a chance to experience a sound byte of that time.
If you're up for it, I challenge you to find the most vibrant and eclectic jukebox.
What jazzy words:
Jacuzzi
These bubbling baths of rest and healing have a wonderful brand name.
Jaunt
Definition: to go on a short journey for pleasure. It could just be a little walk into town but the phrase makes it sound like an adventure.
Jiffy
A very silly word (which for a while I thought wasn't real) for a short time, a moment.
Jolly
So many variations and meanings spanning adjective, verb and noun. In keeping with this month's theme, I choose the 'old fashioned' one. "Enjoyable, energetic, and entertaining."
I hope the letter J helps you to jiggle jubilant days in May.
Tuesday 13th May, 4:30pm