Each post will be different, and perhaps unconventional, reflecting my values and those of my work. Let’s call it a pick ‘n’ mix without the calories. (Flashback to the Woolworths days anyone?)
W is for Waves, Wonder & Worry Dolls
There is so much beginning with this letter I could probably write 5 blog posts. W sounds like twice as much fun and it is!
What to listen to and watch: Waves
There's something almost magical about these slow rolling water specimens. No wave is the same, which reminds us that things are constantly changing. Anxiety and stress come in waves but this too shall pass. The sound alone is soothing, but watching them can feel a bit hypnotic.
You can get your fix here or hundreds of other places online.
What to experience: Wonder
Have you ever seen something for the first time and been rendered speechless? It might be the White Cliffs of Dover (me), The Mary Rose ship remains (a friend) or the Northern Lights. We sometimes don't know what will bring on a strong positive emotional response.
Seeking out awe and wonder really helps us human beings to gain a sense of perspective of our place in the world, and the bigger picture. The recent solar eclipse is a great example of this. What happens if we try to see the world through a baby's eyes I wonder...
What to try: Worry Dolls
This beautiful, centuries old, legend comes from Guatemala. Children were given worry dolls before sleep to ease anxiety. Effectively the doll would worry for them. Before settling down for the night, they'd tell the doll about their problems, stroke it (to take the pain away) and put it under their pillow. They'd wake up feeling clearer and happier.
These days adults use them just as much. It's a great way of offloading the day's stresses to allow for improved sleep. I am pleased to see there are now 'Worry monsters' available too. You can write down your woes, put them in the zip up pouch and the monster eats them. A lovely playful coping strategy!
What winning words:
Well
Connected now to 'ness' and 'being' it's about feeling good physically and mentally. It has several other meanings too, one of which a beautiful and handy collection of water.
Whimsical
Described by the Cambridge Dictionary as 'unusual and strange in a way that might be funny or annoying'. My favourite synonym for this is 'fanciful' or fickle in a good way. Flowing down the paths that life takes us.
Wiggle
Does anyone else laugh at hearing this word? Particularly when demonstrated. It's such a fun, uplifting term for movement.
Wish
A want for something to be different, this is a powerful word. I use wishful thinking with clients all the time. We have to start with a wish in order to find solutions and ways to change things.
I hope the letter W exudes magic from your April.
Saturday 13th April, 10:00am
X is an eXample of greatness
I'll confess, I'd considered combining this one with Y or W because it's really not easy to find things that begin with this letter. But I like a challenge and I've had to do things a bit differently with X.
Where it sits and what it stands for: FleXibility
There's a lot of movement for X. Pushing aside, any naughty or totally adult usage, X is such a great letter:
What to notice: Kisses
We’ve been adding Xs for kisses at the bottom of letters since as far back as 1763. We get X from the Roman alphabet which actually came from the Greek alphabet, pronounced /ks.
When we sign off a text, email, cards etc with Xs, it shows affection for the other person. It says 'I like you' and sometimes a lot more!
What to listen to: Xylophone
Just having this instrument as part of ambient background music is excellent for calm while you study or work. You can also use it for meditation. In fact, you can even play it - should you have access to one.
What lovely words, meanings and phrases:
Xenodochium
A place or reception for strangers. In medieval times this was either a hostel or hospital.
Xeriscape
A landscaping method that employs drought-resistant plants and special techniques to conserve water. Great for the planet!
X marks the spot
Refers to a specific location but creates mystery - like hidden treasure.
X Factor
No, not the reality music contest! But if you've got the X-factor, you've got a special something.
I hope the letter X wields its power over your March! :-)
Wednesday 13th March, 3:23pm
Y is for.... Yellow, Yodelling & Yoga
Y isn't just a letter of the alphabet. It's also a word that ends with the letter. Ah, the crazy English language! Here is why Y is pretty cool.
What to incorporate more of, everywhere: Yellow
It's bright, it's light, it's in your face. (Although it doesn't have to be.) This is such a mood boosting colour. Whether it's a subtle shade on the walls of your home, an item of clothing you wear or in some flowers, allowing yellow into your life will definitely have a positive impact on your wellbeing.
What to try: Yodelling
Isn't it strange and wonderful what we can do with our vocal chords? Not only is a good yodel an art form, a great way to be creative, but it sounds so funny!
Melanie Oesch from Switzerland is just amazing. Here she is on the 10th anniversary of World Yodel Day.
What to experience: Yoga
It's not just about exercise and fitness with this ancient tradition. It's about connecting body and mind. A powerful way to keep feeling calm on a regular basis. There are so many types of Yoga. All with fun names for the postures and sequences. My personal favourite is Yoga Nidra. It involves lying down flat and thinking about each muscle relaxing. If you still haven't tried Yoga, I highly recommend finding a gentle and local beginners group and giving it at least three sessions before committing. You don't even have to be good at it to reap the rewards!
What awesome words:
Yesterday
Literally meaning the day before the present day. We can never have yesterday right now but it can be a great teacher. It also means the past - yesteryears, times gone by. Plus it's a great Beatles song!
Yet
Like many others, I'm a big believer in changing 'but' into this word. "I want to do A, but things just get in the way." Becomes "I want to do A. I haven't found the space yet." 'But' can feel like excuses, giving up. 'Yet' knows the intention and keeps the goal on the radar. It's a future we have control over.
Yummy
The dictionary defines this as: very pleasing to the taste or smell; delicious. Such a simple word, with a lovely sound. Anyone else feel hungry now?
I hope the letter Y brightens up your February.
Tuesday 13th February, 8:31pm
Z is for.... Zero 7, Zoolander & Zen Gardens
This isn't going to be a normal A-Z. Mostly because it isn't an A-Z.
The Little Peaces blog will continue with shorter posts, offering a range of tips and ideas to help you with stress relief, anxiety management and self-care in creative and fun ways.
Z is always at the end and often gets overlooked as we all desperately try to find things to fit. With not much to visibly choose from. I know what it feels like to always be picked last. (Flashback to P.E Lessons at school - sigh.) So let's do things a little differently and give Z some love at the beginning.
What to listen to: Zero 7
I discovered this artist on the soundtrack to Roswell many moons ago with (still my favourite track) Destiny. Their sound, described as crossing many genres, is so relaxing. I think 'Ambient pop' and Ambient Techno' suits it most for me. It feels like listening to a lazy sunset. They have quite a range of songs too.
Listen out for: Pop Art Blue and Solastalgia. Not to mention Sia was hiding here in her early career!
What to watch: Zoolander (2001)
Comedy about a male supermodel. A satire on the fashion industry. What an utterly ridiculous film this is. It has Ben Stiller (who also co-wrote and directed), Owen Wilson & Will Ferrell. It has silly facial expressions. It has tons of fun and charm!
What to try: Zen Gardens
They basically consist of rocks, stones and raked white gravel. These beautiful, uncluttered Japanese spaces are so calming. The zen discipline is that of focusing the mind and working towards spiritual awakening. There's no denying the sense of awe they create in the enormous amount of visitors they receive every year. You can find one in London
But if you can't get to one easily, you can buy a mini version to maintain at your desk!
What awesome words:
Zany
Described by the Cambridge dictionary as strange, surprising, or uncontrolled in a humorous way. We don't hear the word enough as far I'm concerned.
Zesty
Usually used in terms of food, this means full of flavour and energy. It's lively and enthusiastic. For me, it's always conjured up a citrussy feel and that's even where the adjective comes from - the peel of oranges and lemons.
Zeitgeist
I learnt this one at uni, when it was mentioned that a film had captured the zeitgeist of a particular war. I remember thinking 'I have no idea what it means but it's a beautiful word.' A German word meaning spirit of the age.
I hope the letter Z brings joy to your January.
Saturday 13th January, 10:49am
The Twelve Prompts of Christmas
Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, you may well be aware of the traditional English carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas. If you're not, then it doesn't really matter. The beauty of this exercise is you can be as vague or specific as you like. There's also no right or wrong answers, (as you'll hear me say a lot!)
Feel free to do these at a time that suits you best (i.e. not necessarily one a day in the actual 12 days of Christmas.) I hope you enjoy them and the season itself!
