tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34107056727720448262024-03-14T03:18:23.329-07:00The Beautifully Healthy Projectby Lucy Victoria JacksonLucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-70749012158632817542017-09-02T09:18:00.001-07:002017-09-02T09:18:03.205-07:00The Magic of Yin Yoga<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So you may have noticed that I haven't posted any articles in a very long time (!) I can only apologise; my teaching has really taken over & I've not found the balance between working & resting (but that's for another post!). </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And something else that's been keeping me busy recently was my 8-day Yin Yoga teacher training course with the inspirational <a href="http://www.with-yinyoga.com/" target="_blank">Sebastian Pucelle & Murielle Burellier</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before taking the course I was already sold on the benefits of yin yoga - after each Yin class I'd taken I would literally feel as though I was floating, and any crap that had been hanging over me prior to the practice would seem like it had magically melted away. And since taking the teacher training course I am even more sold! I now have knowledge of some of the science behind the practice & it is impossible to deny the endless benefits it provides the practitioner. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Typically in Yin we hold the postures for 5 minutes (but it can be anything between 2-20 minutes if the practitioner wishes to experiment). The reason for this is that it takes at least 2 minutes for the muscles to relax, and then we can get into the nitty gritty...releasing tension from the fascia (connective tissues) which envelopes every single muscle & joint in the body. Fascia is the most intricate, complex & fascia-nating (sorry not sorry!) network in our bodies. Physically it holds everything in place - without it we would be a heap of bone & floppy muscle - and emotionally it can hold the key to our emotional wellbeing. Therefore, t</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">hrough yin yoga we can release tension from our connective tissues & minds, leaving us open to express ourselves with freedom and spaciousness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">On our course we were encouraged to disregard "The Rule of Alignment" when teaching any form of yoga. "The Rule of Alignment" is a concept that was never mentioned in the Sutras, the Upanishads or the Vedas, it is something that only came about with the popularism of Ashtanga & Iyengar in the 20th century. Instead we have been encouraged to start thinking about teaching through "The Functional Approach to Yoga" - not a very sexy name, but a very sensible approach. This approach takes into consideration that every single yoga practitioner is a different shape - not just in their outer body, but down to a skeletal level - therefore each pose will look different on each person. Rather than being concerned with how a pose looks, it is much more important how a pose feels. <i>Where are you engaging? What are you lengthening? Where can you feel the stretch?</i> These are the questions we should be asking. Not: <i>how do I look? </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yin yoga, and "The Functional Approach to Teaching Yoga", is the yoga of feeling into a pose, rather than being preoccupied with how the pose looks aestheically. It encourages true connection to what is happening within - emotionally and physically. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To conclude, I have learned so much, and am eternally grateful to Sebastian and Murielle for sharing their wisdom and passion. They have truly shown me that Yin yoga is a gift to our bodies and minds. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is the chance to just “be”: nowhere else to go, nothing else to do, no-one else to be. It is the anecdote to our busy, fiery, yang lives. It is finding stillness amongst the chaos. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yin yoga is a homecoming to ourselves, an awakening of body, mind and spirit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Love & light, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">L x</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b>Join me at my <a href="https://www.lucyvictoriajackson.com/retreatsandevents">Yin & Yang: Finding Balance</a> workshop on Saturday 30th September in Ascot, Berkshire. Email me for further info: <a href="mailto:lucyvicjackson@gmail.com">lucyvicjackson@gmail.com</a> </b></i></span></span></div>
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Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-77818362632106414702016-11-14T10:56:00.000-08:002016-11-14T10:56:36.170-08:00Vegan Tahini Fudge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yesterday the wonderful Chloe Watts (AKA <a href="http://www.myhappybody.co.uk/" target="_blank">My Happy Body</a>) and I ran another very lovely Day of Happiness. We laughed, we cried, we yoga-ed, we gong-ed, we wrote, we ate! And it seems our food is proving to be almost as popular as our yoga & gong baths! Our food yesterday took on a Moroccan theme (for no other reason than Moroccan food is delicious!), with a vegetable tagine as our lunchtime meal and vegan tahini fudge as our afternoon treat. The tagine recipe I'll save for another time, but the tahini fudge is one I can't keep to myself any longer! We used the <a href="http://www.hemsleyandhemsley.com/" target="_blank">Hemsley + Hemsley</a> cookbook for the recipe - it is ridiculously simple and quick to make.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-skA4F_QUr7k/WCoH-cf_IAI/AAAAAAAADts/UaFXipsQOtA4jpCB31VUNqXIdVGuMRJvQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-skA4F_QUr7k/WCoH-cf_IAI/AAAAAAAADts/UaFXipsQOtA4jpCB31VUNqXIdVGuMRJvQCLcB/s400/IMG_2639.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
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Half a cup of pitted, soft dates<br />
110g of light Tahini paste<br />
2 tablespoons of slightly softened coconut oil (but not melted)<br />
Sea salt flakes<br />
Sesame seeds<br />
Desiccated coconut<br />
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<b>Method:</b><br />
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1. Blend the dates, Tahini, softened coconut oil and sea salt flakes in a NutriBullet (or similar mechanism)<br />
2. Scoop this blend into a flat dish, and smooth / gently press with a spatula<br />
3. Thinly slice 2-3 dates and lay neatly onto of the smoothed blend. Finish by sprinkling with sesame seeds & desiccated coconut.<br />
4. Place in freezer for at least half an hour. It can then be kept in the fridge.<br />
5. Cut into fudge shape pieces and enjoy a delicious treat!<br />
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This is such a simple, delicious and nutritious treat choice - it's perfect if you want something a little sweet that isn't too naughty. When it gets soft I think it tastes a little like cookie dough!<br />
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Please do let me know if you give it a go - I'd love to hear what you think!<br />
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Sending love & light,<br />
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L x</div>
Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-82903286873106628172016-10-21T08:50:00.000-07:002016-10-21T08:50:43.880-07:00Autumnal Dish: Spicy Potato Vegan Curry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The days are becoming shorter, the weather cooler. It's official: Autumn is here. And it's this time of year that we seek food to warms us, comfort us, and to make our hearts happy! But if you're like me, you still want to eat relatively healthily for most of your meals.<br />
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Therefore, for the October edition of the <a href="http://www.lucyvictoriajackson.com/retreatsandevents" target="_blank">Day of Happiness retreat</a> with the lovely <a href="http://www.myhappybody.co.uk/" target="_blank">My Happy Body</a> (AKA Chloe Watts), I decided to find a comforting, healthy, delicious recipe for our guests to enjoy. After a quick Google, I found the recipe for the most gorgeous Spicy Potato Vegan Curry on the <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/165190/spicy-vegan-potato-curry/" target="_blank">All Recipes</a> website. Whilst cooking it I changed a few ingredients to make it my own, and needless to say we had some very happy guests (just what you want on a Day of Happiness!). The success of that meal, combined with various friends asking me for more veggie recipes, meant that I just had to share this one with you.<br />
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<i>Original picture source from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/165190/spicy-vegan-potato-curry/" target="_blank">All Recipes</a></i></div>
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It is super easy, cheap, filling, and most importantly tastes amazing! So without further ado, here's what you'll need:<br />
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3 x potatoes diced & cubed<br />
3 x sweet potatoes diced & cubed<br />
1 x bag of frozen peas<br />
1 x yellow onion<br />
3 x garlic cloves<br />
2 inches of fresh root garlic<br />
2 x cans of chickpeas<br />
2 x cans of chopped tomatoes<br />
2 x cans of coconut milk (I used <a href="https://coconut-merchant.com/product/coconut-milk-400-ml/" target="_blank">Coconut Merchant</a>)<br />
4 tsps of ground cumin<br />
6 tsps of curry powder (strength depends on your tastebuds, but I used medium)<br />
4 tsps turmeric<br />
6 tsps Garam Masala<br />
Coconut oil<br />
Sea salt to flavour<br />
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<i>(This set of ingredients will serve at least 6-8 people - with leftovers! - and can be easily scaled up or down to suit your needs). </i><br />
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How to:<br />
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<li>Peel, dice & cube your potatoes, sweet potatoes & ginger root. Peel & chop your onion & garlic cloves. </li>
<li>Boil your potatoes & sweet potatoes for about 15 minutes. Drain & allow the steam to dry. </li>
<li>Whilst your potatoes are boiling, melt your coconut oil in a pan (alternative oils can be used) and cook your chopped onions until they are soft & translucent. </li>
<li>After about 5 minutes add your cumin, turmeric, curry powder, garam masala, ginger & salt.</li>
<li>After about 2 minutes add your chopped tomatoes, chickpeas, frozen peas (boil these for 5 minutes before putting in) & potatoes. </li>
<li>Pour in the coconut milk & bring to a simmer. </li>
<li>Simmer for 15 minutes before serving.</li>
<li>Can be served by itself, or with rice (we used wild & brown rice). </li>
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Et voilà! A delicious dish PERFECT for the Autumn!</div>
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Do let me know if you decide to give this one a go, I'd love to hear how you get on. </div>
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Love & light,</div>
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Lucy x</div>
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Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-79557814464137615662016-09-13T08:22:00.000-07:002016-09-13T08:22:03.523-07:00DO Celebrate & Collaborate. DON'T Compare & Compete. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>DO Celebrate & Collaborate. DON'T Compare & Compete. </i><br />
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This is my new life motto. One which I am committed to sticking to in all my future endeavours (and indeed general life). It's one which is challenging and sometimes unnatural for me (I based a lot of my younger years on comparing myself to others and always judged myself as worthless in comparison), but it's one that, when I practice wholeheartedly, makes my world a better and brighter place.<br />
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So many of the modern day messages encourage us to compete against one another. Both directly or indirectly. A bit of direct competition can be healthy: athletes competing in a race, or applicants competing for a new job. But indirect competition can be evil. For example when we see an advert of a woman with flawless skin on the tube telling us that we could be just like her, but we aren't as good as her yet, and never will be unless we buy their miracle skin-clearing-brightening-glowy product. Bleurgh. No thank you.<br />
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Of course some competition is healthy and necessary. But there is an awful lot that is not. As I touched on earlier, I spent an unhealthy majority of my younger years comparing myself to my friends and peers. I wasn't as pretty as them, I wasn't as good at sport as they were, I didn't have as nice clothes as they did, I wasn't as skinny as them, I wasn't as cool as them. I constantly fell short. And I constantly felt miserable. So much so that I had various bouts of depression and feeling totally worthless. And although it's got better in recent years I am still guilty of it more often than not. I'm still not as pretty as them. I'm still not as skinny as them. I don't earn as much as them. I don't own a house. I am not doing as well as them. BLEURGH AGAIN. Stop it. Stop it. Stop it. This is not healthy and I am trying to gain control over these toxic thought patterns. Comparing and competing in this way does no one an ounce of good.<br />
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So what is the alternative?<br />
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Cue: Celebrate & Collaborate! Hurrah!<br />
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<i>Two gorgeous yoginis I met on my recent yoga retreat to Poundon House in Oxfordshire</i></div>
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A phrase that I often hear is that "Girls compete with each other. Women empower one another" and it is one that rings true for me. I believe that empowering one another can be achieved by celebrating and collaborating.<br />
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My first real experiences of women celebrating one another came at University and then on my yoga teacher training in India. During my Uni years I played a lot of Netball, and although I had played Netball since a young age, one thing that really stood out about my Uni team was that we were just that: a TEAM. We would cheer when someone did something good, we would encourage when the energy was low, and if someone did make a mistake it did not matter - we would move on and say "next time you've got that". And our togetherness resulted in a fair few wins (during my first year we won every single match!). It was so nice to be a part of a group that celebrated one another and really wanted each and every one to be their best.<br />
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On my yoga teacher training there was a similar vibe. I was so nervous that the course would be filled with people who were "better" at yoga than I was (pah, I had a lot to learn about yoga and how there is no "better"), and who would make me feel inferior. However it was quite the opposite. What a gorgeous bunch of souls! My teachers and fellow students were just wonderful. We built one another up, we celebrated each other's breakthroughs, and we helped each other with things we found difficult. It was one of the most supportive groups of people I could have hoped to be among. No one judged, no one compared, no one felt rubbish because they weren't "good enough". It was just magical. A true celebration of one another.<br />
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So what about collaboration? Well, in terms of collaborating with others my best example comes from my yoga teaching. Over the last year I have been teaming up with the beautiful Chloe Watts (AKA <a href="http://www.myhappybody.co.uk/" target="_blank">My Happy Body</a>) to run some fab events, mainly charity fundraisers and one-day retreats. We are a true collaboration and work splendidly as a team. Our skills and experiences compliment one another, and our positive energies combined makes for a very special recipe. It's so much fun collaborating with Chloe, and the events we produce are certainly all the better for our working together. Working alone would be neither as fun nor as productive. I can honestly say that collaborating in this instance is so much more fruitful than competing. What if Chloe & I had chosen to go it alone? We would have been competing for clients, wondering what the other one was doing in their events, and whether ours was as good. But instead we have chosen to celebrate one another's talents and to collaborate in the most magical way. We have big and very exciting plans for 2017...stay tuned for more information! (Or <a href="mailto:lucyvicjackson@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me</a> to sign up to my newsletter so that you're the first to hear!).<br />
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<i>Chloe & me smiling after a very successful Day of Happiness retreat in September 2016</i></div>
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So repeat after me: DO Celebrate & Collaborate. DON'T Compare & Compete. I can guarantee that life will become lighter and more filled with joy. The energy we put out is the energy we receive, so if we put our energy into being positive towards others and their achievements then we will receive this back tenfold. Life is hard. If we make everything a competition it becomes harder and significantly less enjoyable. If we build each other up and work with one another then life becomes better and brighter. </div>
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I will end by sharing a story about one of the best celebrators I know - my best friend Jess. I have know Jess since the day I was born (almost, I'm 3 days older than her!), and ever since I can remember I have called her "my little ray of sunshine". I gave her that name because she has naturally always been bright, radiant and joyful. She is someone who was born with a natural ability to celebrate others. Always making people feel warm, always noticing their good parts, always giving complements in the most natural way. If only we were all a bit more like her - the world needs more Jess's! </div>
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So be a ray of sunshine. Celebrate & collaborate. Don't be drawn into the negativity of comparing and competing.</div>
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Do you have any examples of when celebrating & collaborating with others has really worked for you? I would love to hear your stories!</div>
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Love & light beauties,</div>
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Lucy x</div>
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Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-25434545244074259302016-08-23T02:34:00.002-07:002016-08-23T03:12:59.272-07:00The Yoga Selfie Debate: to selfie or not to selfie?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Ah the Yoga Selfie. Such problems you pose me with! To preface this post, I am going to ruin my conclusion and let you know that I am in two-minds about the Yoga Selfie (this would have got me zero marks at Uni; "never sit on the fence" our lecturers would say). But before you click away, now knowing the conclusion, you may want to read my reasons why...and then maybe enter the debate yourself...this is one I really would love to hear your opinions on, because a) everyone loves a good debate, and b) one day I may be able to topple off the fence and actually make a decision.<br />
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I confess that I am guilty of posting the odd Yoga Selfie. On quite a regular basis. Okay, fine, on almost a daily basis. [Insert gritted-teeth-kind-of-smiling emoji]. But it's still something that completely divides my opinion. On the one hand the whole premises of yoga is based on letting go of your ego, on going on your own private journey; the Bhagavad Gita tells us that "Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self", and most definitely not "posing for the Yoga Selfie, posting the Yoga Selfie, to get likes of the Yoga Selfie". Sorry, terrible comparison, but you get my point! It really does seem like it's all a vanity game. And I know I play it all too often. Not necessarily because I'm vain, but more because I feel that if I didn't I would be losing out on potential exposure (something which is becoming increasingly important as more and more yoga teachers graduate from their teacher trainings).<br />
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It seems as though the yoga world has created this twisted merry-go-round that one feels they have to ride on, but equally riding on it makes you feel nauseous with the feeling that you might be compromising your integrity as a true yogini, but if you don't ride it you will miss out on opportunities and exposure and potential clients, but if you weren't active on social media clients and studios might not take you on because you don't have enough exposure...and so on. Phew. I feel sick just thinking about it. I think we need to break this down into two very simple categories: Pros & Cons.<br />
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<b>Pros of the Yoga Selfie</b><br />
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<li>It's a quick way to connect with your students. Many of them are now on social channels and actively use them on a regular basis. If they see you posting Yoga Selfies they may be reminded about your class that evening, or may show your pictures to a friend, who may then also become a student.</li>
<li>Yoga Selfies help to attract relevant business opportunities. Businesses love social media, and many of them are constantly on the look out for professionals in their field to help promote their brand to their own followers. I have had a couple of relevant business opportunities as a direct result of my Yoga Selfies, mainly being given free yoga clothes and being asked to write two articles for an online health magazine. And the more "insta-famous" (terrible phrase) you become, the greater and more significant these opportunities become. </li>
<li>It's a good way to promote your classes and events. A striking Yoga Selfie will potentially encourage people to sign up for your classes and events - if you catch their attention with a visually appealing photo then they are much more likely to read the blurb below. I've had a few people sign up to <a href="http://www.lucyvictoriajackson.com/#!retreatsandevents/moqu9" target="_blank">my retreats</a> in this way, and also to some of my classes. </li>
<li>They can promote diversity within the yoga community. I will make the counter argument to this in the Con arguments, but there are a few wonderful Instagram accounts with many a Yoga Selfie promoting diversity within the community. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/boysofyoga/?hl=en" target="_blank">Boys of Yoga</a> are doing a great job in showing that yoga is most definitely not just for girls, and the gorgeous Dana Falsetti and Valerie Sagun AKA <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nolatrees/?hl=en" target="_blank">@nolatrees</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/biggalyoga/?hl=en" target="_blank">@biggalyoga</a> are showing that curvy ladies can have a damn impressive asana practice too. </li>
<li>Yoga Selfies can help to inspire people. If done in the right way (i.e. safe alignment, not putting your life in danger for the photo etc) Yoga Selfies can be super inspiring. They can sometimes be like artwork, such as<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nude_yogagirl/?hl=en" target="_blank"> Nude Yoga Girl</a>'s incredible photos, which is a fantastic example of Yoga Selfies done right. They can also inspire people to keep progressing with their practice, to see what they might also be able to achieve one day with hard work and dedication to their yoga practice. </li>
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From the @nude_yogagirl <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nude_yogagirl/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram page</a> </div>
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<b>Cons of the Yoga Selfie</b></div>
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<li>As I touched on in the introduction to this post, yoga is meant to be a personal practice. One which isn't actually at all concerned with how you look on the outside, but much more about how you look on the inside. Yes the asanas are fun to practice, and can be incredibly impressive visually, but their true purpose is simply to help prepare our bodies for a state of meditation. Not to look fancy and show off on Instagram. </li>
<li>Some are outright dangerous. I have seen some appalling Yoga Selfies by some very well known accounts. The problem is that many of these "insta-famous" (again, EURGH) yogis are actually self-taught and don't practice safe form in many of their photos. I am not going to call out individuals as that's not very kind of me, they are only trying to inspire others, but there is one account in particular where I have seen a collapsed lower back, hyper-extended legs, and a knee bending way over the ankle in Warrior II (and this one was even endorsed and reposted by a very well known yoga brand!). And not to mention the photo where she is performing a handstand on the edge of a very tall building. GULP. Unsafe form and risking your life for a Yoga Selfie is not cool. Yes it looks incredibly impressive, but it's not yoga. Rant over. </li>
<li>It encourages vanity. I know that when I post a Yoga Selfie more often than not it's taken 10 shots to find the one I am happy to post. I am even ashamed to admit that the first ever Yoga Selfie I posted I edited my waist to make it look smaller (since then I've never done that again, I felt too awful to be deceiving people - and myself). And then when I post up a Yoga Selfie of course I am keen to see how many likes it will get. Sometimes if it gets a lot I am genuinely happy, and if it doesn't get many I can often feel miffed. Is the asana I'm doing not impressive enough? Do I look too fat? Am I not as good as other yogis? [SHUDDER]. These thoughts are vain and also incredibly sad. And completely unrelated to my worth as a yogini or a human being. </li>
<li>To counter my "it promotes diversity" point in the Pro section, it can also do the opposite. A large majority of the Yoga Selfies we see online are posted by slim, white, young ladies. Of course there are some gorgeous, genuine and talented slim, white young yoginis, but what does this do for the rest of us? There is little body diversity, little race diversity, and it is largely female dominated. The Yoga Selfie may be helping to perpetuate this image and may be putting some people off of trying yoga... </li>
<li>It puts too much emphasis on the asana (physical) practice. The Western world is largely more concerned with the asana practice than it is the other aspects of yoga, and the Yoga Selfie exacerbates this. Of course this is a very sweeping generalisation and isn't true for everyone, but there are so many other aspects of yoga that are equally important - Yamas (ethical observations), Niyamas (social observations), pranayama (breath control), and the 4 stages of meditation, are not emphasised nearly as much. The asana practice is beautiful and integral one to a rounded yoga practice, but it is only one small part. Spiritual enlightenment cannot be achieved through asana alone (despite what might seem otherwise on your Instagram feed!). </li>
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So now I've explored the pros & cons, I'm sure you can see my dilemma. On the one hand if you don't post Yoga Selfies you might be missing out on opportunities, exposure to new clients, and a fun way to connect with existing ones. And sometimes they really are just a harmless bit of fun and genuinely inspiring. However there are some real moral question marks behind the Yoga Selfie - ones which are hard to ignore. So far I have seen them as a necessary evil to help me make a name for myself as a yoga teacher, but I am realising that from time-to-time I lose sight of them as a business tool and they do feed my ego. This is when it's a problem. I suppose the answer is to separate business and pleasure in my mind, but this is difficult to do when your in a business of something you are deeply passionate about. Hmmm. </div>
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It's something that I'm going to have to consider more deeply. So in the meantime do you have any input on the debate? What are your thoughts on the Yoga Selfie? Be brutally honest (but preferably without being mean!). I really would love to hear your thoughts on this one.</div>
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Love & light beauties, </div>
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L x</div>
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Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-13328007118717509612016-08-16T09:52:00.000-07:002016-08-16T09:53:06.371-07:00Attitude of gratitude <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Is it just me or does it feel as though the majority of the Western world is in constant pursuit of more, more, more? We are sold an image of a future life in which we'll have a nicer home, a better car, an updated wardrobe - it's almost like a competition, keeping up with the Jones's if you will. I know I'm generalising and exaggerating somewhat, but I also know that I'm guilty of sometimes wanting "more", and I feel we could all do with a little reminder from time-to-time that what we have in this very moment is all we ever really need. We could all benefit from being a little more grateful. By my books one can never practice enough gratitude!<br />
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Yogi Bhajan says that "An attitude of gratitude is the highest form of yoga" - not practicing asanas (postures), not breathe control, not even meditating - nope, gratitude is the winner. And without making this post all about yoga (I promise I won't!), Yogi Bhajan was a pretty wise guy, and really that sentence could read "An attitude of gratitude is the highest form of <i>life</i>". After all a grateful life is a happy life. If you're grateful about what you do have then you are much less likely to be bothered about what you don't have, and this will surely lead to greater happiness! Something we are all seeking.<br />
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And if you need further convincing of why gratitude is essential to your life then have a read of this recent Yoganoymous article on why <a href="http://yoganonymous.com/grateful-people-are-healthier" target="_blank">Grateful People are Healthier</a>.<br />
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So, gratitude makes us happier, it makes us healthier, but how do we go about practicing it more regularly and effectively? Here are some of my ideas:<br />
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1) Take a little more time over, and show a little more appreciation for, the "small" things (which are actually much bigger than they first seem!). Having a hot shower. Having a snug duvet. Enjoying a cuppa. Become more mindful when undertaking these simple day-to-day pleasures, by taking a little more time over them and saying to yourself beforehand "I am grateful for this shower. I am grateful for this duvet. I am grateful for this drink". Not only are you practicing gratitude, but I can almost guarantee that said activity will bring you even more pleasure than it usually does.<br />
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2) Write Thank You notes. Whether it's a "thank you for my birthday gift", "thank you for having me over", "thank you for being such a great friend", a thank you note never goes unnoticed. It's a wonderful practice to cultivate as you are openly expressing gratitude to your love ones, meaning you are both practicing gratitude yourself and showing people that their kindness is appreciated. This will create a cycle of gratitude and goodness!<br />
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3) Wake up and practice gratitude! Don't miss a beat! Even lie in your bed with your eyes closed and list 3 things that you're grateful for right there and then. If you want a more structured practice then you could hop out of bed, find a comfortable seated position, and spend 5-15 minutes meditating on the things you are grateful for.<br />
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4) Thank people openly throughout your day. If a stranger is helpful, if your Mum makes you dinner, if you spouse does something thoughtful, make sure you say "thank you". It might seem obvious but we can often overlook the small things others do for us, and making your "thank you" heard will go a long way.<br />
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5) Write a gratitude diary. Whether it's an actual written diary or on a Gratitude App writing a gratitude diary is a great way to practice gratitude (I have said "gratitude" way too much in that sentence!). Even if it's just listing one thing per day that you're grateful for, this practice will cultivate a more grateful, happy you.<br />
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These are all such simple, easy things to incorporate in your daily life, and I can almost guarantee that even if you begin practicing them you will become a happier and healthier individual.<br />
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Do you have any tips for practicing gratitude in your daily life? And since beginning them have you seen any differences in yourself?<br />
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Love & light beauties,<br />
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L x<br />
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Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-4325277432827225292016-08-01T11:25:00.000-07:002016-08-02T07:43:42.647-07:00Yoga for Anxiety & Stress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It is no secret that diagnosis of anxiety and stress is on the rise. The <a href="https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/" target="_blank">Anxiety UK website</a> states on their homepage that "Almost one in five people feel anxious a lot or all the time" - shockingly that's 20% of our population... Either our lifestyles are becoming increasingly pressurised, or we are more equipped (and more willing) to diagnose such conditions - my guess would be that it's a mixture of both. Stress, although often not as extreme as anxiety, is something which is widespread in our society. I can almost guarantee that each and every person who reads this will be able to relate to feeling stressed...sadly it's become part of modern day life.<br />
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I have suffered with anxiety (and depression - but let's save that for another day!) since the age of 13. That's half of my life. It was at it's worst when I was 13-15 (brought on by being bullied at school) and then again from 18-23 (brought on by being in an emotionally abusive relationship). I have had a series of minor panic attacks (usually on crowded trains - I'm also rather claustrophobic!) and one more serious panic attack (brought on by my fear of bugs...luckily I can see the funny side to this story now!). And I'm not going to go into my personal experiences any deeper today, but what I can say hand-on-heart is that yoga has been a HUGE part of my healing process. I've also been spurred on to write this post as I personally know at least 5 people who suffer from anxiety - 2 of which have sought me out for private yoga lessons, and so this makes me realise there are people out there who seeking some guidance, and who are ready to stand up and give their anxiety the middle finger!<br />
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My opinion is that if you suffer from anxiety it's almost always going to bubbling away under the surface (I may be wrong, but this is my experience); however there are coping mechanisms you can learn and lifestyle changes you can make to enable you to function more "normally" (I use this in the lightest terms: what is normal anyway?!).<br />
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"Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured" ~ B. K. S. Iyengar. So, without further ado, here are my top yoga asanas (postures) and techniques for helping you to manage your anxiety and stress - I highly advise these are learned under instruction of a qualified yoga teacher.<br />
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<b>ASANAS</b><br />
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<b><u>Balasana - Child's Pose</u></b><br />
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<i>Jarjar fancied joining in too! Except she was ready for Savasana before we'd even started...!</i></div>
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Why Child's Pose?:</div>
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<li>Almost anyone can do it!</li>
<li>It's a calming pose, one which helps to make you feel grounded </li>
<li>You can focus on your connections to the mat, and on the breath, to help calm anxiety and stress.</li>
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Tips:</div>
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<li>If you feel discomfort between the knees and/or heels place a blanket or block between them. The forehead can also be supported by a cushion or block</li>
<li>Feet together with tops of your feet resting on the mat, opening the knees as wide as feels comfortable to you, rest your bottom as close to your heels as you can. Stretch the arms away from you & gently press the palms of the hands into the mat</li>
<li>Deepen and slow your breaths - inhale to the count of 4, exhale to the count of 4</li>
<li>Stay for a minimum of 10 breaths.</li>
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<b><u>Ado Mukha Svanasana - Downward Facing Dog</u></b></div>
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Why Downward Facing Dog?:</div>
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<li>It's a great pose for waking up the nervous system - and although this might seem counterproductive (why would we want to wake up the nervous system when we feel anxious?), our anxiety can be brought on when the nervous system has weakened or confused it's "fight or flight" response, and so by "training it" in a positive pose such as DFD we are encouraging it to be stimulated in a healthy way</li>
<li>It builds strength and softness - something anyone dealing with stress and anxiety needs to build. You ARE strong enough to cope with what your facing, and you ARE soft enough to grant yourself grace when struggles come up. </li>
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Tips:</div>
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<li>Prepare a strong base. Hands planted shoulder-distance apart, fingers spreading wide, pressing firmly through every part of your hand, with the elbow creases turning in to face one another. Your feet should be hip-distance apart</li>
<li>The important thing in this position is to have straightness in your back - NOT getting your feet flat to the mat! A bend in the knees can help to encourage a straighter spine if your hamstrings don't feel very open </li>
<li>Soften your shoulders away from the ears </li>
<li>Stay for a minimum of 5 breaths, a maximum of 15.</li>
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<b><u>Vrksasana - Tree Pose</u></b></div>
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Why Tree Pose?:</div>
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<li>It requires focus! And when we focus on something such as balancing it is much easier to calm any symptoms of anxiety and/or stress</li>
<li>You can challenge yourself by squinting or closing your eyes, and by adding that element of the unknown we become accustomed to putting ourselves in situations where we feel challenged. And we quickly learn that even if we fall, we can bounce back and try again. </li>
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Tips:</div>
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<li>Strong foundation - spread the toes on your standing leg wide, making a wide base. Press through the foot into the floor & engage the muscles in your legs. </li>
<li>Rest the other foot on your ankle, calf, or inner thigh - avoid the knee joint!!! (Unnecessary pressure on the knee joint is highly unadvisable). </li>
<li>Relax your shoulders!</li>
<li>Hold for as many breaths as you can balance for!</li>
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<b><u>Virabhadrasana 2 - Warrior 2</u></b></div>
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Why Warrior 2?:</div>
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<li>It's a pose which requires us to embody strength. Virabhadra was one of Lord Shiva's strong and fearsome warriors - he could take on anything! And this is what we embody and embrace when we come to this asana. </li>
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Tips:</div>
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<li>Ideally the thigh will be parallel to the mat (so deeper than in my photo), and the knee will be directly above the ankle. An easier version with the knee behind the line of the ankle - as in the above photo - is acceptable, as this is still safe. But you must NEVER bend the knee over the line of the ankle else you will put pressure on your knee joint</li>
<li>Imagine your arms are being pulled in opposite directions, but keep your shoulders relaxed!</li>
<li>Keep your body in the mid-line - i.e. not leaning forward, not leaning backwards</li>
<li>Engage the muscles on your back leg</li>
<li>Keep your gaze over your front middle finger</li>
<li>Hold for 5-15 breaths. </li>
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<b><u>Inversions </u></b></div>
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<br />
Why Inversions?<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>It can be scary going up-side-down! And whenever we face something that scares us this helps to equip us with tools we can use when we come across a situation off the mat which brings up fear, anxiety or stress</li>
<li>Inversions are when the feet are above your heart. This helps to slow the heart rate and to regulate it. Something which may help in reducing your anxiety or stress, as it's common in these situations for heart rate to increase.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Tips:</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Please only practice shoulder stand and headstand (centre photo and far right photo) under guidance of a qualified yoga instructor unless you are advanced in your practice. The pose in the far left photo can be practiced by almost anyone</li>
<li>Avoid inversions if: you have low blood pressure or you are pregnant. Some people prefer to avoid shoulder stand and headstand if they are on the first three days of their cycle. (This list is not conclusive)</li>
<li>Hold for 10 breaths minimum. Your maximum will depend on your level and experience of practice - again, please seek guidance of a qualified yoga instructor. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><u>Savasana - Corpse Pose</u></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0U9hr14iLY/V5-MQbSm2WI/AAAAAAAADoc/q7F4H4W7lGMr3dVR0UdlDcXtFRkclERPQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0U9hr14iLY/V5-MQbSm2WI/AAAAAAAADoc/q7F4H4W7lGMr3dVR0UdlDcXtFRkclERPQCLcB/s640/IMG_0929.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Why Savasana?:</div>
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</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>It's everyone's favourite pose!</li>
<li>Savasana requires us to surrender. To be present. To consciously rest. It is the perfect opportunity to relax and to give yourself space. </li>
</ul>
<div>
Tips:</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Make sure you're comfortable! The traditional way to do Savasana is with legs extended, feet mat distance apart, toes falling to the sides. But if you have any pain in the lower back you can either wrap up another yoga mat and rest it underneath your knees, or you can bend your knees, plant them mat distance apart and then let them fall together to touch. Blankets are also a great way to ensure maximum comfort!</li>
<li>Focus on your breath. Focus on how your belly gently rises and falls. Focus on the feeling of the breath running in and out of your nose. Even repeat to yourself "I am aware of the inhale. I am aware of the exhale". By focusing on the breath, you will help your mind to stay present</li>
<li>Stay for a minimum of 5 minutes. No maximum length! </li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><u>Meditation</u></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lx_9ZNuUIq4/V5-OjJ2BA5I/AAAAAAAADoo/xpc2TobdXD09QYBLEecbLmRamyt38w5qQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lx_9ZNuUIq4/V5-OjJ2BA5I/AAAAAAAADoo/xpc2TobdXD09QYBLEecbLmRamyt38w5qQCLcB/s640/IMG_0931.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Why Meditation?:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Meditation and mindfulness are often prescribed for people struggling with anxiety and stress. There are differences between the two (which I won't go into now), but in yoga we practice meditation</li>
<li>You are forced to focus on your mind. To turn inwardly. And often to people with anxiety this is a scary prospect. However this is why it must be done. As with inversions we must do things which scare us to be able to move past them. And sometimes we must let things come up - emotions and thoughts - to be able to deal with them properly. Mediation forces us to sit and face them, rather than just bumbling along trying to ignore them. Once we let something surface we can then let it go.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Tips:</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Sit comfortably! You can use blocks or bolsters to make your seated position more comfortable, or even rest against a wall. Just try to ensure your spine is straight</li>
<li>Eyes closed to block out any visual distractions</li>
<li>Visualise your shoulders, face and arms relaxing. Try to let go of any tension in these areas of the body</li>
<li>Focus the mind on something. It can be anything. Breath. A place. A person. A memory. But choose just one thing and focus on it</li>
<li>Start with short bursts - 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes. And gradually over time you will be able to sit for longer. Set an alarm on your phone so you know when your time is up (else you'll just be sat wondering how long you've been there for and will be tempted to open your eyes to check). </li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Nadi Shodhana - Channel Cleansing Breath</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<i>What on earth is my human doing now?!</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Why Nadi Shodhana?:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>It requires full attention on the breath, and as mentioned previously when we must focus on something fully, we are much less likely to be consumed by our anxiety and/or stress</li>
<li>Breath control is a well-known, solid technique for helping to deal with panic attacks and stressful situations (we all know the phrase: "Take a deep breath...")</li>
</ul>
<div>
Tips:</div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Assume a seated position as outlined in the meditation section</li>
<li>Rest your right peace fingers on the bridge of your nose. As the breath commences you will use the thumb to plug the right nostril and the fourth finger to plug the left (when I say "plug" I mean to lightly block the entrance of your nostril - not to forcefully press the nasal passage in)</li>
<li>Close your eyes</li>
<li>Begin by closing the right nostril, leaving the left one open. Deepen the breath to a steady count - start with counting to 4 on the inhale and 4 on the exhale - 1 x inhale + 1 x exhale = 1 round. Repeat between 6-12 rounds. Repeat by closing the left nostril, leaving the right one open</li>
<li>Progress to alternate nostril breathing: inhale through the left nostril, exhale through the right nostril, inhale through the right nostril, exhale through the left nostril - this = 1 round. Repeat 12 rounds</li>
<li>I highly advise this is done under the guidance of a qualified yoga instructor. </li>
</ul>
<div>
My parting message to anyone living with anxiety and/or stress is that you are not alone and it is nothing to be ashamed of. We need to create open channels of conversation around mental illnesses so that we can help to alleviate the stigma. And if you are in the midst of what seems like a never-ending cycle of anxiety and/or stress please know that there is light. This will not define you. You ARE strong enough to cope with it. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you are interested to find out more about any of the asanas, mediation or breathing techniques then please <a href="mailto:lucyvicjackson@gmail.com" target="_blank">get in touch</a>. And if you are local to Ascot then please know you are welcome to any of my classes (all levels welcome!), you can find out more about my schedule <a href="http://www.lucyvictoriajackson.com/#!weekly-classes/cfvg" target="_blank">here</a>. Or even <a href="mailto:lucyvicjackson@gmail.com" target="_blank">enquire about private sessions</a> if you're not sure a group class is for you. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love & light, </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lucy x</div>
</div>
<br /></div>
Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-7540274638516255082016-07-26T10:20:00.000-07:002016-07-26T10:20:35.196-07:00Dear World, what the f*ck is happening?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Dear World,
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">What the
f*ck is happening? Sorry to begin this letter in such a blunt and rude way, but
I just don’t understand how we have arrived at the point we have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Terror
attacks are almost a daily occurrence. Syrian refugees are destitute, some even
dying. Innocent people are being ruthlessly murdered ALL over the world. Hate
is spreading like wild fire in America. The European Union is breaking up.
People are killed in favelas on a daily basis, usually as a result of drug
trafficking. Nigerian girls have been kidnapped and many haven’t been seen
since. Millions of children live on the streets in many different countries. Young black
males and policemen are being killed in America. The gay community have been
targeted, some murdered, whilst out enjoying their lives as all are entitled to
do. And that is only to mention a tiny fraction of the HUMAN inflicted terror
and pain that is being suffered by millions. There are so many more cases…more
than I can even bear to imagine…World, how has it come to this?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">World, those
of us who have (so far) come out unscathed “can’t imagine” what it would be
like to be caught up in such a scenario. We say “how awful” and then separate
ourselves from it by banking it in the “news” section of our brain…of course
this is a defence mechanism - to take in and to properly feel the depths of
grief in each situation would most likely destroy us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">There is so
much darkness. So much hatred. World: we so often feel helpless. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Because of
you World, whether we like it or not we are intricately and inextricably linked
with one another and with everything around us. Any decent human responds to
these events with a feeling of sadness and empathy to varying degrees. I myself
know I feel these things all too deeply. Right to my core. I have more of an understanding
of what Ram Dass said than I really wish to at this current time: “We are all affecting
the world every moment, whether we mean to or not. Our actions and states of
mind matter, because we are so deeply interconnected with one another”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The beauty
of you, World, is that you are full of unique beings, all with freewill to live
how they choose – but not all have the freedom to do so. Terror and hate are prevalent
even in the most “developed” societies. All beings should be entitled to
religious freedom, equal rights, and basic human rights of safety, shelter,
food, water, education and opportunity. So why is this not the case?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">World, how
can we cure ourselves of the disease of hatred? I personally believe the only
way is through TOLERANCE, RESPECT, and LOVE. These three things will breed
peace, harmony and a better world for all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">I am so
lucky to know so many beautiful people who bring such light and love into this
world. Among them are atheists, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Jews, agnostics,
yogis, people of all races and people of all sexual orientations. They have
suffered, they have been through hardships, they have been discriminated
against. And yet all these people have continued to bring TOLERANCE, RESPECT,
and LOVE into the world on a daily basis. World, we need people like this to
continue what they are doing, and to amplify it as loudly as they possibly can.
It is through these people that you will heal, World. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">If you are
reading this and you are one of those people – someone filled with love, but
feeling bruised and helpless after recent events – do not give up! You are the
light in the darkness. The World needs YOU to shine that light brighter than
you ever have before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">And World,
I’m not calling on these people to travel to refugee camps, to go in search of
kidnapped girls in Africa, or to give up everything to help children on the
streets (yes, some AMAZING people will and are doing this, but it’s not for
everyone), but what I am calling on every decent person to do is to spread
TOLERANCE, RESPECT and LOVE wherever you go. To start small, to show love on a
daily basis whenever possible – even a smile at a stranger is a good place to
begin – and to continue loving the sh*t out of everyone you meet wherever you
go. You may not feel as though you’re doing much, but a tiny drop in the ocean
can make big ripples. Be the helping hand to someone who is being marginalised.
If you see someone being racist or sexist, SAY something (calmly and without
putting yourself in danger – but try not to just sit back). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">World, I
know something more than this must be done. But I feel this is a good place to
start. And I don’t have any further solutions at this moment in time. Things
cannot stay as they are. So many of us cannot bear it any longer. Show us a way
to come together. Let people with good ideas speak up and help to UNITE us. Let
people who are spreading hate have their hearts changed through love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">World, we
are heartbroken. Let’s help to heal each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Love &
light,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Lucy x<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
P.S. I am aware this post may not seem directly related to health &
wellbeing, but my soul is aching and my heart is broken. And it’s not just
about us as individuals being healthy and well, but it’s about the world as a
whole being healthy and well – in every sense of the word. My work as a yoga
teacher is not just to teach people movements, it is to help show them the
light that is within them, and to encourage them to shine brightly in this
world. And this is very much what I hope this post will do. We all have so much
good within us, but sometimes it becomes hidden, distorted and diseased. As a
yogi I cannot sit back and watch the world be consumed by hatred. Love will
always win, and I am on Love’s side, so must fight a Love-filled fight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-14941939593794163992016-07-19T04:43:00.002-07:002016-07-19T04:43:21.651-07:00Natural Skincare: Brown Sugar & Almond Body Scrub<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Most of us are already aware that sugar is a big no-no. Bad for our teeth. Bad for breakouts. Bad for our intestines. We are also becoming increasingly aware that what we put on our bodies is almost as (if not equally as) important as what we put into them. You would never drink a whole load of manmade chemicals...(actually, perhaps some of us do...I daren't look at the back of a Diet Coke can!!)...so why do we plaster them on our skin on a regular basis? Our moisturiser, deodorant, make up, suncream etc are all filled with nasties. Your skin is an organ, in fact it's the biggest one we have, and whatever we put on it is absorbed into our bodies. More and more people are turning to natural alternatives...and our old nemesis sugar is often included when it comes to natural skincare. It may be bad for our insides, but for our outsides it's the perfect natural ingredient!<br />
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About 18-months ago I became increasingly aware that I needed to begin the transition of switching to more natural skincare. I've not made as many changes yet as I would have liked to (lack of research and being stuck in old habits have held me back somewhat - really I just need to be more proactive!), but one product that I have successfully "ditched and switched" is my body scrub. It's a good one to start with as it's ridiculously easy to make and the ingredients are all affordable and easy to buy online. So without further ado, I introduce you to *drum roll please* the glorious brown sugar and almond body scrub!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVdehag8xHI/V44MSGwJaYI/AAAAAAAADm0/jyyUHmuFsn8AsEVrvTQkcRm7bRwsOaFWACLcB/s1600/IMG_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MVdehag8xHI/V44MSGwJaYI/AAAAAAAADm0/jyyUHmuFsn8AsEVrvTQkcRm7bRwsOaFWACLcB/s640/IMG_0575.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Some mini pots of brown sugar & almond body scrub I made for the Day of Happiness yoga retreat in July with the wonderful <a href="http://www.myhappybody.co.uk/" target="_blank">My Happy Body</a></i></div>
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<b>Four very simple ingredients:</b></div>
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Brown sugar - <i>1 cup</i> (as fine or as chunky as you like on your skin)</div>
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Almond oil - <i>1/2 cup</i> </div>
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Vitamin E oil - <i>1/2 tsp</i></div>
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Vanilla extract - <i>1 tsp</i></div>
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I originally found this recipe on the <a href="http://wellnessmama.com/3628/sugar-scrub-recipe/" target="_blank">Wellness Mama blog</a>. </div>
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The amounts of ingredients can of course vary depending on how much you'd like to make. In the above photo I made way more than this (I think I used 1.5kg of sugar for 12 pots!), and just judged the oils by sight and texture. This is not like a recipe in the kitchen, it doesn't have to be exact. </div>
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The body scrub leaves you feeling AMAZING - exfoliated and oiled up all in one go; and knowing that it's all natural and nourishing for your skin makes it even more wonderful. The other bonus is that it's so much cheaper than the posh ones in the shops! (I used to indulge in the Sanctuary ones which cost over a tenner, but this one probably costs me a pound or two per pot!). </div>
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If anyone has any further advice on natural skincare I would love to hear it! I've dedicated myself to gradually phasing out unnatural products that may contain hidden nasties. I already use a couple of Lush products and have recently tried <a href="https://www.beautybyearth.com/product/mineral-sunscreen/" target="_blank">Beauty by Earth suncream,</a> but I'd love to hear your ideas too (particularly if you can make them at home!). </div>
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Love & light beauties,</div>
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L x</div>
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Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-23552282677816642172016-07-13T09:11:00.000-07:002016-07-13T09:43:32.997-07:00The importance of R & R<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When was the last time you gave yourself time for some real Rest & Relaxation? For many of us I think the answer will be "I'm not sure...". Somehow we've created a society where we're always busy, always doing, never just allowing ourselves to just "be". We feel we must always be seen to be filling our days - working full time, exercising before or after work (which overall is a positive thing, but sometimes we can take it too far), always filling our weekends with socialising, making sure our homes are unrealistically clean and tidy (again, not a bad thing, no one wants to live like a slob, but sometimes we should cut ourselves slack), and trying to keep up with the Joneses. In fact if we're not "doing" many of us feel guilty. The internal voice begins to say "I really should be doing something right now...".<br />
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Those of us who have found yoga, meditation and mindfulness often do find it a little easier to let ourselves just "be" from time-to-time. We make time in our week to practice "being", but more often than not it can be too easy even in these times of "being" to let our little internal voice start creeping in..."when I get home I must put the washing on...WHY did I say that to the boss today?!...what do I need to organise for tomorrow?..."<br />
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For so many of us our minds are always in the past or the future, often oscillating between the two, and we drag our bodies from A to B to C. We rarely, properly, RELAX and REST both body and mind. But what if we did? What if we took time for some real R & R? AND didn't feel guilty. In fact we loved every moment. Well, this was my challenge on my recent holiday to Crete with my boyfriend. In the weeks and months leading up to this holiday I had been working my ass off (big time!). I love my job, and I'm always teaching others to take time for themselves, but it's something that I rarely get a chance to do myself. It was time to practice what I preach. (And when you have your own business this is even harder!). But I knew I had pushed myself almost too far, it really was time to rest and relax...<br />
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The holiday could not have come at a more perfect time. In the first three weeks of June I taught as many (if not more) classes than I usually would in a whole month. I was happy, but exhausted both in body and mind. The journey to our holiday wasn't the most restful (thank you traffic and the stress / sadness of the referendum result...), but as soon as we got to our hotel at around midnight local time, our heads hit the pillow, no alarm was set, and I immediately settled in for a week of R & R....<br />
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It was pure bliss to wake up the next day in our own time, knowing that we had zero responsibility. We had no plans other than to enjoy each other's company, to lounge on the beach / by the pool, and to eat and drink whatever we pleased. Now I'm not going to launch into a long description of our week, this isn't a post about going on holiday, but what we did do was completely relax and rest. I did take my yoga gear and running shoes with good intention, but the most I did all week was 15 mins in the mornings of yoga in my pants, doggie paddling in the pool, and strolling alongside the ocean. We took one boat trip and ventured out of the hotel one evening to eat at a divine restaurant (if you go to Crete I HIGHLY recommend Votsalo in Gouves - best restaurant EVER!), but aside from that we did sweet F all and had the most wonderful week. I have never felt more relaxed, more rested and more happy (we laughed a lot!!) in my whole life.<br />
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And aside from picking up a cold on the plane home, I can tell that this week of R & R has been a much need boost for both my body and mind. It's like magic. I now feel more positive, more energetic, more full of love, and I'm bringing those vibes into my teaching and daily life.<br />
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But our holiday only comes around once or twice a year (if we're lucky, some years we must go without). And yet we know we need more of it. How else can we build R & R into our daily lives? Well lucky for you I've had a little think and here are some of my ideas...<br />
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<b>SCHEDULE R & R</b><br />
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Actually plan it into your day / week / month / year. Maybe even write it into your calendar. And never, never skip it because you end up being too busy. If you really have to miss it at the time you had planned, make sure you move it to the not-to-distant future. It is essential for your health and wellbeing.<br />
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<b>PLAN IT</b><br />
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So you've set time aside...but what will you do in that time? Some of us find it impossible to just sit and meditate, and that's okay, but what else can you try? I suggest the TV should be avoided as a form of R & R...this might be controversial but mindlessly sitting in front of a screen is not resting that will rejuvenate you (the same goes for our phones). Reading is a good option (but not anything to do with your studies if you're a student! This is time to rest!). Mandala colouring books have recently become popular. Taking a gentle walk. Spending quality time with a loved one over a cup of tea and <i>really</i> checking in with one another and listening to one another. It doesn't have to be complicated, in fact it's imperative that it's not, but just find a simple relaxing scenario and commit yourself to it for your scheduled time.<br />
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<b>TREAT YOURSELF</b><br />
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Of course we'd all love to treat ourselves on a regular basis, and for some of us we can, but if you're a bit strapped for cash (as I am!) then it can feel impossible to justify spending money on relaxing... If this is the case then you must acknowledge to yourself that this time is integral to your wellbeing and you deserve to be WELL. And things don't have to cost a bomb. Some things are even free - e.g. going for a walk in the forest. One obvious way is to treat yourself to a spa day, and of course these can be super expensive, but they don't always have to be if you do some research... for example a <a href="https://online.nirvanaspa.co.uk/Voucher/VoucherItems.aspx?Group=2&Site=1" target="_blank">Time Out Monday - Friday spa experience at Nirvana in Wokingham</a> is only £35 for 3 hours of pure indulgence!<br />
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A less obvious option may be heading to a sound therapy session such as a Crystal Singing Bowl or Gong Bath experience. My good friend and fellow yoga teacher Chloe Watts does regular Gong Baths in the Berkshire area, you can check out her upcoming events <a href="https://www.facebook.com/myhappybody/events?key=events" target="_blank">here</a>. They aren't pricey and are a really incredible way to spend an hour - on the floor, wrapped in a blanket, listening to beautiful and indulgent sounds. Pure bliss!<br />
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So these steps are all very, very simple, but sometimes all we need is someone to remind us that we are allowed to rest and to almost give us permission. So just in case you need it, permission from me: YOU are special. YOU are must look after yourself. YOU are allowed to rest and relax. YOU are worth it (sorry L'Oreal!).<br />
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Or course I fully understand that all of this gets much more difficult once children are thrown into the mix, but all it takes is a little more planning and some communication with your partner. Acknowledge that you both need time to rest and work out a tag-in tag-out situation where you both get your time. And if you can make time to also rest together - grandparents / Aunties / Uncles / older siblings and cousins are there for a reason!<br />
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Do you have any further tips on how to make sure you get your R & R? Or any other ideas for R & R? I'd love to hear them!<br />
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Love & light beauties!<br />
<br />
Lucy x</div>
Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-10077605865667701592016-06-23T08:49:00.001-07:002016-06-23T08:50:04.029-07:00Yoga in the clouds <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yoga at nearly 800ft might not be everyone's idea of a good time, but for me it was the perfect way to start my 26th year! My very clever (and lovely) boyfriend arranged it as our anniversary gift (extra "awww" points as it was at the top of the Shard that he first asked me out), but seeing as it was a Saturday morning and I usually teach at least two classes myself every Saturday, the only weekend I felt justified to take off was my birthday. (Don't feel sorry for me, I really couldn't love my job more!). So on Saturday 11th June at 8.15am we ascended to level 68 of the Shard...<br />
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These kind of yoga events take place at the Shard (and in other significant London locations) on select Saturdays throughout the year. We booked ours via Virgin Experiences but the event itself is run by Yogasphere. We were therefore a little surprised when we showed up that the event didn't seem overly organised...no one quite knew where to queue or even if we were standing in the correct location (we assumed that the array of 50 different coloured lycras indicated we were in the right spot though!). Even when an event organiser did show up it was still rather muddled...we definitely accidentally queue jumped as she turned to our side of the queue first and let us all in, even though the other side had been waiting longer...(it was a complete accident though, I promise!). </div>
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The staff from the Shard, however, were wonderful - they smiled us all the way up to the top and we found the right room with ease. We were lucky to be some of the first ones in, and so we got top pick of which view we wanted! Whilst the other students filtered in we were lucky enough to have some time to take a few photos of the stunning view. Despite being up there once before it was a huge novelty and I just couldn't get over the excitement that we were about to do a yoga class up the Shard! Lucky duckys! (I'm not sure Chris was so excited!). </div>
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The yoga soon began and I tried my hardest to sit with my eyes closed, knowing the beautiful view was all around me. The teacher opened the class in a rather surprising way...she didn't introduce her name or the class, but opened with a line about getting our collective energy going. I am all for working as one and spreading the love, but this was a little bit of a surprise! I was expecting a class that was accessible to people who were fairly new to yoga - to me this kind of yoga experience is something that people who aren't overly into yoga would do for the novelty factor, or because their girlfriend wanted to do it (sorry Chris!). But this was serious yoga time...</div>
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It was a great class, quite difficult, and not overly beginner friendly, but I did really enjoy it (I also got a great adjustment which is always wonderful). The teacher was obviously very experienced and a wonderful yogi, but I did feel a little bad for those who were struggling around me. (I know, I am such a terrible yogini - definitely should have been focusing on my own practice and not what those around me were doing, but it's so so hard to switch off from yoga teacher mode especially when you see people shaking in a dodgy downward facing dog - I just want to help them!). </div>
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After the class there were further opportunities to take a few photos and to grab a goodie bag to take home. All-in-all it was a really wonderful experience and it really was the most amazing way to start my 26th year. But I would say if you're planning to try it just go with a really open mind, and don't worry if you can't keep up with the whole class. Go with a smile and simply enjoy it! (If it all gets too much you can always pretend you're popping to the loo and just go up a floor to enjoy the view!). </div>
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Has anyone else tried yoga up the Shard? Or in a similar situation? I'd love to hear your experiences.</div>
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Love & light,</div>
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Lucy x</div>
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Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-82056587192993813582016-05-24T07:36:00.000-07:002016-05-24T07:36:36.551-07:00What happened when I said "yes" to LIVING (and not just to having a life)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Life is a funny thing. If you're reading this article then you have life. But it's not so certain that you are truly Living that life (at least not with a capital L!). It can be so easy to simply exist; to bob through life being swept along by a current that has been created by convention and expectation according to others. You're born, you're educated, you work a 9-to-5 or another conventional job, you get married, you have kids, you retire, you die. I'm not saying that these conventions are all bad (and some cannot be escaped, particularly the death part!), but it can be SO easy to follow this set-out life without even asking our true selves what we really want. But what if, WHAT IF, you did honestly ask yourself what you wanted from life? What would you say? What would you do?<br />
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I promise that this isn't about to become preachy, each and every person must live their life how they choose to, but this is a post for those of you out there who may have been thinking about actually Living life how you want to but haven't yet had that moment of "F*ck it. Let's do it". So to give you the extra little nudge I thought I'd share my experience with you...<br />
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Without going into too much detail for the sake of respect and what's fair, this time two years ago I was in a very different place to where I am now. For years I had allowed myself to stay in a situation that was making me deeply unhappy. I felt stuck, I wasn't seeing friends very often, I was unsure as to which career path to go down, I hated life, and most of all I was very hard on myself.<br />
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But almost two years ago exactly I went on a yoga retreat with my Mum. For at least four years previous to this yoga had already begun to weave it's way into my being - bit by bit I was peeling back the layers and coming closer to connecting with my true self - but on this yoga retreat I gained an even deeper understanding of the harsh reality that I was simply not Living life. I was alive in body but that was about it. My heart, mind and soul were simply existing. I had shut them down over years of disappointment, bitterness and self-hatred. Realising this was the first step to truly Living.<br />
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<i>Yoga helped me to realise that I wasn't truly Living life...</i></div>
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A very abridged version of what followed is that I left my relationship, I moved back home with my family, I tried changing my job (to another conventional 9-to-5 city job), I left that job after 6-months, I went to India to do my yoga teacher training, I fell in love with the most incredible man, I worked on friendships, for the last 16-months I've been working on my very own business teaching yoga, and everything is finally in a place where I feel this whole thing might actually work out in reality as well as in my dreams! But it hasn't been easy. I've really had to embrace Living life in a way that is true to me and everything that comes with that - the ups and downs, the emotions, the challenges, the uncertainty, the euphoria...it's already been quite a ride.<br />
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Now there isn't a magic cure or formula for Living life, but I think there are a few categories that must be considered: relationships, work, attitude, health, and location.<br />
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RELATIONSHIPS<br />
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Relationships is a biggie. I truly believe that the quality of your relationships can heavily impact the quality of your life. No man is an island (as the saying goes); as human beings we crave connection and intimacy, and the people we surround ourselves with can really affect our lives. The most important relationships we have are with ourselves, with our family, with our other half (if this is how we choose to live - monogamy is not for everyone), and with our friends. Surround yourself with people who make you happy, who support you, and who genuinely want the best for you. If you treat others well then this is how you should be treated. If you have a toxic friend or family member then either cut them loose or try to learn ways of disconnecting your quality of life from the way they behave.<br />
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<i>Connect with people who elevate you</i></div>
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WORK<br />
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As I touched on earlier many of us get stuck in jobs that don't set us on fire. We tolerate them, and often do them because it's what is expected of us. I got straight As at school and a first class degree at Uni, it was expected that I'd do something related to my English skills. But this didn't make me happy. Teaching yoga made me happy, and the moment I began to teach I felt like my true self. I had found my satya (my truth). Don't just be a doctor because it's what your Mum wants. Don't just stay in an admin job because no one else believes you can be an interior designer. Don't just be a lawyer if you want to be an entrepreneur. Follow your heart and the rest will come. Starting a yoga teaching business from scratch at the age of 24 was not easy - I had to go back to working in the pub to make ends meet, I am still living in my parental home, I am 100% responsible for creating my own workload - BUT I feel as though I am really Living my life exactly as I want to. The money will come. Happiness will continue.<br />
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ATTITUDE<br />
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Living life to the full requires the right attitude. If you believe that you're stuck (like I once did) and you believe that nothing can be done to change your circumstances, then you will never live life like you want to. But if you take on the attitude that something can always be done, and that you CAN change your life, then you will. It sounds simple but this mental shift can be really tough, and unfortunately for me only came with time, but keep chipping away at things that make you feel alive and one day a path will become clear. (And if it doesn't take the leap of faith anyway - the universe has got your back!). Truly Living requires a lot of saying "yes" even when the outcome is unclear (but also knowing when to say "no" to protect your energy).<br />
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HEALTH<br />
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To me looking after my health is such an important part of truly Living life. If you have health you have life, and if you have life you can be alive. Eating healthy food and doing regular physical activity gives you energy (and most people even grow to love it!). I feel most alive when I'm running in the park, practicing yoga in the sun, being swallowed by a wave when surfing, walking in the forest with my boyfriend, whizzing down a ski slope...you get the picture! For me I love the combination of exercise and the outdoors. These examples aren't for everyone, but find what makes you happy and helps keep you healthy and make sure that you include it in your life as often as you can.<br />
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LOCATION<br />
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Some people are fascinated by cities, others need greenery, others need a daily boost of vitamin sea (sorry, terrible pun!), others need to see their family regularly, others prefer having no fixed abode. We are all different in <i>where </i>makes us feel most connected to life, but what's amazing is that your location never has to be permanent. It may feel that way, but if you truly want something then where there is a will there's a way. If you're a free spirit run with the wind, if you're a home-bird make your nest. Place yourself where you most feel happy. (I fully understand that this point is easier said than done, but hopefully it's food for thought...).<br />
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So I really hope I haven't offended with this article - I fully understand that for many people a conventional life may be truly what they want - but for those of us who feel there is another way, know that you CAN do it and the life you want can be achieved. It won't be easy. There will be blood, sweat, tears and more sweat - but boy will you feel alive along the way!<br />
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I know there are so many things I've missed out, so if you have any further comments or suggestions please do write them in the comments section below - I really love hearing your tips and feedback.<br />
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I'd like to finish this post with one of my favourite quotes:<br />
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<i>"Don't worry about what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive"</i> ~ Howard Thurman<br />
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Love & light, Lucy x</div>
Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-10852460656342119292016-04-28T13:50:00.000-07:002016-04-28T13:50:32.410-07:00How I improved my acne prone skin (finally!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This month's post is of a slightly different nature. I am a firm believer in the fact that we are all beautiful exactly as we are; however from my own personal experience I know this can often feel impossible to see from an insider's perspective when we have "imperfections" that make us unhappy and unconfident. For me my top two "imperfections" have always been my weight and my skin. Let's leave the weight alone for today...that's another issue for another day...however, let's get down and dirty to talk bare naked skin...<div>
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It all started, as it does for many of us, in my very early teens. As soon as I hit 13 I'm sure my face blew up over night! And I have suffered with acne prone skin from thence on! Looking back I know it could have been worse - I was never quite bad enough to be prescribed roaccutane (although this was probably avoided mainly because of my recurring depression and anxiety, but again, another topic for another day!), but it was bad enough that it hugely dented my confidence growing up, and sometimes still does to this day. </div>
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At any one time I would have anywhere between 10-4 big red blemishes on my face, and this is how it was until I was around 21. It did calm down after that, with an average of 6-1 big blemishes at any one time, however even up until last summer (when I turned 25) I was still having confidence-crippling issues thanks to my pesky spot prone skin. Thanks to clever make up and Instagram filters I managed to damage-control what others saw, however it was an issue that I was becoming increasinginly depressed about and frustrated with. Even though my condition had improved slightly with age, I was having constant thoughts of "But I'm in my mid-twenties, I'm no longer a teenager, I'm not supposed to have spots!" </div>
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Over the years I have tried many, many things. Constantly seeking advice from doctors, taking the pill (one prescribed specifically to help with skin problems), investing in serious skin-care products, trying less invasive pills such as sulphur (a doctor once told me it would help, but it wasn't much use to me), spending money I didn't have on facials etc. But somehow, in the last year I seem to have stumbled across a formula that works for me. My skin still isn't (and probably never will be) perfect, however even if just some of this advice helps anyone else with skin issues then I will be super happy. </div>
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<i>Now - with zero make up on (#nofilter !!!)</i></div>
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<i>Aged 18 (not a very clear photo, but you can see some spots along my jaw-line and chin. I didn't much like photos then, so couldn't find many others to show you!)</i></div>
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1. <b>Milk Thistle</b></div>
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For about a year I have been taking one milk thistle capsule every morning and I am convinced this has had a huge part to play in helping my skin to clear up. I am so lucky to have stumbled across an article via Pinterest that suggested milk thistle could help (I just wish I could remember where that article was!). It explained how more often than not, adult acne is a result of an imbalance of hormones. Our liver is responsible for keeping our hormones in check, and milk thistle is the best supplement for supporting the functioning of the liver. It isn't too expensive, I get mine from <a href="http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/natures-garden-milk-thistle-60010836">Holland & Barrett,</a> and I can honestly say it has done wonders for my skin. </div>
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2. <b>La Roche Posay skincare</b></div>
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Talking to friends about your issues can really help to find solutions! (Who wouldda thunk it?!). And after complaining to a friend about how I was spending so much money on my Clinique skincare (supposedly a range for spot prone skin, but it never helped mine), she suggested I try La Roche Posay as it had really improved her skin and was that little bit cheaper. I have always been religious about my skin care routine, and as my Clinique products just didn't seem to be helping, I thought "why not, it's worth a shot!"...I think I've been using <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/La-Roche-Posay-Effaclar-3-Step-Anti-Blemish-System_1518646/">these three products</a> twice a day for around 9-months now and I'm certain they've really helped to improve my skin. I would like to find some natural products to try too though, so if you have any suggestions please do share! </div>
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3. <b>Diet tweaks</b></div>
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For years I've been making tiny tweaks to my diet as I've had various digestive issues. But the changes I've made in the last year have been a) most successful in improving my digestion and b) I'm almost certain they've helped my skin. The main one has been giving up meat (I'm sorry meat lovers, I love bacon as much as the next girl, but my tummy is so much happier without it!). Of course when your digestive system is working efficiently it's getting rid of toxins as it should, which helps to keep skin clear. But another reason why I believe giving up meat has helped is that I no longer unwittingly eat the hormones that are unfortunately pumped into so much of the meat we consume in the Western world. I would never tell anyone what to eat, but always try to be informed about where your food comes from and what exactly is in it. What we put into our bodies can clearly be seen on the outside.</div>
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4. <b>Matcha Green Tea powder</b></div>
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Last June I started drinking matcha green tea powder every morning to replace my morning coffee. (I loved it so much that I dedicated <a href="http://lucyvictoriajackson.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/my-new-secret-matcha-green-tea.html">a whole blog post </a>to it back in July!). And not only has it become my main source of caffeine, but I think it's also helped me to lose a little bit of weight and helped my skin to be clearer. Matcha has a very high level of antioxidants which are proven to improve the appearance of skin, making it look more radiant and clearer. I would highly recommend matcha as a staple supplement to a healthy diet for feeling and looking healthier. </div>
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5. <b>Bare minerals</b></div>
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For years I spent a tonne of money on high end make up designed to help spot prone skin. But I'm almost certain it made my skin worse. About a year ago I'd been reading about how what we put on our skin is as important as what we put into our bodies. I'd heard of Bare Minerals before and loved how all of their products are made with natural ingredients. I decided to give it a go, and haven't looked back since! My top 3 products are the <a href="http://www.bareminerals.co.uk/SPF-20-Correcting-Concealer/UKMasterCorrectingConcealer,en_GB,pd.html">concealer,</a> the <a href="http://www.bareminerals.co.uk/Prime-Time-BB-Primer-Cream-Daily-Defense-SPF-30/UKMasterBBPrimer,en_GB,pd.html">tinted primer</a> and the <a href="http://www.bareminerals.co.uk/SPF-25-Mineral-Veil/UKmastermineralveilSPF,en_GB,pd.html">finishing powder</a> - they are all totally gorgeous and I wouldn't put anything else on my skin now. </div>
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6. <b>Sleep! </b></div>
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I'm not sure if it's just because I'm getting older, but I've got really good at sleeping! I seriously enjoy going to bed on time and getting my full 8 hours almost every night! This one is most certainly a pleasure and not a chore (and a no-brainer! Sleep is scientifically proven to help improve skin - your cells rejuvenate in your sleep and after a good night's sleep you wake up with noticeably fresher, glowing skin). </div>
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So if you're also someone who struggles with spot prone skin I'd highly recommend trying at least one or more of these ideas. Of course everyone is different, and different things will help different people, but as someone who suffered for so many years with bad skin I know that it's always worth trying new things. You never know what might work for you.</div>
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It's so important that you feel confident and beautiful, and you are worth investing in both inside and out, so never be afraid to do things to make you feel gorgeous!</div>
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My skin is still not perfect, and it probably never will be, but I am feeling so much better in my bare naked skin than I ever have. One thing I still need to get better at is drinking more water...I don't know why I find it so hard!</div>
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What are your top skin secrets? I'd really love to hear. </div>
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Love Lucy x</div>
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P.S. I'm not medically, nutritionally or dermatologically trained, and this advice is simply from my own personal struggles, testing and experiences. </div>
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Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-55435979287550720812016-03-29T10:39:00.000-07:002016-04-07T12:06:12.396-07:00The Street Child Games 2016: the volunteer experience<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
To anyone who is friends with me or who follows me on any kind of social media, it will come as no surprise that I have spent the last few weeks in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It will also come as no surprise that my purpose for the trip was to volunteer at the inaugural Street Child Games with Street Child United (which so many of you kindly sponsored me for - thank you so much!). Judging by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lucyvictoriajacksonyoga/">my Instagram</a> feed it was a jolly ol' trip and I had a great time. However in reality - as is so often the case with social media - there is a much deeper tale to tell. Yes, I had a really great time - it was hard not to working with such a wonderful bunch of young people, SCU staff members, and my amazing fellow volunteers. But it was also rather hard work and a very eye-opening experience.<br />
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Before I launch into sharing my experience, you may be wondering: "but why is a wellbeing blog talking about volunteering?". To which I would answer that volunteering your time and love to others is not only a very worthwhile use of our skills, resources and time, but it is also good for you (not that we should need this excuse!). And don't just take my word for it, according ICM research in 2004 nearly half of all volunteers (47%) they asked said volunteering improved their physical health and fitness. The research also show that volunteers felt less depressed (48%) and less stressed (63%) by taking part in their chosen volunteer role. Find out more <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2005/jun/01/volunteering1">here</a>.<br />
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In terms of yoga, volunteering fits nicely into the karma yoga ideology: yoga of selfless service. And this definition leads me nicely on to introducing my fellow SCU volunteers. Each of them relentlessly, passionately, and selflessly carried out their volunteer duties throughout the whole ten day period. These are not people who volunteered to get something back - they quite clearly volunteered out of love and a sincere hope that we were doing everything we could to ensure that the former street children were the stars of show. We carried tonnes of water to and from various locations, we played volleyball in the pouring rain, we were the enthusiastic welcome committee, we cheered until our throats were coarse, we did our best to coach beach football, we got sunburn, we sweated (a lot!), we put up banners, we created flags, we served food, we clapped our hardest, we sung Shosholoza as loud as we could, we were high-five machines, we laid out hurdles, we timed races, we marched to samba rhythms, and we smiled the entire time. We had an amazing time, but my goodness was it tiring!<br />
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<i>Some of my amazing fellow volunteers at Sugar Loaf, Rio de Janeiro</i></div>
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But did the tiredness matter? Of course not. We were there to support the amazing project leaders and SCU staff to create a platform for the voices of street child ambassadors to be heard. We were joined by 31 former street-connected children from 9 different countries. This event was theirs, and quite rightly so. For too long street-connected children have been routinely ignored and denied their basic rights. The amazing young people who joined us spoke eloquently and passionately about their rights, took part in some wonderful arts activities, and strongly competed in the inaugural Street Child Games at the stunning Urca athletics track (where we even got to see Fluminense FC train one day!). Most importantly they created the Rio Resolution - a document in which the young people discuss the issues they face and the rights they demand, with particular attention to legal identity, protection from violence and access to fair education. On Friday 18th March, the young people presented this document to city officials, national governments and the United Nations. Please find out more about the Rio Resolution <a href="http://www.streetchildgames.org/congress/">here</a>. </div>
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<i>The Street Child Games at Urca. Image by Kylie Milne</i></div>
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Another huge part of this experience was staying in the community of Babilônia favela in the Leme part of the city. From the outset of the event it was clear that the community supported the SCG being based in their community - SCU t-shirts could be seen on taxi drivers, restaurant waiters, children, shop keepers and hostel workers - they wore our logo with pride and very quickly became part of the SCU family. We were split between 3 hostels - the young people and project leaders in the one at the entrance of the favela, and the volunteers in two nearer the top. We were made to feel incredibly at home. </div>
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Babilônia is one of the safest favelas in Rio - along with Vidigal - very little trouble occurs there. The police and the community seem to coexist with little trouble. However whilst we were there we were faced with the unnerving uncertainty of the reality of living in Rio. For 3 consecutive days there were spurts of gunfire near the top two hostels. This is unheard of for Babilônia and it was clear that the community was shaken. No volunteers or anyone related to SCU were hurt, but there were sad reports of a few local deaths. According to one of our local sources, there are two well-established drug gangs in the city of Rio (each with their set territory), but recently a third has started to rear up and this is causing trouble in some of the most peaceful parts of town. Sadly it seems that Babilônia was their next effort. Despite everyone we knew of being safe and well, this was still a hugely eye-opening experience. I've never heard uncontrolled gunfire in real life. It was rather scary, but equally enabled us to see a glimpse of what it could be like living in some of the more dangerous favelas in Rio, helping us to understand just a tiny bit more as to what some of the young people may experience. </div>
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Another eye-opening moment for me came at the famous Lapa arches. They are a Rio landmark, and are often visited by tourists. However it's also a prime spot for being smacked in the face with the reality of Rio's drug and homeless problems. Living under the arches are some of Rio's crack addicts. It is a heart-wrenching sight to see. We were there to support a local children's shelter, and they provided an amazing display of capoeira and samba for the SCG young people to experience and to join in with. Part way through the event a female crack addict joined the dancing. SCU is all about arms-wide-open, but it was such a sad thing to see. Her dress had ridden up and her backside was completely on show; she quite obviously wanted to dance with us, but her rhythms and movements were so disconnected and distant from the beat of the drums that she stood out for all the wrong reasons. Crack is a terrifying and nasty drug. </div>
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To lighten the mood a little before I sign off, another of my duties at the SCG was to teach yoga to the volunteers who wanted to take part at the start of each day. It meant getting up rather early (sessions were 6-7am!), but it was the perfect way to start the day. As you may have noticed, there was a lot to take in each and every day, and yoga was the perfect way to start the day to ensure we had the focus and energy to do our best. And the sunrise was just incredible! Definitely worth the early starts!</div>
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<i>Sunrise yoga overlooking Babilônia favela</i></div>
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I apologise for my whistle-stop account of the last few weeks, but there is so much to say and I don't want to bore you with an essay. If you are interested in learning more please do comment below or email me at <a href="mailto:lucyvicjackson@gmail.com">lucyvicjackson@gmail.com</a>. If you would like to support me further I still have a little bit of fundraising to achieve and I would be grateful for a donation of any size! This is <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/LUCY-JACKSON-ROADTORIO/">my JustGiving page</a>. </div>
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The most important messages I would like to share with you are as follows: You are Somebody. You are important. Everybody is Somebody. Your words and actions are important. You deserve love and respect, and you should give love and respect. We are not in this world just to live separately from others, we are here to connect and to help one another grow. Show kindness and compassion. I'm not telling you to go and live in a favela, but what I would like to urge is that you show love each and every day in your own way, in your own community. Only then will the world be a better place. Love wins!</div>
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Love & light. Namaste y'all! Lucy x</div>
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Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-90352174126983642622016-02-16T10:54:00.003-08:002016-02-17T03:43:07.153-08:00Baby, you should go and love yourself<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
2015 was the year I became a Belieber. I didn't think it would ever happen, but as soon as <i>Love Yourself</i> hit the radio I knew I just had to buy the album...and now I'm hooked! But as much as I love that song (and I really love it!), the line "Baby, you should go and love yourself" highlights a big problem for me. It implies that loving yourself isn't a good thing, and reiterates how it's ingrained in our psyches that to love oneself can sometimes be perceived as negative.<br />
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If you read my <a href="http://lucyvictoriajackson.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/forget-new-year-new-you-2016-is-all.html">January post</a> you'll notice that I'm all about encouraging self-love. It's something I've struggled with for a long, long time (and to be honest still do), and I know I'm not the only one. So let's explore this further: why do so many of us find it hard to love ourselves? Or if we do why is it such a bad thing to vocalise it? </div>
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LOVE <3 <a href="http://pin.it/2BIqGEB">image source</a></div>
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It seems to be that self-hatred has become more socially acceptable than self-love. When we hear someone say "oh I look so bloated today", "don't look at my bad skin", "my hair is a mess" etc, our initial response is one of compassion and we instantly say something to build them up and put aside their self-criticism. We show empathy and we see them in a positive way.</div>
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However when we hear someone complement themselves or speak positively about themselves (a rare occasion), we are taken aback and often respond with thoughts of "wow, you must love yourself" - and this is often not meant kindly. It's not our fault. It's how we've always been. Perhaps it's a bigger problem in British culture as we are somehow programmed from a young age to over-apologise and self-deprecate (we do say "sorry" a lot!). And because we don't internally approve of this in others, it is no doubt much harder to internally approve of ourselves too. </div>
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But this attitude must change. To love yourself is not the same as having an inflated ego. Inflated egos are not attractive, whereas self-love is. There is a huge difference between the two. Self-love is about knowing you are worth your love, being kind to yourself, and appreciating all your wonderful goodness. An inflated ego believes it is the most important person in every situation and that it is the centre of everything. I'm not here to put down inflated egos - we're all on our own journeys, working through our own messes, and I have no right to pass judgements - but I think it's really necessary to point out that there is a BIG difference. Realise this and hopefully you can begin to shift your thinking: it is okay to love yourself.<br />
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In yoga-speak I'd like to introduce you to one of the yamas (ethical codes) of yoga: ahimsa, meaning non-violence. Of course this means non-violence to others, but ahimsa also means non-violence towards oneself. The reason for this? Everything is OM. Everything is One. If you are violent towards yourself, you are indirectly being violent towards others. So really, according to yogis, it is your ethical obligation to love yourself ;)</div>
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You are enough. You are enough. You are enough. You deserve your love as much as anyone else does. Once you learn to love yourself, you'll find it easier to love others too. Love cultivates more love! It's a pretty good cycle to be in! And it's a crucial part of being Beautifully Healthy, inside and out. </div>
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Need some tips on how to actually learn and grow self-love? Check out my <a href="http://lucyvictoriajackson.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/forget-new-year-new-you-2016-is-all.html">January post </a>to learn more. </div>
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I'd be really interested to get your thoughts on why we find self-love so hard and your tips for combatting this thought process. Please do comment to let me know!</div>
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Love & light. Namaste,</div>
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Lucy x</div>
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Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-77881355755944181022016-01-04T06:48:00.002-08:002016-01-04T06:48:20.626-08:00Forget New Year New You ~ 2016 is all about New Year Love You<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am sick and tired of the phrase "New Year New You". It implies that the old You isn't good enough and needs to somehow be replaced. Not only is this damn silly it's also downright impossible. You will never be "New". You are a complex being that has been formed by your experiences and thoughts, you are constantly evolving and developing, each and every part of your body, mind and soul is a beautiful myriad of your life so far, and no matter what you do this can never be made "New". And why would you want to be? Why would you want to erase everything your body, mind and soul has learned and achieved over the years? When you really stop and think about it I'm sure the answer is that no, you wouldn't want to.<br />
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And please believe me when I say you do not need to be made "New". You are exactly where you need to be at this exact moment in time and you're doing a wonderful job. Yes, it is more than likely that over the years you've picked up bad habits and have neglected good ones, but this is no reason to believe that you need a "New You". So let me present you with a new phrase that I believe everyone should be using: "New Year Love You".<br />
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I believe that one of the main reasons many of us get into bad habits - smoking, eating unhealthily, neglecting to exercise, drinking too much, not sleeping enough - is because we don't have enough self-love to truly believe that we deserve looking after. Please don't misunderstand me when I say this - no, I don't believe that just because you smoke you don't love yourself, or just because you get drunk every Friday night you don't think you're worth it - but what I do believe is that more often than not we develop these habits out of carelessness. We think to ourselves "oh, I only have one crazy night a week, it's a treat to myself after working so hard, it can't hurt". But times that by 52 days a year (plus a few added days for birthdays and the festive season) and you begin to realise that actually, maybe it can hurt. There will be people who drink / smoke / overeat because they don't care enough about themselves, these problems are common and these people definitely need self-love and are most likely aware of that; but those of us who develop bad habits without even realising must also wake up and notice that we must show ourselves more love.<br />
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So what does loving yourself look like? In my opinion it is feeding the body nourishing and wholesome foods, drinking plenty of water, sticking to a regular exercise routine, getting enough sleep, allowing yourself time to rest, making time to play, doing your best in your school/work life, not being too hard on yourself, knowing that sometimes it is okay to treat yourself, and laughing on a regular basis. Yes, this list can seem a little long, so here are 8 simple steps I've put together to help you achieve this.<br />
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1. <b>Make you own personal mantra</b> and repeat it to yourself on a regular basis. This can be anything that is personal to you and that will help to remind you to cultivate self-love. For example: "I am perfectly imperfect. I'm doing the best I can. I deserve my love as much as anyone else". Put a few simple words together, write them down wherever you like (your phone, your fridge, your bathroom mirror), repeat them to yourself often, and you will begin to believe them.<br />
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2. <b>Build in quiet time</b>. Whether it's a quiet cup of tea at the start of your day, listening to your Headspace app on the tube, or making time for meditation, try to schedule in at least 5-minutes of quiet time every day. This time is for you and you alone. By spending time with yourself you learn what you need to look after yourself.<br />
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3. <b>Set your exercise routine and stick to it</b>. Now is the perfect time to set yourself an exercise routine. Check out your local gym, check out local yoga / Pilates / dance / boxing teachers, have a look at sports teams you may want to join, Google boot camps in your area - basically have a look at anything that might interest you, try a few different things out, and then commit to settling on a routine by the end of January. Once you have it set that Tuesday morning is yoga, Thursday evening is bootcamp, Saturday morning is Zumba, and Sunday you have a nice long walk, then you'll find it much easier to stick to your routine. Maybe even find a buddy for each activity to help keep each other motivated. Whatever you choose just make sure it's something you enjoy so that even when you least feel like going you'll still show up because you know you'll have a great time once you're there.<br />
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4. <b>Be organised with your meals and snacks</b>. Take a little time each weekend to plan your meals for the following week. Commit to eating a healthy, wholesome and delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner, and then make sure you that you have all the ingredients you need. There are so many pieces of advice I could give on this section, however I'll have to save it for a couple more blog posts else this will become an essay, but when I'm looking for healthy meal inspiration I find people like Madeleine Shaw, Mel Wells and Deliciously Ella particularly helpful. They take the attitude that diet is NOT dieting, diet is all about ensuring that your body is getting all of the nutrition it needs to function properly, and this means eating well, healthily and happily.<br />
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5. <b>Schedule in water breaks</b>. If you're like me then you'll often forget to drink water (I don't know why but I just find it so hard to remember!), and if this is the case be sure you schedule in regular water breaks (even put alerts on your phone if it helps!). Half an hour before each meal it is advisable to have a good glug of water, and the benefit of this is that you'll also eat less as we often over-eat when we're dehydrated.<br />
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6. <b>Set yourself a bedtime</b> in the week and allow yourself at least one lie-in at the weekend. I don't really need to explain this one as I'm sure you've realised by now how important sleep is. When you don't get enough sleep you feel rubbish. Both our bodies and minds rejuvenate and recover as we sleep, so why deny yourself of this? Sleep is amazing! Find your optimum number of hours and give yourself this gift each and every night.<br />
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7. <b>Work hard play hard</b>. When we work hard we achieve results, and when we achieve results we feel good about ourselves and realise our worth. But we also must give ourselves time to play. I know lots of people work so hard that they don't allow themselves enough time off, and this is also a sign that we need to show ourselves a little more love. A night in with friends, a trip to see our favourite movie, a weekend break in the countryside, going to see an exhibition, doing something really silly like bubble football or paintballing, taking a well-earned holiday in the sun - whatever it is, make sure you take time to do it and enjoy it. Life is short, you never know what's around the corner, so do the things that make you happy with the people who make you smile. You deserve it.<br />
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8. <b>Know when to treat yourself</b>. Yes it's good to stick to a healthy eating plan and regular exercise routine, but if you really fancy a few squares of chocolate on a Friday evening then eat it, if you enjoy a nice glass of red with your Sunday roast then drink it, if you've been doing too much cardio and your body needs a restorative yoga session then do that instead. It's no new notion that life is about balance, so be healthy but also know that this means treating yourself from time-to-time. Life isn't about rules, it's about enjoying the process of looking after ourselves so that we can make the most of our time here.<br />
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So out with the "New" and in with the "Love". You are exactly where you need to be right now, all you need is a little extra love. So forget being "New" and just focus on loving "You".<br />
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And of course, as a yoga teacher I believe that yoga can play a huge part in self-love, so if you live in the Berkshire area and are interested in finding out more about my classes then please don't hesitate to contact me. I can be reached on lucyvicjackson@gmail.com or you can check out my <a href="http://www.lucyvictoriajackson.com/">website</a>.<br />
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Happy New Year everyone! Here's to a love-filled 2016!<br />
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Namaste, love Lucy x</div>
Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-75018808932208442302015-10-29T07:19:00.000-07:002015-10-29T07:19:03.084-07:00Delicious Autumnal sweet potato & carrot soup<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The days are noticeably shorter, the weather is positively Autumnal, and the trees are shedding their gorgeous golden leaves. Autumn is definitely in full swing. And I'm sure you're feeling similar to me: lethargic, a little low on energy, and having to use every tactic possible to keep those Autumn bugs at bay. (They nearly got me earlier this week but I think I've managed to fight them off with good food, lots of ginger and lemon tea, and early nights!).<br />
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But fear not! Eating well and listening to your body can do wonders to help you stay fit and healthy during the Autumn and Winter months. One of my greatest weapons in helping me do this is soup! And in particular this gorgeous sweet potato & carrot soup. I can safely say hands-down that this is my favourite soup of all time. It's absolutely delicious, nourishing, full of vitamins, filling, and soup-er easy to make (sorry...terrible pun!).<br />
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I first stumbled across it on Madeleine Shaw's website about two years ago, and since then it's been a failsafe recipe that I've come back to time-and-time again.<br />
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Ingredients to make 5-6 bowls:<br />
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3 sweet potatoes<br />
3 carrots<br />
2 tbsp coconut oil<br />
1 crushed garlic clove<br />
1 chopped onion<br />
500ml veggie stock<br />
Chunk of raw ginger (I added this to the recipe for even more tummy-loving goodness!)<br />
Flaked almonds & pomegranate seeds to sprinkle on top<br />
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To see how Madeleine does it click <a href="http://madeleineshaw.com/recipes/sweet-potato-and-carrot-soup/">here</a>. </div>
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My method is pretty much the same:</div>
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1. Prep by peeling & chopping your onion, garlic cloves, ginger, sweet potatoes & carrots (I always leave the skin on my carrots for extra goodness!)</div>
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2. Pop the chopped onions into a pan with coconut oil & a pinch of salt for 5 minutes</div>
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3. Add the sweet potatoes & carrots and sauté for for 3 minutes (keep stirring!)</div>
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4. Add the veggie stock & chopped ginger and allow the ingredients to simmer for 30 mins</div>
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5. Once the sweet potatoes & carrots are completely softened the pan can be removed from the heat, and whizz the ingredients into a purée using a hand blender.</div>
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6. Sprinkle with flaked almonds and pomegranate seeds for extra protein, texture and taste</div>
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Serve and enjoy! </div>
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I really cannot recommend this recipe enough, so if you're feeling like Autumn is doing it's best to bring you down then definitely give it a go. </div>
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Also to help you stay Beautifully Healthy this Winter remember to keep exercising (I will be bringing you a special "firing up" yoga practice to help you heat up during the colder months...watch this space), drink lots of warm drinks & water, and keep nourishing your body with good quality food - plenty of vegetables and fruit! </div>
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Let me know if you give this recipe a go :)</div>
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Love & light! Namaste y'all. </div>
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Lucy x</div>
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Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-49962692295595469852015-10-24T08:00:00.000-07:002015-10-25T15:31:23.975-07:00You are BEAUTIFUL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here's a (condensed) list of things I hate about my body:<br />
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My wobbly thighs<br />
My bingo wings<br />
My sticky-out tummy<br />
That squishy bit between my armpit and my arms<br />
My skin<br />
My big boobs<br />
My (sometimes double) chin<br />
My unshapely bum<br />
That muscle above my knee<br />
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The list could easily go on, but you get the picture. As I'm sat here writing this it's actually making me quite emotional thinking about all the bits I really dislike about my body.<br />
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But here is a list of things my body has allowed me to do over the years:<br />
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Endless hours of yoga<br />
Running a half marathon<br />
Swimming 1.4 miles in the sea for The British Heart Foundation<br />
10 years of gymnastics<br />
Skiing every year since the age of 2<br />
Netball at county and 1st Team University levels<br />
Representing my school in Athletics, Netball, Hockey, Tennis and Swimming<br />
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Again, the list goes on, but you get the picture. My body has been key to helping me do things in life that I love. I run regularly, I have an active job - sometimes teaching yoga 4 or 5 hours a day, I do my own self yoga practice, and I generally eat healthily. I am beyond lucky that my body is fit and healthy - it has allowed me to do so much, and yet I treat it with so much disdain, disappointment and hatred. I know I am far from alone in these feelings and IT MUST STOP.<br />
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<i>My body allows me to do the thing I love most </i></div>
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We must stop doing this to ourselves. We are all beautiful no matter what our body size, shape, skin colour, gender, disabilities, illnesses - there is not one-size-fits-all for beauty, and neither should there be. It is our differences that make us beautiful.<br />
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Body image is a hot topic of conversation at the moment even in the "celebrity" world. Everyone from Gigi Hadid to Robyn Lawley to Ashley Graham have all had something to say about it in recent weeks. Gigi defended herself against negative comments on social media, Robyn wanted to highlight her stretch marks just a few months after giving birth, and Ashley is tirelessly campaigning to show women of all shapes and sizes that they are beautiful.<br />
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So it seems that even the women who are known for being "beautiful" feel as though they have to fight such negativity. And the worst part? It's our own fault. We do it to ourselves. How many times on a daily basis do you put yourself down for the way you look? If you're anything like me you'll be up in triple figures!<br />
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Okay, so it's not <i>all</i> our fault. It has actually been this way for thousands of years. I was mesmerised by a recent YouTube video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrp0zJZu0a4">Women's Ideal Body Types Throughout History</a>. It shows that even in Ancient Greece there was an ideal body type for women, and although the "Ideal Body" has changed dramatically over the years, the poisonous sentiment that there is an "Ideal Body" sends shivers down my spine. How can we narrow down beauty to such few physical assets? The word shallow most definitely springs to mind.<br />
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And although it's something I know less about, this isn't just a problem for women. I know many guys who are tough on themselves for what they look like. They feel the pressure to be strong, tall, muscly. Often taking steroids and pushing themselves to extremes to achieve "The Body".<br />
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But please don't misunderstand me - equally, just because someone <i>does</i> fit into the ideal of beauty, does not mean that we should put them down either. No one should be put down. We should all be celebrated exactly as we are - slender, athletic, curvy, disabled - we are all beautiful both inside and out. Our bodies are walking miracles and we should learn to appreciate them as such. You can breath. You can think for yourself. You can do amazing things with your bodies. They allow us to experience pleasure, pain, fatigue, adrenaline, achievements - without them we would not be able to experience this crazy thing we call life.<br />
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We need to learn to open our eyes and our minds beyond the preconceived notion of a "beautiful" body. There is not one type of beauty. All types are beautiful. All types are equal. You can appreciate the beauty in all of your friends and loved ones - they don't look the same, do they? So why can't we appreciate the beauty in ourselves? You are beautiful too. I promise.<br />
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<i>Image source: <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/460844974347796835/">Pinterest</a></i></div>
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I know this hasn't been my cleanest piece of writing, but it's a topic that deeply upsets me, and when you're so passionate about something it can be hard to clearly communicate what you really want to say. You may be thinking "how can someone who sees themselves so negatively write about positive body image", and my response would be: that's exactly why I'm writing about it. I'm fucking sick of being so mean to myself, and something must be done. We must learn to see ourselves positively. Time is too precious to waste on negative emotions, especially when they make no sense.<br />
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I'll end by saying this: love yourself. Work on your relationship with yourself. Be kind to yourself. You are BEAUTIFUL.<br />
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Love Lucy x</div>
Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-70766603457981180842015-09-30T03:29:00.000-07:002015-09-30T03:29:19.354-07:00A little update...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So I've been a little quiet this month...I had some really great posts planned, but it's been a ridiculous September so I've had to save them all up for October! (Good things come to those who wait ;)). It's been a test of endurance - I'm now on my 25th day straight of teaching! - but I've learnt so much and have taught so many amazing classes, so I'm feeling very humbled and blessed.<br />
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Here's a quick little round up of the progress and lessons this month:<br />
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1. I have a fuller teaching timetable with lots of exciting new classes added. Check out the <a href="http://www.lucyvictoriajackson.com/#!weekly-classes/cfvg">Weekly Classes</a> page on my website if you're interested in having a go at any of my new classes.<br />
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2. I'm super excited to share with you that I've had my first article published online!!! (At least my first one that isn't published on my own blog!). The piece is all about finding the right yoga style to suit you, in the hope that it will help to untangle the mystery around the huge array of styles on offer. The piece is called: <i>Ashtanga or Hatha? Bikram or Yin? Which yoga style is right for me?</i> And can be found on the VITL website <a href="https://vitl.com/blog/article/ashtanga-or-hatha-bikram-or-yin-which-yoga-style-is-right-for-me">here</a>.<br />
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3. Persistence and hard work pays off. Despite this month being pretty exhausting I've absolutely loved every second of teaching and connecting with lots of new students and teaching establishments, and slowly but surely it feels as though everything is beginning to pay off...so keep going, keep working on your dreams, and keep working hard!</div>
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4. I've also added a new <a href="http://www.lucyvictoriajackson.com/#!photo-gallery/cu1w">photo gallery</a> to my website, and am developing plans to make some tutorial videos to create a video gallery and YouTube channel...! Stay tuned!</div>
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5. Always be grateful, especially when things get crazy! I'm learning to find those moments of peace in amongst all the craziness and to use them to rejuvenate and too look after myself. I've definitely not perfected this yet, but am aware that it's something I need to stay conscious of.</div>
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So...looking ahead to October...what's next? In terms of teaching I'm continuing to build on my new classes and am so lucky to be teaching some amazing students - thank you so much for your energy and support so far - please keep being as amazing as you are! But in terms of my blog I have a couple of articles in the pipeline that are really topical and I'm really excited about...the main one next month will be an article discussing body image and how we MUST change our perception of our bodies. </div>
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Until then I hope you enjoy this beautiful sunshine we're having! Long may the Indian summer continue!</div>
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Love & light! Namaste y'all <3<br />
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Love Lucy x</div>
Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-14992424880990547452015-08-20T10:32:00.001-07:002015-08-20T10:40:26.133-07:00Be fearlessly, authentically and unapologetically You<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you were anything like me in your teenage and young adult life you spent much of your time comparing yourself to others, wishing you were someone else. <i>Someone always had nicer hair, was prettier, was skinnier, was better at sport, had a better singing voice. I wasn't good enough at anything. </i>And not only that, I very often tried to change myself to be like those I thought were better than me. I'd try to copy their hairstyles, I'd try to lose weight to be skinny like them, I'd wear clothes that didn't feel comfortable, I'd adapt the "cool" words they used, I'd agree with opinions I didn't believe in - all because more than anything I wanted to be someone else. I didn't want to be me. And it was an exhausting and miserable time.<br />
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As a health and happiness warrior I probably shouldn't admit that sadly, even now in my mid-twenties after various sessions of Cognitive Behaviourial Therapy, countless yoga classes, and completing yoga teacher training, I still compare myself to others more often than I should. <i>I don't have a high flying job, I don't own a house, I'm fatter than my friends, they're prettier than me, I'm generally not as good as other people</i>...but I try to stop myself there. I try to stop the negativity and comparisons, and although this doesn't always work it does help to take control of my thoughts, to step outside of my own mind, and to mentally check in to what I'm doing to myself. Stay with me on this, it's not all doom-and-gloom - there is hope; I no longer change who I am or what I'm doing to fit in with others or to try and make myself feel better. I have learned that changing who I am is not the way forward. It is counterproductive and ultimately fruitless.<br />
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So although I still compare myself to others, and although I often wish I was different to how I am, I have learned to accept that I am Me and no matter how hard I try I will never be someone else. Since accepting this I have slowly learned to see that actually our differences can be our greatest assets. Imagine a world where everyone looked the same, thought the same, acted the same - I shudder at the thought. Our differences make this world interesting and varied. Your differences make this world interesting and varied. My differences make this world interesting and varied. Together we make up this crazy, beautiful, fascinating race we call humanity. You are part of that, I am part of that. And we should all learn to accept, love and be kind to ourselves for being exactly who we are.<br />
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There will only ever be one You. No one else in the whole entire world - past or present - will be You. Only You will walk Your journey. Only You can do exactly what You do. Only You can be You. One of my amazing yoga teachers in India - Steph - was the first one to really get this message through to me. She was teaching us a gentle evening vinyasa flow overlooking the Goan ocean, and the intention for her class taught me more about how important it was that I was Me than any therapy session ever has. I don't know if it was the setting, the fact I'd been forced to turn a mirror to my soul during weeks of yoga teacher training, or simply that Steph has an amazing way with words and the world's biggest heart - but her words entered my wounds like none had managed to before and in child's pose I just burst into tears...<br />
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Despite having a lot of hurt in my past surprisingly this was the only time I cried on my teacher training (I had expected to cry loads!), and my reasons for crying at this particular message were simple: 1) I couldn't believe that I'd spent so much of my young life hating myself and putting myself down, and 2) I was utterly relieved that I finally understood that it was okay to be Me, and that I didn't have to waste any more time wishing I was someone different. I have been put in this world, exactly as I am, for a reason - and if I run away from that then not only am I doing myself a disservice, but I'm also not taking up my responsibility to the world. Only I can do what I am meant to do. Only you can do what you're meant to do. You just have to be brave enough to stop comparing, stop wishing you were someone else, and to fully embrace yourself exactly as you are.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” </i></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>~ Dr Seuss</i></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The world needs you to be You. Not some version of you that is diluted by falsity and polluted by self-hatred. Yes, I am not perfect, you are not perfect, but NO ONE is perfect. And no one ever will be perfect. Why? Because we're human. And that's what makes us beautiful. Our humanity. Our differences. Our uniqueness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm not going to pretend that since that moment in Steph's yoga class I have completely accepted who I am - I still have my wobbles and moments where I compare myself to others (mainly nowadays it's all about how I look rather than who I am) - but on the whole I am much more accepting of myself, and when I </span>find the negative thoughts creeping in I am much better at putting a stop to them. I remind myself that being horrid to myself brings about more harm than good. It is wasted energy. I'll then think about something positive I've done, or something I like about myself, or just a situation that's bringing me happiness. And following this cognitive pattern helps a lot (something I did learn from all those therapy sessions!). </div>
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Even if you're in a headspace where you just can't be kind to yourself, try to remember that actually it is your ultimate responsibility to be You. If you shy away from that responsibility then you are denying the world of You. You are special. And you were made to be You, and to share your Youness with the world. We all know the phrase <i>"No man is an island"</i> from John Donne's poem. No matter how hard you try, you must and will impact this world in some way on a daily basis. Every action, every word, every moment you are impacting someone or something. So do it as You. Do it as your purest, truest self. This is your responsibility. </div>
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And once you can see this I hope that you can reach a headspace where you can accept yourself, appreciate yourself, and ultimately love yourself exactly as you are. You may not believe me the first time, you may not believe me the second time, you may not believe me the millionth time, but I will make it my mission in life to show as many people as I can - and yes, that's You too - that they (and You) are worthy, are amazing, and are imperfectly perfect. </div>
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So be Fearless. Be Authentic. Be You. </div>
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Love & light. Namaste y'all <3</div>
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Lucy x</div>
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Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-88805470977451132432015-07-23T08:00:00.000-07:002015-07-23T08:00:27.566-07:00My new secret: Matcha Green Tea<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
About 6 weeks ago I was sitting in a coffee shop with my friend and fellow blogger over at <a href="http://charlottesnest.co.uk/">Charlotte's Nest</a>, and she was telling me all about matcha green tea and how she didn't know why everyone wasn't getting on the bandwagon yet. Charlotte said since including it in her morning routine she felt like she had more energy throughout the whole day (I think the words "sustained buzz" may have been used), and she no longer suffered from those post-coffee caffeine slumps, as in fact she felt like she no longer needed the coffee. As someone who couldn't really function without a strong morning black coffee I was intrigued and came home to do some research of my own...<br />
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Within a few hours I'd ordered some of my very own match green tea powder from Amazon - I went for the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/PureChimp-Super-Matcha-Green-Powder/dp/B00HNDSOCI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437660694&sr=8-1&keywords=pure+chimp+matcha+green+tea">Pure Chimp</a> 50g pot - and eagerly awaited my delivery!<br />
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Charlotte had warned me about taste...I'm not going to beat around the bush - it's not the best. My personal description would be that it tastes like you imagine pond water to taste (surprisingly I've never actually drank pond water so I can't correlate this with real-life experience, but you get the picture!). When I first tried it I mixed it in hot water with a squeeze of honey. For me the honey didn't really disguise the taste...</div>
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So the next morning I decided to chuck it in with my morning <a href="http://lucyvictoriajackson.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/raw-cacao-food-of-gods-3-easy-ways-to.html">cashew, date and raw cacao smoothie</a> and I couldn't taste any difference to normal. Hallelujah! I'd found a way to include it in my morning routine without actually tasting it. And boy am I glad I did. I can honestly say hand-on-heart that the last 6-weeks I have had more energy than ever, I've given up coffee completely (aside from one black coffee after a two-night hen do, but I don't think that counts!), and I genuinely think the quality of my skin has improved too (I have also begun to take milk thistle tablets during this time to help my skin, but my hunch is that it's a combination of the two that's help it to improve). </div>
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So what is it that makes matcha green tea able to provide that "sustained buzz"? Well, firstly it does contain caffeine as that's a natural ingredient of green tea. It was originally thought that it was the caffeine that was the energy-boosting ingredient, however researchers found that it was actually a combination of it's other natural ingredients too - mainly the amino acid L-theanine - that help to create a sense of relaxed alertness after consuming matcha green tea. The inclusion of L-theanine actually inhibits the negative side affects we get when drinking coffee. Learn more <a href="http://matchasource.com/health-benefits-of-matcha-tea/">here</a>. </div>
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And it doesn't stop there. Matcha green tea is absolutely packed with antioxidants (way more than goji berries, blueberries, spinach and broccoli), and antioxidants are known fighters of infections, disease and the ageing process. It also contains a high level of chlorophyll which is great for detoxing the body. </div>
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One thing that I can't report back on just yet is the weight loss claims. Many producers of matcha do state that it can help with weight loss as it supposedly boosts the metabolism and burns fat. Perhaps 6 weeks isn't enough time to see results, but I don't think my weight has changed much just yet...perhaps that will come later down the line! Nonetheless I will most definitely continue to include matcha in my routine every morning as I certainly feel more energised and able to focus than I previously did. And I'm definitely not missing that post-coffee slump! I also maintain that my skin quality has improved and am excited to see if it continues to do so - after all, the Japanese do have fantastic skin and they've been drinking it for thousands of years!</div>
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Match is definitely helping me to feel Beautifully Healthy and I love it so much that I've already ordered pot number 2 of the Pure Chimp powder!</div>
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Have you previously tried matcha or are you tempted to give it a go? I'd love to hear your thoughts :)</div>
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Love Lucy x</div>
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Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-48531029566983949332015-07-14T14:08:00.000-07:002015-07-14T14:08:50.617-07:00Following your dreams is easy. Living them is much harder.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's now been almost 6-months since I became a yoga teacher, and 5-months since I got back from my Indian adventure. And what a few months it has been. I've taught some incredible students, I've been humbly supported by amazing family and friends, I've been happier than I've ever been, I've been more terrified and frustrated than I've ever been, I've felt strong, I've felt weak, I've felt confused, I've met some inspirational new people, I've reconnected with old friends, I've been on a crazy emotional roller coaster that I've sometimes wanted to jump right off of but I've hung on tight in the totally mad faith that everything will unfold just as it's supposed to. And it's all been in the name of yoga and finally LIVING my dream.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M07xQpmdyj8/VaV3fjm1vmI/AAAAAAAADWs/Si2VxA7h9ws/s1600/IMG_5676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M07xQpmdyj8/VaV3fjm1vmI/AAAAAAAADWs/Si2VxA7h9ws/s400/IMG_5676.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i>Dream catcher, Varkala, India, 2015</i></div>
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Don't misunderstand this: I 100% absolutely and completely love teaching yoga. It literally lights up my heart and connects me with my true self. I have found what I love, and for that I am truly grateful. If I could teach yoga to people every day all day then life would be much easier. But when you start out actually living your dreams things don't quite work like that.<br />
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<i>Some of my beautiful yoginis & yogis in London, 2015</i></div>
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Although it seemed like a tough decision at the time, following my dreams was actually the easy thing to do - my heart was telling me which way to go, I wasn't living life as I wanted to, and so I followed the direction it was telling me to go. Yes that step took a bit of faith, but who wouldn't want to go to India for a few weeks and learn more about something they love?<br />
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And the first few weeks of being back weren't so bad either. Fresh with enthusiasm off the beaches of Goa I was spreading the word about my teaching, happy to gain any experience I could whilst supporting myself with a job in my local tavern. This gave me the chance to settle back into life at home and to bring myself slowly back down to earth whilst keeping the dream very much alive. As I began to get back into the rhythm of life back home I was grateful for my regular tavern job, but equally I realised I needed to be in control of my own time more to allow me to free up potential yoga-teaching hours. Over the months I've slowly cut down my shifts and have picked up some freelance social media jobs to keep me ticking over.<br />
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This all sounds pretty straight forward, but there has been one massive black cloud hanging over me this whole time and that is: MONEY. Yes, I now have much less attachment to material things than I did previous to my yoga teacher training, but nonetheless that doesn't change that I do need money to survive. I'm 25 years old and still live at home, depending on parents for more than I should, and this fact often really drags me down. I know I shouldn't let it, but it does. I am incredibly fortunate and grateful that I'm in a position where my parents and willing and able to support me through this phase of living my dream, but most of the time that thought is overclouded by "oh shit, I need to become self-sufficient" - something which I dream of on a daily basis, but that feels so far away.<br />
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And that's the other thing about actually living my dream, it seems I didn't really consider before this decision that financially things could be really quite tough for a number of years to come. On this very day over £200 per week of my income has been unexpectedly pulled from under my feet. Nothing I could have done about it, it was just one of those things, but it terrifies me that this is the reality of what it means to be your own boss...<br />
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But before you think "oh dear, living your dream sounds terrible, I think I'll stay where I am thanks", let me tell you that I wouldn't change my decision for the world. Yes, this isn't proving to be easy, but I never thought that it would be. When you go against the conventional path then of course things will be tough. I know that I'll face rejections, will have to climb over massive walls, and will be let down time-and-time again, but if I can keep going against all that then I know that it will all work out as it's supposed to. And how am I going to keep going? I'm going to continue doing what I was made to do - to love, to share yoga, to be compassionate - and I'm going to work my freakin' arse off. And as long as I stay true to myself and put the work in, I really do believe that things will come together.<br />
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<i>#yogaeverydamnday</i></div>
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And if they don't? At least I tried. At least I didn't give in to what's expected instead of what's in my heart. At least I actually gave a damn about making the world even a tiny bit better than when I came into it.<br />
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And on the same day as having a job unexpectedly pulled, I've also potentially got two new exciting yoga opportunities that I really didn't expect...so maybe trusting the process isn't as crazy as it sounds...<br />
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Please do message me if you have any questions about yoga or life! And know that you're always welcome to join my classes - more info can be found on <a href="http://www.lucyvictoriajackson.com/">my website</a>.<br />
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Namaste y'all <3<br />
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Love Lucy x</div>
Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-11934938827823608682015-06-29T11:33:00.000-07:002015-06-29T11:37:49.345-07:00Raw Cacao - food of the Gods! 3 easy ways to use Raw Cacao powder...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Chocolate has always been my downfall. For some people it's crisps, for others it's donuts, for me it's most definitely chocolate. Dark chocolate with salted caramel, white chocolate with freeze-dried strawberries, milk chocolate with fruit and nuts - basically, give me any chocolate and I'll be happy. But over the last few years, as you will know, I have become more and more concerned with giving my body what it needs - the right kind of fuel, so-to-speak - rather than what my taste buds want. However I was also adamant that I wouldn't deprive myself of things I enjoyed, and so it was time to look for alternatives.<br />
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I honestly can't quite remember when I first came across raw cacao powder, but my goodness am I glad I did! I now have at least a spoonful of the stuff on a daily basis, satisfying my chocolate cravings, but also feeling smug in the knowledge that it's actually good for me. Yes, that's right, chocolate (in certain forms) is good for you. I'm no nutritionist, but I do know that raw cacao is packed full of antioxidants, magnesium, flavonoids (these promote healthy blood pressure and improve blood flow), essential healthy fats, protein and fibre. (Find out more about the health benefits on <a href="http://www.builtlean.com/2012/04/12/raw-chocolate/">www.builtlean.com</a> - they know much more about them than I do ;)). And did I mention - it's delicious!<br />
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Raw cacao powder can be a little pricey, but if you buy it online you can usually get a better offer. I buy mine from Amazon, and <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Raw-Organic-Peruvian-Cacao-Powder/dp/B008KHKUR8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1435601089&sr=8-2&keywords=raw+cacao+powder">this 500g bag</a> lasts at least a month and only costs a tenner - bargain if you ask me ;)<br />
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So, if you really need extra persuading to start including it in your diet, here are 3 ways I use it in mine to give you a bit of inspiration:<br />
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1. <b>Cashew, date & raw cacao powder power smoothie</b><br />
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I am a little bit obsessed with this at the moment, and do have it for breakfast most mornings, but despite looking (and tasting) like a chocolatey treat it is actually also good for you. Here's what's in it:</div>
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Small handful of cashew nuts (ground in my blender - do this before adding anything else)</div>
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5/6 dates</div>
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3 table spoons of plain soya yogurt (you could use good quality natural yogurt instead, but I can't have dairy!)</div>
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Coconut milk</div>
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1 table spoon of raw cacao powder</div>
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<i>Optional:</i></div>
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Half a handful of chia seeds</div>
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Half a teaspoon of matcha green tea powder</div>
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2. <b>Coconut milk hot chocolate</b></div>
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If I get a little chocolate craving in the evening, this is what I make for myself...et voila, the craving is satisfied! It's a "healthy" version of a hot chocolate and is dairy free so vegans can enjoy this recipe too :) This one is super simple, but super delicious...</div>
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Mug of coconut milk</div>
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1 table spoon of raw cacao powder</div>
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Squeeze of agave nectar</div>
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<i>Optional:</i></div>
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Small teaspoon of coconut oil</div>
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A sprinkling of cinnamon</div>
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3. <b>Madeleine Shaw's raw chocolate fudge</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This recipe is so incredible that I've actually previously dedicated <a href="http://lucyvictoriajackson.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/delicious-raw-chocolate-fudge-recipe-by.html">a whole post</a> to it. I've been a fan of Madeline's recipes for at least year now, and this one is definitely up there with my favourites. It feels like a truly decadent treat, but enjoyed in moderation it's actually good for you and is packed full of goodness - antioxidants, vitamin E, essential healthy-heart fats etc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the recipe (you literally just smush all the ingredients together - yes, that's the technical term - pop it in the freezer for half an hour, and then move it to the fridge):</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">100g of coconut oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">100g of almond butter (I use Meridian)<br />50g raw cacao powder<br />100g of honey<br />1 teaspoon of vanilla extract<br />A pinch of sea salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So if you're a fellow chocolate lover, firstly - high five!, secondly, buy yourself some raw cacao powder and give these recipes a go. Chocolate nowadays is packed full of sugars and unhealthy ingredients, but raw cacao in its pure form is called the food of the Gods for a reason - it is delicious <i>and</i> has health benefits - what more could you want?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me know if you try any of these recipes - I'd love to hear how you get on! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love Lucy x</span></div>
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Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-83841536066455224602015-06-11T01:22:00.000-07:002015-06-11T01:22:15.702-07:0025 life lessons in 25 years<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today I have officially been on this planet for 25 years. Two and a half decades. That's a quarter of a century. And yes, I know, that's halfway to 50 (yikes!).<br />
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25 is an age where you're not so young that you can get away with acting like a student all the time, but equally you're not quite old enough to warrant being an fully fledged "adult" all the time. It's very much an in-between stage - for most of us by this stage we've left education and have got our feet on the employment ladder, but at the same time we're still figuring out exactly where we want to go - constantly questioning our life choices up until this point and whether we're on the "right" path.<br />
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It can be quite a pressured time, the Quarter-Life Crisis seems to be a real thing nowadays, and it can be hard to know exactly what you should be doing with your life at this stage. Luckily I think I've prematurely had my Quarter-Life Crisis - over the last year I have completely transformed my life and changed my path - all that change is a little overwhelming, ridiculously exciting, and has given me the inspiration to be a little reflective. It encourage me to think about what I've learned over the years, and what's important to me now, so I thought I'd put together a little list of life lessons that mean something to me. I hope you enjoy reading them, and that they reassure you that age really is just a number, it's more about who you are as a person, how you feel in yourself, and how you interact with your world. So, without further ado, here are my 25 life lessons:<br />
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1. <b>Love wins.</b> This is my most important life lesson and I'm putting it as number one so that if it's the only one you read in my list I'll be happy! Love wins in every situation. It's always better to show love than any other option; whether it's with your family, friends, colleagues, strangers, enemies - if you love then you can't lose and you'll always go to bed feeling content. <3<br />
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2. <b>Never stop learning.</b> As geeky as that makes me sound it actually keeps life pretty exciting. Look at every new day as an opportunity to learn new things and you'll never be disappointed. We will never know everything, and that's okay, but I sure want to learn as much as I can in the time that I have.<br />
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3. <b>Patience really is a virtue.</b> Sometimes being patient is hard, but in recent years I've done my best to practice being patient when the urge for impatience arrives. I'm waiting for a bus and it's not arrived on time - the younger me would become agitated and annoyed that the bus is going to be late, but now I try to breath and to focus on the positive, such as it means I can stand for a few more minutes out in the fresh air. It's a really small mind-shift but it makes a massive difference to everyday life.<br />
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4. <b>If you want to dance, dance.</b> If you want to sing, sing. If you want to cartwheel, cartwheel. Basically if you want to do anything that is an expression of your happiness, of your true being, then do it! The other day I was finishing up a really good workout in the park, and I got a sudden urge to cartwheel down the hill on my way home - the sun was shining, I was feeling super happy, so I just thought f*ck it, did a cartwheel, felt even more happy. #noregrets<br />
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5. <b>Surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you.</b> Do not worry about spending time with those who bring you down. Life is too short to spend time with people who drain you - you deserve to have people around you who care, who make you happy, and who are there to help build you as a person. Do not feel bad for ditching the drains.<br />
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6. <b>Family and friends first.</b> They are the ones who raised you, who know you inside-out, who will always love you no matter how much of an idiot you can be sometimes. Love them, show them gratitude, and always put them first.<br />
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7. <b>Always show compassion.</b> There is always someone in the world who needs your compassion. You never know what people are going through, so be kind, be there, and be compassionate. If you do this for others I can almost guarantee that they will do it for you when you need it most.<br />
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8. <b>Look after your body. </b>"You only get one body, you better look after it" - Papa J has often said this to me, and as cheesy as it sounds, he is 100% right on this one. You really do only get one body - one home for your soul to live in - and so to me it's a no-brainer that we care for our bodies as much as we can. My rules are: sweat at least 5 times a week, eat healthily (but don't deny yourself the odd treat), always wear suncream in the sun, drink enough water, get enough sleep, and exercise your smile muscles regularly.<br />
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9. <b>Embrace change.</b> Nothing stays the same in life. It is constantly changing. Therefore it is always best to accept that nothing will stay the same, but no matter what happens in life know that you can and will adapt.<br />
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10. <b>Travel as much as you can.</b> One of my favourite sayings goes something like this "spending money on travelling is the only spending that will make you richer" (I'm not sure if that's quite right, but you get the gist!). It is so true that travel enriches our lives - it challenges us, it introduces us to new cultures and ideas, it excites us, it inspires us, and ultimately it changes us. I've yet to meet a single soul who has regretted travelling, and that's because it really is one of the most amazing gifts you can give yourself. This is an AMAZING world we live in, go and explore it!<br />
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<i>Me, some of my beautiful yoginis & our mate on the phone in Kerala, India, 2015</i></div>
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11. <b>Practice an attitude of gratitude.</b> We all have many things to be grateful for: waking up each morning to a new day, having the capacity to breath, to feel, to live. Anything on top of this is a bonus, and I am so fortunate to have many things on top of this to be grateful for. Always be grateful and appreciate what you have.<br />
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12. <b>It's okay to make mistakes. </b>And boy have I made a few in my time! We all make mistakes - it's part of our human nature, and is essential for our growth. But the most important thing is that we learn from our mistakes, and use them as opportunities to improve.<br />
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13. <b>Push your boundaries. </b>Get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. Only by doing this can we grow and learn that we are capable of much more than we ever could have imagined. Face your fears and beat them - I promise it'll feel damn good when you do!<br />
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<i>Falling out of an inversion, Bermuda, 2014</i></div>
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14. <b>Never take yourself too seriously. </b>Life is too short to take yourself seriously, it only ends up causing anxiety and stress - so let it go, relax, and smile! If I mess up or do something totally stupid I used to feel so embarrassed and would close up, but now I've learnt that it's okay to look like a wally sometimes - after all if you can laugh at yourself in these situations, then others will laugh too, and you're bringing some happiness into their day.<br />
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15. <b>Always look for the positive.</b> And always be positive whenever possible. Bad things will happen in your life, you will suffer pain, you will feel grief, you will face challenges - but it's how we respond in these circumstances that will help to build us. Something positive can always be found in the negative, you might just have to work that little bit harder to find it. Buddha once said: "Every experience, no matter how bad it seems, holds within it a blessing of some kind. The goal is to find it." Wise words Big B.<br />
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16. <b>Everything is OM.</b> In non-yogi terms this means that everything, everyone, every being is inextricably linked. We are all one. Each and every little thing you do and say will have repercussions on other beings. Throw a plastic bottle in the bin - you're adding to the waste we create, and ultimately to pollution. Smile at a stranger - you brighten their day and you never know what difference that might make. Give a friend advice - you may well change their course of action. It's the butterfly effect. We are all connected. We are all one. Everything is OM!<br />
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17. <b>Be humble. </b>But never undervalue yourself. Too many people in this world are either too proud or under-confident. It's very hard to find the right balance. Being humble is super important - no one appreciates a boaster - but equally be quietly confident in yourself and your abilities so as not to undervalue yourself. You are important, but so is everyone else - we are all equal.<br />
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18. <b>Take time for yourself as regularly as you can. </b>To be the best version of you, you must take time for yourself. I do this through my individual yoga practice - I try to practice outside of the classes I teach at least 5 times a week - of course as a yoga teacher this is essential to help me deepen my own practice and to practice what I preach, but it also provides me with time to just BE. I spend time with myself, check-in with how I'm feeling, and show myself a little love. You are super important, so make sure you're looking after numero uno!<br />
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19. <b>Follow your dreams.</b> Do what makes you happy. I have learnt this lesson in the most incredible way - by actually following my dreams, and now I'm living them! If something brings you happiness then chase it, grab it with two hands, and don't let go. If you want to do something, do it. Life really is too short to be doing things that don't bring you happiness, so stop spending time on these things, instead use your energy to follow your dreams, and be happy :)<br />
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<i>Dreamcatcher, Varkala, India, 2015</i></div>
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20. <b>Don't compare yourself to others. </b>This is one that I still struggle with, but whoever said that "comparison is the thief of joy" really did hit the nail on the head. There is always going to be someone who seems to be more intelligent than you, happier than you, prettier than you, richer than you, more successful than you - but by comparing yourself it's likely that you'll just make yourself unhappy. Try to be strong in the knowledge that there is only one you, you are totally unique, and no one can do you quite like you can.<br />
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21. <b>Going out is great, but so is a night in on the sofa! </b>Also under this life lesson comes: wine is great, but so is a cup of tea. Basically 25 is a great age because I still feel young enough to drink too much and go crazy on the dance floor, but equally I'm very comfortable admitting that I very much enjoy a night in watching Netflix and drinking tea!<br />
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22. <b>Never accept anything less than you deserve. </b>This is one I've learnt the hard way. For a long time I did settle for a situation that was less than I deserved, but the older and wiser I've become I've realised that I don't have to do this, and that I deserve something better. Too often people settle for less, and this will only result in unhappiness and bitterness, neither of which are healthy. So be true to yourself and know that you do not have to accept anything less than you deserve.<br />
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23. <b>Try not to judge. </b>You never know what a person has been through, so try not to judge them until you've walked a mile in their shoes. This is hard to do. It's our natural human reaction to make judgements on people, but actually who are you to judge them? You don't know what they've been through and therefore you cannot fully understand their actions. Have an open heart and make it your responsibility to love rather than to judge.<br />
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24.<b> Let go of expectations.</b> If you don't have expectations then you cannot be let down, but if something amazing does happen then you'll appreciate it even more because you didn't expect it! Again, this is hard to do, and I don't think I'll ever fully master this lesson, but it's something I'm going to work at because ultimately letting go of expectations naturally makes us more flexible, more appreciative, and leads to a more exciting and unexpected life.<br />
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25. <b>25 isn't that old! </b>There is still time to enjoy being young, but also to enjoy being that little bit wiser than I was a few years ago...maybe 25 won't be so bad after all!<br />
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So there we have it, my 25 life lessons in 25 years. They're in no particular order and there are so many others I could have included. Life is about learning, evolving and adapting. It is beautiful, terrifying, amazing, challenging, unpredictable - and I plan to live it, to feel it, to absorb every single moment. You never know how long you've got so I'm going to make the most of it whilst I'm here, and I hope you do the same!<br />
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Thank you so much to all my beautiful family and friends who have supported me, loved me, and inspired me over my first 25 years on this planet - I love you all millions and am so blessed to have you in my life.<br />
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Have a beautiful day everyone!<br />
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Love Lucy x</div>
Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3410705672772044826.post-84808108293624652962015-06-04T09:49:00.000-07:002015-06-04T09:49:53.585-07:005 ways to get outside and get exercising this summer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I don't want to speak too soon, but it feels as though summer could finally be here... It's been touch-and-go these last few weeks as to whether we'd ever see some sun this summer, but right now I'm sat outside typing this in a bikini (oh the life of a freelancer!), so fingers crossed that the sun is here to stay...<br />
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That being said, come rain or shine I fully intend to spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors this summer. There is nothing quite like a jog in the park, a walk on the beach, or a swim in the sea. Nothing can compare to breathing fresh air, feeling the sun on your skin, or hearing the waves crashing into the shore. Being outside is good for you.<br />
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<i>Polzeath, Cornwall, 2013</i></div>
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In my yoga class this week my teacher described our outer edges as being like a lake. We live in our bodies, but the outer edges of our being are fluid. Our extremities connect us to the outside world, to each other, to the earth. Before you think I'm sounding all hippy, just think for a moment: how do you feel when you have sand between your toes? How do you feel when the sun connects with your skin? How do you feel when you jump into a freezing cold lake? You feel alive. You feel connected. You feel free. See? Being outside, with nature, is good for you ;)<br />
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So my friends I urge you to get outside this summer! And what better way to get outside than combining it with some exercise? I can guarantee for some of these suggestions you won't even realise you've exercised until afterwards - it'll be that fun - promise! Without further ado here are my 5 ways to get outside and get exercising this summer:<br />
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1. <b>Get out of the gym and into the park</b>. Most of the exercises you do in the gym you can do outside, so why not take your next workout to your local park? (Yes, you may have paid for that gym membership, but save it for a rainy day, the most important thing is that you actually do workout). Up until recently I've used my local park for long jogs, walks, and cycle rides; these are all wonderful activities and, God-willing, I will continue to do them in the park until old age. However since completing the half marathon back in May I decided that I wanted to mix up my training to include some higher intensity sessions in the hope to get more lean for summer. So instead of going on my usual 4-miles run 3-4 times a week, I've started to change 1-2 of these sessions for some sprints and strength building exercises. And guess what? I can do all of it in the park! Yipee! Here's what a typical work out looks like:<br />
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5 x 30m upward hill sprints with 5 x squat jumps at the top of each one<br />
10 x 15m acceleration sprints (repeat twice)<br />
2 x 15m hopping (on each leg)<br />
3 x 20 reps of mountain climbers<br />
3 x 10 reps of lunges<br />
2 x 10 reps of burpies (I want to get to 3 sets but boy are they hard!)<br />
3 x 30 reps of step ups onto a big log (make sure it's a stable one!)<br />
3 x 15 reps of tricep dips on the same log<br />
3 x 30 secs of dolphin plank<br />
3 x 20 squats<br />
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Be creative. Mix it up. Find an incline outside, find a patch of grass, find a tree, find a log - use what nature can offer you - and I promise you'll be knackered but happy by the end of it!<br />
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2. <b>Go wild swimming</b>. There's nothing quite like feeling water on your skin, and when that water doesn't contain chlorine it's even better! Go for a swim in the sea, find your local lido, or find a safe lake to take a dip in. Do check beforehand whether the conditions are safe and whether there are lifeguards nearby. You could even sign up to an event like I did last summer - I swam in the <a href="https://www.bhf.org.uk/get-involved/events/other-sport-events/bournemouth-pier-to-pier-swim">British Heart Foundation Bournemouth Pier-to-Pier</a> charity event with my best friend last year and it was the most amazing day. The atmosphere was fantastic, the event well organised, and most of all afterwards I felt totally invigorated (a little knackered too, but the excitement definitely outweighed this!).<br />
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<i>BHF Bournemouth Pier-to-Pier swim, 2014</i></div>
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3. <b>Plan a day at the beach</b>. There's nothing quite like a beach day. You can go for a nice long rambling beach walk, you can take a dip in the sea, and don't forget that game of beach rugby/cricket/bitbat (whichever your preferred sport may be!). Everyone knows the beach is where it's at. Need I say more?<br />
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4. <b>Explore your city on foot</b>. If you live in a city it's likely that you're a pretty busy bee. A busy bee who most likely relies on public transport to get around town. But this summer why not plan a few weekend days where you explore your city on foot? Plan a route - maybe a part of town you don't know well - and go for a long walk. Stop at coffee shops, pub gardens, and markets along the way; it's the perfect way to get some gentle exercise whilst discovering new places and seeing your city through fresh eyes. This one isn't just for city dwellers - if you live out in the countryside why not go wild and head into town for day? As beautiful as trees and fields are (and trust me, I LOVE trees and fields), it's always fun to explore urban jungles too.<br />
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<i>London, 2013</i></div>
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5. <b>Try something totally random, new, stupid</b> (any or all of the above). <a href="http://www.zorbing.co.uk/">Zorbing</a> down a hillside. <a href="http://www.paintballgames.co.uk/paintball-london-map">Paintballing</a> with mates. Surfing down in Cornwall. Zip-lining at <a href="http://goape.co.uk/">Go Ape</a>. <a href="http://jbski.com/">Water skiing</a> at your local lake. Pop-up Park yoga (click <a href="http://www.lucyvictoriajackson.com/#!weekly-classes/cfvg">here</a> to find out about my session in London next week!). Anything that's different, fun and will get you outdoors. Not only will it be great to learn something new, you'll also be outdoors and exercising without even realising it. Whatcha waiting for? Book something fun! Go, go, go!<br />
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<i>Surfing, India, 2015</i></div>
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So my friends, I hope that this little post has inspired you to a) get outside and b) get off your ass - I'm kidding about b) as I know many of you are active already, but I do think that lots of us get stuck in exercise routines that are keeping us fit but not necessarily Beautifully Healthy. Being Beautifully Healthy is all about making the most out of life and our health, and if we're just doing the same old gym session 3 times a week then we're missing out on so much! So go on, be that lake - let your extremities connect with the great outdoors and I bet you won't regret it!<br />
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Namaste y'all <3<br />
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Love Lucy x</div>
Lucy Victoria Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650457619651927015noreply@blogger.com2