Tuesday 20 December 2016

The Miracles of Life

Breathe in the miracles of life
as stardust, snowflakes and raindrops.
Breathe out a wish
for peace in the world.

Breathe in the miracles of life
as green grass, rotting leaves, bare branches.
Breathe out a wish
for contentment and rest in the world.

Breathe in the miracles of life
as hibernating seeds, plants and animals.
Breathe out a wish
for harmony in the world.

Breathe in the miracles of life
as frosty mornings, moonlit nights and skies full of stars.
Breathe out a wish
for recognition of the miracles of life throughout the world.

Breathe in the miracles of life
as a newborn baby, a reluctant teenager, a dying elder.
Breathe out a wish
for all to rest in deep sleep.
Breathe out a wish
for all to know peace.
Breathe out a wish
for all to be at peace.

© 18 Dec 16

Friday 16 December 2016

What gift can I give myself?

What gift can I give myself?
What will most nourish me now?
I give myself permission to be me
just me, good enough as I am and
doing my best.
I let go of worrying over
what others will think.
I let go of trying to anticipate
the outcome of each situation.
I let go of trying to answer
all the ‘what if’s”
I give myself permission
to dwell in presence
with its uncertainty and unknowing and
be ok with watching life unfold
heading on its own path
without me needing to know
every step of the way.
I give myself the greatest gift
which is called the present moment.

© 23 Nov 16

Tuesday 13 December 2016

Be Calm, Be Happy Mindfulness course

A new 6-session mindfulness course rooted in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.

Be Calm, Be Happy provides a gradual introduction to mindfulness and meditation and key teachings on positive happy living over six weekly classes.  Each class includes guided mindfulness exercises and meditations, group discussions and practical exercises led by two experienced facilitators in a warm, friendly atmosphere with a maximum of 14 participants.  

I'm very happy to be offering this along with my colleague Clare Belbin-Carlile in 2017.
We offer the course in 2 North Yorkshire venues, York and Kirkbymoorside.


Course content includes
Session 1: Stopping and calming
Session 2: Turning to the positive
Session 3: Loving communication
Session 4: Nourishing happiness
Session 5: Interdependence and community
Session 6: Guidelines for a happier life

Reported benefits of attending this course include:
Increased enjoyment of life
Increased ability to be calm and relaxed
Increased control of emotions such as anger and anxiety
Improved sleep quality
Fewer feelings of anxiety and depression

Who Should Attend 
This course is suitable for beginners, as well as those wishing to refresh their mindfulness practice. It is suitable for those of all faiths and none. Our course participants come from a wide range of backgrounds. Many of our participants are keen to learn new ways to look after their own well being and to identify positive responses to challenging situations. 

York
10th January - 21st February (Tuesday evenings, 6.30 - 9.00pm)
6 consecutive sessions at
Acomb Quaker Meeting House, The Green, Acomb.
York, YO26 5LR.

Kirkbymoorside
Saturdays 11th, 25th February and 11th March (10am - 3.30pm)
3 days (2 sessions per day) at
Kirkbymoorside Natural Health Centre, The Bethel Chapel, Tinley Garth. 
Kirkbymoorside YO62 6AR

 Cost: £95/£60 concessions

Please book via Eventbrite: coimindful.eventbrite.co.uk

For enquiries please email: bcbhmindful@gmail.com


Monday 12 December 2016

A carpet


I wished to lay a carpet
of beauty and delight
at the feet of my beloved
yet my attempts fell short.
"Let me help," whispered the tree
scattering all her gorgeous leaves
around your form
coating the ground with a
dazzling display of beauty and delight
in pure simplicity.