5 Products to help you navigate Lockdown - (Spiritual Emotional Hacks).
PICTURE of a running bath.
As we are now into another National Lockdown here in the UK I wanted to share some products that may be hopeful in getting you through this current world climate.
I did write a long paragraph on 2020 but it got deleted so maybe this 2020 the review is still loading because ish isn’t finished yet.
So please follow me on Instagram or Insight Timer where I run FREE classes and have some meditations available for you to listen to.
Transparency - The links are affiliate links which contribute to the production of this content ie time. this enables and inspires me to produce more information that is screaming to get out of my head. All links are recommended and credible products I have used unless otherwise stated.
1. Bush Flower Remedies
Flower Essences are vibrational therapy and Australian Bush Flower Essences help manage the emotional demands of everyday life.
When I worked as a therapist at Bliss Creative Health Centre - a few of the Massage Therapist gave their clients Calm and Clear because it helped balance those living in busy cities.
Featured Calm and Clear, and Electro (Helps with Radiation from Computers or phones) -Australian Bush Flower Remedy, and Relationship, remedy (especially if you are stuck at home together).
2. Essential Oils
Essential oils support the physical, emotional and spiritual, they can be used in the bath four drops or in 24mls of carrier oils such as Grapeseed or Coconut oil. or diffused in an oil burner. My favourite way is either a self-massage or bath.
3. HEPA approved AIR PURIFIER.
I cannot vouch for this machine as a defence against any virus, however, the reviews are positive according to WHICH check out this article I have much better air quality in my bedroom and I have recommended this to other therapists. In England, the cold winters bring another problem central heating and bad air quality so these air purifiers help.
I recommend this brand please check the reviews before you decide (there is a problem with the filters but apparently they are now under another brand), Please check before you purchase this brand if the filters are available. I have yet to buy a filter.
More information on HEPA purifiers see the WHICH article.
4. Meditation or Mindful practices.
Having a morning practice is really important and can literally lift your mood. I am doing the Insight Timer FREE 30-day meditation challenge alongside my one of my old courses the 30/30 Wellness challenge.
This has made a very difficult time more restful and helps me start the day. There are several other challenges on Youtube such as Yoga, dance etc find the one that resonates with you.
5. Bath and Body products.
Because Loungewear will take over your life you need to be able to look after the one suit that is priceless and that is your Birthday Suit.
So invest in a good body scrub, Body butter or oil (I made my own Macerated Sunflower oil with Lavender) or Coconut oils. Purchase a Jade Roller for that face massage and lift (heck purchase an egg if you want to go the extra mile). If the price is a problem then create your own with sugar. There is no clubs or restaurants open for a while so get your body ready so that we can run out of quarantine looking buffed ( a few more pounds may be added but at least your skin will look good).
DIY
DIY BODY SCRUB https://simple-veganista.com/diy-edible-sugar-scrub/
DIY MACERATED OIL FROM MY SELF PACED AROMATHERAPY COURSE PART 1 (INCLUDES A FREE HAND MASSAGE TECHNIQUE).
DIY MACERATED OIL FROM MY OLD AROMATHERAPY INTO COURSE PART 2 .
JADE ROLLER FOR FACE
I hope these resources are useful for you, please leave a comment to let me know if you found this useful or your own self care hacks .
Holistic Book club review - White Eagle Medicine wheel cards.
White Eagle Medicine Wheel: Native American wisdom as a way of life by Eliana Harvey (Author), Wa-Na-Nee-Che published by Eddison Books ltd
So July happened, which delayed this post because of my busy schedule which was for me very positive however it delayed the next instalment of our Holistic Book club review.
Anyway, this review is so worth it.
So I was sent this amazing pack of the White Eagle Medicine wheel Native American wisdom as a way of life by Eliana Harvey and Wa-Na-Nee-Che.
"The White Eagle Medicine Wheel Deck" gives a unique introduction to the sacred teachings of Native Americans. This powerful deck of cards is a resource for problem-solving on all fronts, whether at home, at work or in relationships. And with the accompanying booklet, you will be taught how to communicate with the animals and other sacred archetypes who will show you their medicine ways. Discover your inner self and learn how to live in harmony, not only with yourself but with all living things around you. You will never look back.
About the author
Eliana Harvey is a therapist and writer with a deep interest in Native American culture and tradition. She is the founder of Shamanka, a unique school of women's shamanism, and has been involved in the spiritual path since 1960. Visit her website at shamanka.com Wa-Na-Nee-Che descends from a long line of medicine men and shamans. He is one of the few remaining Native Americans willing to share the original wisdom of the old way of life and offers sacred teachings appropriate to the western world in seminars and workshops.
The Cards and booklet
image Eddison Books ltd
As a lover of First nation spiritual systems, I had an instant connection with the cards, so the cards would a great choice for my moon circle and the Creative Healing facilitator course.
The cards share the wisdom and practices of the Lakota Sioux Native American tradition the deck has three parts for study.
The apprentice
The Student
The Elder
The first level is the apprentice and this has 28 animal cards.
Eagle, Bear, Badger, Beaver, Spider, Butterfly, Horse, Buffalo, Ant, Otter, Rabbit, Snake, Porcupine, Cougar, Dragonfly, Dog, Dolphin, Turtle, Elk, Whale, Moose, Fox, Coyote, Lynx, Raven, Hummingbird, Owl, Hawk
The next level is the student and has fourteen grandfather and grandmother cards. Pipe Carrier, Dreamweaver, Sundancer, Medicine Man, Spirit Warrior, Provider, Record KeeperWeaver, Birther, Medicine Woman, Stargazer, Wisdom Keeper, Rainbow Dancer, Story Teller
The final level is the Elder level that has the following cards:
Sweat Lodge, Drum, Medicine Wheel, Totem Pole
The cards have a background story plus meanings with reversal images the relation to spirit, the functional spiritual items and the animals make these cards well rounded and creates a dialogue between circle members as well as an education into one of the oldest spiritual systems in the world.
Using the apprentice cards for Level 1 of the Creative healing course was a great addition to opening up the circle. At first, the cards appeared to challenge the participants because the type of animals listed were not commonly seen as spiritual guides or totem animals, so learning the understanding and challenges around the types of animals such as ant, snake etc in a spiritual context was eye-opening.
For the second Level, the Student the cards were held more understanding in terms of intergenerational healing, the circle members were able to use the meaning of the cards in a more personal way.
Next week we will work with the Elder level cards to help us through Level 2 so I will let you know who we found them.
If you want a universal system to work with or are running a circle I would recommend purchasing this pack as you will not be disappointed.
Highly recommended. Click here to Buy.
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Holistic Book Club - Essential oils, pain relief and a great waistline.
7 minute read. .
I was recently sent three books by Eddison Books on Health and Wellbeing. Now I am a bit of s sceptic because as a Holistic therapist and Former College tutor the books we read were quite detailed clinical type books. Suffice to say it was nearly 20 years ago so I suspect the sophistication of the reader has risen to meet our upgraded HD retinas.
Essential Oils You Can’t Do Without: The Best Aromatherapy Oils for Health, Home and Beauty and How to Use Them by Daniele Festy
The Ketogenic & Hypotoxic Diet: Lose Weight and Improve Health with This Low-Carb, High-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory Plan by Olivia Charlet
Natural Painkillers: Relieve Pain with Natural Remedies and Exercises by Dr Yann Rougier & Marie Borrel
Natural Painkillers: Relieve Pain with Natural Remedies and Exercises by Dr Yann Rougier & Marie Borrelcan came at the right time because I recently experienced a bad back after another Bereavement (if you have listened to my podcast or read my blog on Grief then you will know how common it is to experience physical ailments after the death of a loved one). The book is jam-packed with various complementary techniques to use such as Acupressure points to help with pain relief, Healthy foods to help reduce inflammation and also a good range of Homeopathic and Aromatherapy remedies and recipes to assist you with any complementary programme.
Safety note: For any physical ailment one should always consult their GP or Complementary Health Practitioner ( I consulted my Osteopath for my back).
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Essential Oils You Can’t Do Without: The Best Aromatherapy Oils for Health, Home and Beauty and How to Use Them by Daniele Festy
When I was asked to review this book I thought it would be just another aromatherapy book with great pics, but I was wrong, it is a great book and great as a reference guide. This easy to use book is full of information that will help you create some great skincare and wellness blends. 6 Essential Oils You Can't Do Without has great references on all the important data that will allow you to start your essential oil journey. Even for existing Aromatherapists and students alike, this book visually clean and informative, for the novice, it will also be a great companion to creating a Healing home because it has over 300 recipes for the home, skin and body. So for my clients and students alike, I will definitely recommend this lovely book.
The Ketogenic & Hypotoxic Diet: Lose Weight and Improve Health with This Low-Carb, High-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory Plan by Olivia Charlet
I found this book really interesting and again timely because I have spent the winter hibernating and now I am back at the Gym and on the mat. The Ketogenic & Hypo toxic Diet again was a very informative read. The book breaks down the “Keto” diet which is a diet
Low in carbohydrates and rich in good fats, the ketogenic diet offers the perfect solution to healthy eating for optimum well-being. But in order to be truly beneficial to our health, it should also be hypotoxic (gluten- and dairy-free, with only moderate amounts of organic animal protein).
The Keto diet says No, to sugar, most fruits or white carbs and Pulses so some Vegans may find this a problem if they eat a lot of cooked Chickpeas or Lentils,(there are options for the sprouted pulses)
As a gluten intolerant Pescatarian I find pulses hard to digest, even with Seaweed added and soaking, and the Gluten-free food often leaves me bloated so trying this out has helped reduce the bloating.
The book is clearly written and easy to follow, but for me, my favourite part of the book is the recipes. Although different I found some of the foods choices similar to the Paleo diet, however, the Keto is about changing macronutrients to start a natural fat burning process. (correct me if I am wrong) and the Paleo is about eliminating dairy, grains and processed foods. Both diets are good for Auto Immune, Weight loss and Gluten intolerance. As for the weight loss, I am only on day 1 so I will let you know if I follow this for 5 days. I will definitely add this book to the reading list of my self paced course the 30/30 Wellness programme.and now that is a bonus. All books are available for all outlets such as Amazon and Foyles.
Healing family patterns Part 2
My favourite film at the moment is Nappily Ever After where the lead character was living a life based upon her mother’s expectations of how to look in the corporate world, which consisted of very straightened hair and a token spouse. Eventually, the lead character breaks away from her familial constraints and work pressures to find the love she deserves and with the hair style she wants ie a Bald head (god forbid). Is the problem of not being or looking good enough for your family or parents fiction? No, this happens more often than not (especially in the black community). Family demands and expectation rule our lives consciously or unconsciously and are one of the main reasons many of us are suffering from Mental health conditions more than ever before.
The problem or ‘hold’ of family patterns is that they are entrenched deeply in guilt, and we may be conscious or unconscious of this. Many of the places where we are challenged as human beings are around the relationships that have affected our childhood.
From a young age many of were and are Empaths, however within our families we were often seen as too sensitive, we cannot blame our families for this title because they were either too busy and untrained in emotional literacy to even consider another person's needs and understand the condition of being an empath.
This does not help us though, does it?
The impact of our parent’s childhood is also embedded in our consciousness and we are still trying to work through that many years later.
Our mothers did not have time to journal, reflect and read a book that would give them insight into their suppressed rage, instead they had to shut up and keep the family together because “women did not speak their mind” In the meantime, the sensitive children internalises the rage and bitterness and anger, and cue the conditions that reflect no sweetness in life or heatbreak such as High blood pressure and Diabetes.
Reflection mjfontaine 2018
We deserve better but not to be bitter, we deserve healing, we also deserve boundaries to protect ourselves.
We have to do the work to heal the family patterns that are affecting your life, that is attracting Narcissists and abusive relationships or any kind be the peaceful and brave warrior you were chosen to heal this dynamic for a reason.
How to start Healing.
Start Therapy
Despite the stigma in the black community around mental health, deep rooted family issues cannot be resolved through reading books or social media alone so this is at the top of the healing tree. One needs to enlist a trained profession to help untangle the complex family patterns, beliefs and behaviours that are present in our lives.
Other tools to help you research the type of support you need.
Read a book about Toxic families such as Dr Christiane Northrup’s book Dodging Energy Vampires and Family Matters by Robin Skynner
Listen to a Podcast - You can look up keywords on Itunes such as Family systems or Family therapy.
Reiki healing with distance symbols
Jade Egg / Yoni egg exercises to help heal any sexuality issues (best worked in conjunction with any other Therapy).
Want to know more ? Sign up here to receive emails regarding Healing Family patterns for updates on my work and to get my free reading list pdf of family healing books.
Book a Session with Me
Healing and Herbs.
Healing sessions for women.
I am now working alongside a herbalist for a limited time for my Womb Healing, and Coaching sessions.
I was asked by Herbalist Sophia to sit in my sessions so that she could observe the practice of an established therapist. I jumped at the chance of working with a Herbalist because of my own love of herbs and secondly, the effect herbs have on the body especially the Uterus and general health of women. I also feel the energy of two therapists will enhance the healing within a much quicker timeline.
Healing the womb is a revolutionary act.
Taking time for womb healing automatically makes one feel whole again and able to deal with the stresses of life.
My Womb healing sessions will enable you to have more control over any Gynaecological conditions you are currently experiencing. I cannot create miracles (well according to my clients I can), but I can get you to feel, sleep and think better about your health and your body.
The Creative Healing Method Coaching programme
will help you heal from that breakup or give you the confidence to set up that business or connect to your intuition? This programme will bring more clarity and help you set good boundaries which is always weaker when we are experiencing womb issues.
(basically, it is going from 1 to 20 in a short space of time).
Don't take my word for it here are some examples.
R wanted to travel, feel more connected within her self after nine months of the creative healing method she travelled to an exotic location and is now more in her power.
J, wanted more connection and confidence, more boundaries and within six months she felt much clearer and secure in her emotions. After a year working with me, J was able to set boundaries within several relationships and establish a self-care plan for herself that managed her anxiety levels.
B had a chronic womb issue which has improved within three months.
Lastly, T was feeling very isolated and within 6 months she had a job, her own space and is in the process of expanding her life's work and offer.
If any of this speaks to you then book a discovery call with me.
Marilyn x
2018 End of year questions.
The Tao of the Dark Tunnel
The Tao of the dark tunnel
I can be pretty adventurous and other times I can be a deer in headlights (this is rare for me as I am a Leo) but when this dastardly affliction hits me it can have a great impact on my life!
Think embarrassing ex-boyfriends, bad jobs, impulse buying "the offer ends at midnight” all very time consuming and sometimes painful... I say it's better to make mistakes than have regrets because mistakes are better when they come from desire not fear. (Disclaimer this does not include infidelity or other untoward desires there is no wisdom in the mistake of breaking hearts or addiction)
However there is nothing more paralyzing than fear of a possible outcome such as losing a contract, or making the right decision regarding ones career or running out of petrol whilst one is in the Blackwell tunnel!
The Blackwell tunnel
The Blackwell tunnel is 4,125 feet long.
I have a new car so I didn't really know the the amount of petrol one has in a reserve tank!
The scene
I am driving south of the river and all of a sudden, I am in the tunnel and the petrol light comes on. I am horrified I never go into a tunnel without petrol because well it's dangerous and irresponsible, and I am also very claustrophobic in tunnels!!!
Anyway the day before I was asking a client about her fear and how it affects our choices. So to make an example of myself (I like to practice what I preach). I decided to test the emotional responses to fear
So as the panic and negative self-talk set in I decided to ask myself
What part of me is fearful, where is it located?
What is the wise intuitive part of me saying and what is it saying? Where is it located in my body?
believe me everything slows down especially if your practising deep breathing to calm yourself down
After practising the questions and dialogue the journey through the tunnel was the quickest journey I ever had....
For the key was slowing down and stepping away from the panic or fear by breathing (which we forget to do) also self-talk is a really good way of staying calm. The aim is to talk to yourself like you would talk to a dear friend. This is a good way of calming yourself down so don't beat up or hate on yourself doesn’t help the situation at all.
In my early twenties I suffered from panic attacks and during that time all rationality went out of the window however, a tool I used to get out of the panic state was to give myself positive and reassuring talks rather than run around and create more drama. There are times where the batons of support during fearful times have to be passed to my circle of care/friends/gypsy crew (that’s why it’s important to have good people around you).
The lesson of this journey is balance and being still in a crisis if you cannot do that find a way to get there as soon as you can.
What do you do to remain centred?
Podcast rebranding- The Candid Conversations show Episode 17 Shame.
The is the first episode of our Rebranded show now called The Candid Conversations show.
Today I discuss Shame and Vulnerability and how it affects our daily lives, relationships, jobs and mental health.
Trigger warning ! This episode may bring up old feelings so I have included links that you visit and use for support.
Music by Rebbz
This episode is sponsered by Willique -Exceptional quality handbags available
https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_listening_to_shame?language=en
Anodea Judith - Chakras and Shame https://www.mixcloud.com/alignpodcast/anodea-judith-eastern-body-western-mind-chakra-system-ep-137/
Biodynamic Massage
Alexander Lowen exercises.
Grief notes
For the back story please see my last post.
Note 1
I realise I am still very much in shock and in grief, today I felt it. I don't really like to share how I feel on Social media (well not facebook ) because it is personal or maybe it is because I can pretend it is not real. I know well-wishers and empathic people will post because they care and are empathic but this will only make me cry more but the real truth is If I post about the grief then it becomes real that my Dad has left Earth, so I stay in limbo until I can breathe some more because every time I open up to the reality I feel my heart breaking. The pain of grief is unbearable, but this is normal this is grief and there is nothing I can do about it because in a moment I will be back to normal the door closed and the faucet closed again.
That is grief.
Balancing Chakra course - The story so far
It is now week 5 of our course Balancing Chakras using Art and Aromatherapy and every lesson has been powerful ranging from gentle cradling energy to pure feminine energy.
This course has been a very j powerful journey all I can do is watch in awe of the magick that surrounds me. There has been miracles along the way and this does not happen to everybody. The commitment undertaken by women has been met with rewards by the universe, for example; for one particpant has renewedher belief in life, another has a job offer that suits her business and
The artwork that the participants have created has been phenomenal this week we create our own Oracle / Affirmation cards.
But don't take my word for it see the pictures below and join us in June when we run the new course.
Marilyn
FULL MOON Circle
In the spirit of recycling and sustainability I am showing my older Full Moon circle videos. These videos only talk about the basic planetary affects and not the confidential readings.
Because thereis much content available on the net I want to allow those who support my work access to some content that would otherwise be buried in the ether. Thereforeevery month I will post basic information for you.
If you wish to be part of the circle which allows you to have full access to the Moon circle rituals and readings then please join our circle below.
Self Care - Podcast November
BUNDLES NO LONGER AVAILABLE CLICK HERE for other online packages.
When I realised I was fearless
(I was fronting)
(On being fearlessly courageous (part 1)
This past weekend I participated in Open artist studios in South London and I was fronting!
I thought I was ok until I spoke with a fellow artist (who at the age of 60 decided to take up painting), I realised that I was terrified of how the visitors would respond to my work.
I have had my first solo show back in March, however this was from the requests of people who I knew admired my work, and not complete strangers. I realised I cover up my fears with being busy and I hardly acknowledge that little girl inside, who is often very fearful and vulnerable.
So as it was a New Moon and I am letting go, I decided to drop the mask and I let my vulnerable self and my work be seen to the public. Being vulnerable is something that was not really celebrated in my childhood home; vulnerability and mistakes ( for various reasons mainly due to time, money and culture) so I just got on with it. This weekend I gave myself permission to be this way and I allowed myself to receive feedback about my work as long as it was constructive.
The weekend was filled with a lot of love and appreciation for my work. However the real shift was thatI did it! I became fearless through my own self-awareness, care and vulnerability.
If you want to connect with your inner self and become more fearless then sign up for my Self care bundle package /
Marilyn x
Self Care for Therapists
I remember my first encounter with Burnout I was working as a Beauty and Holistic Therapist at Bliss Clinic in Portobello Road in early 2001; After four years practicing I had to give up bodywork for a long time due to a lack of self-care. I had a good number of regular clients but I could no longer physically work at the level I was used too. I believe my need for external validation of making others feel better was the driving force of allowing my own resources to become dry.
Eventually I moved into Coaching and Training others to become Therapists which again led me to Burnout. So in 2012 I retired from over-giving and I changed my way of working.
During this time my mentor/therapist would remind me that I have been a classic rescuer so over giving is in my nature.
Over giving is often in the nature of Healers, Artists, Therapists and can be linked to the Karpman Drama triangle ‘PVR’ triangle, where one becomes the Rescuer and gives tirelessly and eventually collapses with exhaustion or become either a victim or persecutor (see video).
“Work is Love made Visible” – Kahlil Gibran
We love our work but there needs to be some exchange because as a Creative Healer our work is our life, but we need to be able to tap into other sources so we can work better.
I like to use the percentage model with my clients; How much percentage does your work take? for example if it is 50% what are the percentages for other areas in your life? for a Healer therapist I believe rest should be very high on your list unless you have a specific project. This model comes from a more complex model used by the Aztec healers explained by the now departed Healer Elena Avila in her book Women who Glows in the Dark. The Author explains the Aztec model for Healers in more detail.
It is really important for you to have a plan or an ethos for living as a pioneer because anything less would be detrimental to your growth.
Six ways to bring balance and self-care into your life.
1 Community (Partner /Friends/ Family)
2 Rest and Relaxation
3 Exercise
4 Going out in nature
5 Mediation, Prayer, Gratitude, Creativity
6 Healthy Food
If you would like to know more or have some support on self-care, please sign up for our newsletter and join our free course the Creative healing coaching course.