What's in a word?

l have been working really freely through a new breath-work technique...

that I have recently discovered and have felt so pulled to practise. I'm excited to one day share this with you all. It's been so expansive for me lately and encompasses the other lineages I use to help nurture and heal. 

The last session I undertook I shifted some deep seeded programming that I wanted to share. 

For the past several years I have been quite opposed to the word perfect. I have found it almost triggering at times and also a nothing word, a word that can make one have too higher expectation of ones self and then in turn of those around them. I thought the word was almost impossible, how can something or someone be perfect?

My negativity to the word obviously is deeply routed in my need to please everyone, be whatever they need me to be for them whilst neglecting myself completely to be this "perfect" persona to satisfy their needs and not mine. When I discovered this many, many years ago this was when I decided to abolish the word from my vocabulary.

It did not serve me. 

When I was in the mist of my breath-work session the word popped up, randomly after so many years of moving on from it. I was surprised but happy to follow the flow of this awakening and to see where it would lead me. I began to see that it wasn't the word that was the problem but my definition of the word itself that was impacting my right to live fully. For it's not just the joyful days, the loving days, the sunshine, happy days that are perfect but it's also the sad days, the dreary days, the rainy, stormy, darker days that are perfect too. It is all perfect because it is what is! 

So iIl invite you to reflect on what words you are mis- interpreting or that are creating shackles around your ankles weighing you down just by letting your learnt definition of them hold you back?

Sometimes, just a simple change of perspective can be transformative. 

From the perfect within.

Sx

Connecting to Kindness

Kindness from WITHIN.

If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen my story yesterday about my hummus making journey :)

If not here's a recap.

I caught myself once again being hard on myself for not getting the perfect consistency and therefore began the negative self talk belittling my attempt at a perfect product.

This may sound silly but stay with me here. 

Once I caught myself in this negative headspace I thought, why are you punishing yourself for attempting something different (I am still working out how to use my Thermo Mix). This is not a new revelation, this is a learnt behaviour that is weaved through my every day life. The negative voices can be loud or subtle but they have been there for as long as I can remember. This time it's different though, I can now pause and recognise when this comes up for me and then change the path those thoughts lead to. 

This may sound a little foolish cooking and getting hard on myself when it doesn't work out. But I'm just using this as an example of the many different ways we can fall into patterns that are not serving us and the life we wish to live. 

The power of this is now after many years of allowing myself to find stillness and silence and connected to that inner being, the within, I can harness these moments and flip the dialogue to kindness. 

Recognising and then evolving. Working with the neuroplasticity  of the beautiful brain we have a create new neural pathways that connect to kindness. 

It's in the pause that we can truly make these changes. From a negative thought about an attempt at a new recipe to the negative thoughts about our bodies to the way we treat ourselves and our inner world. All these moments deserve kindness. So I invite you the next time you default to a negative thought about yourself to pause and reflect re-write those impulses with kindness and see what blooms. 

Another practical dialogue you can use with yourself is a technique created by the incredible Byron Katie (I encourage you to read her book, Loving What Is).When those thoughts run through your head ask yourself these questions.
 

Is it true?

Can you absolutely know that it's true?

How do you react, what happens, when you believe that thought?

Who would you be without the thought?
 

A Connecting To Kindness Meditation will be up on my Insighttimer account in the coming days for you start to rebuild those pathways and free yourself from the constraints of negative mindset. 

From the Within,
Sx

All You Need Is Love

You want to know her, but you don't take the time to get to know her.

You want to see her, but you don't take the time to see her.

You want to love her, but you don't take the time to love her.

You want to be her, but you don't take the time .

I reflected this week on the expansion of self love and where it truly comes from. I feel myself more and more these days having to find different routes to find compassion for myself throughout my days. Being brought up in a world that doesn't value a sense of reverence for oneself instead, a place of rejection and neglecting the self, it can sometimes be a default to constantly neglect our own safety with deep love.

Love is all you need isn't just a song lyric but an anthem with which we should all try to live by. Because once we love all, all loves us. 

The journey to finding this place of inner wisdom comes from our within. 

If you have a regular practise of being silent and listening to your inner most space, you may already be accustom to this dialogue with your soul. If this is proving challenging for you, please know you are not alone. Sometimes it just takes the right moment for you to discover this aspect of life. 

I was in the deepest depths of my awakening. I hit rock bottom, didn't know a way to come out of the darkness. I landed at a 6am yoga class. Hadn't eaten or slept in weeks. I could sense the teacher could feel my broken-ess, which made me feel even more vulnerable. At the end of the class we lying in savasana and he asked us to place our hands on our hearts and simple tell ourselves, I love you. My whole body began to hum, I had never, ever told myself that I loved me. Wow. I broke down. How had no one ever told me that I could love myself? This was the beginning of the truest form of me. 

So today I offer you this. Find a safe place to be still and silent. Place your hands on your heart and tell yourself, 

I love you. 

Because no one can ever take that away from you. 

Blessings
Sx 

courage to find your within

“Courage is an act of grace when it is not required; it originates from an inner necessity to honor, love, and cherish people, and respect oneself.” ― Kilroy J.

I truly believe we are all meant to be in a deep place of constant reverence to oneself throughout this life. Unfortunately, we have been taught to believe that this is unnecessary, selfish, or to be the last thing on our list of things to do. 

The world is flooded now with this premise of self-care, but what is this truly?
Yes, self-care can be many different things to many different people and I always think the importance around self care is the energy you bring to it. Weather you find this care in sitting and enjoying a cup of tea or getting a massage or dong the gardening. There are no rules to this life, but what I think is important is the way the act is played out. If we are needing some deep restoration from life and we find a calling to go to, say; the salon to get our nails done, this is a lovely act of service but if we can't be conscious in the awareness of honouring ourself within the act then is it worth it in the first place? 

Finding the withinin these moments I believe is integral to truly reaping the benefit of the self love act. 

Checking in with oneself to truly understand how we are feeling, how we are receiving life and how we can do so to its fullest. 

So how do we achieve this sense of awareness? 

First and foremost we need to begin with the elements that allow us to then show up consciously in our day to day life. 

For example if we don't have the bodily tools to know how to truly slow down then even if we are having a massage for "self-care" and our mind is racing just the same as it would in other aspects of our life then we are in a state of stress and not rest, therefore not getting the true benefit of this space we are trying so deeply to connect to. 

If the roots of the flower are not in soil that is nourishing for it to bloom and grow it will eventually struggle to survive. 

Our foundations are the catalyst for living all of our life in this stress free place of conscious awareness. But we have to find time to sit and be still in our within to then find a deeper place of healing within the parameters of everyday life. 

Yes, this will ebb and flow with the seasons but our strong roots will carry us back to the place that truly nourishes us. 

Allow me to guide you to this within.

From November I'm offering a free consultation to guide you into your own unique conscious space, because I believe we are all so individual and truly no practise should be identical. A personalised approach is my main focus as it weaves the web of your deepest, nourishing state to carry into all of those pivotal parts of existence on this earth. 

If you'd like to explore this together please send me an email and we will arrange a time to connect and discover your own true path to the within.

many blessings,

Simone 

within.bysimone

Welcome to Within.

I am so very excited to finally share with you a little change that has been brewing for some time now. As we transition from Balanceto Within. 

Balance by Simonewas a name that called to me when I made the huge career change from the arts into yoga. It was firstly a passion project for me as I was finding something to help keep me inspired while out of work as an actor but also a place for me to discover the balance of life after being so depleted by my previous career. After a hiatus to reconnect to my soul, yoga and meditation wasn't just a practice anymore, it was me; it was life. 

The work to be kind and caring as I transitioned was paramount and so the word balance became such a huge part of who I was. Balancing my own health inside and out became my priority and the grace to find the balance between the fast-paced world and the softness that is yearning us to surrender was something I couldn't fight against anymore. 

The last six years of Balance by Simone has allowed me to explore the life I wish to live. I have been able to design a way of living that encourages me to thrive that needs little intervention from external stimuli, which has healed me and awarded me so much, one being becoming a mother which I wasn't sure was possible at a point in my life. 

As I transitioned into motherhood so did my world, and then as Easton birthed, so did Within. The understanding that all is within us is felt on such a deep level I cannot not share this magic anymore. The space I have created within me is more real that I could have ever imagined. The practice of being here fully is pure joy and the journey again and again back to this place is what I truly believe is my dharma in life.

To help you discover your within. 

So welcome to this truly deep place. I am here to hold you through this discovery and I am so excited to soon welcome you to my little space. An intimate setting for private one-on-one tuition as well as couple classes where we can explore the within together. And as always here from a virtual setting so no matter where you are in the world we can connect through this platform.

Welcome to Within. 

Grateful

What are you grateful for?

You may have heard the concept of repeating what you are grateful for and implementing this act as an integral part of your day. But why? Whats the point? Does it really do anything? There have been countless studies on the power of having a gratitude practise apart of your life resulting in improved sleep, happiness and all round wellbeing. 

So what is gratitude? 
The definition is 'the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.' 
To return kindness, is a beautiful offering not only to ones self but also to those around you. Kindness is the key that unlocks a lot of the stressors we have in our lives. We can feel bogged down by the mundane day to day activities life can sometimes throw us and I think it is important for us to take a step back and appreciate the small things so we can get through the big ones. 

This weeks Sadhana is a gratitude journal practise. This doesn't have to be big it can be the simplest of things like reciting three things you are grateful for as you wake up, make it the first thing you do before touching your phone or even getting out of bed. Or if you're up for it creating a gratitude journal and writing down 3-5 things you are grateful for. Get specific; the heat of the sun on my face as it washed over me in the early hours of the morning, or, the taste of that sweet ice-cream that cooled down my body and filled me with so much joy. It is a great way to start the day, from this space, but also to end your day in gratitude of what you have experienced, ill leave it up to you to decided if you begin or end your day with this one! If you have a partner or children get them involved maybe make it a question you ask at breakfast or dinner!

This is one of the simplest Sadhanas you can implement into your life to cultivate more joy and abundance. Try it for the seven days and see how it shifts and changes your every day.

Can't wait to hear how you go!
Happy Sunday Sadhana 

Balance By Simone. x

Sunday Sadhana

I am so excited to introduce you to a concept I have been wanting to share for some time now... 

Sunday Sadhana is a place for you to come and find inspiration in implementing an aspect of balance into your week. For the next six weeks lets explore together different tools that can aid us in finding more comfort out of life. Each Sunday I will be sharing with you a technique that I personally use and draw upon to help life feel a little less overwhelming and a little more steady and balanced. From guided meditations, yoga practises and recipes, I will introduce, each week, a different concept for you to try on for size and see if it is something you can encourage yourself to implement more into your day, week, or even life. By having time to discover and nurture ourselves in the way of self care we can then feel less pressure to make these elements we hear all about a strict non negotiable and allow them to flow effortlessly through life. I believe that if we pressure ourselves to create demands on our schedules with must dos it can sometimes have the adverse effect and make us more anxious or stressed if we happen to miss a day or not enjoy the activity simply because it isn't the right one for us. We are all different, our bodies, minds and souls are unique and therefore there is no right answer for everyone, we have to explore and discover the element that will best serve us to live a more balanced life that cultivates ease. 

Sad.hana is a Sanskrit word meaning daily spiritual practise. It a place we can come and be with ourselves in a  way that is completely devotional to us and then in turn the world around us. By having a ritual or Sadhana as an aspect of our lives we find a deeper source of meaning and being, allowing us to thrive in more ways than we deemed possible. 

So each Sunday pop into your emails and discover a new form of ritualistic self care curated by me and we can implement this technique throughout the week. If you have any questions or are in need of a little more guidance I will be available to help and nurture your experience as much as possible. Remember this is a place for you to discover and explore in different ways of regulating our endocrine system to live a more happy and healthy life. 

I'm so excited to be on this journey with you all. 

Bring on the next six weeks. 

Namaste, 
Balance By Simone x

Presently Present

The power of the present moment can be the answer to a lot of our lives questions.

I have regularly discovered this throughout my own life's journey. 

How we take the present moment for granted as our thoughts run wild. Thinking of what should of been, what could have been or what we think should or may be. However this is never a healthy or centred way to live. But it is inherent that we tend to tread these waters, the waters of the, what if's and but's and maybe's.

I encourage you to choose to invite the present in as many aspects of your everyday as possible. To walk the path with intention and to stay in the every moment. This will enable a balance to our lives that allow for more calm and clarity.

Here are a few techniques I have learnt to help the present be an aspect of my everyday.

When you wake. Stop. Be Still. Take Deep Belly Breaths. 
Inhale for a count of four and exhale for a count of four. This will allow you to start from a grounded and present state of awareness. 

When you are doing repetitive task, repeat the action in your head.
Something like making breakfast, for example, to make toast, as you take the bread out of the package repeat it in your mind, "I am taking the bread out of the package", how does it feel, smell. Put the bread in the toaster, say it internally "I am putting the bread in the toaster". repeat with any task throughout the day, like a little reminder to yourself. This will help you stay fully present with what you are doing and let the body, nerves system and mind be balanced and content. 

Consciously eating. 
Slow down, eat and taste your food! Feel it in-between your teeth and sliding down your throat into your stomach. This will not only help you stay present but, your food digest better, your body able to work more efficiently and you'll feel less bloated and hungry. No distractions either, like have your phone or television on while eating.


Staying present is a super power we can all use to live a life of more clarity and abundance. Just these little things throughout our day will allow us to stay calmer in any stressful situation. Our immunity will be boosted and our vitality and gratitude in life amplified. 

Balance By Simone x

One Step At A Time

Are you consumed by the overwhelm?

We are living such full lives, but within the element of that fullness we have to be conscious of what they (our lives) are full of. Yes, we can all make adjustment to help minimise the impact of feeding our lives with things that do not serve us, however the practicality of this is sometimes a non negotiable in the sense that we are indeed living in a western filled world with access to all areas of knowledge. 

As we are a society that strive for success and abundance in all areas, be it considered good or bad. We are filled up with many task in our home lives, working, or personal. Having such dedication to the pressures of balancing all these different facets of living the "western way" we can be consumed by that overwhelming feeling of suffocation, commitment and pressure to be perfect constantly. 

So how can we mange to strive to live full and honest lives without burning ourselves out in the process?

I believe in many skills to harness the most full place of living.
Yoga, Mediation, Breathwork, Healthy Eating to name a few. However another important tool is starting with taking one thing at a time.

We tend to always jump to the end of a task, what it will look like when we are done, how we will feel upon completion. But then get frazzled and overwhelmed with the task at hand and give up or procrastinate till we haven't time and space anymore. 

A great way to combat this feeling is by braking our task down into fragments. I like to make a list of achievements I'd like to tick off as I go in pursuing the task. These achievements can cater to a range of aspects of how you are going to get to the "finish line" 

For example, for my blog posts, such as this one I begin by allowing myself space to lend my creative brain, discover what I would like to offer to my readers. This may be by sitting in silence with a warm cup of tea or in meditation or even listening to a podcast. All these tools are stepping me into a space where I can become more conscious and achieve the outcome I have set for myself. 

Next may be dedicating an hour each day writing down on pen and paper different topics if like to share. From there I choose one that is resonating and then in turn start to type and them let it flow. 

All these little points help me achieve the goal. To publish a blog to help those create balance in their lives.

When we break things down we feel more in control of the situation or the task and then we can feel a sense of ownership over our actions to be able to achieve what we may deem impossible.

When we break things down and hold ourselves accountable to each step, this is important, let me repeat,holding ourselves accountable to the appointments we make for ourselves in stepping closer towards our end goal.

So don't look at the enormity of the task at hand or give up because it seems too ginormous to undertake. Break it down, right to the very beginning that what will help you best achieve what you have set out to do!

Balance with space for you to be creative and loving toward YOU in every moment. 

Balance by Simone x

Living The Toxic Free Life.

How To Detoxify .

We live such amazing lives, in these amazing bodies. We naturally heal. We can with-stand so much. However we can only take so much before we may find it harder and harder to heal naturally using medicine to aid this and at the detriment to many other aspects of our bodies function. 

As we live a life consumed by so many "un-natural" substances we become weaker and this can then manifest into an array of illnesses. 

So how can we help balance out the bad with the good, as so many of these "un-natural" forms are out of our control, especially when living in Western society. 

Let me open your minds to the possibility of looking at the things you are using in and around your lives and possibly coming to a more holistic approach. Helping limit the exposer to toxic chemicals surrounding you and inside you.

Cleaning products: These are easy to make yourself with simple ingredients like Lemon, Water and Vinegar just put these items into a spary bottle and there you have it, an All Purpose cleaner that does everything. If you're wanting something a little more intense for the shower and bathroom, add Bi-Carb Soda to the mix to give it some activation. 

Beauty products: My rule of thumb is if you don't know what the list of ingredients says then don't use it! Our skin is our largest organ, whatever you put on it seeps into our blood stream which runs throughout our whole body feeding our cells, do you really want Hydroxyglucobrassicin number 2334 e.c.t. making its way into your organs? It's simple and easy and there are so manybrands that use simple and organic ingredients that won't effect your immune system as your Liver, Kidneys and Adrenal Glands are constantly trying to clear away the unwanted substance. 

Fruit and Veg: I get it, we can't all buy beautiful farm fresh organic groceries. But I have trick, did you know soaking your fruit and veg in a sink of water and table spoon or so of bi-carb soda for 10 minutes can get rid of the chemicals and pesticides that are on the produce! So next time you do the grocery shop. Fill up the sink and bathe your veggies and fruit so you can feed your family a cleaner product.

Make it yourself: Whether it's a cleaning product, deodorant or spice mix, the better way is to find a natural alternative or better yet to make it yourself. It doesn't take long to google a recipe and it's a lot cheaper! However if you feel as though you are time poor here are some brands that I recommend:

INIKA ...cometics
iKOU...skin-care, body care, aromatherpy
ORGANIC choice...cleaning
OSEA...skincare
Coyuchi..clothing, linens, towels ect 
ENJO...cleaning
Retro Kitchen...cleaning 
No Pong...deodorant 
Dirty Hippie...deodorant, toothpaste and brush
Seed and Sprout...packaging, cleaning, sustainable living  


Just making one or two changes can have a substantial effect on you and your families health!

Remember it's all about balance, finding ways to help live in a society that is sometimes a little obsessed with an unnatural world.

Happy De-toxifying.

BalanceBySimone x

To Fear Fear

Why We Fear Fear...

It's such and interesting concept, but a trap that we can get caught in at many points throughout our lives. The what ifs, the maybe this could happen, the perception of a not so tasteful outcome occurring as we venture into a space that we haven't before. 

I am a huge culprit of this outcome in my train of thought. It has taken me a long time to even grasp the concept that I am, in truth self sabotaging my own worthiness through a fear of the unknown (which is what I fear the most). 

When we create a fear of something that may seem scary or attach this feeling to something we are 'new' to, it breeds a desire to control and calculate a lot of aspects within our lives then leading to anxiety and a depressed train of thought. But what is the point or reason for said reaction?

There can be a plethora of reason why we are programmed to think in this way. Maybe we were not exposed to leaping into the unknown on our own when we were children. Maybe an abundance of devastatingly unexpected things have happened to us in our lifetime that have made us become over cautious. Possibly we have been given such joy that we don't know how to handle the emotions that come with stepping into our fear. It is also a human reaction imbedded in our DNA, when we see danger we are programmed to run away. All these particles of thinking can breed a fear based mentality to any situation of fear. 

But as we fear fear itself we breed a cycle of fearful emotions and then never lead ourselves into a more vibrate place in the world. 

Fear can also come in all shapes and sizes. For example someone's fear can come in the way of speaking in public, jumping out of a plane or even just getting out of bed in the morning. We all have a mirage of fear based places. 

So how do we combat this?

I have a few techniques I have used in the pursuit to push through the fear and cultivate abundance through the things I fear in life. 

Step One: Be Kind To You. I think we tend to shut ourselves down when we are in a place of, why am I scared , why can't I do this, I suck ect. We need to change this story and be kind when we are reading into things in our life this way. I ask you the next time you speak to yourself like this to become aware and then to wait and ask, "would I speak to my friend like this if they said to me they're feeling this way about this particular situation?" I bet you wouldn't, you would listen and support them with kind and thoughtful words. Whoever said that you, yourself are not worthy of this attention! 

Step Two: Go In and In. We need to sometimes take time to recognise what we are fearing. I see so many of us not recognising that our reactions to the ones around us, especially the ones we love, isn't about them at all it has to do with our own internal turmoil of a fear based situation we aren't recognising. I'm forever going to sound like a broken record in these blogs because closing our eyes, taking a deep breathe and listening to what our body is telling us is a sure way to understanding our fear based actions on a deeper level. Also helping us create stronger relationships as we work to stop projecting them to those around us.

Step Three: Action. I myself am not the best at this one, I have learnt to be kinder to myself, I have learnt to go in and in but I find it forever a challenge to then face that fear. To move through the uncomfortable. However the reward we receive from this movement is a feeling I cannot describe. And if a sense of "Failure" ( I use that term very loosely as I don't believe it even exists) occurs rejoice in the fact that you have worked through the hardest part of living. As they say, get back on the horse but maybe find a different surface to ride upon. 

Step Four: Journal. Write your fears down, write how you overcome them or how you see yourself over coming them write an affirmation that you recite every day that will aid you in working through that fear when we write something down it has a larger effect on our neural pathways and seeps into our mind with more direction.

Step Five: Sharing Is Caring. Find someone or a platform where you can share and have help at being accountable  for your actions and working through the steps. Make sure it is a concise space without burden or irritation. A community or group where you can openly express what it is you are needing to over come without judgment. 

It isn't easy, to rewrite the programs we have been taught and used for so many years, decades even. But just know that you have the power to change any aspect of your life that isn't serving you. You are in charge of your reality and the world you choose to live in. 

If you would like to read more about the bodies response to fear on a biological standpoint here's a link to a medical journal by Ralph Aldolph Division of Humanities and Social Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125. 
I found this very insightful into understanding our biological standpoint to fear itself.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3595162/ 

Lets fight that fear with a sense of love and light as we grow into more compassionate, caring, self aware human beings. 

Balance, 
By Simone x 

It's Your 2020

It's Your 2020.

Years go by. Another passes to make way for the next. But it is important to understand that the culture around New Years Resolutions and the pressure we put ourselves under to "make this year the one I loose weight" or  "I'm going to go to the Gym every day" ect ect is an unhealthy place to begin. Don't get me wrong, having goals is important, but what's more important is the steps, direction and dialogue we pair with the encouragement of achievement. 

I gave up 'New Years Resolutions' a long time ago, as I would set some unrealistic expectation for myself and then once I feel off the wagon I became so angry and depressed with myself for letting it all slip! This would become a vicious cycle, how unhealthy is that!

Balance, I believe is the key to unlocking a steady and stable practise that allows you to work towards a realistic goal without feeling disappointed. Learning how to nurture ourselves through the growth and change rather than coming from a place of anger or frustration when we ebb and flow through the challenges that arise. 

Therefore I'd like to offer you all some guidance into the next phase of your healing work.

A steady and guided program for you to follow throughout the next three months to help you set up a healthy and nurturing way of achieving a goal/goals you may like to implement into Your 2020!

A space for you to come to keep track and also be kind to yourself in times you may feel disconnected to your goal. 

If you'd like to learn more about what this workshop will entail please get in contact with me via email through balancebysimone@outlook.com as we work together through Skype sessions, online yoga,meditation, guidance and a little self journaling to enhance your 2020 journey of discovery. 

Looking forward to connecting to you all as we work together to make 2020 the year we create balance in all aspects of life.

BalanceBySimone x

Rule your device, don't let your device rule you.

Dazed by our Devices.

Ok.. Lets do it.. Lets talk all things devices.

This is a huge subject, one that I am always learning and growing from but in the last ten or so years of using and exploring what it is to have a life that is fundamentally not only supported by, but, impossible to live without this aspect of daily life, I think it is so important for us to have an open conversation and awareness towards what this actually means for us as human beings!

We are bombarded by a now tech driven society; televisions, laptops, tablets, mobile phones, computers, billboards, stereos, wifi, smart fridges, smart lights, intercom.. the list goes on and on.

But what does this mean for us, as human beings made from earth, not wires and streaming devices embedded in our DNA?

Lets begin with blue light;
All these devices emit blue light. We as humans need blue light, we get it from the sun and it allows us to feel alert, awake and gives a heightened sense of reaction. All great things for living an active and productive day! However, what happens when we are surrounded by blue light at night? Blue light through the lights in the street lamps to the lights in your house to the television screen on after dark to having your phone on you in bed at night?

Well, your body thinks its day time, producing less melatonin in the body, an active ingredient we need for a good night's sleep. 
Less sleep means the body inflames and inflammation leads to an array of mental and physical ailments.
The blue light also effects our circadian rhythm (I have more information on how sleep effects our body in my blog post, A Good Nights Sleep, so check that out if you're interested to know more about how important sleep is for us as humans).

Too much exposure to blue light can also damage light sensitive cells in the retina, the inner most point of the eye that converts light into neural signals. This causes changes that resemble those of macular degeneration, which can lead to permanent vision loss. 

I could go on about how this form of living is affecting us but my intention here isn't to scare you! More so to give you some tips on how to BALANCE this way of living.

So here is a list of things I think are important to think about implementing into your daily routine. As the devices are evolving we have to evolve with them to balance the human body with the tech body.

1. Reducing screen time: STOP SCROLLING, try and stop yourself from mindlessly scrolling through your phone, be mindful next time you jump on the train or on the couch and just stop and think: Is this scrolling really benefiting me at this moment, or am I just doing this because I am be bored? Shift your energy maybe even set a time limit of scrolling time for yourself.

2. Blue blocking glasses: These gems are great if you have to watch your fav show after the sun goes down or work/study when it is dark. There is a great company called Baxter Blue and also BLUblox that create these glasses to help filter blue light. 

3. Forest bathing: This is an ancient Japanese method called Sinrin-Yoku . Because parts of Japan are so polluted its residents started to take themselves to these huge pine plantations outside of the city, kick off their shoes and bathe in the forrest and all it benefits. Reducing stress, boosting immunity and also lowering anxiety.

4: First thing: Try not to pick up your phone first thing in the morning. Take a few deep belly breaths, open the blinds, let the sun shine in, stretch and maybe even meditate before you do so.

5: Turn notifications off: It can be so distracting having them bling up while you are getting through life so just switch them off.

6: Going old school: The next time you feel you need a distraction or you're bored and feel like picking up your phone maybe think about reading a book, getting out some cards and playing solitaire, a puzzle or a board game? Try some painting or colouring or maybe even a nice walk.

Our electronic devices are here to stay, we know this and are grateful for the opportunities they bring. However, we need to be smart about taking ownership over this external thing and rather than allowing it to control us, we need to control it! So just take your time to be more concise and aware of how you are using these things and think next time your watching television or on your phone, is this serving me? 

Balance By Simone xx 

A Cup Full

The Importance Of A Full Cup.

Ever wondered why filling yourself up first is so important? Maybe you've heard people talk about it before but haven't really understood what they mean. Maybe you feel like you don't really need it. Allow me to explain why it is imperative that you implement the notion of self love/care into your every day to create a space of peace, love and mindfulness. Living a life you may never have known possible.

My Cup Runneth Over...

For many of us we feel like we never have enough time. Enough time to look after ourselves, enough time to get all the things we want to get done, done. Enough time to give everything in our lives the attention we wish to give it. When we feel this sense of overwhelm this is then reflected in our relationships with others around us and in the task we have to undertake on a day to day basis.

If we want to show up in all aspects of our lives with a sense of strength and calm we need to create this environment for ourselves first.

Taking the time out for ourselves to fill up our own cup first is imperative and so important in the way we are able to not only deal with life but also how we show up to dealing with all things.

For example, if we are not calm in our internal world , our external world isn't calm and therefore we project this mayhem to all people, things and circumstances we are dealing with. If we are feeling broken inside we then feel hopeless in our external world and therefore we feel frustrated and short tempered with all aspects of our lives.

Our outlook, what we see is up to us. But we have to give ourselves the time and space to be able to reflect upon what we may be missing or need to work on internally in order to live fruitfully externally.

So, what are these things you speak of Simone ?

Here are a list of things that I do on a regular basis to fill up my own cup so I can show up as the best version of myself I can be!

• Waking up early: The day can get away from us quite quickly, so by starting our day with space to just be and to create a self care ritual can not only be empowering but also is essential. Even simply to just sit and reflect on how you want to show up for yourself and be the best you can be for the day.

• Warm Lemon and Honey first thing: A cup of warm water with lemon and (organic) honey on an empty stomach is a great way to start your body in the right place. This helps to kick starting your digestive juices, reduces inflammation and helps create a ritual you can do for yourself every morning rather than running out the door with a coffee. Take a few extra moments to sip your tea honouring yourself in the process.

• Journal: A very therapeutic practice is to journal. Just grab a book and get those thoughts out of your head. Pen to paper is a way of releasing any anxious thoughts or feelings you may be having or, simply to just give yourself the courage to tackle whatever has been a little challenging lately. It doesn't have to make sense or be legible, mine often looks like scribbles, just write and see what comes out !

• MEDITATE!: Yes, it is a must. We need to take the time to stop the noise and journey inside to listen and breathe. To just be. It's so important to have a regular meditation practise to help us make space in the fast past world we are surrounded by. Stay tuned as I will have some recorded for you to follow very soon!

• Move Slow: I think it is great to go to the gym or have an active exercise regime to stay fit and healthy and many find this a form of meditation for themselves however I think we can benefit more by a movement that is slow. We are living in such a fast pace environment, even most of the music we listen to these days is up beat and we are constantly aiming to be 'on' all the time. Opt for a slow flow yoga class or yin or a nice slow walk. Be gentle with yourself.

• Abhyanga: self massage: So much of what we deem as self care is constantly outscored to someone else, to go to a day spa and get a massage or manicure/pedicure ect! I think it's much more powerful to do this for ourselves! Abhyanga is an Ayuvedivc technique of self massage using an affirmation or a positive intention. Beginning with the base of the feet all the way to the crown of your head. Moving with purpose and mindfulness of each inch of your incredible being and saying something like, you are beautiful as you massage an oil of your choice into your body. So much presence and power in giving this nurturing time to yourself. Even file and paint your nails with intention and honouring YOU.

• Breathe: Slow deep long breaths. I get it , life is crazy but everyone, not matter where they are is able to stop and take a few nice deep breaths throughout their day to slow down, connect and send some love to ourselves!

I could go on and on, I have many more tips on my Instagram @balancebysimone so if you haven't already be sure to add me.

I think the most important thing to remember is that YOU matter. YOU are worth that extra time and YOU deserve to live a more calm, open, aware life!

iKOU MEDITATION WORKSHOPS

Our workshops at iKOU QVB have been an amazing success and experience. So grateful for the women and men who have made the commitment to sit and soften with me. We are SOLD OUT for the next session however there are still a few spots left for Wednesday the 23rd of October. Call (02) 9264 3002 to book your place! Namaste.

Upcoming Events.

You are invited to join me at:

Lululemon
Monday, 14th October 2019
7:30am
For a warming flow where we begin our week with a full heart. A practice creating surrender to allow leaning upon ourselves for support and love.

Moving Mindfully

Hello Balance Community,

As of the 30th of September I will be taking over Lululemon Sydney CBD at 7:30am to take you through a blissful and mindful practise with a focus on the central nerves system. It is mental health month in October so a focus on creating a safe space will be our main aim.

This is a Free offering!

See you on the mat.

xxx

Come Yoga With Me...

Welcome

Hello Everyone.

WELCOME…

I am thrilled to announce my website is live. BALANCEBYSIMONE  began as a passion project after I went through a time of struggle with my mental and physical wellbeing.

After spending the past three years dedicated to my own wellness and on a mission to find the right balance for me I feel I can’t keep my secrets to myself any longer. The art of creating space is a essential element to surviving on the earth and I want to share these basics of balance to as many people as possible.

In 2016 I was diagnosed with Adrenal Fatigue, a autoimmune disease that effects the adrenal glads, which regulates our hormones, mood and function of our blood in our body. Living a busy and stress-filled lifestyle for ten years took a huge toll on my physical and mental health and ended in a need to spend time in hospital to seek immediate help. This is the moment I am most grateful for, this moment brought me into the light as I was finally able to seek the help I required to rebuild and rediscover life. Sometimes, we need to get a little lost in order to discover the right direction to turn to find home. 

A combination of the right medication, Western and Eastern. A change to an Alkaline diet, Yoga and Meditation, Psychology, all contributed to my healing.

This catapulted me to living a full and whole holistic life. However without judgement, judgement of myself and also those around me. For me to be able to help and move on I needed to discover the God within me, the love I truly deserved. My own love, and through this love I was able to create a place of gratitude for all I had gone through and everything that was to come. 

This leads me to BALANCEBYSIMONE. 

This is a place for you to come to discover and be introduced to different ways of looking at life. I am a huge advocate for self-care and I believe we all have the right to take a moment for ourselves each and every day. This then helps us create balance, balance in our busy lives that, lets face it, will continue to be busy! 

I am a huge believer in showing up for myself and those around me with an open heart and a no judgement approach to someones journey on this planet and therefore if you want that glass of wine on Monday at 10am then you have that wine, I believe it is more about the intention behind that choice that is the key to balance!

So please sign up to my offerings through writing, sometimes video blogging, sending recipes I love, Yoga, breath work and also all the things that will help you honour YOU because there is only ONE and you deserve YOU!

As always I want to send a shinning ray of love and light to you.

Please subscribe and send the link to friends you feel will benefit from a little balance by me!

Namaste, 

Simone xx