How are you all doing?  Never before has the phrase “we are all in this together” been more applicable.  I have been going through my own rollercoaster of emotions as I see what is happening in parts of the world, and more than ever I am grateful for the meditative, creative journaling and movement practices that keep me centered and grounded in the present moment.  We are living uncertain times.  There is a lot of fear and stress around, and it is natural that our survival instincts might get activated.   However while our fears and concerns warrant our love and attention, (sometimes they have good points), we can also choose to focus on what matters and what would best serve us during these times.  Each of us will all be affected in different ways by this crisis.  While there is much we cannot control we can also choose to focus on what we can control.  Taking care of ourselves, our loved ones,  and our surroundings can help to create safety,  calm and ease within.  Reaching out to help people that might need us or might need something creates the sense we can be part of the solution.   Using the extra time we might have to dive into a creative project or learn a new skill can bring more enjoyment into our lives.

During these times, I am continuing to work both in person and online.  Part of my practice has always been online and I have been working internationally and nationally through telephone, skype, zoom and facetime for many years.  For those of you who normally meet me online, of course, nothing will change.

If you have an in person session booked with me and would like to switch to online please let me know.  We can resume to in person sessions once this health scare is over.

For those of you who prefer to continue in person I will be following the guidelines set out by the government and the Order of Psychologists regarding social distancing.

Clients will be schedule 30 mins apart and surfaces will be sanitized after each client.  Chairs will be placed further apart.  Some clients are choosing to wear gloves and masks, that is up to you

However, If you do have to come to your appointment by public transport then it would be best that we switch to online sessions for now.

I am offering sliding scale payment arrangements for those whose finances have been affected or who have lost their insurance.  So please don’t let money be the issue preventing you from seeking help.  There are also many wonderful free resources and webinars happening right now so we don’t need to feel alone or unsupported as we are going through this.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.  In the meantime I am sending you all much love,

Vivianne

This month I have been studying a book called “Life Loves You” by Louise Hay and Robert Holden.  This is a beautiful book filled with meditations, poems and exercises to consider the perspective that life is always there to support us.

One of the exercises that Louise and Robert recommend is “mirror work” or “mirror play” as Louise liked to describe it.  Many psychologists, counsellors and coaches use this exercise with clients to help them connect with their inherent self-worth.

The exercise goes like this:

1. Take a mirror and seat yourself opposite it in a comfortable position
2. Take a few deep breaths, look into the mirror and say to yourself “life loves you”. Repeat about 10 times.
3. Note what comes up for you as you do this exercise i.e. thoughts, judgements, sensations. Notice how your body is feeling e.g. is there any tension or resistance coming up in the body as you engage in this exercise.

Once you have completed this portion, say to yourself “today I am willing to let life love me”.

Again, take some breaths and notice anything that comes up for you.

This exercise can be very revealing, both in allowing ourselves to consider the ways we already see that life loves us and also where there might be some resistance or doubts about this idea.  It might be that you find that you notice a fair share of self judgements or judgements by others.  Louise encourages you to be kind with yourself around this.  Judgements are  merely thoughts but just because we think them does not mean they are true.

The relationship we have with ourselves is paramount to our health and wellbeing.  When we can come from a place of self love and a sense that we can receive love, we will start to see mirrors in the world that reflect that.  It may also change the way we interact with the world.  Rather than coming from a place of fear or defensiveness we might be more receptive and open with others around us.

If you want to go more in depth into these concepts or this exercise you might want to look into the book “Life loves you”.  Or feel free to email me with your questions.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!!

Much love,

Vivianne

I realize it has been a long while since I have been in contact with many of you.  The summer holidays coupled with my decision to upgrade my computer means that my communication systems have been down for many weeks.  How are you all doing?  I have missed sending you my musings and reflections as we enter into a new season.  Thus I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to a new spiritual teacher that I have been following recently: Jeff Foster.

One of his latest Facebook posts offers a gentle respite from the inner self critic that can convince us that there is something wrong.

Jeff Foster writes:

“Stop trying to heal yourself, fix yourself, even awaken yourself. Let go of letting go. Instead, bow deeply to yourself as you actually are. Be here. Honour the present scene in the movie of your life. Your pain, your sorrow, your doubts, your deepest longings, your fearful thoughts, are not mistakes, and they aren’t asking to be healed. They are asking to be held. Here, now, lightly, in the loving arms of present awareness…” 

– Jeff Foster

If his words resonate with you, do take a look at his website and writings.  Developing a more compassionate and loving relationship with ourselves not only helps us but those around us.

As always your comments are very welcome.

I look forward to connecting with you soon.

Much love,

Vivianne