Wanting to go herbal on the makeup

I’m pretty herbal in the sense that I don’t really drink that much, stopped smoking a couple of years ago, like my morning veggie juice, prefer garlic to antibiotics, know the pressure point for headaches, recycle my clothes, don’t drive a car, eat virtually no meat, use Lush or organic face and body products, choose products that were not tested on animals, exercise my right as a consumer to boycott companies that obviously do not care for the environment/people etc.

But the one bug bear is that I realised the other day I use chemical makeup. Every day, I use products that where possible were not tested on animals (but generally were), have all sorts of nasties in them, the names of which read like something out of a horror movie and are generally not good for you.

I know that the people who brought us Lush (http://www.lush.co.uk/) also have B (http://www.bnevertoobusytobebeautiful.com/) but I’ve never tried their stuff because they still have a list of stuff in there that looks scary.

Does anyone out there know of any eco friendly makeups that work ie eyeliner/ mascara that stays on for 8-10 hours, eyeshadow that doesn’t rub off, lipstick, even bronzer for those days when work has taken its toll?

Interested in your views. Beth

For the love of books

Ahhhh....Books ....

I love books and I love reading. A source of peace, adventure, joy, sadness, discovery, hope, information, laughter… why people read and what they get from it are as diverse probably as they are.

I didn’t read as a kid. I am not sure why, but I didn’t discover the joys of reading until I was about 22. It started with self help books really, but has since moved on from there.

For me, life’s just better with a good book.

I've just finished reading a book which my sister in law gave me for my birthday called Phra Farang. It’s about an English guy who becomes a Buddhist monk in Thailand. It’s a very interesting and lovely read about his journey and just reading it brought a sense of peace.

I'm just about to tuck myself up on the sofa with a warmly engaging book called 'The Secret Life of Bees', which I picked up for 99p at Waterstones earlier in the week. They loved it so much, they have practically given it away.

So, for all your book buffs out there... what is your very most favourite book ever and why? Please tell me so I can expand my reading repertoire...

To reading...for the simple pleasure of it...

Only old people wear bifocals

I had a somewhat surprise experience recently when I went to the optometrist and walked out an hour later the proud owner of a pair of bifocals.

How very confronting, unexpected yet blessed that has turned out to be.

I think I’ve been pleasantly surprised and shocked in equal measure. Pleased it wasn’t glaucoma but also shocked that I was going to have to wear ‘old woman glasses’ (not for a 30ish year old), all the time, probably for the rest of my life.

Recollections of my childhood angst returned as I recalled my experiences as a pre-pubescent teenager, when I was decked out in large, plastic, ugly specs. The lack of fashion kudos was highlighted by one particularly unfriendly kid at school who used to make owl sounds as I walked past. Not owl as in wise old sage but humiliating that I internalised as ‘you look like/are a complete weirdo/freak’.

But after some time, I’ve got used to my new bifocals. A friend of mine positively congratulated me and welcomed me to the smart person’s club!

And despite having a few adjustments to the fact that when I look down it’s a bit blurry and it’s hard to read in bed properly, I thought to myself the other day ‘I’ve stopped waking up feeling exhausted and stopped thinking about my eyes all the time’. They’ve improved or restored my quality of life.

And they also rate in the fashion stakes (or so I’ve been told). I like to think of them as akin to advertising exec meets existential angst ridden philosopher. And I think I’ve also healed that part of my childhood self who thought glasses were for geeks and uncool people.

So. here's to those unexpected occurences that turn out to be blessings in disguise.

Through the eyes of a child

Three little boys in the back of a stretch limo. Reminds me of a poem I wrote once, called Through the eyes of a child:

'The innocent babes frolic merrily in the sun
Two boys, twins
With translucent skin of angels and blue eyes of cherubs
Life for them is seemingly so uncomplicated
Just joyous moment after joyous moment
Where does our innocence go as we get older?
Do we really become wiser?
Or just more cynical, fearful and afraid?
I want to experience that union of the senses again
And see life once more through the eyes of a child'.

The Religion of Kindness

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness. The Dalai Lama.

Says it all really.

Simple. Non violent. Compassion.

Someone who I think really understands true happiness. One of my heroes.

So here's to the Dalai Lama and all those committed to love, peace, truth, kindness and compassion as a way. As their way.

Gratitude - one of the biggest secrets

I've heard it said that gratitude is one of the biggest secrets to happiness and inner peace. But how often do we express our gratitude? Or act on what our heart tells us?

Here is a poem as a reminder:

Around the corner I have a friend,

In this great city that has no end,

Yet the days go by and weeks rush on,

And before I know it, a year is gone.

And I never see my old friends face,

For life is a swift and terrible race,

He knows I like him just as well,

As in the days when I rang his bell.

And he rang mine but we were younger then,

And now we are busy, tired men.

Tired of playing a foolish game,

Tired of trying to make a name.

"Tomorrow" I say! "I will call on Jim

Just to show that I'm thinking of him.

"But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes,

And distance between us grows and grows.

Around the corner, yet miles away,

"Here's a telegram sir," "Jim died today.

"And that's what we get and deserve in the end.

Around the corner, a vanished friend.

Remember to always say what you mean.

If you love someone, tell them.

Don't be afraid to express yourself.

Reach out and tell someone what they mean to you.

Because when you decide that it is the right time it mightbe too late.

Seize the day.

Never have regrets.

And most importantly, stay close to your friends and family,

for they have helped make you the person that you are today.

Ana sites - may upset some readers

It sounded to me like a virus...or perhaps a harsh new pharmaceutical drug. But no, Ana or should I say Pro-Ana is actually a predominantly web based movement promoting Anorexia.

Well, that's what it seems like anyway.

How to cover up to your family that you are not eating anything, 'thinspirational'/ motivational pictures of celebrities pre rehab, foods to promote your metabolism, chat rooms to show off your newly visible rib cage.

Sounds to me a bit like a depression support group where they talk about ways of committing suicide.

But like all things, there are two sides to every story and if such a movement really has gripped the minds, the bodies and perhaps even the hearts of many thousands? hundreds of thousands? of young women (and probably some men) in the western (and possibly other parts of the) world, then in my view, people, we have a problem.

I'm not going to make it my mission to uncover the psychological reasons why people use these sites, or to profess to know much at all about anorexia or other eating disorders, but I wanted to let you know that this is happening.

Here is a site that looked quite balanced in its views if you want to find out more:

http://ana.makeupyourmind.nu/

So, today, I send a little prayer to all those who think starving themselves is the answer to their pain or trouble or whatever motivates or drives them to first seek and then follow this path.

May you find a different kind of peace that is loving, kind and gentle for your precious soul...

This popped into my in box today

This came to me from a friend in Australia, apparently circulated by the Anthony Robbins Foundation*.

Anyway, the whole point is the Lotus Touts (see below)...

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR. When you say, "I love you," mean it.

FIVE. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.

SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.

NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.

TEN.. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.

TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"

FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk. !

FIFTEEN. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson

SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.

TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone.

A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.

So, a big, warm fuzzy to cheer you up. Ahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

* He looks like a pretty good egg from the 2 secs I spent on his site (anything that mentions humanitarian and peace negotiator has got to be a good start): http://www.anthonyrobbinsfoundation.org/founder/index.php.

Sickness as a moment for reflection

I have had a few health issues going on in the last couple of weeks. Not major ones, but concerns playing in the back of my mind, if you know what I mean.

And everytime this happens (rarely these days, thankfully, but I used to be ill A LOT), I really appreciate the chance to have a bit of time out (not that it is always convenient, though!).

I see on the TV and other ads messages that come across as: 'why let a headache stop you?', 'no time to waste on being ill', 'take this tablet and the pain will miraculously disappear' etc etc.

But that feels all wrong to me. If the mind, body and spirit are really all connected, then surely times of ill health deserve to be listened to, acknowledged, heard and even, heaven forbid, acted upon.

I always use these times as an opportunity to regroup, make sure I've got my priorities in order, legitimately slow down and generally prioritise me for a bit. Maybe even do a bit of artwork...take a bath...rest...dream...

I am sure there are people out there who will say: 'but I can't because of .....my kids....my job...this commitment...that commitment'. Fine, but that is a choice too.

So, today, here's to sickness and taking a moment to reflect on what it trying to tell us.

Louise Hay rocks!

For many years, I have been inspired by Louise Hay - writer, healer, giver, business woman...

Not that I've ever met her, but there is something about her offering of love and learning that I really appreciate. I read somewhere that she meditates on this inversion couch thing for one hour a day, upside down of course. Good for her.

Anyway, here is a cool little on-line game thingy of hers that you might like to try... http://www.libralion.com/hay.htm

So, here's to our ability to give and recieve love gracefully, gratefully and graciously... Amen! xx

PS I took this photo myself (also on my mobile phone). I just love sunlight through trees - hope you like it...

I wonder....?

... if the secret to a truely happy relationship is not asking your friend/partner/child to choose between you and their 'not negotiables'?

What do you think?

B xx

Autumn colour

I know, it's winter. And this is an autumn picture. Except that it was taken on a freezing December morning when I braved the cold to go for a 5km run around Wimbledon Common (and yes, I am still feeling virtuous about that even if it is February!).

I thought the colours were so beautiful and it still amazes me that you can get such good snaps on a mobile phone camera. I once told a market research client that having a camera on a mobile phone was the way forward and they laughed at me. Oh well....

So, here's to radiant colour and happy days...even if the sun don't shine outside, it can still shine inside!

Peace

There are many ways to say peace...

Peace, paz, paix, shalom, shanti, frieden, fred, irini, Santiphap, Hasiti, mir

...and many more.

Any other languages that we can include on the list?

Love Beth xxoooxx

I like hospitals

I was in the Hospital for Tropical Diseases unit yesterday getting some tests done to see if my headaches, fever and lethergy post-Thailand are anything serious. The doctor didn't seem to think it was of major concern (no emergency antibiotic drips or 24/7 monitoring, let us know if it gets worse) but they took some blood and...well...let's see what comes back.

Anyway, back to my story.

I’ve always liked hospitals.

I was never sure why I felt comfortable in there. I couldn’t put my finger on it until recently when I realised that it’s not the men (or women) in uniform, the rhythmic blipping of machines, the pungent antiseptic smell that takes me back to some childhood memory, the food (?!).

No, it’s that in hospitals, there is a realness. An emotional realness where the facades have to be dropped. When people are naked in their vulnerability, fear, pain, humility in the face of loss, struggle and hope. Where there’s not the strength to pretend anymore.

Oh to be able to live in that state of openness and realness in our daily lives without having to go through the struggle of ill health, loss and even death.

So, today, I want to make a tribute to hospitals.

To the intensely ‘human-ness’ of hospitals.

Not just a gay cowboy movie

I saw Brokeback Mountain and like so many others have to say, it is so much more than a 'gay cowboy movie'. For anyone who's not been, it's worth seeing on the big screen.

But it's also hard to know what words to put with it, to adequately describe it. Brokeback Mountain is, I would say, an experience.

I cried for most of it - first for the love and then for the sadness - but then I cry in most moving films.

At its essence, for me, is a movie about love. For this reason, everyone's experience of the film is going to be different because our experiences of love are different.

I would rate Brokeback Mountain in my top 10 all time movies, I think, for the sheer power, simplicity, beauty and almost can I say brutality in that it does not protect the viewer - it takes you in and pulls you into the depths and then leaves you there...to deal with it...to think about it...to cry about it...to talk about it...to appreciate what you have...

And the only other thing I want to say about it is that it's both fantastic to see, as well as being a sad reflection on the priorities of many in our world that this movie has finally come to our screens. It's been a long time coming.

So, here's to all of you out there who have lost someone you love, couldn't be with the person you loved or have experienced discrimination for who you are. My heart is with you now.

The cost of busy-ness

I recently said yes to something that I should have said no to and it was one of those times when I really knew I’d made the wrong decision. Not that I minded doing what I chose to do, but I really did feel that I’d messed with the order of things.

And it got me thinking.

When you’re busy all the time, you never know what the busyness has cost you. On that occasion, I got a few phone calls from people asking me if I could this or that, if I was free on this day, if I could work on a particular project. And I couldn't do them because I was already commited to something else. Whatever. The details are not that important.

But I realised that the things I was saying no to, were costing me far more than it would have been to have said no to the original thing in the first place.

I recently read a wonderful book called ‘In Praise of Slow’ by Carl Honore. Now that is an interesting read. And it talks about how our lives have become so jam packed with stuff that we seldom have the space to slow down and really absorb and experience life.

From his website: http://www.inpraiseofslow.com/book.htm, Carl Honore says the following of his book:

These days, many of us live in fast forward – and pay a heavy price for it. Our work, health and relationships suffer. Over-stimulated, over-scheduled and overwrought, we struggle to relax, to enjoy things properly, to spend time with family and friends.

The Slow movement offers a lifeline. It is not a Luddite plot to abolish all things modern. You don’t have to shun technology, live in the wilderness or do everything at a snail’s pace.

Being “Slow” means living better in the hectic modern world by striking a balance between fast and slow.

So, here’s to slowing down, just for a moment. To catch your breath. And maybe even smell a rose or two…

For my beloved

Don't worry, honey, I'm not getting caught up in the commercialism of Valentine's Day. I'm not going to demand a card, buy myself a big bunch of red roses or eat 2kg of chocolate.

And yes, I agree with you that every day is a perfect moment to tell someone you love them... that they are special to you... that your life is made happier, better, more wonderful because they exist...

But I wanted to take this opportunity to say thanks to the man who puts up with being called names like 'Fluff', Sabrosito (little yummy in Spanish), Sabalicious, and Culo Bonito (cute bum); who copes with a wife who does not fit the mould (hard for someone who is somewhat risk and change averse) and does not always know how to keep the house tidy (but I am good at cleaning the toilet). Who lovingly eats my veggie creations even though he could really go a good hearty steak; who manages to find just the right words when I am crying over some emergent issue; who values friendships as much as I do and who agrees that sometimes other people have to come before 'him' or 'us'.

Not to mention the fact that he is probably the kindest, strongest, funniest and smartest person I know.

So, here's to you, mi amor. Mwah xxxxx

Not driving a car

I haven’t had a car for what must be 8 years now. And I rarely drive although I still love it, especially over long distances on the open road. I’ve lived in cities all that time and to be honest, I don’t need a car. Nor do I really miss having one.

And I was thinking the other day how much not having a car is a major contribution to the environment. I recycle and minimise my use of plastic bags in the supermarket. I eat healthy food and try not to waste it. All those things help, but when you think about the effects of cars, there is a real potential to reduce the impact we have as individuals on our world.

Less use of non renewable resources eg petrol. Less pollution due to CO2, CO and nitrous oxide emissions, noise and dumping. More requirement for public transport and more pressure for organisations to continue to deliver those services. Less space requirements eg parking. Less potential road rage contributors…

So here’s to the power of PT (public transport), the push bike and those wonderful things called legs!

It's all a matter of perspective

‘We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are’. Talmud.

What insightful words, I think.

You might be interested to know that ‘Talmud’ is not some 18th century German philosopher (as I first thought!). But rather it is a vast collection of Jewish laws and traditions, dating back it seems to Babylonian times. The source of some controversy, but I’m not going to get into all that. Rather, I wish to reflect on the essence of what this beautiful sentiment is saying...

For me, this is about having the insight to see that there is no fixed reality outside ourselves and that the same thing, event, person, experience, feeling can be seen in different ways depending on our perspective and who we think we are.

It seems to be saying that while in truth, we must all realise that we are ultimately responsible for our inner reality, this also gives each individual the power to determine his/her own perspective and ultimately - happiness.

Here's to love in simplicity and abundance.

Winter wardrobe

I decided at the beginning of the winter that I wasn’t going to buy any new clothes for the season. Oh except a couple of scarves from a London market (I think they were 3 for £5).

The reasons were I wanted to be more creative with my wardrobe, I have more than enough in a world where so many have so little, and I wanted to appreciate what I have more.

It started out quite randomly, but as the winter has progressed, I have found it to be a wonderful experience.

I have worn something different everyday. I have discovered a whole load of clothes I’d forgotten about. I dress more creatively making better use of colour and accessories. I have realised how much crap I used to buy for the sake of buying something. I have developed an appreciation for nice things so thinking it’s better to buy quality than in bulk.

I’ve enjoyed it so much I’ve decided to do it for summer too!

Love as a way

Imagine for a moment, if everyone chose love. Love. Not fear. What kind of world would we live in?

This is a poem I wrote about love...

‘Love is the way
To peace
To freedom
To happiness
To forgiveness
To joy
To hope
To inspiration
To connection
To discovery
To who we are’.

The Rainbow meets the Pizza

The other part of this project involved a school up in Northern England - hi guys - you know who you are! They also did a wonderful piece of work called the Pizza of Peace - which is all about independence and the issues surrounding it. So, here it is. Maybe we'll all be famous one day!

MADaboutART

I work for an HIV/Arts charity called MADaboutART (www.madaboutart.org) and it is so inspiring to be a part of such a wonderful project.

Last year, on World Aids Day (1st December), we had a group of young people here from South Africa to show the world their art work and to spread their message to others.

At the front of the National Gallery, you might notice some paintings. That is the Rainbow of Hope. This amazing piece of art is part of their work.

The Rainbow of Hope is a 20 metre long exhibition of 18 panels (each the size of a door) depicting the journey from being diagnosed with HIV and the despair that comes with that, through the process of acceptance with support, to living with hope and love.

So many people who came and saw the exhibition felt the presence of love and hope reflected without words. And the thing is, this model is applicable to anyone who has been on a journey to the very core of their being, regardless of where that started. For some it may be HIV, for others it may be depression or cancer or some other major life event.

I don't know about other people, but I find that the people who are the most inspiring in our world are often the ones who have faced their own very human-ness and come out the other side.

So here's to you, the MAD kids. You have such a powerful message of strength, courage, hope, love and support. You are the inspiration.

The power of No

I’ve realised recently (somewhat to my own surprise) that I am not always very good at saying No. And I know I’m not the only one. I have seen plenty of people struggle with it over time at work, in relationships, in life…

‘How could I have said yes, when I meant No?. ‘I don’t have time for that extra piece of work, yet I’ve been roped into it…again’. ‘I don’t even want to be with that person, but I just can’t seem to tell him/her’. ‘

EnnnnnnnnnnnN.Ooooooooooooooo. They are only two letters, but their impact can be hugely significant.

The problem I’m finding is that when you don’t say no, sometimes that messes with the order of things and so the effect of not saying it can lead to a whole series of events, thoughts, words, actions, that maybe weren’t meant to happen at all.

The thing is, if you say No when your heart tells you to, you actually feel good. You feel a sense of peace, an expansion, an opening, a relief.

But you have to feel worthy to use No. You have to feel secure - like things will be OK if you say it. You need to have the confidence that you won’t lose that job, partner, friendship, deal... You need to realise that saying no isn’t the same as not being kind…

For tips on getting some practise saying no, this lady seems to be a bit of an expert on the subject. Check out this site: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/tillman6.html

So today, let us celebrate the power and wonder of being able to honour ourselves enough to say no.

‘No thanks’. ‘No, that’s not going to work for me’. ‘No, I’m not able to manage that today’. ‘No, I’ve already made other plans’.

Without apology. Without explanation. Without remorse.

Just because it’s not right. And if it’s not right or not going to work for you, maybe it’s not meant to be.

What the hell is Avalon?

You might be wondering what Avalon is. I understand that Avalon dates back to the time of King Arthur and was a magical island in the middle of a misted lake where wise women lived. For more information you can check out this site: http://www.isleofavalon.co.uk/

Whatever the truth about it, I see Avalon as a metaphor for the place within us all that connects us to the God/dess, the heart, our Divine inspiration.

One of the most beautiful passages about Avalon I have ever read comes from the incredible, Marianne Williamson, in her book, A Return to Love. Here is an except from that book...

Avalon is a magical island that is hidden behind huge impenetrable mists.
Unless the mists part, there is no way to navigate your way to the island.
But unless you believe the island is there, the mists won’t part.

Avalon symbolises a world beyond the world we see with our physical eyes.
It represents a miraculous sense of things, the enchanted realm that we knew as children.
Our childlike self is the deepest level of our being. It is who we really are and what is real doesn’t go away.
The truth doesn’t stop being the truth just because we’re not looking at it.
Love merely becomes clouded over, or surrounded by mental mists.

Avalon is the world we knew when we were still connected to our softness, our innocence, our spirit.
It’s actually the same world we see now, but informed by love, interpreted gently, with hope and faith and a sense of wonder.
It’s easily retrieved because perception is a choice.
The mists part when we believe Avalon is behind them.

And that’s what a miracle is: a parting of the mists, a shift in perception, a return to love.

An excerpt from A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson

So, what do you think about that concept?

May you all discover (or rediscover) your own Avalon.

Love and light, Beth

Yeah baby - This is really happening

Welcome to Rediscovering Avalon! This is a site dedicated to the most important things to me, like love, inner peace, joy, kindness. A site dedicated to people discovering, or re-discovering the wonderous magical truth of who they are.

To be honest, this website is a bit of an experiment. To see if there are other people out there interested in talking about this kind of stuff and providing a forum for sharing stories or thoughts or ideas. Kind of like a community. I am fortunate to have some wonderous friends, but most are scattered across the world. So this is one way of keeping in touch because I'm not always great at that. I also think I stumble across interesting things every now and then that I'd like to share. Well I think they're interesting. Let's see if anyone else does...

So, here's to the journey of Rediscovering Avalon. Day 1.

Where's the champagne, darling?!

Love and light, Beth