Kensington Gardens is more than a Royal Park; as a green oasis within the city it provides the people with space to walk amongst the trees and the swans a pond to bathe with ease, one can also aspire to have  Victoria’s love for Albert, and on a good day, the locals give out Free Hugs, what more could you ask for?

I was jogging at my usual steady pace, I like to run Ken Gardens and Hyde Park circumference at 30 minutes, this ensures that I sweat enough, the heart rate is increased to improve my cardiovascular strength, and that I can meditate within my comfort zone, running to me is meditation in action as the breathe and rhythm become one.

As I approached my first lap of both parks, at a good time of 28 minutes, there stood before me two good looking 20 year olds holding a placard that read “FREE HUGS”, while a group of children were walking and chanting “free hugs, free hugs…”, seriously the world was one big free hug, at least that part of the world was, and then, I got one.

My initial reservation to not embrace, as I didn’t want to break my pace(running is serious business y’know) was completely overshadowed by the open arms and smiling faces of two strangers, I could NOT resist the opportunity to HUG.

I’m sure I left salt stains upon their t-shirts, it’s good to leave ones mark, as I continued on, my breathe was now liberated as a running smile, the truest sense of joy coursed through my veins as oxygen and endorphins infused a funny kinda connection. My spirit was now soaring higher, the beauty of human contact, the need to smile, share laughter, to embrace our humanity with humour and youthful cheekiness is integral to a fun life.

How refreshing to meet two strangers holding a placard, giving out laughter and connection on a sunny day in the park, a very sweet interaction indeed, and so much more appealing than all of the religious self righteousness that goes on at Poets Corner on a Sunday morning.

It is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, perception of  oneself and the world we share is to be respected and mastered for our true beauty to be seen and self actualised.

I spent a fantastic few hours with my dear friend, Neil Seligman, on saturday afternoon; he is a great coach, energetic healer, photographer, and a radiantly beautiful human being. We were applying a developed healing method of his that operates within the energetic domains of  spontaneous human movement, meditation, and vision, this allows one to move freely, thus expressing a deeper intelligence without words, and creates a meditative environment for inner vision to expand.

The human form is indeed a complex and magnificent structure, I know as a massage therapist(for nearly 20 years!) that the body “speaks” a language of it’s own, our emotional centre goes beyond the psychological as our very nerve endings contain our story of pain, joy and fear. Some people may break down in tears by a  soothing touch upon their shoulders, we all have a sense of love and warmth when we are hugged or held reassuringly. Likewise, when watching a dance performance one’s spirit is uplifted as you witness well honed bodies speak a narrative through rhythm and sound.

As I was working with Neil, in a meditative space of true clarity and authentic being, I was intrigued by a vision that kept blinking at my conscious awareness, for I was seeing an eye, an all encompassing and open eye, at one moment it was mauve, at the next it was golden. I was Witness to an aspect of my higher self, for it was my eye that I was a witness to, in that moment I beheld a sense of peacefulness, objective, trusting, a complete connection to my inner being, mirrored in the reflection of my visionary eye.

My sessions with Neil are always soothing and uplifting, his energetic work vibrates your being with a subtle power, like basking under the sun, I have been warmed and re-energised.

Good fats and bad fats are in all of our foods, learning the difference between them, and understanding how the body processes these essential nutrients is fundamental to healthy food planning,  so let’s go!

Cholesterol is a word that most people recognise as meaning heart disease, and this is true, in that cholesterol at high levels creates restriction in the heart arteries which may eventuate into a stroke or heart attack. But cholesterol is also an essential for our life, it builds and maintains cell membranes; regulates membrane fluidity, is a precursor molecule for many biochemical pathways, in the liver cholesterol is converted to bile which breaks down fats in the digestive tract, and is an important building block for the synthesis of vitamin D, steroidal hormones, cortisol, testosterone, and estrogen (whew!).

When an individuals diet is high in saturated fats (meat, eggs, dairy etc) and trans fats(some vegetable oils, margarine, prepackaged cakes,pastries, take away food)this increases the livers production of cholesterol, as cholesterol as a fat cannot be broken down in the blood it requires lipoproteins to  move around.

There are 2 main types of lipoproteins, Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL or commonly known as Bad Fats) and High Density Lipoproteins (HDL or commonly known as Good Fats). When the body has high levels of LDL this may cause a build up along artery walls, and in combination with other substances forms a plaque like deposit, this is called arteriosclerosis which is the stroke or heart attack moment. When the body is high in HDL arterial walls are clean and lovely.

HDL’s  move cholesterol from the arteries and back to the liver where the cholesterol is converted to bile, bile is like a dish washing soap that breaks down fats, and assists the intestinal absorption of fat molecules and fat soluble vitamins such as Vitamins A, D, E and K. These vitamins assist the various mechanisms for bone and organ development, blood viscosity, and the antioxidation of cells, and as such, are essential for healthy development.

A balance of the Good and Bad Fats(as in all areas of Life!) are often genetic, and yet, a healthy diet in combination with regular exercise, and reduced daily stress will create a surefire recipe for increased well being and vitality.

We must eat Essential Fatty Acids as our body requires them, yet cannot produce them on it’s own. EFA’s are found in fish, shellfish, flaxseed oil, hemp oil, canola oil, leafy green vegetables, walnuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, acai berry, poultry, grains, avocado. Endeavour to eat a wide variety of whole, fresh foods, this will ensure all vitamins, minerals and Good Fats will be consumed.

The diet also needs to increase it’s consumption of cold water fish such as sardines, herring, anchovy, and mackeral, these fish obtain their omega 3 fatty acids from algae and as such some seaweeds also contain EFA’s, this is great for vegetarians.

Triglycerides are stored body fat, think of  body fat as coal in the storehouse, ask yourself, do you burn your daily coal or keep storing it for that fire that will never burn big enough? Foods high in fats are obvious, please be alert to take away foods, fried food, prepackaged cakes, biscuits, pastries etc, look at them as coal in the bucket of life that is the fuel for your fire of fatty desire.

Diets high in carbohydrates may also increase body fat levels, think of carbs as sugar, how much energy do you exert in your waking day? Carbohydrates are essential for brain functioning and muscular movement, yet the amount of carbohydrate one eats in relation to their exercise levels will answer how much sugar is required for the day. When carbs are not utilised by the body, they will be absorbed via insulin and stored as triglycerides=more coal in the storehouse.

Chew the fats every day, as your body does in fact need them, read up on healthy food options, we live in a time of glorious abundance, the choice is yours for the tasting.

Our bodies are a design of biological perfection, we are made of skeleton, muscle, nerves, organs and a cocktail of biochemical complexity that fuels our movements, thoughts, meaning and emotions. Our minds and hearts allow for creativity to flow, and our consciousness to look outside of itself , our body is wondrously connected as soul in action.

I am fascinated by the intrinsic, fragile and gloriously complex human form, as a wellness coach I train individuals to push through their limits of physical strength and endurance, this increases heart rate, burns calories, oxygenates the body, and stimulates positive hormone production which ultimately allows a body to grow and change it’s shape, what a marvel!!

We have within our bodies a series of stunning systems within systems, you could say that it is like the universe itself, most of these systems are observable, and as such can be measured, studied, and understood. Our modern medical and scientific understandings have given our civilisation new ways to heal, longevity of life, and in many circumstances saved us from an early death (this is the reason I love scientific reductionists, good work!).

And yet, within this rational scientific body lives our consciousness, the mind, the thing that fills our life with creative awareness, allows our dreams to flow and goes beyond the measurable and observed as it’s subtleties are so fine,  like dew upon a spiders web.

The human brain is still not yet fully understood, it houses our body systems like the hard drive of a computer, constantly reading data, firing off thoughts, telling the body to breathe, calibrating movement, and influencing emotional surges.  I like to think of our brain as being the antennae to our physical world and the receptor to our soul connection, it is the divine creation to new worlds of possibility, our modem that connects ancient traditional beliefs to present day facts.

Soul is found on the dance floor  as music vibrates through our being and makes you wanna move, it’s heard as song that caresses your ears and heart with it’s tone and poetry. Spirit is heightened when we gather together as family and celebrate a specific ritual, or quite simply watch the World Cup in global unison. Art is spirituality in observable form as our minds connect with an interpretation of feeling or thought, the brain processes what it sees and hears, our higher self connects with the intangible beauty of truthful perfection.

I know through a daily routine of eating well, regular exercise, meditating, and staying updated with the latest scientific discoveries, plus your participation of maintaining a regular spiritual practice, that your body/soul unison will be beautifully and healthily realised.

Trust that your life experience is both physical and meta physical, and those smiles will last all day long.

There’s a time to play and a time to pray, a time to celebrate and a time to meditate, what time you have, make the most of it.

Being an old party boy, old in relative terms, I know the pressure of staying clear and focused while still having fun at the same time. Creating a healthy balance between work, leisure, staying connected to friends and family, realising some of the dreams that must be lived, plus taking the time out to dance and release can be a true strain on the body and mind, and yet, with clear boundaries around health and wellbeing it’s all about living life to the fullest.

Prayer seems to be a nasty word these days, at least in the “educated” west, I also like to use the words meditation and affirmation as these break away from any religious prejudices that some people may have. Without being caught up in semantics, the point is, we all need to take some time out every day and make the connection to our higher self. It only takes a few minutes to stop, breathe and relax, to allow our breathe to ease into the body without a rush of thoughts, and if you’re active, to stop the madness of moving around like a kid high on candy.

Affirmations are created by using your very own words, tell a little tale of positivity and yumminess, write it down, whatever the wish or script is, believe what you are saying, look at it every day, make it real, affirmations work.

Play is where we get to laugh, be free, entertain in the way that you so choose, crank up the stereo, have a glass of wine (or two), go to the disco, run, hang out on a bean bag and watch that fav film, eat all of those chocolates and chips that you haven’t been storing in your cupboards. Sitting back and relaxing is so integral to a healthy human.

Meditation has helped me resolve some serious “car crash” like issues, slowing down the breathe, depositing all of those random thoughts into the ocean of calm and connection, your peaceful truth. There are so  many schools of practice, we live in a fab time of access to whatever path you may choose to follow, my current “Nam- myoho- renge- kyo” has been a soothing ointment.

Celebration is to be had with self, family, friends and strangers alike. Endeavour to create your personal balance between playing and praying, you are guaranteed more quality time in your day, and in your life.

As I was cycling home under the golden rays of sunshine I was amused by a road sign stating an adverse camber ahead, my humour at the various warning signs to life, a common announcement on London roads and anything public, quickly dissipated as I sensed how easy it is for all of us to get off track with our desires, wishes and goals, better to read the signs, than plunge into oncoming traffic unwittingly.

Developing your intuition and trusting your gut is one of the great advantages that clarity brings to a busy mind.

In fact, our gut is wired by the enteric nervous system, a neural feedback system that has been reported as being as important as the fine network in our brain, it houses a complex of biochemical releases which stimulate digestion, muscular motions, and dare I say, emotions too. You know that funny feeling that happens in your stomach, that’s the enteric nervous system in action, try reading the emotions or feelings  arising when the gut instinct occurs and relate that to your thoughts, and the space that you are in, as your body is speaking it’s truth very clearly.

Sometimes our decisions are created by the random actions of a life experience which forces us off course, our vehicle no longer heads to our desired location, the immediate response is to realign that steering wheel and keep a steady pace. Knowing that you have the strength, focus and skill to follow through is truly beneficial, this knowledge gives you the ability to navigate through the terrain of life with the deft hand of a race car driver.

Lookout for the signs ahead, your body speaks to you every day, how does it feel, is it rested, is it anxious, is it safe, is it ready to go?  Read your gut in relation to these questions as it will tell you exactly where you are and what may be ahead. Being prepared for those adverse cambers initiates corner taking with pleasure and ease, I love accelerating on the bend!

Living life with a positive connection to self and others is made super easy with a little loving and a lotta knowing that it’s all good.

Having clarity around personal goals, appreciating the simple aspects of life and love, being healthy, and sharing your individual perspective to the world at work and at play assists the connection with positive living.

Sculpt a clear perspective on the meaning of life. You are the artist who creates, moulds and shapes your reality, see it as a precious jewel, wear it with pride, you have your very own design cast from genetics, psychology, spiritual influences, or not, education, and the myriad of different experiences that your human expression has been given up to this point in time.

Try to do something new every week, no matter how small, it will add to the fun and laughter of being free, look at how children are in a constant state of exploration and joy, we tend to drop our leisure pursuits as our adult responsibilities overtake time schedules, so slot in some “free time to play”.

Meet new people as often as possible, we don’t know who is about to become a friend, at the very least conversations with strangers can be quite refreshing, if not illuminating, and sometimes scintillating!

Be open to the wonders of the world and the people in it, it truly is a beautiful place to be. Maintaining a sense of self is all the more pleasurable with a curiosity to fresh experiences, realising that you are the master of your art, and a daily affirmation that life “c’est tout bon”.

Inject truth, love, honour, integrity and connection into your veins and consciousness, these are not just words, they are principled constructs that when applied create a truly rewarding and wondrous life.

The question is, are you or are you not comfortably numb?

So many people walk through their lives asleep within the dream of their experience, routines and behaviours are executed automatically as thoughts, words and actions blend into tooth brushing and other obligatory ablutions. We live in an exciting time of our human evolution as technology has integrated our world into immediate access of global knowledge, at the push of a button we have connection with politics, health, finance, art, life, death, flood, famine, and each other. Splash some awareness upon the morning ritual and you are waking up.

At no other time in human history has the global collective been so interwoven into each others individual present reality, the responsibility to live life with principles is of utmost importance, by nurturing oneself, you have the foundations to a healthy and successful you.

Truthful living is simple in theory, and yet it is always a refreshing delight to be in conversation with someone who walks the talk of honesty. I like to clarify that truth is not about being harmful and frank, neither to oneself nor to others, it is having an objective awareness of situations and being able to live with your choices with conviction. Speaking the truth creates great relationships, living the truth creates a fantastic life, being the truth is like flying amongst the clouds.

Love, it makes the world go around, we are designed to be in it, to give it, and to share it.

Honour maintains healthy relationships, commitments are obliged with diligence, it holds families and friendships together through tough times and shields our hearts with protection amongst uncertainty. Having self respect ensures that all other connections will be honourable, the energetic exchange of this principle has kept individuals and societies cohesive in times of upheaval, stay strong to this gilded power.

Integrity ensures that our thoughts and actions are united to our loved ones, and to our community, our relationships are true, our careers are fulfilling, and our dreams and plans for self development are followed through.

Our connections to others and our self are made all the more stimulating by injecting these guiding principles into your daily life, so pin prick your being, and become outrageously alive as that comfortable numbness radiates into the warmth of living.

I was cycling home the other night, gliding silently upon London streets, my legs being the main power source that moved my body, it suddenly dawned upon me that the simplicity of riding a pushbike totally beats driving as I noticed a man in the car next to me sporting a serious paunch stuffed into the confines of his porsche.

Sometimes it’s hard not to become a fitness fascist as my work and lifestyle dictates daily exercise and healthy eating, well balanced meals eaten regularly throughout the day are an essential to maintain even energy levels, reduced fats and sugars are prerequisites for slimmer tummies and thighs, and having to move the body to get around town truly assists the arteries, heart rate and a more peaceful mind (when riding the bike yelling at white vans and taxis is entirely cathartic!).

We live in a time of excess, all is available to us at the flick of a switch, we have instant entertainment, meals cooked within minutes, cars to speed around in, lifts and escalators to move us up and down, it’s no surprise then that so many people battle with the bulge. Being healthy of course does not mean that all people should be skinny, as we are all made to our individual lovable selves, some are big, some are small, either way it is up to the individual to take care of themselves to the best of their ability within their genetic predisposition.

Incidental exercise is a sure way of maintaining at least the basics to a healthy body, by incidental I mean being proactive about the day to day movements that are made, and making a conscious effort to move instead of not. Taking the stairs instead of a lift when appropriate is always great, of course working in a 30 story building is a little ridiculous, but hey why not? Most busy cities have an underground transport network, walk up and down the escalators instead of standing still. When returning home from work get off the bus or train a few stops before the home station and clock up some cardio time. Get on your bike and ride your way around town, it strengthens the legs, increases the heart rate, burns the calories and puts a smile on the face as those endorphins kick in their happiness.

Socio economics dictates a persons health, in the world we all share today the richer one is the healthier they are, and yet, by simplifying one’s life with clean healthy eating, walking, bike riding and moving, a person can create a rich life of reduced body fat, health and wellbeing.

So, throw the car keys into the fruit bowl, grab a banana and start walking or bike riding today, as “no porsche really does mean no paunch”.

Remaining calm, clear and connected can be a challenge, yet with a daily meditation practice you will soon realise that every ‘thing’ is ticketyboo.

We all face daily stressors of work, family obligations, relationship highs and lows, running around the park with your personal wellness coach, you name it and label it and you’ve got it. Some things are inescapable, others can be faced and dealt with in a calm and responsible manner, all it takes is some quiet time alone, a few deep breathes to connect body to mind and you’re on your way to the wonderful world of meditation and mindfulness.

Like all aspects of fitness, meditation takes  some practice before the true benefits can be enjoyed, those first few weeks are seriously frustrating as new ways of processing thoughts and feelings are being programmed into your synapses. Studies have demonstrated that a daily meditation  practice stimulates  the left prefrontal cortices which are associated with positive emotion, our minds become more ‘elastic’ as we respond to situations with objectivity rather than react with subjective flamboyance.

The effects of  regular meditation are long lasting and possibly life altering, a skilled practitioner can alleviate stress and  anxiety as the nasty fight or flight response can be reduced to a flicker, for some people sitting at a desk can be as emotionally charged as running away from danger in the woods. Cortisol is the stress hormone released as we respond to the wide variety of stimuli during our day, over time this may cause increased blood pressure,  increased heart rate and unhealthy levels of LDL (bad cholesterol).

Meditation positively enhances our neural networks as neurotransmitters release the chemicals wired into our consciousness that bring our connection to spirit and  to our higher selves, our every day reality can  be transformed into a deeper sense of truth toward self and most importantly to others as compassion, empathy and kindness become a given.

As we all forge forward, our human evolution demands clarity, a regular meditation practice increases concentration, goal planning and task setting is made easier to achieve and psychological pain may be eased as the power of personal insight leads to emotional objectivity.

Becoming present in mind, emotion and body creates a truly happier life. Meditation equates to a walk in the park, a training session in the gym or laying upon the beach, so get to it, you will quite quickly realise that all and every thing is Ticketyboo.