May  2007

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From Rachael Hertogs

I hope you have all had time to enjoy this wonderful weather we are having at the moment. Perfect for sepnding time in the garden and out in nature- which is where I've been! Since moving house I've been distracted by focussing on the inside by the sunshine and have been busy making raised beds, planting things out, re potting house plants- anything to keep me outdoors! This Bank Holiday I shall be at Redland Fair selling my products- with my friend Kay of Crystal Bristol- fingers crossed the sun will still be shining!

I hope to see some of you there! I'm also celebrating as I've had an article this month in Organic Life Magazine- see page 64 for my eco sanitary wear!

I wish you all a wonderful month, do read on for my classes and workshops and other happenings in and around Bristol.

I'll finish with an affirmation-I recognise that I am responsible for the Joy in my life, I seek it along every path, in small and large ways. I will appreciate it to its

fullest and share it with those I meet.

much love and many blessings

Rachael xxx

Instant Energy Boosts

If you find yourself needing a perk-up, don’t just reach for a mug of coffee. Try one of the following:

According to researchers at California State University, US, a brisk, ten-minute walk not only increases energy but the effects can last for up to two hours.

When you listen to loud, upbeat, rhythmic music, such as tunes with a strong drumbeat or lively brass band music, your heart involuntarily speeds up to follow the beat, giving you more energy.

Imagine the top of your head is opening up and a beam of clear, red light is pouring down, filling you with vibrant energy. Visualise the colour of the light, and while you do this, repeat to yourself, “I have all the energy I need”. Do this for two minutes and feel your whole body tingling with energy.

If you are stuck in an office all day, energise yourself by doing push-ups against your desk. Move your chair out of the way, take two steps back from your desk, and lean forward until you are in an angled push-up position with your hands on the edge of your desk. Do ten push-ups: this will get the blood pumping around your upper body, which will make you feel much more alert.

Twirl like a whirling dervish! Spinning round on the spot is very invigorating – put your arms out by your side, parallel to the floor, fix your eyes on a point in front of you, and start spinning. Stop when you feel dizzy. With practice you should be able to increase the number of turns.

Suck a mint – US research shows that athletes run faster and with less effort after sniffing peppermint.            

National Downshifting Week (21 to 27 April 2007)

Creator of National Downshifting Week, Tracey Smith suggests that, “Making small and simple changes to your spending habits can have a positive impact on your purse, your health and well-being and it can also help the environment”. Here are some of her tips for a happier and greener lifestyle:

Book a half-day off work to spend entirely with someone you love.

Cook a meal from scratch, using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients,  preferably organic.

Donate a bag of clothes, toys or useful items to a local charity shop, refuge or recycling centre.

Eliminate three non-essential purchases this week.

Tonight, turn off the television, switch on the radio, play a few games and talk.

Volunteer an hour of your time to a local charity shop, animal shelter or hospice.

For more information visit www.downshiftingweek.com

 Wonderful watercress

Still on the theme of unusual awareness weeks, did you know that the week beginning 14 May is National Watercress Week? Watercress has long been known as a super food, containing as much vitamin C, weight-for-weight as oranges, more calcium than whole milk and more iron than spinach. For more information about this little green salad vegetable’s healthy properties and some tasty recipes, visit www.watercress.co.uk

Healthy housework

Would you believe it: housework is good for you! It’s thought that a daily session of vigorous housework may be almost as beneficial as a session in the gym. What’s more, a study, partly funded by Cancer Research UK, found that women who did regular housework had a significantly lower risk of developing breast cancer.

Making the most of meditation

Meditation is known to have many health benefits. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time spent meditating:

Find time to meditate regularly as the effects are cumulative – around twenty minutes a day is usually recommended.

Create a tranquil atmosphere. If you meditate in a favourite chair in a quiet space you will find that over time this area will become charged with positive mental energy and a sense of peace.

You may like to use scented candles, incense or essential oils to create a sense of sacred space. Always place candles away from flammable materials and be sure to extinguish them carefully after use.

A mantra (a sound or phrase you repeat in your mind) can aid meditation but it isn’t essential. The important thing is just to let go of everyday thoughts.

If you can get together with some like-minded individuals and meditate together, you may find that the positive energy being generated makes it easier to get into a meditative state.

BSY runs a number of meditation courses including Healing Meditation, Tibetan and Buddhist Meditation and Meditation Teacher. 

Seedy snacks

Instead of reaching for a packet of crisps or a bar of chocolate when you feel peckish, try a mix of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and walnuts. These contain omega oils, which are known to be important for health, and may help reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Store a mixture of the seeds and nuts in an airtight jar and decant some into a small container that you can slip into your pocket or bag to munch during those peckish moments. 

*Classes *

Summer Reiki Courses

Reiki I Courses: 

9 week course starting on Wednesday 16th May, 6-8pm at Barton Hill Settlement

Call BHS 9556971 for info and to book. 

10 week course starting Tuesday 1st May, 1-3pm at SPAN (only for single parents)  Call SPAN 9522712 for info and to book.

Reiki II - a 6 week course starts Monday 11^th June, 7-9pm at Akousis, Montpelier (book by May 16th)Call Rachael 9537765 for info and to book (places limited, book early!)

Reiki is a powerful 'self  help tool' ~ it helps develop a positive attitude to life,  increases energy and  expands creativity.   Reiki brings about deep relaxation, feelings of joy and well being, leaves you feeling calmer, content and serene; it helps you feel more optimistic and better able to cope with day to day stresses that modern  day living often brings!

For further information on courses, shares etc please do give me a call or email me: on 9537765  info@rachaelhertogs.co.uk  or see website www.rachaelhertogs.co.uk

Women’s Summer Solstice Celebration!

Join me and a group of women in celebrating the summer solstice with a day of creativity, singing, movement, visualisation, stories, touching nature and honouring one another

Saturday June 23rd

St Werburghs

£50 per woman

payment covers hire of a beautiful space – in nature, workshop materials, refreshments and chocolate!

Summer Solstice Celebration - embracing the creative energy of the sun.  We will use song, visualisation and art to connect within. There will be glitter and sparkle, laughter and chocolate! We will explore where we are and where we want to be on our journey of life, what is holding us back, and how can we break though and transform them. We will rewrite our futures and honour ourselves as women!

Contact Rachael for further info or to book 9245040 info@rachaelhertogs.co.uk  

At Wise Women’s Workshops we offer unique healing spaces for women

*Events*

Your Community Clinic- now every Monday and Thursday at The Better Food Co, 3-7pm

offers a gateway to complementary therapies for a minimum donation of £10 for 30 mins.

treatments are 30 minutes- although 1 hour sessions can be booked.

Therapies:
 Aromatherapy, Back, Shoulder & Head Massage, Cranial Sacral Therapy{,  Crystal Healing,  Ear Acupuncture, Facial Massages, Indian Head Massage, Reflexology, Reiki & Shiatsu

{ only on Saturdays

please call to pre-book a treatment – we also have gift vouchers available!

ffi and bookings contact Rachael on 0117 9537765 email- info@rachaelhertogs.co.uk

see web site for venue and dates   http://yourcommunityclinic.com

Provide yourself with an opportunity for rest and enhance self esteem, feel more peaceful, content, positive and better able to cope with day to day stresses!

Dances of Universal Peace

Matin Mize, Bristol

Saturday 19th May

  10.30 - 4.00

Dances from different spiritual traditions

Cost for the daytime event on the door £25 (£20 concessions). 

No pre-booking necessary.  Please bring veggie lunch to share. 

Evening:  6.00 - 9.30

“An evening in the heart of the beloved”

Zikr led by Matin

 Sufi poetry with live music from Azim Johnson

 & Basira Ward,  followed by a sumptuous

 Dervish supper

Tickets for the evening event must be booked in advance, minimum donation £15.  Please call Jo on 01373 827286 or info@johanstead.co.uk.  Those attending the evening event are welcome to rest at the venue from 4.00 pm.

Zikr is a Sufi practice that uses simple movement and chants to help us remember our true nature.  Matin is a Khalif in the Sufi Ruhaniat International, and an accomplished drummer.  He lives in the USA, and has visited the UK for many years as a Sufi and DUP teacher.  He is spiritual director of Sacred Arts Camp, UK.