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Now, the usual response when I talk about meditation, is for people to say ‘i’ve tried it, I just can’t do it, my mind is too busy!’ That’s because people have the wrong idea about what meditation is.

Meditation is not a magic technique that if you just learn the right one, attend the right course, or focus hard enough, is suddenly going to make your brain go silent. Thoughts are a part of the meditation process. The difference is that you are observing those thoughts, rather than being lost in them. So… when you’re thinking during your meditation practice, you’re not doing anything wrong!!!

Meditation is simply the practice of sitting, breathing and becoming aware of the present moment. Observing everything that is happening inside and around you, in a relaxed, non-judgemental fashion.

But just sitting, breathing and observing all those thoughts can be overwhelming initially, so it is helpful to give the mind a hook. Something to focus on. And by giving the mind a task, we create a gateway for stillness to arise around that gentle point of focus. There are a myriad of different ‘hooks’ to try – apps, dvds, CDs, YouTube videos, classes and courses. My recommendation is to try out a couple and see what resonates for you.  My other recommendation is to start small – 5 minutes a day is all you need to do initially. Once you’re in the routine of meditating daily then you can build on the time if you like. However, there really is no need. Spending even 5 minutes per day sitting, breathing and observing will do your health and wellbeing the world of good.

To Do:

Interested but not sure where to start? Click on the link below for a short, FREE guided relaxation/mindful meditation I taught some clients recently. Enjoy and i’d love to hear how you find it.

 Short Guided Relaxation and Mindfulness Meditation

About Debbie Cairns

Debbie is a certified teacher and healer with a passion for helping busy people improve their wellbeing quickly and easily through workshops, yoga and meditation. She is the founder of The Still Point which offers yoga, mediation and wellbeing workshops and programs for corporate wellness. Find out more about Debbie’s story in this short video..

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Most days we can whip together a quick breakfast and nights, we have a little extra time to prepare a dish. A healthy lunch, however, can be a little trickier to organize!

Don’t let a busy schedule get in the way of eating healthy. Make these ideas in less than 10 minutes!

1. Make A Quinoa Veggie Bowl

Toss together to combine your choice of fresh or cooked vegetables with cooked quinoa, fresh herbs, and a dressing such as tahini, apple cider vinegar, cashew cheese or mashed avocado. This Mexican Quinoa Bowl has us excited for lunch!

2. Savory Muffins

Cook vegetable muffins or mini frittatas in bulk on the weekends. Take with you to work and serve with a side salad. There are many options available, you can even use leftover juice pulp.

3. Load Up A Potato

Slice a pre-baked sweet potato and fill with your choice of toppings. We love beans, fresh salsa, guacamole and greens! Or this one!

4. That’s a Wrap

Use large leafy green lettuce leaves as a nutrient-rich alternative to a regular wrap. Simply add your favorite fillings. Try vegetables with fish/egg, curried lentils, chilli beans, or falafels! We love these Lentil Cups!

5. Bigger Dinners

The quickest way to prepare a healthy lunch, is to make more of your healthy dinner! When dishing out your nighttime meal, put some away in a container ready for the next day. Easy!

Don’t let your busy schedule get in the way of your health goals. A healthy lunch can help keep us focused, prevent the 3pm energy slump, boost our mood and sustain us till dinner.

Source: http://www.foodmatters.tv/content/5-quick-and-healthy-lunch-ideas-for-busy-people

About the Author

James Colquhoun, filmmaker of Food Matters and Hungry For Change and founder of FMTV. Along with Laurentine ten Bosch, James founded Food Matters, giving people the tools (films, books, website, TV) to take charge of their own health. Food Matters is an internationally acclaimed widely popular documentary about the medical and healthcare industries. His latest documentary, Hungry For Change, reveals how the diet and processed food industries are the enemies of permanent weight loss, vibrant health, and natural living.

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http://nadiafelsch.com/recipes/lunch/

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SALAD IN A JAR 

• 1⁄2 cup chickpeas
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1⁄2 tablespoon olive oil (+ 1⁄2 tablespoon to serve)
• 1⁄2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Salt & pepper
• 1⁄2 cup cherry tomatoes, washed Thin slices red onion
• 1⁄2 cup mixed olives, pitted
• 1 cup mixed leaves, washed & dried

SERVES 1 – V, VG, GF

Combine well the chickpeas, spices, oil, balsamic, salt & pepper
Layer mix first in the jar as a base followed by extra 1⁄2 tablespoon olive oil

Follow with tomatoes (leave whole so there’s no sogginess)
Onion, olives & mixed leaves are the final layers in that order

Seal in an airtight glass jar & enjoy for lunch either as is or pour into a bowl

This post from Sam Brown…

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Debbie (who also takes classes at The Wellbeing Studio) offered some easy exercises you can do during the day at your desk or home to quickly de-stress and  re-set you for the rest of the day.

Here is one of her chair yoga exercises. You can find more on Debbie’s website www.thestillpoint.net.au

5-minute De-Stress At Your Desk

Taking time out of your busy day to connect with your body and your breath is one of the most important things you can do for your wellbeing. Here you will find a 5 minute exercise to help you do this.

Enjoy!

About Debbie Cairns

Debbie is a certified teacher and healer with a passion for helping busy people improve their wellbeing quickly and easily through workshops, yoga and meditation. She is the founder of The Still Point which offers yoga, mediation and wellbeing workshops and programs for corporate wellness.

The post WEEK 6 FITNESS: Office Yoga by Debbie Cairns of The Still Point appeared first on Working-IN.

My experiences with yoga have always been wonderful but my participation had been very sporadic until I discovered Alethea’s wonderful studio in Collaroy. I love that the studio is close to home and that Alethea has developed a real sense of community around it by offering special workshops and events. I’ve become quite addicted! When the Working-IN program started up I was keen to get involved to give me some extra motivation to keep working out and eat well.

Six weeks into the Program and I’m loving it. I’ve been to some personal training sessions at Active Lifestyle, which have been great and I intend to join in with some running as well. I’m particularly embracing the nutritional aspect of the program. I was part way there with more wholesome eating but now I’m thoroughly enjoying creating the fabulous food suggested by the coaches and Nadia. I’ve completely changed the way I shop, have re-vamped my pantry and approach to eating and feeling wonderful as a result.

I’m probably one of the ‘older’ participants in the program but I see it as more important than ever to have a really strong foundation to stay vital and ward off those nasties that can come with middle age. After listening to Nevin’s Longevity Workshop on the weekend, I’m hoping to be ‘downward dogging’ for a long time to come!

Thank you and well done to our coaches and nutritionist!!!

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