Pocket change for Christmas

25 November. One month until Christmas or more like 4 weeks to bankruptcy. I am the most ghastly christmas present buyer. I always seem to be on a budget and everything appropriate seems to be affordable only to the stupid and rich. I dread this time of year. People say they don't want presents but they do. They really do. Truely.

I have been the victim of no-thank you's and guilt trips over no-presents countless of times. I am more likely to buy gifts for people when I see something on my travels that reminds me of that person. No special occasion, no forced reason for spending, just plain good ol' love and appreciation. That's what counts right? pffff!

I guess instead of 'Tis the season to be jolly we should say 'Tis the season for queues and spending...yeah I was gonna do the whole clever rhyming thing using the word Folly but by wikipedia definition Folly means a building primarily built for decoration...which didn't really make sense but hey at least you learnt something new today!

Tattoos, kung fu and lobsters

I feel well rested but I don't know why because my dreams were so action packed. I had a friendly kung fu fight scene with my best mate. I was pulling all the swing kicks, punches and jumps that would make Bruce Lee proud. I miss that feeling of powerful energy shooting out of your limbs as you glide around an open floor. I miss that focus and intensity that you get from hours of body torture. Only once you reached exhaustion does your true training begin. The power of the mind. Our bodies are so much stronger than our minds. The true battle is with the mind.

Saying that I wonder about my mind. If dreams are anything to go by, I have a lot of bulit up frustration and creativity. Besides dreaming of giant lobsters being stroked like little puppy dogs, and tattoos on people's arms that are constantly changing as they project images that best descibe what emotion the person is feeling at the time. I dream of saving people from natural disasters and what always annoys me in dreams is that I always seem to be so much more articulate. I can actually express what I want to say perfectly and with such precision, I really put my waking self to shame. Tsk Tsk.

Every morning I try to spend at least five minutes with my eyes closed trying to recall as much of my dreams as I can. It's all about repetition. Repeat images and words to yourself to imprint it into the memory pile. Find the trail that lead you there. There is never logic in dreams, the mind is open to every possibility and nothing is restricted. I love dreaming. I have somehow even managed to talk to myself in my dreams and remind myself that things are not real and that I am just dreaming. I used to suffer from horrific nightmares so dark and twisted I was scared to go to sleep. The only way I could control that fear was to intercept that fear by reminding myself that I was just dreaming.
Ok I really have to be a bit more disciplined and write down all my dreams. I have a good memory so that should hopefully be easy...or maybe it's best I leave that door closed to the rest of the world. I don't want to be THAT person who bores others with scrambled images and storylines. Maybe dreams are just meant to be kept personal?hmmm...

Energy is...

Energy is that first step into a hot bath in winter.
Energy is when you get that laugh you were hoping for.
Energy is the first crack of the hardened Ice Cap choc-mint sauce on your ice cream.
Energy is the sweet, soulful sound of a Blues Harmonica ringing in your ears.
Energy is when you absorb the scorching rays as the sea breeze blows in your hair.
Energy is when your tricycle becomes a bicycle.
Energy is the first time you eat fresh snow.
Energy is when you realise your true purpose in life.
Energy is the way we protect the weak from the bully.
Energy is when we hear those words: " I am so proud of you"
Energy is the stretch that eases a stiff muscle.
Energy is the appreciation you feel when your loyal dog welcomes you home.
Energy is the relief after finally dislodging that piece of popcorn in your teeth.
Energy is the taste of a minty fresh kiss.
Energy is the smell of freshly washed clothes.
Energy is the unconditional love of a best friend.
Energy is when you help an old lady carry her groceries up the stairs.
Energy is the blissful joy of dancing to your favourite band or DJ.
Energy is having your feet rubbed hard with oils and strong hands.
Energy is about forgiving and forgetting.
Energy is about that inner light
Energy is about common ground and understanding.
Energy is the meaning and the drive.
Energy is the love of life and the heart of truth.

Time to realise

I had one of those extremely rare and shocking awakenings through a conversation with a soul mate. My soul mate has nothing to do with puppy dog love or an idealistic love affair. I'm talking about a friendship so deep and fulfilling, it has extended over many life times. We chatted about the future, we chatted about the purpose of life especially in this critical time. We couldn't keep the tears from rolling down our cheeks as we realised the concept of compassion and love together. We realised more than ever before the power of friendship and understanding of other human beings. We realised how much we have to do in such a short space of time and how strong we have to be to continue, even if it is all by ourselves.

I am talking about a moment in time when a friend cares so much for you that she shares with you a truth that will truely elevate you spiritually and capitvate the essence of purpose. Or in Layman's terms, it was a truth about life that kicked my arse in to gear. I was so overcome with emotion and awakening that the way I see the world far out weighs the desire to live a blind existence. I felt it all along. She confirmed that nagging urgency.

I'm probably making no sense to the people reading this blog right now. I have been a part of an experience that completely flips my perception to what is truely important. The time has come for me to let go of those ridiculous attachments I hold so dear. The time has come to be brave and face my demons head on with sincerity and love.The time has come to realise the importance of knowing and putting that into practise. Inner cultivation and outer practise.

I stare at that black and white picture I took in South Africa.Boats waiting beside a massive ocean, yearning to be filled with people and to be used for its sole purpose of travel and a change of scenary. It wants to help us realise how small we are in the grand scheme of things. My question is how do we get others to realise that the time has come to move, to act and to enjoy the blissful freedom that has been promised to us. We aren't free until we learn to dig deeper, think with more focus, live with more hope, share more, forgive always and help others do the same.

Song of the day: Blessed is He by Josh Garrels
Colour of the day: Lilac
Food of the day: pesto

Teacher, teacher

It's one thing teaching Pilates to a bunch of grumpy and stressed out adults but I wonder how it would be teaching a group of hormonal, snotty-nosed teenagers?
I have an interview in a couple of days at a college in North London. The average age for the class is 14yrs to 17yrs old. I thought I knew what it felt like being that age but after my camping trip a few months ago, I realised how out of touch I am with the kids. I'm 27, is that sad? Or is that misguided?

If the college like my Irish/South African charm, they will pay for me to do a 6 week course which should equip me to teach kids. I like that idea. I like the fact that I could possibly aid the future generation to start thinking more holistically and more practically about movement and healthy living.

I recall learning eurythmics movement(not the band) at my Waldorf school in my pre-teens. It was fantastic.This method utilizes the expression of physical movement and musical rhythms to reinforce the concepts which affect the student’s performance and retention of musical basics.

Music and movement had such a huge influence on me, maybe I can somehow influence these kids. My biggest obstacle, though, is that fact that I have no appreciation for the synthesised music that the youth listen to today. How do I change their perception of music too, I'm no expert. But wait, I'M the teacher which means that they have to do what I say, RIGHT?...Again,am I misguided?Nah...I can do this.Watch me shine!