Saturday 4 September 2010

Meditation by candlelight

David et Magalie via ESP
When I was at school we were taught how to meditate, during one lesson in R.E. (it's funny how out of all the lessons I learned at school, this is the one I remember enjoying the most).  

I'm by no means a meditation expert, but I think this is a pretty good jumping off point for those beginning with meditation.

♥ Light a candle.
♥ Sit cross legged in front of it, or however you feel comfortable.
♥ Whilst concentrating on the candle, count your breaths in and out from 1 to 10 (breathe slowly).
♥ As you count do not think any thoughts.  Nothing. Nada.
♥ When you feel your mind wandering, return your attention to the candle. 
♥ It is said that if you reach 10 without any thought at all, you will attain Nirvana.

Harder than it sounds!

Friday 3 September 2010

In a nutshell: The Science of Getting Rich

The Science of Getting Rich by  Wallace D. Wattles

Before I read this book, I searched the Internet for a summary of its contents, but couldn't find anything.  So here's a simple summary (or you can just use these points to trigger your memory if you have read it!)
♥ You must be rich in order to have a complete and successful life.
♥ There is an exact science to getting rich, and if you do things in a Certain Way you will get rich.
♥ There is a Formless Substance from which you can produce tangible riches through thought.
♥ Give everyone more use than you take from them in cash value.
♥ There is a law of gratitude that you should observe.  Gratitude should be strong and constant.
♥ Have a clear mental picture of your desires.
♥ Spend as much time as possible contemplating this picture.  Have faith you will attain them.  Have the purpose to realise them.
♥ Ignore poverty. 
♥ You must act now, even if you are in the wrong business for you.
♥ Be efficient in every act.
♥ Do everything with the conviction that you are advancing.
♥ Do not concern yourself with obstacles.

Have you read the Science of Getting Rich? Any thoughts?  Did it change your life...or are you still sceptical?

Wednesday 1 September 2010

September is...

tomhe via ESP
♥ Eating steaming bowls of porridge with cinnamon and crunchy brown sugar
♥ Kicking leaves on the ground
♥ Forest walks in the autumn sun
♥ Buying woolly tights...and hats..and gloves...and scarves
♥ Warming cold hands around a Chai Latte
♥ Baking cakes and eating proper puddings...with custard
♥ Time to read Thomas Hardy novels about sturdy country folk

Monday 30 August 2010

Loungewear

Clockwise from top left: Gap tees, Debenhams leggings, American Apparel Hoodie, Tesco Harem Pants, Uniqlo Cardigans
I think its time for an overhaul of my loungewear.  I find this topic is hardly ever discussed, but it is something requiring a tiny bit of thought, even if its just so you feel at ease if someone unexpectedly pops round for coffee.  Maybe you will bump into old friends down the local shops, or you want to look passable because you are thinking 'what if I meet Brad Pitt at the petrol station?' (as my mother once said). 

For anyone starting uni soon, you do not realise how important your lounge clothes will be.  If you are living in student halls you will go to the kitchen, go to dinner, go to the bar, and pop out to Costcutter wearing these clothes.  You want to feel comfortable, but at the same time prepared for spontaneous gatherings and cups of tea.  So perhaps its time to get rid of the pants that have lost all elasticity, the battered hoodie, or the old faded gig T-Shirt from Brixton Academy in the year 2000 (ahem...).  Above all you don't want daggy clothing to affect your mood..so what do you wear for lounging around the house?  Above are a few of my personal lounge choices for my current budget.

Sunday 29 August 2010

My first day

The girl (or bloke!) who reads this blog is:
♥ A bit indie/boho...but not pretentious
♥ A lover of culture - music/films/theatre etc.
♥ A charity shop rummager or vintage shopper
♥ A food lover... not necessarily a foodie
♥ A dreamer...with their eye on the prize
...am I right?