Recently I came across a FABULOUS initiative that caught my attention and that we will be donating to from 2012 onwards, called … [ drum roll ] … Treehenge.

Treehenge plans to repair habitats across Australia. Their first plantation is at Gladfield in the Condamine River Basin, a region that is one of Queensland’s major food bowls and that sits at the headwaters of Australia’s largest river system. Anything that is done here has a flow on effect to the southern states of Australia. As support for Treehenge grows, this restoration and rejuvenation of damaged land will continue at different sites right around Australia, the henge itself becoming the spiritual home and symbol of nationwide change.

Treehenge, is a large tree design which, when fully grown, will be seen from space and on Google Earth (see image at top of page). Quite literally, Treehenge is about putting the celebration and support of life on the map. Organisers say the regeneration project is to be remembered for generations as a “powerful symbol of powerful action”.

Treehenge represents a new beginning. It’s the first planting of an ongoing program to rehabilitate and restore life to damaged areas right around Australia. It’s also the beginning of a shift in attitude to the way we care for the land that sustains us. It celebrates life, but most of all, it supports it. We’re taking a tired, degraded region, and breathing life into it again, one tree at a time, attracting native plants and animals back to the area. Put simply, we’re tending the garden that we all depend on.

If you too, would like to become a living part of the henge, how about dedicating a native tree in honour of a special person, pet or momentous occasion, such as a birthday, wedding or in memory of a loved one who has passed on.

By being part of Treehenge you’ll leave a lasting memory that will help a region grow, a gift of life that gives back more and more each year. Beautiful, don’t you think!

contribute to the henge

It all started about a month or two ago on Shire Farm – the Aura-Soma biodynamic farm – in Lincolnshire, when little lambs were popping out left, right and centre. It was so so cute to see tens of little ones jumping about the place. But one of them I took a particular love for … as he had one extra long “white sock” on his back leg.

So whenever the chance is available, we head up to Shire Farm to go for a walk and to say hello to the little lambs. If you’ve been to Shire Farm, you’ll know that it is just one of those magical places where beauty in nature shines: biodynamic crops growing to their heart’s content, lady beetles doing their thing, cows and sheep living in happiness and peace to help energize and fertilize the land, and a whole biodiversity of insects and bugs and other animals living in harmony together to help balance every little aspect of this farmland.

Anyway, back to my little friend … as we’re walking through the fields, I do my usual crazy talking to the animals thing and start calling out to the little lambs, and all of a sudden the little one with his extra long “white sock” comes bounding up to me. Again and again each time we head up to the farm for a walk, my little friend comes bounding up to say hello, every time without fail. Yes, yes, you may be thinking that perhaps he does it to everyone, but where’s the harm in drifting off to fantasy land?! Life is what you choose it to be. Is the glass half empty or half full?

When was the last time you gave your mum a big hug? a bunch of flowers? an afternoon together to talk and talk and talk until she’s talked out? a holiday for just the two of you?

A few weeks ago my mum and I went on a trip together. Just the two of us; and as I was booking everything it dawned on me that this was the first time that we had travelled together – just the two of us. Sure there’s been loads of times when I’ve travelled with both my parents or either one of them and my brother, or boyfriend. But never just the two of us. If it’s something you haven’t done before, then stop everything right away and find a weekend or few days which you can set aside for the two of you. Promise it will be worth it. Promise it will be the first of many. And more so, promise they will be treasured memories forever more.

They say “you can’t choose your family”. I disagree. When we choose embodiment, we make the choice for whatever reason / test / lesson we need to work through. Our parents are exactly who we choose them to be. Perhaps by fully appreciating this little piece of information we might look at things with a different point of view. Perhaps this might help us to let go of any judgments we may have so as to be a little more at peace. Or perhaps you think all that I am saying is complete nonsense. Whatever the case may be, all of us still have mums. And if you’re fortunate to have a mum who nurtured, loved and cared for you then how about sending a big loving hug and gratitude for all that they be.  If your mum has passed then a little moment of reflection to fill your body and being with the love from above that is always available from her. And if you’re not so fond of your mum, then is it perhaps a time to let go of the hurt from the past and invite a different possibility in to your relationship with her? Would you be willing to change your point of view?

To all the mums out there … a big warm happy Mother’s Day for this coming Sunday.

For a little inspiration … pick up a copy of Women’s Health and Fitness magazine for some advice from six mums. Below is a sneak peak of the first page, featuring me …

is it a time for cracking the shell for new beginnings?

new thoughts?

opening the mind to different possibilities?

transformation of self?

is it a time to be reminded to gift our loved ones flowers? to gift ourself flowers? or to be a little more mindful as we go about our daily walk so as to stop and admire the beautiful flowers that surround us?

is it a time to be reminded that we are all oneness? that we are all interdependent and connected with one another? to be reminded of the magical interplay between nature and how every being has its place in this beautiful harmonious world?

is it a time to look through the superficial layers of ourself and uncover what lies in the depths? to uncover what our heart truly desires? to reveal the beautiful rainbow being that we truly be?

is it a time to be reminded that our life is exactly the way it is because we choose it to be? that perhaps we already are in "heaven" if we would only choose it? that the beauty of nature that surrounds is already an idyllic paradise if we would only pause for a moment to open our eyes?

is it a time to be reminded to make conscious choices? is it an egg? or is it an unborn chicken? is it a rack of lamb? or is it a cute little fluffy conscious being that was once frolicking around the earth? everything is choice and there is no right or wrong choice ... however ... it is nice to know what we are actually choosing.

is it a time to be reminded that although it is oh so lovely to dream, it is also nice to have our feet on the ground? so we can experience those dreams in the here and now and do whatever it is that we came down here to do?

… whatever Easter means to you xox much love from me to you xox

We all have to make decisions each and every day about how we choose to live our life and the products we choose to purchase. There are many alternatives that we can start to integrate in to our lives to help make the planet a cleaner, healthier and more enjoyable place to live.

SUPPORT ECO AWARE COMPANIES
Before purchasing any product consciously read the packaging to see if it is a brand that you desire to support. Is the packaging recyclable? What is the product made of? Are there any potentially harmful ingredients within the product? Is it a local and ethical brand? It’s second nature for me to do this, but that is because it’s what I do for a living. I really encourage you to practice these basic steps so as to become more aware of how powerful your choices are, and what your dollar is actually supporting and/or encouraging. At Be Genki we love to support brands that are leading the way with eco practices, hence our choice to start importing products that compliment the Be Genki way-of-life.
AEOS – Active Energised Organic Skincare go beyond organic, by growing their own biodynamic plants on energized land for use in the products.
Pegasus Perfumes by Aura-Soma is a range of 100% natural and organic fragrances that have the potential to enlighten the wearer’s mood.
Advaita Pranamats are the only all-natural eco acupressure mat currently available, due to superior design, quality, & all-natural materials, such as a coconut fibre insert.

ALWAYS CARRY A RE-USABLE SHOPPING BAG IN YOUR HANDBAG
We all know that plastic bags are a big problem, so what would it take for each and every one of us to start opting for reusable bags instead?

RECYCLE MORE
Sounds like a really simple one … please use the recycle bins that your council provides.

REDUCE YOUR PERSONAL WASTE
Please make a conscious effort to switch from excess to happiness. How many of your beauty and personal care products have been sitting in the bathroom cupboards for 12+ months? Do you think that they might be not-so-fresh and potent? Maybe it might be a better idea to think before you choose the “super-sized” version of your beauty favourites and become the more environmentally friendly you that the planet needs you to be. Be Genki, AEOS and Pegasus products are packaged in sizes in just the right amount for you to use, long before the product loses its potency once opened.

CHOOSE A STAINLESS STEEL OR GLASS WATER BOTTLE
You’ll not only save a LOT of money but the environment will LOVE you for it too. Just stop to think for a minute about how many people consume one or more plastic bottles of water each day, and the impact that we could make by switching to a re-usable drinking bottle.

START YOUR OWN VEGGIE GARDEN
Even if you live in an apartment, a few pots on the windowsill or living room floor can house a number of different types of herbs, at the very least. A joy to have the fresh aroma of nature in the home, as well as being oh so handy for using in home cooked meals.

Just think what kind of an impact we could have if we all implemented these practices in to our life. You are energy, you are light, you are creativity. You can create whatever life you wish to create. The choice is yours. From this day forward, will you choose to be a part of the solution to environmental sustainability or will you choose to remain a part of the problem?

much love and happiness for an extra green month
xSam

This is the Be Genki April Ritual. To subscribe so that you receive similar rituals delivered to your inbox at the beginning of every month please click here: http://www.begenki.com/connected.html

For example, today’s thought for the day is:

Agree to disagree
Today is a day to practice caring, warmth and kindness toward ourselves. Self acceptance, extending outward to the world, helps to bring about healing and transformation in the conscious mind.

and yesterday’s thought for the day was:

Silence is sometimes best
Today is a day to have a little faith and trust. Often the case is that we would like to see changes in our complexion sooner. Please have a little patience, and exhale any negative thoughts. Trust in the process. Perhaps it might be beneficial to practice integrating the concept of “thy will, not my will” in to the daily life.

Such a lovely way to start the day … with a little dose of positivity.
Subscribe via email at www.aeosblog.com or via Facebook

lamb cuddles

Some things are just too cute not to share …
the new baby lambs at Shire Farm.

One thing is always for certain, if you’re having a particularly challenging moment in life, the best remedy is nature in all its innocence completely free from silly insignificant thoughts that pollute the minds of humans. Sweet little fluffy animals are undoubtedly therapy for the soul.

xox much love xox

lamb kisses

Can you tell I'm just a little smitten with love

I am convinced that when you arrive seeking entry to the gates of heaven, the Lamb of God will not judge you on your good deeds or the things you achieved. The Lamb will ask one question: did you love enough? Cheesy, but true.

What a lovely thought!

It certainly has left me pondering over every little part of my day-to-day life for weeks now. Every time I catch myself not thinking, feeling, acting or being in a loving manner I stop and turn whatever it is into love. Sure there is a lot of room for improvement, but what a lovely notion to apply to all and every aspect of life.

So, the question that I now begin my day with each morning, as I open my eyes and take a few moments of meditation before starting my daily adventure is …

What energy, space and consciousness can I be to facilitate more love in to my every thought, feeling, action and state of being?

I invite you to join me. Who knows what we can create over then next days, weeks or months with this invitation of love?

One final gem from the interview I read with Paulo Coelho. When asked “What would your legacy be?” Paulo replied

The idea that we all have the power to be whomever we want – but please, just take the first step, which is courage.

I know this probably all sounds too good to be true, but I am sincerely speaking the truth.

How the pranamat works is really quite simple. Its design is based on the principles of acupressure and reflexology, and the pranamat works on the premise that the tiny lotus spikes stimulate active nerve centres and intensify the local blood flow and lymph circulation. This reflective action triggers the release of endorphins that are effective in blocking pain, producing analgesia and a sense of wellbeing. In particular, oxytocin, the hormone of love, peace and calmness, is released. This hormone is our “happy pill” and is naturally released during sex, breastfeeding and massage. When the level of oxytocin rises the level of stress hormones in the body falls.

The official health benefits of the pranamat include increasing your energy levels; helping to improve metabolism, and reduce fat and cellulite; reducing muscle tension; and helping with depression, stress and insomnia.

It’s just one of those things that once you’ve experienced it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Much love for a happy, healthy and pain-free month
xSam

What makes the Advaita Pranamat so much more fabulous than other acupressure mats on the market?
There is a clear difference between brands, and it all comes down to the quality of the raw materials used in each component of the mat as well as the design elements. If you were to compare them side by side they really are very different.

For example, our Advaita Pranamat uses a coconut fibre insert, compared to a plastic foam that the other brands offer. The coconut fibre allows the the air to flow and is much healthier for your skin, especially considering that you are using the mat for wellbeing purposes.

Advaita also do not use any toxic glues with the application of the spikes. Another important issue. The final finishings are also very evident, as the Advaita mat has very beautiful details with the stitching, and zip that hides the insert. All these fine details and quality materials undoubtedly ensure that the Advaita Pranamat retains its quality, look, and feel for years.

The Advaita Pranamat is available from www.begenkishop.com

This is the Be Genki March Ritual. To subscribe so that you receive similar rituals delivered to your inbox at the beginning of every month please click here: http://www.begenki.com/connected.html

Sometimes its just lovely to simply sit and be, especially when surrounded by nature, as you never know what might show up.

I couldn’t resist sharing these beautiful moments in time from my last weekend in the countryside, whilst pausing for a moment on a tree stump.

Such a joy to be gifted a herd of wild deer playing about and doing their thing, and then a duck doing a little dance on water. I kid you not! Look closely at the picture below.

Nature has an abundance of love and beauty to share with us, if only we take the time to stop, look and “smell the roses”. Whether its a bumble bee buzzing around flowers, or the beauty of the intensity of flowers, or birds flying in their formations or an endless list of other wonders. What could you see today if you paused for a moment and opened your eyes?

Related Post: what could you see if you opened your eyes today

Having had the wonderful opportunity to be based just a quick drive from the Aura-Soma (Demeter-certified) biodynamic ‘Shire Farm’ for the past few months, its been a joy to visit regularly. However my visit this afternoon as the sun was setting was particularly exciting, as we discovered rabbit tracks making their way up the chakra path and pausing at the various chakra crystals … which can really only mean one thing, don’t you think, that our lovely little fluffy furry friends enjoy their daily meditation at Shire Farm.

Rabbit tracks making their way to the Chakra Path on Shire Farm

Rabbit tracks making their way up to the 7th Chakra on Shire Farm

Rabbit tracks making their way up the Chakra Path to the 7th Chakra on Shire Farm

Rabbit tracks surrounding the 7th Chakra on Shire Farm

Sunset at the 7th Chakra on Shire Farm

Not the best shoes to go walking in the snow searching for meditating rabbits

Related Posts:
It’s Easy Being Green
Made With Love
Postcards from Shire Farm
Make Conscious Choices Today To Help Positively Influence the World We Live in Tomorrow