Four Ways to Celebrate Christmas Day If You Are Forced to Self-Isolate

I have spent Christmas Day on my own a number of times over the years.  Sometimes, I hated it and felt sad, depressed and lonely.  Other years, I had a great time.  The fact that I am a Buddhist and don't celebrate Christmas doesn't seem to make a lot of difference - I still sometimes feel a desire to spend the holiday with friends and loved ones, and am haunted with the ghosts of Christmases past.  And anyway, this holiday is primarily an ancient celebration of the Winter Solstice, so I celebrate it in that context.  

 

This Christmas day, as in 2020, many people are still forced to self-isolate.  If you are one of the people self-isolating at Christmas (or any other time), missing friends, family and good cheer, check out my Coronavirus Resources for music, quizzes, relaxation, humour and more.  

 

Plus go here for an excellent article in the Guardian on four ways to make Christmas on your own more fun, relaxed and enjoyable.  Number four is by far my favourite.  

 

Follow Candace Bond-Theriault's lead and make a list of your favourite Black films, or whatever films you like. 

 

And there's this one from Oprah Daily:   How to Spend Christmas Alone and Still Make It Merry Without Family.  

 

And this excellent piece from Very Well Mind:  Here's How to Cope with holiday loneliness.

 

So there's a wealth of advice out there.  Plan, or don't.  Keep in touch, or take some time and space for yourself.  Prepare a feast for yourself if you want to.  Do what feels best to you and for you.  Place the emphasis on self-care.  The most important thing to remember is:  you are NOT alone.    

Happy holidays!  

What's your best suggestion for spending Christmas Day alone?  Please comment below and please share this with your networks.  Thanks!  

How Does Covid-19 Affect the Brain?

People who have had only mild infections can find themselves affected ongoingly.  People have experienced brain disorders, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, cognitive problems and more.  And  we don't know how long these will last, or how many people will be affected. 

 

This is indeed a troubling picture.  Check it out:  How Does Covid-19 Affect the Brain?

 

Plus, hearing loss is associated with increased risk of dementia, depression and more. 

 

(Remember, Spiritual Response Therapy (SRT) has an excellent track record at treating and eliminating dementia and Alzheimer's.)  

 

And vision loss can also affect brain health.  

 

If you need some cheering up after all of this, check out these Coronavirus Resources.  

 

Has Covid-19 affected your brain health?  Please post below and please share this with your networks.  Thanks.  

 

 

Sibling Rivalry in These Troubled Times

In these coronavirus covid-19 lockdown days, many parents and children are struggling.  Nobody knows when the schools will reopen, or whether parents should send their children back to school.  Not being able to go outside or interact with their friends is creating stress for children and families.  Conflicts between children are occurring more frequently as everyone is on edge.  And outside of the watchful gaze of teachers and educators, some children are more at risk of violence or abuse.  

 

According to this article from the New York Times, in the past, families that had several children who were close in age had a higher infant mortality rate than other families.  I wonder whether this is still true today in cultures and/or countries that have unusually large families.  

 

Sibling rivalry is something those of us who have siblings have all probably experienced.  Again, I wonder whether rivalry in families and in societies, such as China, where single children are the norm, is expressed outside the home.  

Sibling rivalry can help children to learn to navigate relationships.  It can also have the opposite effect, and can be vicious.  

 

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) can be an effective way to address and resolve conflict between and among siblings.  Marshall Rosenberg, the founder of Nonviolent Communication, has witnessed children as young as four using NVC effectively.  NVC is based on empathy, which is defined within NVC as honouring feelings and needs - both ours and other people's.  

 

For more about NVC, go here for six short films with Marshall Rosenberg, in which he explains the basics of NVC.  

 

For more about how to use NVC with children, go here for my ebook, Affirmations for Parents.  

 

What are your methods of resolving conflicts between siblings and/or other children?  Please comment below and please share this post with your networks.  Thanks.  

Dealing with Lockdown Loneliness

Loneliness courtesy of NYT

Many of us are having to cope with loneliness during the  coronavirus lockdown.  Not being able to meet up with friends, family members or loved ones can be challenging.  It can be even more difficult for those who are self-isolating.  Some suggestions for dealing with loneliness include: 

•  Embrace the technology!  Stay in touch using video technology, such as Skype or Zoom;  

  
  

  • Plan your day and stick to a schedule;  
   
  • Stay active.  Even a short walk every day can help; 
   
  • Read online articles (like this one) for fun and to increase your knowledge base; 
   
  • Join a Meetup film group or Facebook watch party to view films online with others;
    
   
• Avoid watching too many news programmes about Covid-19, as too much information can be confusing and increase our stress levels.
  

Below, I have listed some resources that can help us to cope with loneliness and isolation.  

 

Personally, I find that helping others is the best way to feel connected - and useful.  That's why I have posted these coronavirus resources.   

 

 What to Do If You Feel Lonely during the Coronavirus Outbreak (advice from the NHS) 

How Singles Can Fight Loneliness during Social Isolation  

How to Cope with Loneliness during the Coronavirus Pandemic 

 

Loneliness during Coronavirus;  

 

Reducing Loneliness among Migrant and Ethnic Minority People; 

Get Support from a Mental Health Charity (advice from the NHS); 

 

Find a local NHS urgent mental health helpline (England only).  

Please share this with your networks and please comment below.  Thanks.  

The Violet Flame Healing Meditation

Violet Flame Healing Meditation

My Violet Flame Healing Meditation is now available from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk as well as other streaming services including iTunes, Spotify, Deezer, Google Play, and more.  Amazon Music Unlimited is FREE for the first 30 days. 

Violet Flame Healing is an ancient form of holistic healing - healing of the body, mind and emotions.

The Violet Flame transmutes negative energy into positive energy, and you can apply it to any area of  your life.  My Violet Flame Healing Meditation helps you to connect with the Violet Flame healing energy.  It is very relaxing, calming and soothing. 

In this time of the coronavirus crisis, we need something that can help us to heal in body and mind.  The Violet Flame Healing Meditation can help with this, and support and enhance the body's natural healing process.

Go here for lots more resources to help you to survive and thrive during the coronavirus pandemic.

Inner Peace Meditation

Over the past few years, I have been working with the angels more and more, and have recently discovered Melanie Beckler.  Her work is always positive and filled with beautiful, beautiful, calming angelic energies.

Go here to download Melanie's Inner Peace Meditation - FREE.

See also:  Instant Stress Reduction with Kris Carr.

In these troubled times, what we need - what the world needs - is healing.  Healing on a mental, emotional and physical levels - holistic healing.

Archangel Raphael is the one to call on for healing.  And for protection, we can call on Archangel Michael.  We can ask him to surround us with his blue cloak of protection, and he will also take away our fears and anxieties, and help us to develop courage. 

We humans need to learn to rely on ourselves and each other, and know that, by working together and helping each other, we can get through this, and we will.  

Please comment below and please share this with anyone who can benefit from it.  Thanks.

Instant Stress Reduction with Kris Carr

Today, I am sharing with you Kris Carr's Stress Reduction recording.  Kris is a New York Times best-selling author, wellness activist and cancer thriver  Go here to listen to her recording now.

My Violet Flame Healing Meditation will also help you to relax and can also help to boost your immune system and support your body's natural healing process. You can listen to it on Amazon Music Free if you have downloaded the app.

Or join Amazon Music Unlimited and listen to it there.  FREE for the first month.  It is also available from other streaming services.

See also: How to Look after Our Mental Health during the Coronavirus Crisis

Please share this with your networks.  Thanks.

50 Coronavirus Jokes That Should Help You Get Through Quarantine

Apparently, laghter may really be the best medicine.  According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter stimulates the body's organs by increasing oxygen intake to the heart, lungs and muscles, and triggers the release of endorphins.  It also helps people handle stress. 

Once again, these jokes should bring a smile to your face during this horrible coronavirus outbreak and lockdown.  

They include a BRILLIANT  Where's Waldo - Coronavirus Edition, and much more.  

See also:   Coronavirus Lockdown Humour.   

And if you are having toilet paper issues, check this out.   

If you would like holistic healing of the body, mind and emotions, go here to download my Violet Flame Healing process.  

Stay safe.  Stay well.

See also:  How to Look After Our Mental Health during the Coronavirus Crisis.  

Please comment below and please share.  Thanks.

A Breath of Fresh Air - Is the Pandemic a Miracle?

Derek Rydall

Personally, I believe in miracles, but I don't believe this is one.

As a direct result of covid-19, the global pandemic, people are suffering.  People are dying.  People are losing their loved ones.  Healthcare workers are scared to go to work.  Some of us are struggling to get hold of the basic things we need.  And the economic consequences are yet to be seen.

Having said all that, there are some positive aspects as well.

The global lockdown in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic is having many positive, beneficial consequences.  Street crime, burglary and other crimes are down (although cyber crime and internet fraud are on the increase).  The air quality has improved, and the impact on the environment means that fewer are animals dying.  Go here for an article by Derek Rydall about the positive aspects of the coronavirus.  It's useful to have a fresh perspective. 

In the midst of all the disruption, confusion, fear, anxiety and despair, we need to smile and laugh more than ever. Go here for 17 of the funniest coronavirus tweets. 

 

Carol Burnett + Toilet Paper Problems

If you are finding it difficult to get hold of toilet tissue, or if you are fed up (no pun intended) with the empty shelves in the supermarket during the covid-19 pandemic, just remember, it could be worse. Check out this clip from the wonderful Carol Burnett.

See also:   Coronavirus Lockdown Humour. 

They say laughter is the best medicine, and it may be true.  But if you would like holistic healing of the body, mind and emotions, go here to download my Violet Flame Healing process.  

I am continuing to post content about health and healing, and bolstering your immune system, as well as stuff to make you smile.  For more great content, go here to join my online group, The Key to Everything. 

Stay safe.  Stay well.

See also:  How to Look After Our Mental Health during the Coronavirus Crisis.  

Please comment below and please share.  Thanks.

Coronavirus Lockdown Humour

Stuck inside with the covid-19 lockdown?  Fed up with self-isolation?  Missing human contact?  Getting stir crazy?  Climbing the walls?

Or are you a healthcare worker or provider working long shifts, having far too much human contact?

The coronavirus pandemic and the coronavirus lockdown are no fun, but these will bring a smile to your face. 

The Chinese have been on lockdown longer than the rest of us, and are making the best of the quarantine - see above.

They say laughter is the best medicine, and it may be true.  But if you would like holistic healing of the body, mind and emotions, go here to download my Violet Flame Healing process.  


Stay safe.  Stay well.

See also:  How to Look After Our Mental Health during the Coronavirus Crisis.  

Please comment below and please share.  Thanks.

Latest Coronavirus Advice

Latest Coronavirus Advice

The advice about coronavirus changes daily, and even more frequently than that.

First, we were told we could go out, go for a walk, and go to the shops.

Then, the next day, we were advised we could go out for exercise, i.e. go for a walk.

The day after that, we were ordered to stay indoors.  (I suspect this was the plan all along.)  But I think we can still go for a walk, or a run, or to the shops.  Not that there's much left on the shelves.  

We need to stay indoors to try to avoid overloading the NHS, as the number of coronavirus cases is still on the rise.

Yet NHS staff are not being offered coronavirus tests - even though Prince Charles was able to obtain one.  How is this not placing a further burden on the NHS - when there are NHS staff members who are self-isolating, who would be able to go back to work if they tested negative for the virus?

The situation is very anxiety-producing.  Many people don't know what to do.  The advice is contradictory.  We don't know how long this crisis will last.  And it could go on for years. 

You can download the latest coronavirus advice from Imperal College.  The breakdown is in the first two pages. 

Meanwhile, WHO (The World Health Organisation) says that we need to test, test, test.  So try to get tested!  Not easy on the NHS, but worth a try.

For more details, see:  Keep Our NHS Public @keepnhspublic.  

Saw this on Jeremy Vine recently: Nutritionist Lowry Turner has said eating fresh fruit and veg, things high in fibre, boosts the immune system. Exercise and relaxation also help. 

For holistic healing of body, mnd and emotions,go here for my Violet Flame Healing Process.  This can relax you and boost your immunity.

According to the FT, Imperial College have also stated that the UK government's current policies regarding covid-19 have reduced the predicted deaths of 250,000 to 20,000.  Still an horrific number of deaths. 

How can we help people who have others during this coronovirus crisis?  Go here to check it out.

Please share this with your networks and please leave your comments below.

Good luck, everybody!  Stay well.

How to Look after Our Mental Health during the Coronavirus Crisis

How to Look after Our Mental Health during Coronavirus Crisis

The government's advice to self-isolate during the coronavirus crisis, for those of us who either have a confirmed diagnosis or have even mild coronavirus symptoms, is not good news for those with mental health issues. Especially as self-isolation could go on for three to four months during this coronavirus outbreak. 

Just dealing with, and processing, the constant influx of coronavirus news is enough to trigger high levels of anxiety.  It's important to rely on reputable sources.  

One thing that can help will be performing random acts of kindness – contributing something to others, which can help us to feel less isolated, more connected. 

I am so fortunate to live in an area where there are lots of people around offering to help me, offering to do my shopping, etc., as well as friends and family members checking up on me to make sure I am okay.  I feel well looked after.  

You probably have people in your family or group of friends, or in your local area, who need your help and support, and you may be one of the amazing, beautiful souls who are helping others. 

Go here for more suggestions of random acts of kindness.   

  

Go here for more advice about how to look after our mental health during this coronavirus outbreak.  

See also:  How to Help Others during the Coronavirus Crisis.

Please share this with your networks and please leave your comments below.  Thanks.

How to Help Others during the Coronavirus Crisis

Coronavirus Covid-19

Are you helping the elderly, the vulnerable or anyone affected by the coronavirus crisis?  Or do you want to know how you can help? 

Check out this excellent article on how to help others during the coronavirus crisis. Great to know there are many who are out there helping people every day. One way to help during the covid-19 pandemic: Buy from small businesses.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/help-others-during-coronavirus-outbreak-220500548.html

Here's another take: 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/smart-living/how-to-help-others-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/ar-BB11ad4B

If you have more suggestions on how to help others, please comment below. 

Plus scroll down for details of how to download my Violet Flame Healing Meditation.   

Food Banks/Resources in South London

If you want to donate food or other resources in South London, check out:

Camberwell: St. Giles Food Bank

Central Southwark Community Hub

https://www.cschub.co.uk/get-involved

https://www.cschub.co.uk/copy-of-get-involved

Peckham: Southwark Food Bank

https://www.facebook.com/SouthwarkFoodbank/

Brixton: Brixton Soup Kitchen

brixtonsoupkitchen@gmail.com

https://gogetfunding.com/bsk-fundraising/

Bromley Area: The Golden Hearted

https://www.facebook.com/groups/703270807162286/

To download my Violet Flame Healing meditation for holistic healing, go to:  

https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/zhana5 

Or go here for more information.  

Please share this with anyone who can benefit from it.  Thanks. 

 

What Exactly Is the "Delay" Phase?

Coronovirus in the UK

Here in the UK, we have now entered what is called the "Delay" phase of dealing with the coronavirus (covid 19).  We now have 798 confirmed cases. 

What exactly does this mean?

From today, people in the UK who have even mild cold or flu-like symptoms are advised to self-isolate.  This contradicts advice we were givenup until yesterday, that we do not need to be tested unless we have recently returned from the coronavirus hotspots, which include China, South Korea, Iran and Italy (sorry if I have missed out any).

Advice can be obtained from NHS 111, although they reportedly have been giving out the wrong advice.

Containment is extremely unlikely to work on its own, which is why we have moved to the "delay" phase.  If we can delay the spread of the virus, this pandemic may become more manageable in the summer months.  (But is this what has happened in Australia?  If you have information about this, please comment below.) 

Your body has its own natural healing process.  To help protect against the coronovirus, and to enhance any other healing you need, go here to download my Violet Flame Healing Meditation.  Please note, I am NOT qualified to give any medical advice.

Go here for advice on how the "delay" phase may affect us.

Go here for how washing up liquid may help prevent the spread of coronovirus.  

Basically, we are being told to wash our hands - you already knew that, right?  Some employees should work from home, and some public gatherings, such as sporting events which draw large crowds, have been cancelled, and others may be cancelled.  This is being referred to as "social restriction" and "social distancing".  Schools are not being closed at this point.  The advice is still somewhat vague.  

Please share this with anyone who can benefit from it and please leave your comments below.  

I wish you all the best.

Help for Frustrated, Stressed Parents

I am re-purposing this blog post.  

 

Have you ever felt frustrated with your child because he or she won’t listen to you, or doesn’t behave in ways you want her or him to?  Or does things you wish s/he wouldn’t?   Shouting, slammed doors, sulking, etc.?   If any of this sounds familiar, you need to download Affirmations for Parents.

In these days of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, children and parents find themselves cooped up indoors together for seemingly endless ays, weeks, and months.  Are you finding this stressful to the point of being intolerable?  And would you like to learn some skills that can help? 

As a Transformational Growth Consultant and former child, I have worked with hundreds of parents and other former children. I know that there are many parents and children who are stressed, anxious, suffering and in pain right now. I have written Affirmations for Parents to help you be the kind of parent you want to be, and have the kind of communication you want to have with your child or teen.

The key is the kind of communication we have – the way parents and children communicate. We can dramatically change the relationship by using different ways to communicate, to resolve conflicts and have happy, harmonious relationships with our kids.

Affirmations for Parents provides lots of practical help and information as well as affirmations you can start using immediately. Click here to download Affirmations for Parents now. 

Go here to download it in the UK.

If you ever have trouble using affirmations, check out Why Affirmations Don't Work.  

Please share this with your networks and please comment below.  What strategies do you use to improve communication with your children?