I came across mindfulness a few years ago I was looking for something to destress me and bring my focus back into my life.

As woman we live really fast paced digital lives. Whether we are a busy Mum, or a busy professional this could be the key. Learning to slow down and relax your body is the kindest thing you can do for your body and wellbeing.

I always thought that yoga, Thai chi, and meditation etc.. was not really my thing and as someone once said to me the fluffy stuff that won't work. Until I started trying it, after going through a stressful period in my life. And the results have been astounding. I definitely feel more focussed and able to take on my every day life.

The woman who peaked my interest first in mindfulness, meditating and yoga, is one of my favourite super models Rachel Hunter.

I have always admired her beauty and confidence since I was a teenager, following her modelling career.

She has been practicing and teaching this for a number of years now and is a certified yoga instructor among many other.

Rachel travels the world especially to countries like India where she learns more about the culture and practices there.

And she now specialises in holding retreats with her daughter Renee Stewart and is having success with woman of all ages. Reviving and rejuvenating and enriching people's lives

More info

Rachel's website - www.rachelhunter.com

Rachel's Instagram - Rachelhunterx

Tap the link in her instagram bio to find out more

Some background information on meditation and yoga.

MEDITATION

has been practiced since-

India – In some of the oldest written records from around 1500 BCE in India, the practice of Dhyāna or Jhāna is referenced as the training of the mind, often translated as meditation

China – Early forms of meditation are referenced as far back as the 3rd and 6th century BC and linked to the Daoist, Laozi, an ancient Chinese philosopher, and his writings.

However many cultures and religions have different forms around meditating so no one really knows the first people who tried it. Some date to many years before BC.

Courtesy of positive psychology.com

Meditation is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine. Meditation can produce a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind. During meditation, you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. Literally by quieting the noise in your mind your thoughts become clear.

At first I couldn't concentrate and quiet the noise but once I tried it a few times my mind started to quiet down - there are apps that can help you with this also with calming music that really helped me and I truly believe this is what helped me get over my anxiety at that stressful time in my life.

YOGA

I always thought that yoga was just about stretches and poses that were difficult to get into and you had to be this flexible person to do it, but I was incredibly wrong.

Yoga is a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline, a part of which, including breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures, is widely practised for health and relaxation.

The term "yoga" in the Western world often denotes a modern form of Hatha yoga and a posture-based physical fitness, stress-relief and relaxation technique, consisting largely of asanas, this differs from traditional yoga, which focuses on meditation and release from worldly attachments. It was introduced by gurus from India after the success of Swami Vivekananda's adaptation of yoga without asanas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

There are beginner yoga classes that teachers take you through the basic moves. As I went to more classes I gained my flexibility and the relaxation I felt after the class was on another level, those nights I had the best uninterrupted sleep of my life.

If you can persist with it it is not only a great form of toning exercises but the mind quietens also by doing it - a win win as I like to say.

Whatever works for you when it comes to mindfulness it is an individual choice. I have shared with you my journey to hope to inspire others to join that journey today to become one with yourself, nature and the people around you.

Much Love

Charz 2023

Photos and info on Rachel Hunter with permission