Mindfulness

Step outside and let nature work its magic on your weary soul. It's the ultimate restorative, the secret sauce to inner peace that can zap you with a mega dose of energy and a shiny new personality. Science, ever the keen observer, has caught on to this phenomenon. In a nifty study, participants were subjected to the awe-inducing beauty of nature scenes, causing their brain to sparkle like a Fourth of July fireworks display.

Looking on the bright side could be the secret to a long and prosperous life, according to a bunch of researchers in the USA. They discovered that those with a sunnier disposition are more likely to live longer and achieve "exceptional longevity," reaching a ripe old age of 85 or more. But hold on, what exactly is this optimism we're talking about?

I'd simply like to write about what I think is a good way to start this year, start each day and then let this be the feeling of the day, the year, the now. This way it doesn't belong to anyone, no one came up with it, there is no book to buy, no course to go on, no subscription and no further questions should be required, perhaps a re-read until it sinks in.

Want to kick off your last morning of the year like a boss? Well, it's time to wave goodbye to those snooze button marathons and stop zooming around like a hyperactive race car. That's not how you set yourself up for success. Instead, you've got to take charge of your own "energy boost" and decide how you want to handle the chaos that inevitably comes your way.

In our chaotic Western society, we find ourselves delving into the mystical and profound teachings of the East. And it seems that the latest obsession in the new age scene is the enchanting Tibetan Singing Bowls. At first glance, they may seem unassuming, just your average instrument. But don't let their humble appearance fool you, for these marvellous vessels possess an otherworldly power.