“Happy as a March Hare” Newsletter
I would like to begin this months newsletter with a tribute to Thich Nhat Hanh, affectionately known as Thay. In January, the world said goodbye to the great meditation teacher, visionary, and human rights leader, Thich Nhat Hanh was often referred to as “the Father of Mindfulness in the West”. I was introduced to his writings many years ago and have been touched by his teachings, which I often share during my Sound Meditations.
“Happiness is impermanent, like everything else. In order for happiness to be extended and renewed, you have to learn how to feed your happiness. Nothing can survive without food, including happiness; your happiness can die if you don’t know how to nourish it.” He then goes on to identify the five practices for nurturing happiness:
- Letting Go
- Inviting Positive Seeds
- Mindfulness-Based Joy
- Concentration
- Insight
In cultivating these practices for happiness, TNH shared this beautiful morning verse:
“Waking up this morning I smile.
I have twenty-four hours to live.
I vow to live them deeply
and learn to look at the beings around me
with eyes of compassion.” Thank you Thay x
It is often said that Sound Meditations can be a short cut to a Meditative state, which can be so very difficult to achieve in silence, when the mind becomes overactive, the ‘Monkey Mind’ just keeps jumping and swinging everywhere! Sound can ease this and lead to a calmer body and mind, reduction of stress, anxiety and create feelings of blissful happiness. You are invited to ‘nourish your happiness’ and join me.
March Dates
Monday. 7th 1pm – 2pm LunchtimeLie Down Exploring Sound Meditation – An invitation to press pause, connect with stillness and simply be, for a positive start to your week. Harbour House, Kingsbridge.
Sunday 13th 10am – 11.15am Soothing Sunday Sounds Dartmoor Reach Alpaca Farm. Looking forward to returning to this beautiful venue( I just love it) the log burner will be lit and cheeky Alpacas may wonder over to have a peep.
Tuesday 15th 7pm – 8.15pm Yin Yoga Sound Experience – the perfect way to relax and unwind, collaboration with Yoga Calm Georgina and Helen’s Sound Meditation (Heartfulness Yoga & Sounds) returns to West Charleton.
Friday 18th 7pm – 8pm Celebrate the full moon, a time to release & letting go of anything that is not working for you. Join me at Heavenly Holistic Ashburton for a Sound Journey to lead you into a place of stillness. Limited spaces, for further info and booking please contact the host Sarah [email protected] [email protected] xx
Sunday 20th Spring Equinox – Looking forward to offering a Sound Journey for Abbey Studio at their Spring Equinox Day Retreat 10am – 4pm at Rill Estate. For an itinerary and/or to book please email the host Sarah on [email protected] mailto:[email protected] xx
Sunday 20th 7pm – 8pm Spring Equinox Sound Journey- a time of transition with the days growing longer and (hopefully) the weather warmer, a time of new light, new life, and new beginnings. Aveton Gifford
Thursday 24th 7pm – 8pm The Yoga Flow Sound Adventure -Heartfulness Yoga & Sound, a session to release and restore a tired body and busy mind. Slow gentle yoga, meditation and relaxing sound journey. Stokenham
Friday 25th Fund raiser for AG School
Saturday 26th Sharing Sounds for Wholly Yoga Day Retreat,Totnes for further information please email the host Gemma [email protected]
FOR MORE INFORMATION and bookings please message or email.
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Helen’s Sound Meditation and Heartfulness Yoga & Sounds Facebook pages are updated regularly and events listed.
Living in the beautiful area and contemplating the importance of doing something to protect the earth and becoming aware of the complex issues of Climate change it seems one of the most positive things we can do is plant trees. I was introduced to Ecologi, taking the idea from a friend, to honour everyone who attends a Sound journey I plant a tree.
February was a joyful, busy month, thank you to all who have journeyed with me, at my regular monthly sessions, Heartfulness Yoga & Sound collaborations, Dartmoor Reach Alpaca Farm, Heavenly Holistic Store and the privilege of offering a session for the charity Flying Fish Artists, 87 Trees. So thrilled that my Sound Forest is growing 561 trees planted.
As painful world events unfold and the sense of sadness washes over us. Maybe there really is only six degrees of separation between us all. Maybe if I try and live my life as gently as possible, be as kind as I can, it does make some tiny difference. My thoughts and love to all suffering.
May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you by night, may the rain wash away your worries, may the breeze blow new strength into your being, may you walk gently through the world and know it’s beauty all the days of your life.
APACHE BLESSING
Happy Wishes
Helen