It's been quite some week with earthquakes and floods in close succession and it's only Wednesday! Most of us struggle to control our thoughts and feelings at the best of times so this week there's little chance of being emotionally grounded when the very ground beneath our feet is shaking.

A good night sleep is what we need most but if that's proving a little tricky at the moment here's something special to help all those with frazzled nerves. These audio tracks will help soothe your mind as you find your very own special place where you can relax and find inner peace.

Whether you think of it as hypnosis, creative visualisation or guided meditation, it's all pretty much the same. It's just like day dreaming - you simply follow the suggestions and take yourself off to somewhere relaxing. So find a quiet spot, put your feet up and enjoy!

Daytime 10 Minute Relaxation - Free download for relaxation during the day.

Bedtime 10 Minute Relaxation - Free download for improved sleep.

​You might think you’re aware of what you’re doing as you go about each day but you if you really think about it – are you? How many actions do you decide consciously? How much of that never ending stream of thoughts do you truly have control over? How much of your surroundings did you notice when you were out today?

To live consciously means to take control over how we live our lives - both the minutiae of our daily lives and also the big picture stuff. That means taking control over what we do and think, consciously deciding what things we allow into our awareness and how we act on them. And it takes constant vigilance!

Yesterday I was walking the dogs along the river and I started thinking about the US election and how terrible the world would be if Donald Trump won. My mind snagged this alarming thought and immediately went into overdrive – what would it mean for the elephants in Africa, climate change and world peace? Yes, I thought about the elephants first – the Facebook pictures of Donald’s children standing triumphantly over the beautiful creatures they had slain had stuck in mind. But then what can I do about it? Nothing is the short answer. My worries may be real but the time spent on them only makes me feel stressed and spoils my day. Did I choose this train of thought? No. Once I realised I put those thoughts aside and instead focussed on enjoying watching the swallows swooping over the river and the dogs bounding excitedly amongst the long grass which was much more pleasant!

This is one small example but life is made up of a series of such moments and by gaining control over them you will find life becomes less stressful and more enjoyable. You are also likely to find more time for making positive changes in your life. More on that later! 
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