PERFECT HEALTH

SynchroDestiny in Action

2011-12-01T18:19:00.003Z

Last June a woman read my article in Positive Life magazine, whereby I share my experience of synchronicity. She entered the competition to win my book, The Lingerie Designer, by penning a story of her own. Some time later, she received a parcel in the post. It was my book - she had won the competition and her article would be published in the next edition of Positive Life.

She decided to contact me about my work with The Chopra Centre, and enquire about a workshop I was running in September. She signed up, came to Dublin for the weekend and learnt Primordial Sound Meditation and Ayurvedic Lifestyle, Perfect Health. While on a break from class she wandered into Nourish on Wicklow street, where she saw a copy of Positive life - with her article in print. Her first article and here she was reading it while on The Perfect Health weekend. Well, I'll let her tell you the rest of the story, herself. Below is an email Suzi sent me earlier this week. She is happy that I share it with whoever comes across this blog. It is inspiring in a truly challenging time. I'm looking forward to having Suzi, not only as a student but as a Chopra centre colleague. I'm very proud of her and how she's following her dream through proactive action as oppose to staying stuck in fear. Best of luck on your new path, Suzi - Go For It!

Hi Siobhan, Natalia & Pauline

(if you have any emails for the other ladies we shared perfect health with I am happy if you can send on this email to them.)

Well, I really want to share with you how Seduction of Spirit went in Oct. I have to say it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

I was really glad that I had been meditating every day for a few weeks before as the first day of the course when we meditated as a group of 300 was pretty special,

hard to describe with words but very powerful. As the week went on it got better and better, the dawn sessions as the sun came up were magical and I gained a lot of insight into myself over the week.

I even had a personal chat with Deepak one morning when I was going through some stuff that I was unsure about, he is such an incredible man, he was very kind and he listened and spoke to me. He said the exact words I needed to hear.....Let it Be.

I made lots of lovely friends and we are all still in contact through Google Groups and Facebook, by the end of the week, I knew what I needed to do when I got home.

I'm not sure if you remember, but when I found myself sitting amongst you all in Dublin, I was so fed up with my job and could not see a way out as I have been our main source of income for the last 7 years, the last 2 have been challenging as I've worked twice as hard for half the salary and stopped enjoying the job, I felt stuck and had no energy, I could not see a way out.

I noticed that when I started meditating things got better, I was able to get lots more done, felt happier and things just seemed to flow effortlessly......Then I left for San Diego feeling better but with no plan as such.

When I returned, I had a clear idea of what I needed to do next, I spoke to my husband and said I can't do it anymore, I am going to close business and I want to sign up for the Teachers Path at the Chopra University. Poor man! well I 'm the lucky one as ...He is supporting me, so I was able to go for it!

Initially I was thinking of the Meditation and Perfect Health Course and then decided that if I was taking a year off I would fully embrace all 3 aspects so I'm taking the Yoga as well, so I'm training to become a Vedic Master. I'm now waiting for my teachers packs to arrive as I wind down my business. I feel like I've been set free, the tightness across my back is gone and although I'm not sure where this will take me, I know it is what I need to do. I am thinking of it as a way to deepen my experience and then who knows?......there are infinite possibililities!

I am also glad to tell you that both my husband and I are going out to California for the last Synchrodestiny with Deepak in Feb. Its his birthday and I really want him to meet the amazing people that work at the Chopra Centre so when I go there 5 more times in the next 12 months he has met the people and seen the place and will know I'm in good hands. I also think it will be an opportunity of a lifetime for us as a couple.

So ladies, there it is, I would never have thought in a million years that going to Dublin in Sept to learn meditation would have had such a profound effect on my life!....but it has, I continue to meditate twice a day and love it. I hope you are all continuing with your practice and reeping the benefits!

I would love to hear from you, to see how the last few months have been for you and if any of you are thinking of attending any of the Chopra events I would say.....GO FOR IT!

Namaste,

Suzi

An Evening with Siobhan McKenna & Claire Allen

2011-09-21T16:14:00.002+01:00

Waterstone Belfast are hosting an evening where myself and Claire will be discussing our experience as writers including some tips on how to get published.

Interesting website

2011-08-24T14:58:00.002+01:00

A web site with Ayurvedic remedies for common ailments. It's interesting to see things we can try to compliment mainstream medicines.

DavidJi leads day 6 of the 21 day meditation challenge

2011-08-20T10:39:00.003+01:00

I'm loving the Chopra Centre's 21 day meditation challenge. Although I have a regular practice of Primordial Sound Meditation, I'm finding this challenge is reminding me of why I have chosen the life that I have. This meditation focuses on recapitulation. By doing a fast forward to our day, just before we go to sleep, with judgement or feeling we witness the choices we have made. This type of observance naturally leads us to making more nourishing choices for ourselves on a daily bases, which really is all there is. Just this moment. I remember Deepak Chopra talking about this process at Seduction of Spirit. I'm forgotten how powerful it is.

The last Group workshop

2011-08-17T15:19:00.003+01:00

On September 17th & 18th next I will hold the last group workshop for the foreseeable future. For four years now I have met wonderful people who have attended our Chopra Centre group workshops, Perfect Health and Primordial Sound Meditation. It was a life enriching experience that saw me move from giving workshops with three attendees to facilitating groups within large national and international organisations, to contributing to TV programmes aired on national television. The Chopra Centre gave me the honour in July of featuring me and my story on their international newsletter. I have also manifested my life long dream of becoming a published author with my book, The Lingerie Designer, in addition to which I was signed up by the publisher to write a further two books. This is the stuff I barely dared to dream of when, frightened and feeling lost I invested my time and money in attending Seduction of Spirit in The Chopra Centre in October 2006. Little did I know what a change that leap of faith would make to my life.

I would love to sit here writing this and tell you that, that is it - life is perfect. I must say it's pretty damn good. My family are happy, I've found love again and despite the world crisis, our spirits are high. However, with my successes has come a huge demand on my time and a need to prioritise. My work in the holistic health field has been geared more and more towards Stress Management. I teach people how to gain control over their stress levels. One of the factors I ask people to look at is, effective management of their time, looking at how much they take on and learning to say no - lovingly of course!

Now, I have to walk my own talk. I learned to use the Law of Attraction effectively and the Universe delivered in abundance – thank you. When I was intently focused on finishing my manuscript, then on edits, then on the book tour and TV appearances, I let some other essential things in my life slide, like going for long hikes that I so enjoyed. Meeting up with friends for hours of chat and laughs. I let my career focus take over and as a result I started to feel mentally fatigued, I gained weight - all the things I know how to avoid - if I take my own advise. So, now I've looked at what I need to do to regain that balance and I realise somethings got to give. My mother is a widow, elderly and living with Lymphoma, I have two children whom I love more than life it's self, great friends, a loving partner and of course not to forget bobby - the dog we rescued fifteen years ago, who now needs lots of TLC as he approaches his twilight time. I want to apply my knowledge for optimal health and spend as much of my free time as possible with those I love rather than looking back and wishing I did, while I could. To allow me to do this, I have decided to finish facilitating public group workshops. I will continue to provide Primordial Sound Meditation on a private bases and so that you are not effected by the amount of commitments I have, I will continue to offer private tuition at group rates. I will also continue with Stress Management and Ayurvedic Lifestyle consultations.

Even writing this post feels like a relief, now that the decision is made. Yes, I'm a little sad but life moves on and as Deepak says "Good luck is opportunity meet with preparedness." Taking too much on, running ragged doesn't serve us, our families or are higher good. Plus we are pretty much sure those opportunities will present themselves but we won't be prepared.

If you like to join me on my last public group workshop, it takes place in Dublin City Centre September 17th & 18th 2011. Primordial Sound Meditation instruction can also be organised over this weekend at an extremely competitive rate. For more details of the courses, which will be combined on this weekend email me siobhan@perfectheath.ie or visit my web pages on Facebook, Perfect Health Ireland or www.choprateachers.com/siobhan. Namaste Siobhan

New Deepak Chopra article from CNN

2011-07-28T16:03:00.001+01:00

Heal Foods Website

2011-07-27T11:52:00.001+01:00

Great website for those interested in how foods effects our overall well being

New Courses

2011-07-06T15:28:00.002+01:00

Today more than ever we are seeking ways to reinvent ourselves. We are questioning what is next for us, how we can be happier, healthier and better equipped to manage stress and overcome lifes hurdles. Yet many of us are cash strapped and time poor. Or else we are fearful of parting with our hard earned cash. With this in mind I have written programmes based on my Chopra and Life Skills training that will teach you how to harness the power of intention, manage stress and live a more balanced life. These one day workshops are an introduction to core Chopra Centre teachings as thought in Perfect Health and Primordial Sound Meditation and are ideal for people who want to 'test the waters' first. You will learn basic meditation. Breathing techniques to calm the mind, reduce anxiety and awaken creativity. We will also work on how to reframe your thoughts to bring positive changes into your life. Many people don't know how to use affirmations and the power of positive thinking effectively because they have never been shown how as a result the affirmations become ineffectual.

This is the ideal workshop for anyone who is feeling stuck in a rut, unsure where their life is going or who wants to get a better handle on their relationships and stress levels.

The programme was written for large organisations concerned about employee wellbeing, morale and general health and is available for the first time to the general public this coming August

Harnessing the power of intention - you can do it too

2011-06-28T21:51:00.001+01:00

manifestation guided by Chopra Center event

2011-06-21T12:33:00.001+01:00

Becoming an Author

2011-06-14T18:05:00.003+01:00

Have you thought about writing a book? Here, Chopra Certified Instructor, Siobhan McKenna, shares her story

The launch

2011-06-01T16:02:00.002+01:00

Fast forward to 14 minutes to see my main bit. Although The whole show is very interesting watching.

Dreams become reality

2011-06-01T15:51:00.001+01:00

A snippet from yesterday's National Early Evening news. The TV3 team are magic so I'll forgive the slight muddle of calling me Sharon!

Stress Management and much more

2011-05-03T09:42:00.002+01:00

Perfect Health Ireland (5)

2011-03-09T14:24:00.000Z

Perfect Health Ireland (5): "Too much stress can increase your chances of developing dementia by 65%. The key is to control your stress before hormones, such as cortisol, flood your body. Living in the now and putting your awareness on your breathing can have profound effects on controlling your stress levels. I came across this website today - the booklet is free and I hope you find the infomation useful"

Manifesting a Life Time Dream

2011-02-26T12:32:00.001Z

Fit to be Tried

2011-01-24T11:57:00.002Z

Article on Perfect Health's Stress Management Techniques in the Irish Idependent

Skype Me!

2011-01-12T22:16:00.005Z

Living outside of Dublin? Interested in an Ayurvedic or Stress Management consult? Don't have the time, or can't face the thought of traffic? Well, I just may have the solution for you!

We have just launched our videolink consultation service via Skype and Gmail. Whats more, as this is a new service (and therefore a little tweaking may be necessary) the price is only €60 per consultation (a limited time offer), this includes your personalised recommendations which will be emailed to you shortly after the session.

For further details email me at siobhan@perfecthealth.ie

I look forward to meeting you in the non-local domain of cyberspace!

posted just because it is amazing!

2011-01-12T16:14:00.001Z

New Year - New You

2011-01-05T14:29:00.003Z

For those of you setting personal goals for 2011 - well done. There are four things that will help make your goals a reality. So, give yourself the best possible chance of achieving your goals by ensuring they tick the following boxes....

Your goals should be -

1. Positive
e.g: Rather than saying 'I'm going to get rid of all the negative people from my life' put a positive affirmation on the intention by saying something like 'this year, I am open to meeting and welcoming new and positive people into my life'

2. Realistic
e.g: If you currently do not have a political career there would be little point in saying 'This year I'm going to become the Prime Minister' a more realistic goal might be 'this year I'm going to get involved in my local community to bring about positive changes.'

3. Specific
e.g: 'This year I'm going to lose weight' be more specific. For example, a good alternative would be 'I will drop one dress size by Valentine's day'

4. Measurable
It is a good idea to write down your goals, think about why you want to acheive them, what changes you need to make to help you do so and when you would like to acheive this by (remember to be realistic!) e.g: There is little point in saying 'This year I'm going to learn to speak fluent Spanish' if you do not have any ideas how you may go about this. A measurable goal would be to check out spanish classes in your area (unless you go the full way and intend to move to a Spanish speaking country of course!) and say 'I'm starting Spanish classes and by summer, I will have conversational Spanish.'

Whatever your intentions and desires for the New Year are may I wish you the very best of luck in welcoming them into your life. Have a wonderful, loving, fun filled 2011.

Liver Cleanse

2010-09-22T17:59:00.002+01:00

The liver is the largest detoxifying organ of the body. With all the demands placed on our livers to filter the many toxins we accumulate it's a good idea to periodically do a liver flush or cleanse.
Below are recipes for liver flushes to the different body types. Liver flushes can be done once a week for maintentance. If you know your liver is very congested, it's a good idea to follow up a liver flush with a colon cleanse to remove any excess toxins that were dumped into the colon as a result of the liver flush.

Vata & Kapha
Coriander 1/2 tsp
Ginger, fresh 1/2 tsp
Aloe Vera 3 tbs
Lemon, juiced 1
Olive Oil 2 tbs
Orange, fresh 1
Mix in blender and drink first thing in the morning.

Pitta & Kapha
Coriander 1/2 tsp
Milk Thistle 1/4 tsp
Aloe Vera 3 tbs
Lemon, juiced 1
Olive Oil 2 tbs
Apple, fresh 1
Mix in blender and drink first thing in the morning.

Vata & Pitta
Coriander 1/4 tsp
Ginger, fresh thumb size
Aloe Vera, fresh or gel
2 tbs Olive Oil 2 tbs
Cardamom 1/4 tbs
Bluberries handful
Mix in blender and drink first thing in the morning"

Up Coming Events

2010-05-23T10:56:00.003+01:00

For the most up to date information on our Primordial Sound Meditation and Perfect Health - Ayurvedic Lifestyle classes. Please visit www..choprateachers.com/siobhan

Deepak in Dublin

2010-05-18T14:16:00.001+01:00

Read Deepak's Interview in the Irish Times

Is your decision making style holding you back?

2010-02-04T22:29:00.000Z

Chopra Meditation

2010-01-04T13:20:00.003Z

I'm delighted to announce, that I have joined the wonderful network of Primordial Sound meditation teachers in Ireland. Certified by Deepak Chopra, I now offer Ayurvedic lifestyle - Perfect Health and Primordial Sound Meditation on either a private or group basis.

PSM is a mantra based meditation developed by Deepak from the ancient Vedic tradition of India. The physical and emotional benefits of regular meditation are profound - including
- Lower blood pressure
- reduced stress
- improved immune system

Private tuition is available on the 1st Friday of each month with a follow up session one week later.

Dates are: Primordial Sound Meditation
January 8th
February 5th
March 5th

(Alternative venue and dates can be arranged on request)

Group Perfect Health Programme:

Howth - January 16th & 17th

Oscailt Dublin City January 31st (part 1) February 6th (part 2)

For further info call :086 8269371 or email info@perfecthealth.ie

Have a happy healthy 2010!

The Chopra Centre

2009-11-20T09:55:00.003Z

I've just returned from the most amazing week in the Chopra Center California. Having qualified in Ayurvedic Health with the Chopra centre some years ago, I went to add to my qualification by becoming certified in Primordial Sound Meditation and all I can say is... WOW!

Although, we were put through the paces with 3 exams - including Sanskrit (and spelling counts!) the week reminded my why I started on this path in the first place. The love and support you receive and give feels safe, natural, detoxifying and most of all rejuvenating; giving you a renewed love of life.

Primordial Sound meditation is incredibly easy to learn and perfect for all those Vatas out there who think they could never meditate!

So,I encourage oyu - find a Primordial Sound teacher in your area - I work from the Howth area and have some city centre appointments also. Other teachers I can recommend are Mary Callahan & Mark Cleary. It's a life long gift to yourself and everyone you come into contact with.

As for the Chopra Center...since I've been back I've been getting comments like - have you lost weight? ...And the best yet from my other half.....You look ten years younger....aaahhhhh.

Namasté
Siobhan

PS: mention a Chopra certified instructor's name when booking a course to automatically recive a discount(:

Green eggs and ham

2009-09-07T17:22:00.005+01:00

Green Eggs and Ham - Perfect Vata grounding food, great for breakfast or any time of the day for that matter!

INGREDIENTS
75g pesto
1 egg
75g flour
150ml semi-skimmed milk
oil for frying
5 large thin slices of hamServing Size : Makes 5

Blend or whisk together the pesto, egg, flour and milk to make a batter.
2

Oil a crêpe pan or heavy-based frying pan, wiping away any excess oil with some kitchen paper, and place over a medium heat.
3.
Ladle in approximately 100ml of batter, swirling instantly to gain a paper-thin crêpe.
4.
Once the top becomes dry and the edges lift away, flick it over with a thin rubber or wooden spatula to cook the other side for about 30 seconds.
5.
Layer the pancakes between pieces of baking parchment or greaseproof paper as you go, and when you have finished making them, lay a slice of ham on each one and roll up or fold into triangles – or however you like!

- Nigella Express Cookbook

Gazpacho

2009-08-21T18:11:00.003+01:00

Gazpacho ingredients:
For 6 - 8 people
1 1/4kg ripe tomatoes
1/2 medium onion
1/2 standard cucumber
a clove of garlic
juice of half a lemon (optional)
1 green pepper (the long thin type)
some slightly stale bread
1 cup olive oil
2 soup spoons vinegar

Blanch the tomatoes, then remove the skin and seeds (use your thumb)
Chop up the tomatoes, onion, cucumber and green pepper. Don't worry about chopping them too small as they are all going into the food blender.Now put each ingredient in the blender and blend. Then put the gazpacho through a sieve. This will get rid of the tomato seeds and skin if you left them on and any other lumps. At this stage you can add water to get the thickness that you want.

Garnish with diced cucumber, green or red peppers and roughly chopped coriander.

Cool cucumber and mint

2009-07-08T19:53:00.001+01:00

Cucumber (peeled), 1 large

chopped mint, 15 leaves

Honey, 2 tbsp

Spring water

Top Tip: A nice addition is to add fresh watermelon to the above ingredients

Peel, chop fruits. Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Adjust honey & spring water to taste.

Opening up to Changes

2009-06-30T18:36:00.003+01:00

There's no doubt there's lots of change going on about us. I can be a bit slow to embrace change at times and a typical example of this came up recently. I have a larder cupboard in my kitchen for the last 5 years that has only ever half opened, I never really questioned it, as it was always like that. One day, a friend opened the cupboard and asked 'why doesn't it open fully?' 'I don't know' I replied 'That's just the way it's always been' He asked if I had a screwdriver, which I handed him and low and behold within seconds he had freed up the obstruction, allowing for the first time, the larder to be fully extended. Needless to say, I was delighted.

However, a few weeks later I noticed I was still only half opening the larder. You see, although the obstruction was cleared I had become so conditioned to only being able to open the cupboard half way that even though this whole extra space and ease of use had been opened to me - I hadn't let go of my conditioning that I could only pull the door so far. It's a small analogy but it made me wonder how many metaphorical doors had been opened to me but fear or conditioning stopped me form going through. We are often prisoners of our own negative self talk, thoughts or our belief systems, which can leave us trapped in non nourishing situations, emotions or relationships. It reminds me of the definition of madness - doing the same thing again and again but expecting a different result! So, it was a small tigger but for me every time I open that press it reminds me to 'expand' my beliefs and 'open' up to new possibilities and positive changes because unless we give ourselves permission to do so we may never get off the merry go round of negativity or be able to reach the jam jar(:

Return to Wholeness

2009-05-19T10:14:00.003+01:00

Return to Wholeness - Embracing Body, Mind and Spirit an the Face of Cancer written by David Simon MD - medical director, the Chopra Centre for Well Being.

This wonderful book was recommended to me by a friend of mine who had meet many people through his work at the Chopra Centre who had benefited from the wisdom contained in it's pages. Now, some years later I too would recommend it to people who have received a diagnois of cancer.

Dr Simon teaches the value of integrating the best of traditional medicine with Ayurvedic principles to bring you on the path to wellness. The book covers topics such as emotional turmoil, nutritional healing, emotional healing and approaching common cancers from a mind-body perspective.

The book is available from Chopra.com/store or Amazon.co.uk

Love Relationships

2009-05-13T16:59:00.003+01:00

We learn to love by being loved and accepting that love. Knowing we are loved is the most importnat lesson learned in childhood.

If we dread the love relationship, we select someone for whom there are no strong feelings of attachment so that we can cut that person off without feeling a sense of loss. in that way, we can reject the love object first.

If we sought out someone we could really love, it would be more painful to reject and be rejected.

In that way. we can reject the love object first.

Mushrooms, Green tea & Breast Cancer

2009-05-04T13:03:00.003+01:00

According to a recent study at the University of western Australia eating 9.5 of mushrooms a day can cut your risk of breast cancer by two thirds.

In another study in China found that women who increased their consumption of mushrooms with regular consumption of green tea saw an even greater benefit with further reduction in risk.

Further studies are needed but tests so far show the fungi has anti-tumour properties and can stimulate the immune system's defences.

Pepper Stir Fry

2009-04-01T14:08:00.003+01:00

Pepper Stir Fry

Wonderfully tasty for lunch this receipe is great for balancing Kapha - the Dosha which is most likely to carry extra pounds & igniting Agni - your digestive fire.

Ingredients (serves 4)
2 tbsp black bean sauce
2 tbsp sherry vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 medium peppers yellow, red & green - deseeded and roughly sliced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1cm piece fresh ginger, finely chopped
2 red onions, cut into thin wedges
Fresh coriander leaves, to garnish
Calories per serving: 113kcals

Method:
Mix the black bean sauce with the vinegar, honey and soy sauce, and set aside.
Put the oil in a wok or large frying pan over a high heat. When hot, add the peppers and stir-fry for a few minutes, until they just start to colour. Add the garlic, ginger and onions and stir-fry for a few more minutes, until the onions have softened a little.
Add the soy sauce and bean mixture to the wok and stir-fry for about 30 seconds. Check the seasoning, remove from the heat and serve, garnished with the coriander leaves.

Full Moon

2008-11-14T13:02:00.002Z

Last night saw a beautiful full moon.

In Ayurvedic terms the full moon is Kapha therefore in the few days prior to and including the full moon it is not unusal to have feelings of tiredness - as some of the principles of Kapha are slow, heavy, solid & stable.

Kapha is the Earth principle and is comprised of Water & Earth. Think of the effect the moon has on our oceans. Considering that the human body is anywhere between 55% - 75% water depending on age and body size, is it any wonder that the lunar cycle effects us too!

Spicy Pumpkin Soup

2008-10-28T20:04:00.004Z

Spicy Pumpkin soup
IngredientsFor 4 persons:

- 25g of butter or ghee

- 1 onion, peeled and chopped

- 1 clove of garlic, peeled and chopped

- 400 g pumpkin flesh (e.g. garden pumpkin or Hokkaido),

- 1 potato, peeled and chopped

- 900 ml vegetable stock
- 75ml of cream

- 1/4 teaspoon curry powder,

- 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger

- pepper and salt,

- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds,

- a few leaves of coriander.

Preparation

Peel and chop the onion and garlic. Peel, de-seed and dice the pumpkin. Melt the butter and sweat the onions and garlic in the oil, add the curry powder. Add a third of the pumpkin and gently sweat for a few minutes over a gentle heat. Add the rest of the pumpkin, the potatoes and the vegetable stock. Bring to the boil and cook for 15 minutes. Add the cream and liquidise the soup until it is smooth and velvety.
Season with salt and pepper. Add the pumpkin seeds and coriander leaves and serve.

Releasing your inner Pharmacy for healing

2008-10-09T18:39:00.002+01:00

Ayurveda:
David Simon: Connecting With the Five Basic Elements

I came across thess video clips on the Chopra centre website. Simple yet powerful principles

Video:Dr. David Simon, Medical Director of the Chopra Center, talks about the Ayurvedic principle of being present by connecting with the five basic elements: earth, water, fire, air and space.

http://www.chopra.com/simonvideo

Pranayama

2008-09-30T18:58:00.004+01:00

Believe it or not very few of us are breathing properly!

Place your hand on your belly and chest and take a few slow deep breaths.

If your tummy rises and falls with each inflow and out flow - well done - you're breathing properly. However if your chest rises and falls on inflow and out flow your breathing maybe too sallow.

Balanced Breathing exercises in Ayurveda are a gentle form of balancing breath - moving from one nostril to the other - a technique called Pranayama. Its purpose is to make the respiratory rhythm more regular, which in turn has a soothing effect on the entire nervous system*.

Learn this and other Breathing techniques to ease stress, calm the mind when faced in stressful situations or enliven the body when you need to feel more alert by booking one of our 1 2 1 consultations. Call 086 8269371 or info@perfecthealth.ie

*Italic text is an excerpt from Deepak's book Perfect Health. This and other Chopra Center books are available from Perfect Health Ireland - email info@perfecthealth.ie for more details

Traditional French Toast

2008-09-02T12:18:00.004+01:00

I've chosen this recipe from The Chopra center cookbook because it's a perfect breakfast for the Vata season, we are now entering. Vata is made up of the elements Space & Air to to help balance this, amongst other things are foods that are warm and grounding. You could top the toast off with some blueberres, cranberries or nuts to help you get your six tastes in - which is an important part of Ayurvedic nutrition

Traditional French Toast

2 eggs or 4 egg whites

1/2 cup of low fat milk, or soymilk

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ginger powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ghee*

8 slices whole grain bread

In a medium sized bowl combine eggs, milk spices & vanilla. Whisk the mixture for 1 minute. Heat a griddle or pan to medium heat & place the ghee on the pan. Cut the bread slices & working one at a time dip the bread in the batter, covering both sides then place in the pan. Toast/fry the bread for 2 or 3 minutes each side until golden brown.

*Traditional Ayurvedic clarifed butter. For a link to the chopra center for instructions on how to make Ghee go to : http://www.chopra.com/ghee

Living with Cancer - The Carer's perspective.

2008-08-02T09:37:00.002+01:00

Most of us at some point in our lives are affected by cancer – either ourselves or a diagnosis of cancer in a loved one, a friend or a work colleague. A diagnosis of cancer is devastating and will bring a range of emotional reaction with it – bewilderment, anger, grief to name some of the more obvious ones. Thankfully there are fantastic people researchers, doctors, nurses and carers working in oncology & a number of support groups too – The Irish cancer society & Arc are two such organisations. However, I’m writing in relation to a different group - the people that look after the cancer patients or people living with any long term illness for that matter. Husbands, wives, daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, life long friends. The people whose lives are also turned up side down when someone they love is facing a serious illness.

When some one you love is diagnosed with a serious illness, many will have the natural reaction to jump right in to help - putting their own lives on hold. Some on the other hand will bury their head in the sand and leave it to someone else to cope with. Others help out of a sense of duty. Living with long term illness will often tear families apart as emotion; anger & resentment run high.

No one really stops to consider the person who is doing the emotional caretaking of the patient – trying to keep their spirits up, being in good form while themselves being under huge stress by being the caretaker and seeing someone you love being so ill. It’s like as if they are not allowed a voice after all they don’t have the illness! Maybe, it’s an Irish thing whereby we’d feel guilty if we complained or we feel we have to suffer in silence.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, suppressed emotion will manifest itself somewhere in our physiology. If you continually live with unreleased stress and pent up emotion the chances are sooner or later you to, will get sick.

I’ve recently spent some time with a friend who is a carer of her an elderly parent, and naturally she is distressed to see her loved one ill. However she had additional worries of single parenting, finances, caring for children & work. Yet she wasn’t complaining. When I suggested, that what she was going through was very difficult the answer was always the same ‘ oh, but it’s much worse for…..’ . When I put it to her, that yes, it is horrendous to be facing a life of illness, that did not in any way lessen how her life has also been seriously affected and that it’s OK to admit you feel frustrated. She was a little taken aback at first – it hadn’t occurred to her that she had ‘a right’ to feel this way because she wasn’t the one in the hospital bed. However, she eventually started to talk about how sometimes she feels like screaming and the next moment she feels like crying. Her emotions were a whirlwind of fear, sorrow, resentment & anger. She was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders and in her heart. Once she’d ranted for a while then shed some long over due tears, it all eventually gave way to much needed laughter.

I personally find visiting hospitals hard – I feel very drained of energy when I leave. I’m lucky, in that with an Ayurvedic lifestyle and my Life skills couching – I’m trained to deal with stressful situations but as the saying goes....doctors make the worst patients…….seriously though, I have found practicing what I preach an immense benefit. For me, meditation works a treat. If I meditate for 20 minutes before facing the hospital I feel protected from being drained energetically and I hope bringing with me a sense of peace that the ill person can tap in to too. I also breathe – ‘Don’t we all!’ I hear you say but I use a relaxing breathing technique that can be used during the car journey, in the lift etc. That’s what works for me. If you are reading this and you are someone who is looking after a loved one, then I send you a big hug and urge you to acknowledge to yourself what a wonderful job you are doing. Release any negative emotion you maybe feeling – if that means thumping a cushion in private then do it.

Treat yourself too – take a long warm bubble bath with a few drops of lavender oil. Listen to your favourite music. It is not selfish to have time out – it’s essential, even if it's only 30 minutes. If you don’t love and care for yourself, you won’t have anything left to give to the people you love and care for.

My friend knows I am writing about this and she hopes it encourages someone in a similar situation to herself to allow themselves to be human. Her loved is bravely living with cancer for 13 years .

In love & light

Siobhán

Mid summer

2008-06-22T20:46:00.002+01:00

I was really looking forward to this years Summer Solstice - I love this time of year. However, my enthusiasm was somewhat dampened by the torrents of rains that just didn't want to let up. That said, I was amazed at the amount of people that turned up to the Health & Yoga day in Cultivate Centre Temple Bar. The day was a great success - which was reflected in the amount of brolly's lined up at the entrance. I guess if we let the weather in Ireland dictate to us when we could go out, we'd end up a nation of hibernators. I meet lovely people and enjoyed a few belly laughs with my colleagues Mary & Shabina - the beautiful ladies of Inner Bliss. www.innerbliss.ie

So my Solstice wasn't the romantic mid summer day I'd envisaged but it that's the way it goes. If we hold on to set ideals of how things should be - we are setting ourselves up for disappointment - who wants that. Much better to be flexible in your outlook and somehow the sun will always shine through.

Save our Supplements

2008-05-28T11:39:00.002+01:00

It appears hard to believe that by 2010 health food supplements that we currently take for granted may no longer be widely available to us. Watch the video and make your own mind up!

What's your Dosha?

2008-05-27T16:51:00.000+01:00

June see the start of the Pitta season

The Pitta Dosha is the Fire principle in Ayurveda. Pitta increases during the summer months and if it gets unbalanced it can lead to irritability, road rage, skin rashes & indigestion. During this period favour local organically grown seasonally available foods. Swimming is a great exercise and at any time of year but especially during the Pitta season. (note - always contact your health care professional before commencing an exercise regime)

To book a consultation to learn more about your body type & relaxation techniques go to http://www.perfecthealth.ie/consultations.htm

Alternatively, for our Ayurvedic lifestyle program to learn about your Mind/ Body type and changes you can make for a healthier lifestyle try our Perfect Health program, designed by Deepak Chopra MD & David Simon MD to promote health and wellbeing

Karma

2008-05-16T12:12:00.001+01:00

Karma
Karma is the principle of cause and effect. It’s summarized simply by the proverb “As we sow, so shall we reap.” If we plant seeds of health, harmony and abundance, we’ll ultimately receive these beneficial fruits. On the other hand, if we sow seeds of anger, greed or fear, such will be our harvest. - Source The Chopra Center Web Site

Read more about Karma at www.chopra.com/karma

SOS on You Tube

2008-05-15T16:33:00.002+01:00

This is a promo video for the up coming Seduction of Spirit in City West hotel in July.

SOS - to me is like a 5 star spa treatment for the soul!

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=lTDY2kyfSZI

Oh No - Does this mean I've to wear Moses Saddles!

2008-05-13T14:03:00.002+01:00

I sometimes find it funny when people think to living an Ayurvedic lifestyle involves locking themselves away from 'the real world' to live like a white bearded guru tucked away in a mountain cave.

If I'm being honest when I first started shifting my awareness to find a deeper meaning to my life, my own reaction was similar and I lived in terror of having to swap my skinny high heels for a practical pair of Moses sandles - it was all about the shoes.

The Perfect Health program teaches ways to optimise your health and well being - how much you want to apply to your life is, of course, entirely your choice. Some people, dive head first into it, others - myself included, adapt a few of the principles at a time. For me, the well-being I felt from just making a few small changes to my daily life encouraged me to continue making more awarness based decisions. What a wonderful feeling it is to take control of your own well being. Wasn't it Einstein who said - 'The Definition of Madness - doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result' .....

Knowledge is a great thing - applying it to our lives is our own choice. The key is to live a balanced healthy life and for me that continues to include 'having the craic' and plenty of belly laughs - and no I'm not living in a cave in Tibet and yes I still wear the high heels - but perhaps just not every day. It's all about balance - stillettos optional.