How the right fragrance can help with self-realisation In the summer of 2005, on a visit to the French Riviera, I came across the beautiful village of Grasse, home to the almost 100-year-old Fragonard perfumery – a treasure trove of all things fragrant, where you can see the noses at work and even mix your …
How did Kerry Ashby embrace the reinvention offered by a new career? Starting out as a florist, Kerry plodded along in her role, unfulfilled and frustrated, until, at 30, she swapped flowers for bandages and a career in nursing, retraining from scratch. Rising through the ranks, she found herself as head of paediatrics at a …
In this issue: Step into spring – Literary heights – The spirit of making – Song of the forest – Voice of resistance – Reel change – A dancing joy – Heaven scent – Lines of defence – Flowering fields forever – Echo that ‘Emotions are running high.’ Hear that phrase and there’s a good …
Although it might look easy, Savasana – also known as Corpse pose – requires focus and awareness. Practised with intention, it complements and concludes active yoga practice, bringing together the physical and spiritual aspects of the discipline. Here’s a reminder of how to practise it: *Place blankets or bolsters for added support where needed. Words: …
Why it’s rude to reject a compliment Do you think, these days, that you’re pretty good at taking a compliment? Maybe, when someone praised you in the past, you’d contradict them. ‘Oh, but it was easy,’ you’d say, or ‘Thanks, but I should have done better.’ But, since then, you’ve learned that rejecting a compliment …
What is the draw of people-watching for creatives? ‘If you’re people-watching, you see how it’s a story evolving in front of you,’ says London-based artist David Richardson, whose work captures the scenes unfolding in the capital’s public spaces, be that a fish market or outside the Houses of Parliament. ‘You notice more, too, when you …
Read moreHow people-watching can be used for artistic inspiration
How do people live a contemplative life in the modern world? Throughout history, people have retreated from the world. Laozi, the assumed author of the Tao-te Ching (the text is also thought to be the work of many people), was said to have been a recluse who shunned worldly life. However, Chinese spiritual recluses have …
Read moreHow to create a space for contemplation in your life
Why tradition and attention to detail are so important to bao buns Few people understand the elevation of this traditional dish better than the founders of London’s Taiwanese BAO restaurants, where steamed buns are the signature dish. While the bao originated in Chinese cuisine, in Taiwan, it’s the ultimate comfort food, made with a twist …
How you can find exercise motivation in repetition Physical training can feel daunting if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. ‘It can be hard to force ourselves into uncomfortable situations in pursuit of a future good feeling that can feel quite far off,’ says Eloise. In addition, anything new might feel intimidating, and …
Read moreHow to motivate yourself to keep up an exercise regime
In this issue: Your place to grow – Mind over matter – Clean break – Bringer of good fortune – Positively personal – Literary legacy – Rhythm of life – In the face of adversity – Distractions aside – Same old story? ‘What is this life if, full of care, | We have no time …
