Breathe

Mindfulness - Means of connection-square

Means of connection

The word ‘community’ conjures many images. Maybe it’s running the tombola at a bustling fair or sitting in a cosy living room, dissecting the latest novel at a book club. It could also be smaller, more everyday things – chatting to your neighbour as you take out the rubbish or smiling at the dog-walker you …

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Escape - The joy of rummaging-square

The joy of rummaging

Joyful, intriguing, idiosyncratic – there are many reasons for including a trip to the local flea market on your itinerary when you visit a new town or city – not least, of course, because you might discover a gem of a preloved item to take home with you. Located up and down the UK and …

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Creativity - Dream scenario-square

Dream scenario

Unexpected, strange, delightful – the stories and characters of dreams have long provided inspiration for novelists, film-makers, artists and poets. But this well of ideas and insight might seem out of reach for the layperson, particularly those who don’t recall their dreams regularly, even though it’s something every single person does every single night. And …

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Wellbeing - Into the dark-square

Into the dark

Have you ever been for a walk on a dark night or pitch-black morning and been struck by the beauty and depth of a winter sky? Or been wrapped up under the duvet after a tough day to be embraced by the quiet stillness? Perhaps you’ve meditated by candlelight and found a new level of …

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Living - Ode to summer-square

Ode to summer

Summer is here, with its long, warm sunny days, blue skies, lush verdant growth and a bounty of flowers. The seasonal cycle has worked its magic and, once again, a landscape that only a few months ago looked grey, bare, almost lifeless, is now a vibrant riot of colours, scents and sounds. Waist-high ferns, cow …

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Paws and reflect

Paws and reflect

It’s 8am in Querétaro, Central Mexico, and I’m following a miniature schnauzer as she charts a course through the city with her nose. We’ve chased pigeons in the plaza, disrupted the line of nuns filing into the Convento de la Santa Cruz and trekked as far as the mirador with its view of the aqueduct …

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The joy of anonymity

The joy of anonymity

A leisurely browse of the sunglasses, a spritz of Jo Malone’s latest scent, I even consider buying a giant Toblerone, just for the fun of it. Breezing around London Gatwick’s north terminal on a quiet Monday afternoon, I’m in my element. It’s the most relaxed I’ve been in months. Far from being bored or lonely, …

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At home with nature

At home with nature

When you think of home décor, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s selecting the perfect colour palette, creating a mood board or finding the right lighting to set the ambience? Maybe, as a final touch, you add a few potted plants or arrange a terrarium on a side table. It’s no secret that nature is …

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Well intentioned

Well intentioned

Some say that wellness is a journey, not a destination – an ongoing process where personal health is incorporated into every aspect of your life. And few would disagree that looking after and maintaining personal wellbeing is a positive aim. Occasionally, however, it can go awry, particularly if the pursuit of optimum health involves following …

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Pick of the bunch

Pick of the bunch

Living sustainably to reduce the impact on the environment is something many households strive for. But when it comes to buying flowers to brighten up your home or a floral arrangement for a wedding or celebration, being a conscious consumer can be challenging. In the UK, for example, only 14 per cent of all flowers …

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