Uncategorized – Created Curated by Sara Brown

Lets Dance

I have always danced in my life, in some form or other, sometimes with more enthusiasm ( lacking natural coordination) than skill but always with enjoyment. Ballet and Ballroom Dancing as a child. Practising my dance moves at home for the school disco, then moving on to Ska, Northern Soul and New age. ( Post-Punk) Now my clubbing days are over, I still dance at the odd wedding and like to dance in my kitchen. (luckily the flat below is very understanding ) Dance is supposed to connect you to your inner child, certainly it makes me feel like a teenager. Particularly when I listen to certain tracks which bring up feelings of nostalgia.

Many of us have signed up for classes at the local gym, dance school or even virtually. Shows like Come Dancing encourage us to have a go. Babies and small children always move to music, it’s something that comes naturally. As adults many of us think we can’t dance, as we are uncoordinated or lacking a sense of rhythm, but it really doesn’t matter and if fear of judgement from others is released it can be lots of fun. Even professional dancers make mistakes. They use them to learn and improve themselves and so should you.

So, what is it that makes dance so special?

Research has found that dance of any genre is equal and occasionally more effective than other types of physical activity for improving psychological and cognitive outcomes.“Most people know that physical activity is beneficial for health compared to doing nothing, but they may not realise that dance can be an effective alternative to standard exercise like running, going to the gym, and other sports.”

Releasing energy through movement can help us let go of stress. There’s a wide range of benefits to your body, a workout to stay toned and flexible, increasing stamina and offering a fun way of getting and staying fit. It also keeps your mind sharp and can improve mental health and boost well being. What makes this work so well, is listening to music which triggers our brains reward centre and movement which brings on endorphins, making you feel happy. Its fairly impossible to be miserable whilst dancing.

As we age, it gets harder to remember names, places, and other details. Learning new things, like different moves and styles of dance, sharpens your brain’s ability to remember these kinds of details. When done regularly it can improve the brain’s function and prevent Dementia.

Dance has been a part our culture for tens of thousands of years. Archaeological evidence and cave paintings confirm it existed as a form of human expression and communication long before the invention of written language. Early dances been ritualist in nature. The Ancient Greeks were to integrate structured dance into their theatre as well as religious ceremonies. Dance evolved into theatrical and social forms. The folk dances of the Middle Ages turned into formal Ballroom dancing .These dances moved into royal courts beginning to become popular as dancing masters taught upper classes the proper steps for court dances. Ballet too originated in the 15th-century Italian Renaissance courts. In the nineteenth century, women’s clothing allowed more freedom of movement and dancing was to become more lively. The Waltz was a major dance craze as social dances began to focus on two-person dancing moving into the twentieth century.

Many people carry the customs of their homelands through folk dancing and accompany these dances with the music of their culture. Street dancing in Spain blends traditional folk dances with Flamenco. The Sardana. Is an open-circle, communal street dance where locals join hands in the streets and town squares. I witnessed this in Barcelona and it was wonderful to see all generations taking part.

There are various dances available to try some more physical than others, depending on your current fitness level, Ballroom, which is great for all ages and levels and is a great way to meet other people socially. Adult ballet and cardio ballet/ Barre workouts are widely available. Zumba, there is no right or wrong way. Salsa, boosts co-ordination and don’t we all love Bad Bunny at the moment. Line dancing, my sister who isn’t very active loves this and any activity wearing Cowboy boots is a good one. Hip-Hop and street dance if you want to try something more high impact. There’s a newish trend for breakfast discos/ raves nationwide for anyone who doesn’t want to go to the gym. Definitely a mood boosting way to start the day.

Health clubs, community centres and Dance schools/ studios offer dance classes and if you want to practise to gain confidence before joining a class, YouTube has many great options.

Why not have a go, and in the words of the legendary David Bowie Lets Dance…..

Bill of Rights- Anne Dickson

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I found this whilst looking through some old files, this was a previous blog I posted years ago. And it seems as relevant today as it was then.

Many of us, in particular, women feel that our personal rights and needs are less important than those of others. And that if we were to be more assertive with our rights that it would make us appear selfish. But this really isn’t the case. We all have a right to be heard and to be able to express what we think and want and require from others. Conflict isn’t welcomed by everyone and many of us try our best to avoid it. Instead of speaking up, we keep quiet. We smile, pretend to agree, play along, or turn a deaf ear. Over time we allow ourselves to be reduced to being mere bystanders- both in our immediate environment and in the world at large.

In her pioneering handbook, A Woman in Her Own Right, written in 1982, Anne Dickson draws on her long experience of in-person training to give women the tools needed to assert what they feel and want, manage difficult conversations and avoid being sidetracked by culturally learned behaviours. The assertiveness techniques were eagerly grasped by women who experienced inequalities at the time. Like unequal pay or exclusion from certain professions or high-levels management positions and who were ready for change. This struck a chord, both here and abroad, and many women went on to transform their lives in various ways.

It’s not about not caring about other people or hurting them, as often we care more about others than we do for ourselves. It can feel quite hard to put this into practice at first. I was talking recently to a new neighbour, who in conversation started to tell me that my opinion was wrong about the topic we were discussing. I politely said that I was entitled to my opinion as I have a right to think differently to them. If this didn’t go down well, it doesn’t matter one bit, as I have the right to express my feelings, opinions and values, as do you. Assertive personal power means saying ‘no’ clearly when that’s what you want to say, it means expressing your needs and challenging an unfair criticism, it means initiating a difficult conversation with someone you care about at times.

There are 11 basic rights given in this book, I have listed a few of these below:

I have the right to express my feelings,opinions and values
I have the right to be me
I have the right to say no
I have the right to make mistakes
I have the right to change my mind
I have the right to say that I don’t understand
I have the right to not feel responsible for the problems of other adults
I have the right to put myself first
I have the right to not be dependent on the approval of others

Anne Dickson is a psychologist, counsellor, trainer and writer with over 40 years’ experience of teaching communication skills and the management of emotions. A leading authority on women’s development and the author of several books, including The Mirror Within and Difficult Conversations. A Woman In Your Own Right, her first book, has remained in print ever since 1982 and has been translated into 13 languages. Dickson was approached by a publisher in 2022 who proposed a 40th anniversary edition. Giving an opportunity to update the book. There is now a section on assertiveness in social media. Much of the material remains as relevant now as when it was first published. There is a new book called Trusting the Heart which will be available shortly.

www.annedickson.co.uk for more information

Calling It In- Manifestation

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Today is the 9th of June 2026 said to be the luckiest and most auspicious day in astrology for wealth and expansion. This energy will not return for another 12 years. Love is meeting abundance, giving an opportunity to imagine your future self and allowing abundance to come to you.

Venus and Jupiter are meeting in Cancer. These are the most generous planets in the solar system and when they come together form an abundant flow of energy to help you receive what you desire the most in life. Venus rules how we draw things in, governing love, beauty, money and pleasure. And Jupiter is the planet of expansion, growth and abundance making everything it touches bigger and more plentiful.

The 9th of June, is a perfect day for manifestation, through receiving, rather than by pushing or striving. We often think of manifesting as writing lists, setting goals and making visual boards. ( All of which are great things to do) . But Venus and Jupiter in Cancer invite a different kind of manifestation, one that happens when we become calm and open ourselves up to receive. True abundance grows from a place of security and trust.

There can be many areas of your life where you want to see changes, you may have been wanting a move of home, to deepen connections and heal family issues. Is it time to call in more peace, joy, and emotional balance and take care of yourself at a deeper, soul level? Take some quiet time to consider what you want and need.

Set the ritual by writing a letter to yourself. Write this as if everything you wanted has already happened. Describe how you feel living in this reality and try to be as specific as you can. Feel it already exists in your life. This powerful technique is often called “living in the end” by speaking in the present tense, you shift your mindset, align your daily actions with that reality and program your brain to notice opportunities that match your goal. Once the destination has been stated clearly don’t obsess over the exact path but instead focus on the feeling of the accomplished goal and staying open to unexpected opportunities. This can be done at any time, but today gives an extra bit of clout. (Yorkshire slang for power)

And lastly and most importantly express gratitude for what you already have. Being grateful attracts something much better into your life.

Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway- Susan Jeffers

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This has got to be one of the most uttered phrases, although I suspect the original message has been lost in translation. Susan Jeffers is the author of the 1986 self- help book which goes by this name. Initially rejected by numerous publishers it went on to sell 15 million copies in 100 countries.

Susan Jeffers life journey was a varied one. Marrying at 18 and having two children, she realized at 23 that she had become afraid of life. So, with a great deal of self- determination, returned to her studies, gaining a degree, a masters degree and then a doctorate in Psychology. Becoming a director of a floating hospital, (which was located on a barge) a medical facility for people unable to afford medical care. In 1981 she moved on to running self- development workshops. After the success of her first book Jeffers was to publish 17 more books which drew candidly on her own personal hardships including divorce and breast cancer. This inspirational, courageous woman died in 2012, at the age of 74. She will be remembered for encouraging people to build up their self- worth and realise their full potential and for her commitment to helping the poor in New York.

One of the most ground – breaking aspects of Feel the Fear and Do It anyway is that it did not maintain that love and relationships should be a woman’s primary aspiration, instead arguing that women should learn to stand on their own two feet and be self-determining. Encouraging her readers to face their fears and shake up their lives to improve it. This has led to some regarding this as a feminist book, although Jeffers has always said this was written for both men and women. The paralysis caused by fear particularly in traumatic situations is very real and can seem insurmountable. For many women in unhappy or even abusive relationships her practical advice in moving forward is invaluable.

I have read this book several times over the years and passed it on to others. It’s a great book to re-read. As a brief synopsis this is a straightforward, easy to read guide to reclaiming your personal power by working through any fears and to take action. I realize that this is easier said than done, but by taking responsibility and staying Yes rather than No to the universe.

I think that today this has become an overused phrase and a bit cliched, I think the explanation in the book makes sense, and to give Dr Susan Jeffers, both credit and her full title, I feel she is genuine in this sentiment. This wonderful book offers practical solutions to facing and moving through fear with strength and courage. To fully participate in life written by a truly inspirational woman who lived her life to its fullest.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

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This is one of my favourite books of all time. I have purchased many copies over the years, having given them away after reading, it’s definitely a book to pass on to others. This short book of only 10,000 words can be read in one sitting. Although it’s a light-hearted story it’s poignant and full of wonderful quotes. It never fails to uplift me and lighten my mood after reading. In fact, it was the first new age/ spiritual fiction book I read several decades ago.

First published in 1970, by 1972 over a million copies were in print and it became a bestselling book. This modern classic has since had updated editions.

Briefly this is the story of Jonathan Livingston Seagull who is bored with the daily squabbles over food and is seized by a passion to fly. He pushes himself to learn everything he can about flying despite the ridicule and possible expulsion he faces from his flock. One day Jonathan is met by two gulls who take him to a “higher plane of existence” He discovers that his sheer tenacity and desire to learn make him “pretty well a one in a million bird”. On returning to earth, he finds others like himself and brings them his learning and spreads the love of flying. His mission is successful, gathering around him others who have been outlawed for not conforming. On his journey, Jonathan Livingston Seagull discovered that boredom, fear and anger are the reasons that a gull’s life is short, and with those gone from his thoughts, he lived a long life indeed!

“You have the freedom to be yourself, your true self, here and now and nothing can stand in your way”

It’s a fable very much about seeking a higher purpose in life, even if others find your ambition threatening. To stay true to yourself and not to compromise your vision. I would recommend this to anyone who is unsure of their direction, particularly young adults at the start of their lives who have bigger ambitions than the people they grew up with. To fly as far and as high as you can!

You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay

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I haven’t got a list of favourite books as I feel there are just too many great books to choose from. However, if I did have a list this book would be close to the top. I have purchased several copies and loaned them out. (Often to never be returned- but hopefully happy in their new homes.)

I have read this book at different times of my life and although it was published in 1984,it still makes many points that are as relevant today if not more so. Louise Hay’s timeless wisdom encourages us to harness the power of our thoughts, beliefs and use affirmations to create positive change in our lives and wellbeing. Her teachings on self-worth, forgiveness, and the healing process remain as empowering several decades on.

The simple message is that Dis-ease comes from a state of forgiveness, when you are ill, look at who you need to forgive most,in some if not most cases yourself. This is not to condone bad behaviour but just not to let it control your thoughts. The saying goes “There is no point dwelling on what is past” true words indeed, but often harder in practice. How easy it is to mull over an argument or problem afterwards. Replaying this over and over again, until the situation has increased in its potency. If only I had said or done that! Louise stresses how resentment, criticism, guilt and fear cause far greater problems than anything else.

The Past Has No Power Over Me……..

The exercises and affirmations given to release the past are simple to do yet have the power to help in difficult circumstances. Like most of us, I found using the daily affirmations a bit strange but can be used first thing in the morning to build up the confidence to tackle a problem and last thing at night to aid better sleep, building a more positive attitude and mindset. I do write this from some experience as taking a negative thought and trying to replace it with a more positive one does make things better. No one is ever going to feel great complaining or having a Why- Me mindset, in fact it’s going to make things worse.

I think the mental links to physical pain is at the core of Holistic medicine or New Age Health. And isn’t really a new concept as many cultures have known this for centuries. During stressful times, how often do people come down with flu, or migraines, stomach problems or even back and neck pain. Illness and accidents can of course arise during happy, relaxing times (but speaking from a non-medical point of view) during stressful times we do often start coming down with an illness of some description.

Healthy and fit, despite having had cancer several times, Louise Hay continuing to heal others until her death in her 90s. I would love to have the quality of life in my latter years. So,certainly think its worth listening to her wise advice.

If you get the chance, do read this book as I feel sure you will find something you can take away as useful.

Louise Hay- A true Pioneer

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If I was to start a list of my favourite books, it would have to include a book from Louise Hay. A key pioneer in the field of self-healing and the founder of the Hay Institute and the Queen of the New Age.

Louise’s early life was fraught with problems: abuse, poverty and a very unstable home-life. Despite this becoming a successful model and married a wealthy businessman. In 1970,feeling that something was missing from her life she started attended meetings at the Church of Religious Science, which taught the transformative power of thought.

The first book she wrote and self-published was Heal Your Body in 1976. This was one of the first books of its kind, and was a reference guide to the mental cause of physical pain. After the books success she began travelling around the USA giving workshops. Louise Hay’s teachings revolve around the fundamental idea that our thoughts and beliefs directly influence our health, happiness, and life circumstances. Many physical ailments are manifestations of emotional and mental patterns—particularly negative beliefs about oneself. This was a controversial view at the time (It possibly still is) and was to have as many opponents and adversaries as supporters. The Mind/ Body connection is not a new one and many Eastern philosophers hold this at its core root. But in Western society it was viewed as a newer way of looking at health and wellbeing.

In 1980, Louise published Heal Your Life. Her books were now reaching a much wider audience and she was able to make people aware of more taboo subjects. In the mid-1980s, Hay became a prominent figure in the early HIV/AIDS crisis in the United States, setting up The Hayride in 1985 a support group for 6 men with Aids. Increasing to a weekly event with 800 people attending.

In 1984 the publishing house Hay House, was established, selling millions of books, tapes and DVDs worldwide. In 1988 Reid Tracy joined the company as an accountant and would eventually become its CEO and continues to grow the legacy of Louise Hay. This was one of the largest independent owned mind-body enterprises in the world forming a diverse community which empowered, educated and inspired. In 2023 this was acquired by Penguin Books.

A daily newsletter and events (many of these are now online) have made a huge difference to many people. Numerous top authors and healers have worked with Hay House: Wayne Dyer, Joe Dispenza, Caroline Myss and Gay Hendricks, to name a few. In addition to running a publishing company there is a charitable organization called the Hay Foundation, founded in 1985. Its mission is to build futures and support organizations that enhance the quality of life for people, animals, and the environment.

Helping others to heal well into her later years, until passing away peacefully in her sleep in 2017 at the age of 90. I was in Spain when she died, when her close friend Robert Holden posted this sad news online, people were communicating their grief globally. To have touched so many lives is a true legacy.

For more information:

www.hayhouse.com and www.louisehay.com

An Hour to Live, An Hour to Love- The True Story of the Best Gift Ever Given By Richard Carlson and Kristine Carlson

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I am sure everyone has read or at least seen the book Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff by Richard Carlson. ( In fact this has become a well used phrase and he was actually awarded a trademark for bringing it into American pop culture.) Carlson started his career as a psychotherapist and ran a stress management centre and went on to be considered one of the foremost experts in happiness and stress reduction in the United States and around the world.

His first book Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff was released in 1985 and went on to be published in 135 countries and translated into thirty language, spending over 101 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller’s List. Carlson wrote a further 20 books before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 45, on the 13th of December 2006, from a pulmonary embolism during a flight.

Following Richard’s death, His wife Kristine was to become a speaker and author focused on navigating grief and finding joy. Whilst trying to come to terms with his loss, she pored through 25 years of love letters from her late husband. One letter was to stand out, this had been written on their 18th Wedding Anniversary. This letter attempted to answer the question: if you had one hour to live, what would you do, who would you call and what would you say?

This was so much more than a love letter to his adored wife on their Wedding anniversary. Going beyond the love for his wife, it’s more about how we should be living everyday of our lives. To live fully in the moment, having no regrets and reminding those you care about, how special they are to you. Carlson says that the Rat Race is an illusion. That many people spend their lives chasing happiness. But if we slowed down, happiness might catch up with us.

An Hour to Live, An Hour to Love is a deeply moving book that shows the importance of treasuring each day, as the incredible gift it is and to make life choices based on what is actually important. He says that if his time could be lived again, that less time and energy would be spent wanting things he didn’t have and enjoying what he already had.

This short book did make me realize how much I take for granted the people and things that mean the most to me. This is one of the lesser known books by Richard Carlson, but it’s one of the most personal and heart rendering of his many books. Coming from a wonderful man who devoted his life to helping others lead better lives. Ironically, his premature death really does affirm the message of his work to live to enjoy everyday of your life. I loved this book and highly recommend it to you.

Kristine has continued with the work they started together, her website is below. I receive newsletters from her and always find these very helpful.

https://kristinecarlson.com

A Tea Revival

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I love a cup of tea, I think many circumstances start to look so much better after a nice cuppa. Over the last couple of years though there has been a bit of a revival where tea is concerned.

It’s becoming increasingly used as a healthy, relaxing alternative to alcohol with many choosing tea to replace the ritual of drinking, especially during sober months like Dry January. It’s proving a popular substitute as it provides comfort and relaxation with the added benefits of better sleep, improved hydration, and no hangovers.

Research from Mintel suggests that due to the cost of living crisis, many people, particularly in the UK, are choosing a “posh cuppa” as an affordable alternative to costly alcohol. Upmarket Supermarkets like Waitrose have always stocked a wide range of teas but the mainstream supermarkets have all followed suit.

Did you know that research shows that as many as 28% of young adults in the UK do not drink alcohol. The Sober Curious Generation Movement is all about examining the role of alcohol in your life and exploring a healthier relationship with it by reducing intake and practising mindful drinking, and building community with like-minded individuals to enhance mental & physical health.

Something a lot of people don’t talk about is how much routine and ritual plays a role in drinking alcohol. When pouring that first, or second drink becomes part of your daily routine. When you’re looking for a drink to help you unwind at the end of the day consider adding a glass of cold tea rather than wine,spirits or beer to your evening ritual.

It can be far too easy to just reach into the refrigerator to grab something you can open and enjoy immediately. You might think it’s too much work to fill the kettle, wait for the water to boil, and steep a fresh cup of tea every time you want something to drink. Keeping a jug of home-made tea in the fridge can be a great substitute and there are some really interesting blends available. I add ice and fresh fruit and herbs to my blends it’s a bit like having a mocktail but with more health benefits.

You can use Herbal tea or speciality blends in the usual way, hot (or cold) or cold brew using tea leaves or herbal infusions steeped using cold water rather than hot. You do need to leave Cold Brew teas overnight so a small amount of prepartion is required, but its worth it.

There are some wonderful Tea somailers to follow online and many of the smaller tea brands have some great ideas to try on their websites. One of my favorites is Bird and Blend- https://www.birdandblendtea.com/

Tea tasting is becoming a popular experience in the UK, offering workshops, specialized courses, and professional certifications. You can attend tasting workshops in cities like London, Leeds, Cambridge, and Manchester to learn about blending, brewing techniques, and flavour profiles.

So why not give it a go!

A New Start in 2026

My thoughts, Uncategorized

Hello to you all. It’s March so the 100 days of January and February have finally ended. That’s always a huge relief. Flowers are starting to appear and Spring just around the corner!

To start with, my fullest apologizes for the lack of posts in 2025- I had fully intended to write regularly as my offerings in 2024 were scarce to say the least. However,the year didn’t go quite as intended, and my time had to be focused on work and more mundane, less enjoyable life tasks. The intention was set for 2026 to focus on achieving more balance in my life and to find the time for my creative skills which included writing.

At the end of 2025, I tried the 12 Magical Nights Ritual- which is an old pagan ritual during Winter Solstice – 13 wishes are written on a small piece of paper, these do need to be things that you can achieve by yourself. These are burnt over 12 days. Starting in December and ending in January. On the last day the remaining piece of paper is the wish you have to set out to make true for that year. Mine was to write a book! I have been saying I would write one for a while, so perhaps it’s now the time. I have left it on my pinboard as a reminder.

I also ate 12 grapes under my breakfast bar- in lieu of a table- I don’t think I am alone in this as Instagram was flooded with posts. I don’t know if I will have 12 months of good luck but it was a silly and fun way to end a year and start another. (Although it’s best not to drink a very dry Champagne at the same time as eating grapes, for several reasons)

I found, whilst having a declutter some printed sheets of blogposts written in 2011. It’s surprizing to find that the topics are as relevant today as they were then. Over the next few weeks I am going to start posting these and I hope these will be of some interest and help. I am having to go old school as they’re not saved to file and have to be re-typed.

Bye for now.

Sara x