Open up any women's magazine and generally you will find advertisements for discreet help with incontinence all the way up to 'gadgets' that can help strengthen and improve the tone of your pelvic floor muscles.

All sounds 'ok'...but is it? How much does any woman generally know about this vital part of her body and more importantly, know what's the best approach once things go a little wonky?

In this week's Meditation & More session, our focus was turned to the Lojong slogan - "Three objects, three poisons, three seeds of virtue", and for this, I used some coloured masks to convey the teaching as though we are looking at life through a coloured lens. As a visual learner, I'm always looking for ways to support this, even in meditation.

Last week I took my Matryoshka dolls to class. Why? Because I'm a visual person and I know others are too, so it's important to find ways to convey verbal cues that are given.

Halfway through your week at the Watermill, we shall take a retreat within your retreat to spend the day soaking up some of the amazing sights this part of Italy has to offer.

Often when we hear certain things, we immediately bring to mind an image or thought of what we know or remember. It could be a sunset - we all have our own image of what comprises a sunset, but it won't necessarily be the one that your friend is sharing with you. It could be the enjoyment of a slice of carrot cake - you remember the last slice of carrot cake you had, but it won't be the same as the one you are just about to enjoy (hopefully!)

In last night’s Women’s Wisdom Yoga, transitions and the parasympathetic nervous system were the main focus.

This was really bought home to me after running my signature workshop at the weekend – Being Stillness. The importance of ‘rest and digest’ and how little space we give ourselves for this very important function.

Tuscan Sunshine

September sunshine in Italy...

Gentle morning meditation to ease you into the day...

Restorative, nurturing and nourishing yoga practices to bring a deep sense of ease and relaxation...

But that’s not all – the retreat that I’ve been invited to teach – Unplug & Unwind – at the beautifully restored Watermill in Posara, offers so much more.

“Very few people understand the heart. In truth, your heart is one of the masterpieces of creation. It is a phenomenal instrument. It has the potential to create vibrations and harmonies that are far beyond the beauty of pianos, strings or flutes. You can hear an instrument, but you feel your heart. And if you think that you feel an instrument, it’s only because it touched your heart. Your heart is an instrument made of extremely subtle energy that few people come to appreciate”

[The Untethered Soul – Michael A Singer p49 / Noetic Books]