HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

(From "Louise in Accounts"!)

Is that another year gone already?  Where did it go?

It was back in January when I started writing my first blog but it only feels like a few weeks ago. Life goes so fast it is quite scary.

It has been quite a year for me. I have been to some brilliant workshops, seminars and courses. It is only when I look back, I realise just how much I have crammed in. Heathcote Beauty is going from strength to strength and life is pretty sweet, although, as much as I love my job, I am looking forward to taking time off and chilling out with my lovely family.

The Christmas decorations are up, the tree is crammed with baubles and beautiful lights and the house looks very festive. I have also finished shopping for Christmas presents and all I need to do now is the wrapping and the food shopping, so I’m feeling pretty smug with myself at the moment. Although, I would be even happier if I could find those Christmas decorations that I bought in this years January sale. I will probably put my hand straight on them in the first week after Christmas!

This is the one time of the year when I think about having a normal job. Being self employed is great and I wouldn’t change that for the world, but I do miss the crazy works Christmas parties. A client said that I should crash someone else’s Christmas party and pretend to be ‘Louise  from Accounts’. Everyone would be so drunk no-one would notice!  Maybe I should organise a “Secret Santa” with myself?  Better still, perhaps I should give myself a Christmas bonus, now that is a good idea!

If the year has gone fast for you too, now is the time to slow down and reflect on a year coming to the end. For me there have been so many highs and inevitably, a few lows too. I’m grateful for them all and I love my life so much.

I hope you love your life, your family and that you remember to love yourself too.

Happy Christmas and a happy, prosperous and healthy New Year to you all.

Lots of love

Louise XX

THE BALANCE PROCEDURE

Last weekend I attended an advanced practitioner training course in ‘The Balance Procedure’.

If you have never heard of the Balance Procedure I would fully recommend that you look into it. It is simple to learn and easy to integrate it into your everyday life.

This technique has been developed by award winning teacher and author, Jenny Cox who has put together over twenty years of experience in holistic therapies and personal development and created a simple technique that can be used by anyone to enable them to relax and achieve what they really want.

It is a technique that combines ancient philosophy with modern quantum science. It is a self-help tool which can change the way you think and feel, enabling you to find your true potential and live a much fuller life. This is achieved by changing limiting thoughts and beliefs that have been built up over the years and operate on a subconscious level, often sabotaging your desire to change something in your life.

Over the last few years I have been on a spiritual pilgrimage of self discovery and self transformation but I have always been especially interested in the mysteries of life, the universal laws and ancient wisdom. My other interests are new quantum science and spirituality so working with the Balance Procedure was made for me and this technique has accelerated my progress.

I initially completed the Balance Procedure course to help my own development but as an Advanced Practitioner I now offer sessions to other people who are interested in reaching their true potential.

If you would like to find out more about The Balance Procedure and ways of reaching your true potential follow this link.  http://www.heathcotebeauty.co.uk/balance.htm

Reflexology – Ancient Healing

Reflexology is the most popular treatment I offer. It is a complementary therapy that works alongside orthodox medicine, although you do not have to be unwell to benefit from this amazing treatment.

So what exactly is reflexology and how can this therapy help us in healing? 

Reflexology is a healing art that uses acupressure and massage on the feet to promote relaxation, alleviate pain, and treat illness and to stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself.  Reflexology utilises ‘reflex points’ on the feet that correspond to the structure and function of each part of the body.  Applying pressure to these reflexes using gentle pressure influences the state of the body in many ways.

Modern reflexology is based upon the understanding that good health depends on the circulation of ‘vital energies’, known as Qi (Chi) or Prana.  It is understood that vital energy runs throughout the body in a system of invisible, vertical channels called ‘meridians’.  Achieving the proper flow of this vital energy helps promote good health.  It is believed that an imbalance or the blocked flow of vital energy can be one of the main causes of disease.

Reflexology is not a cure for any health condition, although regular treatments do seem to help to alleviate the symptoms of ongoing problems such as Sciatica, menstrual problems, stress related disorders, arthritis, sports injuries - in fact the list is endless.  Because it helps to restore balance back into the body, the body becomes better equipped to cope with most health conditions.

Reflexology is a very gentle treatment that is suitable for anybody from the very young to the elderly.  To ensure the clients’ well-being, all treatments begin with a consultation to make sure that reflexology is the right course of treatment for that specific client.  In some cases, Doctor’s permission may be required before treatments can commence, for example, for those suffering from diabetes.

The treatment usually takes about hour and a half, including the initial consultation, 60 minute massage and a little time to recover afterwards.  It is important that clients take it easy for a while after the treatment and drink plenty of water.

Crystals can be incorporated into this treatment such as clear quartz or amethyst. They assist the even flow of energy around the body and complement this treatment.

Regular treatments are recommended to keep the body in balance but even a one off session is a treat.

It is my favourite treatment to give and also receive. It's like an MOT for your body and it feels sooooo good. 
Book yourself in for your MOT

Hugs Louise X

There's no time like the present.

My meditation area

Meditation 

For me, practising meditation is like brushing my teeth because it has become part of my daily routine.  It is about being more awake and aware and listening to my inner wisdom or in-tuition (inner teacher). It has helped me to discover an inner peace that comes only when the mind is still. 

I was first introduced to meditation a few years ago when I was expecting my daughter and the health visitor recommended it for relaxation.

I remember nervously attending the first session and being pleasantly surprised to find that the other participants where actually quite normal! There were no hippies, nobody smoking ‘wacky backy’ and nobody had any flowers in their hair!

Well, 24 years later and after experiencing and practising many different forms of meditation over the years, I believe it is becoming very main stream.

Meditation is a fantastic tool for relaxation and relaxation is perhaps the most important key to health and well-being. When we are completely relaxed, our own natural healing mechanism is more active.

The benefits of regular meditation include reduced stress levels, strengthened immune system, it helps to over come anxiety and depression and it can also help to lower heart rates and blood pressure.

Meditation is easy to learn but it can take years to master and there are many meditation techniques and methods to choose from. A visualisation CD can ease you in gently but serious meditating comes when you are able sit in silence and completely clear your mind. Exploring the real self within produces a new level of awareness and helps you become more conscious in all aspects of your life.

Whether you are looking for relaxation or just a little inner peace or maybe your aim is the attainment of enlightenment, I recommend you try it!

Love & Light

Louise x

Sleepless nights

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night and lay there for ages trying to get back to sleep? Counting sheep doesn’t work and after much tossing and turning you just end up getting annoyed. The more you try to get back to sleep the harder it is.

I remember those nights well but I put it down to having kids and working unsociable night shifts in a nursing home. My body clock was all over the place and sleepless nights were the norm.

One night whilst lying wide awake in my bed while the rest of the world slept, it suddenly dawned on me how beautiful it was. Such a peaceful time and I had it all to myself. The phone wasn’t going to ring and the door bell was silent and the kids were asleep. Nothing could disturb me and I suddenly felt very privileged and grateful. The peace and tranquillity was breathtaking and I couldn’t believe I hadn’t noticed it before.  I found that lying awake and tuning into the nights energy very calming and also the best time to download new ideas and inspiration.

The middle of the night has such a wonderful stillness. There are no distractions during this time and it is easy feel very close to Mother Nature.  It is my favourite time to practice meditation or just focus on the present. It is a special time and since I have discovered its beauty I no longer spend these occasions tossing and turning.

Next time you wake up in the middle of the night, listen to the silence and feel the stillness. Be grateful for experiencing such a special time and focus on the positive aspect. You are warm, safe, resting and no-one can disturb you. You have the night to yourself while everyone else is sleeping and it is peaceful, calm and it’s all yours.

Sweet dreams J

Night night

Louise x

A COMPLAINT FREE WORLD

My daughter Sarah is miles ahead of me when it comes to making the world a better place. She’s like my own personal Guru.

Today she gave me a ‘Complaint free world’ purple bracelet to wear.  She said that every time I find myself complaining, gossiping or criticising anything, even if it was in my thoughts, I had to take off the bracelet and swap it onto my other wrist. I had to keep moving the bracelet from wrist to wrist until I could keep it on the same arm for 21 days. Well there’s a challenge! I like a bit of gossip from time to time but I’m not one for complaining or criticising - or so I thought!

I’ve already had to swap it over, twice in 5 minutes, so I’m not the positive thinker that I thought I was!

Scientists believe it takes 21 days to form a new habit. So my goal is to wear the bracelet and not think or talk in a negative way for 21 days consecutively. Each time I fail I need to swap the bracelet onto the other wrist and start again. Eventually I will reach 21 days without a negative thought or word and I will create a life of complete positivity.

I love the whole concept about this bracelet because it really helps you to become aware of the words we use and also what kind of thoughts are ticking over.

Our words are powerful indicators of our thoughts and our thoughts create our reality so by wearing the bracelet reminds us to be careful about what we think about and the words we choose. When we complain, gossip or criticize we are focusing on the negative and we will attract the negative back to us. Focusing on more positive thoughts will change our vibration and this will radiate out into the world changing our reality. Life will be happier, more loving, positive and abundant.

Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

If you want to find out more about ‘A Complaint Free World’ check out the website http://www.acomplaintfreeworld.org/

Happy Thoughts

 Louise x

Essences and sprays

As a child I used to love making my own perfumes and I would spend many hot summer days collecting rose petals and other flowers for the recipe. It was great fun adding the water, bottling them up and then designing the labels.

When I started to make my own brand of 'Aura Mist' sprays the memories came flooding back and I felt like a child again. I felt excited and carefree and I allowed my intuitive mind to guide me during the whole process.  You can buy 'Aura Mist' from my website or why not make your own? Here is a basic recipe.

Aura cleanse recipe

You will need:

·       50ml glass bottle

·       Rose quartz crystal

·       Amethyst crystal

·       Lavender essential oil

·       Frankincense essential oil

·       Flower petals (optional)

·       Tea spoon of brandy or vodka (preservative)

·       Water - preferably from a sacred well, spring or brook (The vibrational quality of spring or spa water is perfect for making essences and sprays because as the water travels underground it picks up minerals and energy from the earth.)

Add the water, crystals and flower petals into a glass. The glass can be placed in a crystal grid, add symbols or burn incense if you like. Leave outside in a peaceful place while the vibration of the ingredients absorbs into the water. Working intuitively you will know when this is done.

Pour the water into the bottle adding a few drops of the essential oils and the preservative and your essence is ready. Shake the bottle well before use.

To cleanse your aura put a few drops in your hands, rub your hands together and then bring your hands up to your nose and inhale the aroma. This takes the vibration of the essence into your lungs where it is then absorbed into every cell in  your body. Next, waft your hands around your aura from head to toe and this will clear any negativity in your energy field.

When creating your own essence, work from your heart sending loving intention into the process and this will add your own vibration to the mix.

Have fun :)

Love and laughter

Louise x

THE AURA

The people from ancient cultures knew and understood that beyond its physical form, the human body has a pulsating, dynamic field of energy called the Aura.

The Aura is an area of protection that we all possess and some people refer to it as their personal space or energy field.

This invisible bubble of energy that surrounds the physical body can change in size and colour depending on how we feel. When we talk about good or bad vibes we are picking up on the vibration of other energies.

When our personal space is invaded without invitation we feel uncomfortable and irritated and when anything comes too close for comfort we automatically pull back and our personal space shrinks. When we are feeling happy and relaxed our personal space expands.

There is something very mystical about the Aura, human energy field or personal space. Our bodies are constantly processing chemical and electrical changes and this generates a field of energy which radiates outside the physical body. These include electrostatic, magnetic and thermal components.

We also have numerous Chakras throughout the body. The word ‘Chakra’ means ‘Wheel’. The Chakras allow energy to flow from one part of the body to another and as with all things in our reality, they are linked to sound, light and colour. Imbalances within the Chakras can be caused by negative thought patterns, environmental pollutants, trauma, bad dietary habits, addictive substances or even stress and poor breathing techniques.

It is important for the Chakras to be balanced for general health and well-being and there are many ways to achieve this. Meditation, reiki, crystal healing, sound healing and colour healing are popular choices but there are also lots of tools available without having to spend lots of money.

I sell a Chakra balancing CD which combines visualisation, sound and crystals and I also sell Chakra Balancing Crystal sets. For more details check out my website http://www.heathcotebeauty.co.uk/

PRICKLY NEWS

I have always had a soft spot for hedgehogs. Like me, hedgehogs are small but powerfully built, soft underneath but with a prickly side to them, (especially when I haven’t waxed for a while). They like spending time in the garden and like to sleep a lot, so when I had the opportunity to train to become a Hedgehog carer I jumped at the chance.

The course was not meant for the faint hearted as it consisted of learning how to inject fluids and watching a hedgehog post mortem. It was fascinating to learn about all the different diseases and problems hedgehogs get and how to help them and they need all the help that they can get.

10 years ago it was recorded that there were 30 million hedgehogs in the UK but those numbers have since reduced to 10 million. A large number get killed on our roads each year, but they can also get easily caught up in things such as wire, string or elastic bands, which can lead to infection or possibly even death.

My training course took place at Vale Wild Life Centre and Rehabilitation Hospital and my goodness me there are some amazing people there doing some amazing work with our wild life. If you get the chance check out the website www.valewildlife.org.uk/ 

My family and friends think I am absolutely bonkers and sometimes I wonder if they are right. My life if already full with my beauty and holistic business, playing in a band and family commitments, but sometimes you have to do what feels right.

Lots of love Louise x

A TRIP TO GLASTONBURY

This month I went to Glastonbury with Bill (my hubby) for our annual trip. No, not the music festival, although we would love the live music, we don’t do muddy fields, wellies and camping. We usually go in the spring or autumn when it’s quiet and we always have amazing weather. This year was no exception.

We visited Chalice Well to collect more water for my ‘Aura Mist' sprays and then spent time just sat in the garden chatting, listening to the birds and watching people walk up the Tor. Everyone we met greeted us with a smile and a kind word. This sacred place brings out the best in people. Why can’t people be like this in Tesco’s or on the M25?

After some tree hugging, we spent the rest of our time looking in the many New Age shops. Everything from books, crystals, singing bowls, meditation tools, angels, faeries, vegetarian cafes, it’s all there from the magical to the very weird and wonderful.

Bill bought me a chunk of sedimentary rock with cubes of pyrite crystals embedded in it. Who said diamonds are a girl’s best friend? Pyrite is commonly known as fool’s gold but to crystal therapists it is known as healer’s gold as it helps dissipate physical exhaustion. Something I would need after this weekend.

Seeing Steve Knightley in concert one evening was a much needed break for Bill who is a very down to earth grounded blokey bloke. He keeps my feet firmly on the ground but he also shares my love of all things alternative.

Our hotel was haunted and freezing cold but we had an amazing few days spending quality time together. We returned to Leamington with our new books, crystals and Buddha statue for the garden feeling………. knackered!

Now where’s that pyrite cube crystal?

Love & light to you all xx

MY FIRST BLOG!

Hey, look at me getting all 21^st century and starting a blog! It just seemed like the next thing to do after joining Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin. Although I don’t understand what Linkedin is all about.

Why am I doing this? Well, I don’t want to get left behind in this technological world of communication and isn’t everyone doing this now? And I love sharing information.

I work as a Complementary Therapist in Leamington Spa, a beautiful town in Warwickshire. The "Spa" part of the name "Leamington Spa" comes from 'medicinal' spa waters around which the town developed.

Leamington has drawn many people here over the years for its water and I feel that because of this, it has its own healing vortex. This could be why there are so many Healers and Therapists in the area?

The mineral springs were known about in the Middle Ages, but it was not until 1784 that the inhabitants re-discovered its saline springs and started building baths around them. Loved by the Victorians, these waters were widely publicised to have healing properties. It was claimed to cure, or relieve, a huge number of disorders including, stiffness of the tendons, the effects of gout and rheumatism and various paralytic conditions.

Although the water tastes very salty they say it is safe to drink and gets tested regularly. The vibrational quality is perfect for making essences and sprays because as the water travels underground it picks up minerals and energy form the earth. Add crystals, flowers and essential oils if you wish and you have a powerful tool for cleansing your personal space and creating a positive environment.

Well that’s my first blog done. Hope I haven’t bored you too much or been to woo woo.

Lots of love to you xx