I recently met with a friend, and she asked me how I am. Leading me to share how done and exhausted I felt that day. That instead of working on my to-do’s and exercising, I sat on the sofa with tea and a book as I felt so drained, nothing left. And that I felt …
Last year’s guidance was “connection”, and looking back – yes, it was such a year. I do not feel the need for too many people around me, but the new connections I made were meaningful, deep and inspiring. As life continues, some connections deepen while others have been there for a particular time. But even those more …
Connection-with others, to myself and the country I live in. Sometimes that means we need to connect deeply and be able to let go entirely.
Wow I can’t believe it’s done. We reached the end of chapter one! Our first year in Oman is not quite over yet, since we moved here in August 2019 but our first school year at ABA Oman, and even more significantly, our first 14 weeks of home-learning are officially over today. 14 weeks, 98 …
Over the past weeks I’ve been talking about characters strengths, taking a character survey (*), reading books, listening to podcasts and participating in an online course around bravery, courage and confidence. And I started to wonder even more about those words – bravery, courage and confidence. How do I see them? What do they mean …
Are you tired by store-bought bread? Then I invite you to try these super easy quick weekend bread rolls! A few weeks ago I asked on my private Facebook for easy bread recipes. I’m tired by the fluffy bread from the stores here and have been thinking about making my own bread (without a bread …
Christmas Season, woohoo, it’s finally here! To enjoy it even more, let me share 5 quick fixes to feel At Ease this Christmas Season! I, especially, love the start of this season. The excitement, the decoration, the baking and Christmas music. In our household, it all kicks off on Dec 1st. It’s all so nice …
5 quick fixes to feel At Ease this Christmas Season Read More »
Expectations are a strong belief that something will be the case, happen or that we are looking forward to something. And if we think about it , we all have them in almost everything; the small and the big things in life; in others and in ourselves – a holiday, the weather, friends, how a …
As I walk the streets these days, the sound of “ritsch-ratsch” comes out of open windows, moving trucks are parked around many corners. A clear sign that summer holidays are about to start – and so does moving time for many. With 16 years on the go, summer time is kind of “same – same …
Book review take away. Similar reasons may lead us to this book but we are all coming from a different angle, a different background and we will connect to it in a different way. Therefore, rather then writing what I liked or didn’t like (*), I’ll share a few points that inspired me, while reading …
A few weeks ago I posted this picture on the At Ease Facebook page. This truly was a big lesson I took on for myself last year. For some this may sound minor but to me and I believe many others it is something that takes us fully out of our comfort zone. Why is …
No matter how you call it, may it being mindful, being aware or in the moment. All this is easy(er) to practise and believe in when we are in a good spot, when it all runs smooth. But it is the moments when life throws us a curve-ball that we tend to drop it all. …
One year comes to an end, another one is about to start. For many it is a time to slow down, to reflect on what was and what may lie ahead, time to make New Year Resolutions. Instead of New Year Resolutions I reflect on the previous year and try to set a new intention …
Often we define loneliness by a certain kind of sadness for being alone, caused by lack of company. But there is another kind of loneliness that seems to spread more and more. The loneliness you experience while being (with)in company. Feeling lonely while being surrounded by people, how can that be? Sadly, it is more …
Are you a non-believer, doubter, a cynic, a fact checker and/or wonder what all that humbug is about when it comes to Mindfulness? If only one of this is true this book is for you! But it is as well for you if you are already interested in Mindfulness and are simply looking for a …
10% Happier by Dan Harris – a book recommendation Read More »
A few weeks ago I started a Bi-weekly Mindfulness Newsletter. I include formal and informal practices and hope to bring a sense of ease into the inbox. I chose bi-weekly to not be overwhelmed and to give time to focus on one topic. For today I would like to share my recently newsletter here, too, …
At times the pictures you see when you search for meditation make me long for peace and quiet. Please beam me over right now! On other days they make me laugh. The setting seems to be always beautiful, calm and tranquil. The picture perfect meditation setting! But I wonder if that kind of “meditation cliche” …
Do you find yourself rushing through the day, the week, the weekends. Only to sit back in the evening asking where the day, the week or the month went and what you actually did? We often just go and rush from one big thing to the next, trying to accomplish as much as we can …
Balance – I am trying hard to not let it slip away in the hustle and bustle of day to day life. Not always easy especially when back in the big city life. During the summer I found my balance at a lake in Sweden. Back here in Tokyo? I am still searching! Where did you …
I am not really a poem person but during the Mindfulness Course and as I continue with it I do come across some that speak to me. Below I like to share another one as a reminder to slow down now and then! Take your cup of tea, coffee or your glass of wine or …
Sometimes it is in the most smallest, most subtle things… I have to confess that I was doubtful when I heard that we were about to practice the “gentle smile” (half smile) during our Mindfulness training. I immediately had an image of a fake smile popping up. But I soon learned how wrong my perception …
Before I even start – do not get me wrong, we all have crappy days, times that pull us down, when all and everybody seems to be too much. And we are all entitled to feel like that at times. But often it seems to me that that is what we mainly do; seeing the …
We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves. ~ His Holiness the Dalai Lama ~ I recently came across a book I would have never picked up myself due to its title “Happy for No Reason” by Marci Shimoff. As I mentioned in a previous blog (Happy life, the …
Don’t judge a book by its title – “Happy for No Reason” Read More »
We all know those moments when we feel upset, pressured, overwhelmed or uncomfortable. Especially in such situations we tend to become disconnected to what is actually happening around us. Here comes a little awareness exercise I got to know during my mindfulness course. It may come in helpful to be be more “there”, in the present moment, …
A while ago I came across this article (https://freefromtoxic.com/2015/06/16/the-8-most-common-narc-sadistic-conversation-control-tactics/) and shared it on Facebook. And quite few came back and thanked me for sharing. It seems the article struck a chord with some people out there. The above link gives a great description of narcissistic behaviours and I won’t go into that any further. But what …
This week something a little bit different – a poem. It seems to be a well know poem within mindfulness courses and when I listened to it this week I understood why. Will you feel the same?! Sit down, relax and simply be while reading this one. The Guest House This being human is a guest …
I used to think that mindfulness was meant to focus more on the happier moments in life, so it was enlightening to realise that that is not what mindfulness is really about. Like the the rays of the sun does mindfulness shine and spread equally onto all areas of life, the positive, the neutral and the negative. It …
I already wrote a bit about Mindfulness on some previous blogs, and over the next few weeks I will go a bit deeper. Firstly, I do believe that we all can and should be more aware in our day to day life to get out of the ‘stress treadmill’ we often find ourselves in. Secondly, …
Today we have one of those days – non stop rain. But there is a special beauty in nature when the raindrops fall, don`t you agree? So don’t just put it away as a rainy day instead listen to the soothing sound of the raindrops falling follow the raindrops as they make their path down heavy leaves …
I am an Obliger, a Lark, a Sprinter, an Under-buyer, an Opener and a Novelty Lover, Prevention Focused and I strive better with Accountability and when I take Big Steps. I got a this rather interesting insight about myself from reading the book “Better than Before – Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives” by …
Can you relate to the “flow of life” when thinking of the Sun Salutation?! I recently went through some rounds of Sun Salutation, just going with the flow and experiencing the sensations. And while the Sun Salutation is always a nice flow, a great way to move the whole body it is as well a good …
It was while I was having bath, listening to relaxing music, letting my mind wander when my eyes caught some of my day to day necklaces and bracelets and I went down memory lane, with a smile on my face. All pieces are different, yet they all have something in common – they remind me …
I came across this a article from Washington Post on “The expat life is full of adventures – and loneliness“. Not only did the title catch my attention, no the article touched me on many levels. It is such a heartfelt piece, I feel for the writer and her emotions. I am an expat, too, have …
As usual over the recent years I use the end of the year to think about the past one and to set my intention for the new one. Long time ago I rid myself of new years resolutions as I barely stuck to them but rather added additional pressure to myself. Instead I reflect on what I …
2017 – stay focused and pick the good seeds only Read More »
I love this time of the year, despite its hectic, it is the time where a lot of traditions are coming out again – it is the Christmas Season. Yes, it is the time of craziness to meet up with friends, colleagues and family, organising presents, decorating the house, playing Christmas music and making time …
We talk about being sympathetic and empathetic, but do we use them correctly and can we all be empathic? I wondered about this some time now and decided to dig a bit deeper. To understand this fine line let me give you some definitions I came across. Showing sympathy means we have feelings of sorrow, …
Empathy – Sympathy?! And can empathy be learned? Read More »
I recently attended a workshop on “How to improvise your life”. Originally this type of workshop was catered towards actors, yet the trainer took it further, made participants look into improvising in the normal day-to-day life. I was intrigued by the title and content, so I tagged along, with no idea whatsoever on what to expect. …
It may be grey and cold and just “bla” outside at times. But especially such days give us a good reason to halt, to take time to think and to just be! Get the candles out, make yourself comfortable, snuggle up and enjoy the month of November! Stay warm and healthy, have a lovely day …
I just finished reading the book “Eat fat – get thin(*!) ” by Mark Hyman. An intriguing title – we are supposed to eat fat!? I do believe something is wrong with our way of looking at food – being told to eat and drink all the low to non-fat products! Thankfully I mainly lived …
“Are you spiritual?” “I think you are quite spiritual!””I can see that you are not spiritual!” – questions and comments in that direction I have heard over the years. And they always rattle me. I don’t really know what to say to that. I don`t follow a religion, but I do believe that there is …
I came across this blog challenge by Natalie Sisson via women`s organisation here in Tokyo. It is another way to challenge yourself and to “dig a bit deeper” in some areas over the course of 10 days. “This challenge is focused on helping you achieve personal, business and physical freedom over 10 days with a short daily …
Life, we often say is about balance. I fully agree, but we have to realize as well that we can’t just paint it black or white. Life is about balance therefore Be kind – but do not allow people to abuse you Trust – but do not be deceived Be content – but never stop improving …
A rather interesting conversation, this weekend between my kids and their friends while walking outside: Kids: “We will have ICT* lessons and then we will work on computers, that will be fun.” Me: “Do you know what ICT stands for?” Kids: “Yes ipad, computer, telephone – I, C and T; we will use all three of them, how …
Four years ago I wrote below piece on my personal blog. It caused some controversy with some people but still today I stand to those points, today perhaps even more so then ever. I therefore decided to dig the piece out, adjust it here and there and to publish it again. It is a longer …
Summer holidays are coming to an end and when talking about them I can’t help but review a little on how they went. I will start with my outcome from this summer experience, my lesson learned so to say: While I strongly do believe that is important to take time for yourself and your things …
We are coming towards the end of summer and often changes come along, too. Children may start new schools, leave their home for studies, start working; this all may be close to home, further away or even overseas. Some brush such changes off easily, are joyful and excited, others may be a little bit more fearful …
I admit right from the start that I have not tried the game but the sheer thought of what is behind the new hype of “Pokemon Go” almost infuriates me. And I may be alone here, but that is ok! Aren’t most of us complaining about too much attention and time spend on electronic devices? …
At the moment “mindful” seems to be one of the buzzwords and a lot of truth lies behind this simple word. Especially in today’s environment, when everything and everybody is rushed and multitasked and nothing seems to be good enough. It is important to halt, to breathe, to be aware, to allow to feel both …
Happy Sunday! Not much more to add to the below message. I fully agree – it is all about the balance!
Life has all sorts of colours, bright, shiny, dark and dull. To live a truly colourful life we need to allow us to live through all the various shades. Aim to make your life as colourful as you can. Don’t hold back! Accept the darker shades, life through and feel them, no matter how painful. Embrace …
Do you notice all the small trucks and the “ritsch-ratsch” sound when you walk down the streets these days? Yes, it summer time and that means a lot of people are on the move again, packing up their belongings into boxes and arriving at new destinations and unpacking them all. It is especially predominant in …
I recently went to an official launch of a friend`s webpage called Sharing Seeds. Together with a friend of hers they started this project: “Life is a series of interwoven stories, not a set of concepts. Sharing seeds collects contributions from all over the world because any kind of story can become a seed of …
“There is more to life than simply increasing its speed.” ~Mahatma Ghandi~ And yet we reached a time where most things seem to be about speed. Everything needs to go faster, quicker. The joy of the journey is often left behind. Even when it comes to a cup of coffee. Something a lot of …
Today just a quick ‘Food for Thought’ that I read in a Yoga book, but transferrable to all aspects of life! “Those of you who are really bad at Yoga, you’re in the right place. I hope everyone will allow themselves to be really crappy today, to walk away from being perfect. The real Yoga …
A friend recently mentioned this saying to me. I found that this phrase has been used by many but the origin goes long time back to Rabbi Hillel. It is so simple and so true – and so universal. If we are really honest, don’t we often put things of and/or ‘blame’ others or the circumstances for …
In one of my recent quick post on my At Ease Facebook page I asked you to go out and get inspired. I now want to go a bit deeper, what can inspiration give us and where and how can we get inspired? Let’s have a look into a few aspects for both areas: Inspiration will give …
“There is a crack in everything. That`s how the light gets in.” (by Leonard Cohen) We often strive for perfection, the perfect home, family, job, outfit, figure, the list can go on. But this strive often puts us under pressure. We may even appear and behave different than how we actually feel inside, and we …
When was the last time you took time to let your mind wander. When was the last time you really allowed yourself to let some (new) thoughts / ideas drift through your mind? Food for Thought is not for healthy eating habits, it is for healthy habits in general. It is to allow ourself to digest an …
We do not need to venture far to find something good! Stand strong and tall like a tree! Yoga poses mainly relate back to nature and animals. If we start to not ‘just do’ the Asanas (poses), but look behind and feel them they can give us some advice and help us in our daily …
Spending time with my family, friends, starting my business idea, regular blogging, finishing onlinue studies, sports, broaden my horizon and getting out of my comfort zone with new experiences, learning Japanese, exploring the city and country we recently moved to, really dedicate time to my kids one-to-one, keeping the house clean, organized and sorted, and some me-time. ” …
A lot is out there and being said about being mindful and whether you agree or disagree, it is important to cherrish the small things, to reconnect what is around us and to find joy in day to day things. So last night instead of just rushing into the dinner, bedtime routine and playing catch …
I am not a big reader on parenting books, as mostly our family set up works, common sense solves issues and talking with friends usually helps to realize that some issues are just normal even though I may get grey hair thinking about it. But I reached a point where it was all getting …
Some weeks just seem longer than others, and that is ok. It is the excitement of life that nothing is always the same – and struggles are part of it. Nevertheless, sometimes it is nice to say ‘good bye’ to a stressful, hectic, emotional, unsatisfying, exhausting or tiring week. If you had one of those …
I recently came across this and whereas my initial thought was – yeah right, my immediate second one was ‘hang on a minute, this is totally wrong and a lame excuse’. The saying in the picture implies that kids only played like this before technology. If that is really the case don’t you think we fail …
Everyday all over the world somebody packs up his/her belongings and moves to a new place. Today we are one of them again. The house is closed down, the furniture neatly packed into a container, suitcases and bags standing ready for boarding. Nerves are kicking in, a mixture of fear, worry and excitement. Only time …
I recently learned a hard lesson that even long-lasting friendships do not have to be what they appeared to be. While moving around one does make a lot of different kind friendships, some last longer, some last hopefully forever, some are there for a certain period or situation. All are valuable friendships in their own …
…a Starbucks card that can make the day! A few weeks ago I lost my Starbucks card, obviously not THAT important, but still, it had credit on it and it was lost. A stranger found the card, traced me down on FB and asked me if she should give it to a Starbucks outlet or …
It was time to dust the champagne…and time to post something on my personal blog again…Life is a journey indeed – have a look where it will take us.
We are getting closer to the summer holidays and often busy and crazy times are ahead. The kids tend to pick up that the school year is nearly over – even if there are still some weeks to go. They tend to get a bit more tired, a bit more excited, a bit more crazy …
Most of my friends and family know that I struggled and still struggle by being back “home”. At least back home in the country I was born and lived most my life. But as the saying goes “Home is where your heart is”, and even after 2.5 years my heart is not here. I am better, …
The often underestimated the struggle of repatriation – moving back home Read More »
Today a different “Food for Thought” as I will refer you to a petition from Jamie Oliver where he asks for help to fight for Food Education in schools. One might think on or the other way about Jamie Oliver but what I like a lot about him is his passion on food education. Obesity is …
It is such fun to just click away, make endless pictures and have loads to choose from, isn’t it? It is not so much fun though when it comes to de-cluttering, sorting or even worse trying to find specific pictures on the vast array of sheer endlessness. I constantly procrastinate – or perhaps I should just …
The joy of digital pictures – or digital procrastination Read More »
Accept that another person can have different opinions, feelings or emotions. Don’t criticise or even demean someone else for thinking different. Desperately trying to change or to insult the other one won’t achieve anything – well, it might achieve that this person stands stronger and taller!
How often is it that we plan or intend to start or finalize something, but we do not move into the right direction. How often is it that something gets in between that holds us back? How often is it that we allow to let something come up that won’t let us start? How often is it …
Some years back I started weekly emails that I called ‘Food for Thought’ for my Yoga participants. The email could be something purely Yoga or Fitness related or something random that might help my participants in certain situations or even just something to make them smile or to inspire. Anything that comes to my mind …