Mindfulness

Positivity

Posted on by Priya Popat

As a natural pessimistic person I find the art of being positive quite difficult. Throughout my life, I’ve always been told not to think so negatively and have a little faith. I’m a realist who doesn’t like the truth to be sugar-coated – no matter how painful. Yet, I noticed if any of my loved ones needed a pep-talk or were feeling down about something – I wouldn’t allow them to follow in my wallowing footsteps; so I could be positive towards others, why was I not being positive to myself?

This fanatical negative rabbit hole I’d found myself in caused those worries to surface, the grey matter in the brain to diminish and the need for constant sugary tea. What’s more, it was and still is exhausting. Like a lot of people, I found it easier to think of everything in its worst situation to protect myself from the truth, meanwhile I was completely unaware that this catastrophic thinking was ruining my mind (literally), giving me panic attacks and making me miserable.

So finally, I gave in and began to change my mind-set. Around 18 months later and a significant reduction in my caffeine intake, I began to feel the benefits of thinking positively.

With the influence from a few good friends, I saw situations in a different light – even feeling frustrated when others were/are being negative. My trick was to start small and to look at situations where negative thoughts arose (usually every 15 minutes) in a more positive manner.
Here are three ways that I started overcoming the negative thoughts that arose on a daily basis:

Be kind whether its flashing a smile at someone, or calling up a friend just to see how they are. Kindness is infectious and its healing.

Look at the goodin every situation- no matter how dismal, how upsetting or how heart-breaking. Embrace your blessings and know that bad times will pass.

Look for the goodin people, even if they are the most insufferable in the world, you were brought up better than to allow yourself to be dragged down by people that spoil your happiness. Be brave and have courage.

This world can be a lonely place, but the universe has a plan for everyone.

Happy soul-searching,

Priya

The Art of Simplicity

Posted on by Priya Popat

Over time we tend to layer up life, whether its with activities, possessions and even emotions. Sometimes we lose sight of how it feels to live simply, according to our innate needs and our innermost values. We start to believe that the busier we are and the more ‘stuff’ we have and own, the more fulfilled we will be. In actual fact, stripping back on stressful commitments and clearing away clutter (mental and emotional, as well as physical) can make us feel lighter, liberated and more energised.

I’ve been trying to simplify my life for the last few months and I’m not going to lie, being simple is hard. Trying to get rid of clutter (both physical and emotional) has been a challenge, from the odd jumper here, the crippling anxious thought there to changing my life goals with the main aim – to just be happy.

In Marie Kondo’s  book,’Spark Joy’- the Japanese art of tidying literally removes all unnecessary things and shows us how to organise. This simple concept asks you to think about what brings you joy and can be translated to all aspects of our lives, from how we think about ourselves, the actions we take and the mindsets we live by. If you strip away the nonsensical elements, we won’t be slaves to our possessions.

Simplifying our lives and reducing any stress should be a priority.

Sometimes to find ourselves again and to appreciate what we have, we need to be ruthless. Postpone unimportant meetings, cancel irrelevant errands and don’t give your time to people who don’t appreciate it. Instead kick-back and appreciate your time and the art of simplicity. Whether thats de-clutering your house (this literally makes you feel lighter), sitting in the garden or taking a walk to marvel at nature, or even spending time with family and friends. Being simple every now and again will ground your mind and help you to appreciate all you have.

We can take it day by day, week by week or even month by month. To take the opportunity to strip back the excess of life to see the beauty and calm of simplicity.

Happy soul-searching,

Priya x

The beauty of being kind to yourself

Posted on by Priya Popat

We are the generation of innovative thinkers, hard-working go getters, digitally minded folk; who love their nutri-bullets just as much as their nextflix account. We find ways to do things better, more efficiently and quicker. So then why are we a generation of of self-loathing millennials? Why are we not as kind to ourselves as we are to our friends and family? Read More