Mind & Spirit

As mindfulness is defined as non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, and goal setting represents future-focused attainment, I always viewed them as incompatible. It wasn’t until I read some of Dr Alan Wallace’s research that I was able to reconcile the two. Alan is an author and western expert on Tibetan Buddhism and teaches that there is great value in wholesome goals and desires. That is, goals and desires that are conducive to positive mental health and overall wellbeing.

We chat with iKOU founder Naomi Whitfeld about the life-changing power of wellness rituals.

“Every day, I’m reminded my favourite mug doesn’t belong to me ” One reader reveals why a simple blue mug reminds her of her brother.

If you’re one to cram everything in one day and you frequently find yourself double-booking, you’re in serious need of a diary or a calendar, maybe even both. Diaries help keep your head space clear and can even increase productivity. It can be quite satisfying and you feel accomplished ticking items off your to-do list […]

From physical exercise, fresh air and a stint of simple living, we discover how to shake off our daily troubles and restore balance through the rich healing power of wilderness therapy.

Time to gaze into the night sky and learn what the stars have in store for us over the next couple of months!

Current research shows that writing about yourself in a positive sense is linked to better emotional and physical health. So what’s stopping you? It’s time to find the courage to put pen to paper and write your memoir.

The second decade of the 21st century has been the era of the jab. Arguably the most commonly used word during this time has, sadly, been “vaccination”. While to jab or not to jab has caused so much controversy and division, one thing we all desire is to be immune to the insidious COVID virus that caught the world by surprise. But while we acknowledge that we can choose to get shots to ward off diseases, is there a shot that can give us immunity from sadness and stress?

Have you ever caught your thoughts drifting elsewhere when exercising? Learn how to find mindfulness in your muscle movements which, in turn, will help you to feel motivation and an appreciation of your body.

Once a pastime of yore, knitting made a resurgence during the peak of the pandemic, and research shows this inexpensive hobby could be the key to mastering mindfulness and better mental health.

What gets you out of bed each morning and propels you forward? Do you want to find more meaning in what you do? Discovering and living in alignment with your personal ikigai is a way to harness the Japanese secret to a meaningful, long and joy-filled life.

In challenging times, as we deal with epidemics and war, it can be helpful to elevate your mind, and sometimes you can turn to ancient wisdom to help with that. The sacred geometry embedded in the symbol known as “the Flower of Life” has been acknowledged for centuries. From Egypt to Plato and Leonardo da Vinci, “the Flower” has been regarded as having mystical properties that can change your soul.