Posts

, , , , , ,

Bala Brook Yoga Retreat in Photos

This year we are celebrating our 5th year of hosting retreats at Bala Brook.  Our summer retreat on Dartmoor has become a very special event in our annual calendar.  It is such an honour to host yoga retreats in such a magical and inspiring location.  It is always fun to be working as part our Bala Brook team and of course we always look forward to Christine’s delicious food which is always made with such love and care.

Our weekend programme included Yoga, Meditation, Chanting, Yoga Nidra and there was plenty of time to rest, explore the local area, see old friends and make new friends.

Our Saturday morning workshop “Art in the Landscape – Enshrining Space” was be led by Nicci Wonnacott, Artist/ Educationalist/ Activist – BA (Hons) Fine Art/Contextual Practice, PGCE.   In this workshop we gathered natural resources, reconnected with the land, celebrated the land and our ancestors and created a beautiful shrine.

‘I have been has been exploring Goddess archetypes through creative practice for over 25 years in my land work I consider art in the environment through site, ritual, intuition and meditation. As a gatherer I reconnect with the land and the goddess archetypes, ancient women who have walked the path. As I gather, walk and breath form which I create shrines as an act of celebration and respect for the land and the mothers who came before. Enshrining Space’ – Nicci Wonnacott

Nicci has worked as a site specific artist and lecturer for many years. Her interests in gathering help her produce shrines to honour nature as well as jams, wines, cordials, tinctures and natural dying. Nicci was commissioned illustrated The Seasonal Goddess Group with paintings inspired from Devon landscapes.

Our June retreat fell just after the Summer Solstice.  The Summer Solstice is a time to celebrate the fullness of life, to step further into our power, to embody this power and to bring it into the physical form as a new habit such as a new way of being in your body or as a new manifestation.

Bala Brook workshop

BB Jun 2016

Tree Dartmoor

Co-hosted by Julie Bladon / Jackie Dorrian

, ,

NEW Release: Meditation Mix – Guided Meditation Download

blog-jayadevimix

Meditation Mix is a curated collection of guided meditations for beginner and experienced practioners alike. Jayadevi brings you seven guided meditation practices that will assist your exploration of meditation. Offering you a mix of transformational practices such as gratitude, mantra, self development and healing meditations. Whether you are starting out or reconnecting with your practice, Jayadevi provides a selection of meditation practices for you to enjoy.

, ,

New Exmouth Yoga Class Added To The Schedule

Due to the demand for yoga at Exmouth Leisure Centre and frequently fully booked classes I have added an extra yoga class to Tuesdays daytime classes.

As from Tuesday 26 April, the daytime classes will be as follows:

Tuesdays, Yoga, 11.30am-12.30pm

Tuesdays, Yoga, 12.45-1.45pm

Tuesdays, Meditation, 2-2.30pm

Hopefully this will give you a greater opportunity to attend class at Exmouth Leisure Centre.  For full details of classes please visit my Events page.

I teach a variety of yoga styles but my main focus is on Hatha Yoga, a practice of asanas (yoga postures) and pranayama (yoga breathing exercises) which help bring peace to the mind and body, preparing the body for deeper spiritual practices such as meditation.  Hatha Yoga helps to develop fitness, balance, co-ordination, a sense of self-awareness and a deeper peace of mind.  A balanced and grounded practice that can be done by all abilities. It supports not just good exercise for the body but for clear ways to make healthy lifestyle changes in general.

For booking and enquiries please contact Exmouth Leisure Centre directly on 01395 266381 or visit their website.

I am currently seeking a Sidmouth venue to set up a weekly class in Sidmouth.  I will update you as soon as I have secured a venue.

To keep up to date with classes, events and retreats please sign up for my newsletter.

See you on the mat very soon!

 

, , , ,

Just Announced: Non Yoga Participant Price for our Greece Retreat

Aegialis Hotel & Spa, Amorgos, Greece
Thu 29 Sep – Wed 5 Oct 2016,  £695 pp shared room / £825 pp single room / £500 pp non yoga participant shared room

We have had several enquiries regarding non yoga guests joining us for our yoga retreat in Greece so we are pleased to announce that guests can now bring a non yoga participating partner for £500 pp (shared room).

Non yoga participating guests can still enjoy the great food, stunning location and ambience of our yoga retreats.  There is plenty to do for those not attending classes such as exploring the beaches, hiking around the island, scuba diving, visit the spa and of course taking time to rest.

On Amorgos, a charming Cycladic Island, you can discover the secluded and remote beaches such as Mouros, Plakes, Kambi, Levrossos, Psili Ammos, Mikri and Megali Vlychada and Agii Saranda which are considered to be among the best beaches on the island.

The island’s highlight is Agia Anna beach (see feature image), below the 1000 year old Byzantine monastery of Chozoviotissa, where the famous film “The Big Blue” (directed by Luc Besson) was shot.

To find out more about the beaches visit Aegialis Hotel and Spa website.

Amorgos Island is famous for its hiking trails.  There are several marked historical paths to explore the different areas of the island on foot.  Most of them are old donkey routes that connect the villages of Amorgos.  Try the path from the village of Tholaria to the village of Langada.  This trail has spectacular views of the entire valley of Aegiali and the villages of Tholaria, Langada, Ormos and Potamos.  You will have plenty of time to explore the island.

Through the hotel you can book scuba diving to explore the mysterious world of the Aegean Sea.  With the help of experienced instructors you can explore and discover the vast depths and incredible kingdom of the sea, experiencing everything from its underworld plant life to its multitude of colorful creatures.  The equipment required is provided.

You can also book yourself a Herbal Tour.  Amorgos has a huge variety of plants and you can join a tour to discover the healing properties of the herbs and ways to use them.Click here for Luxury Yoga Retreat bookings and to find out more >
, , , ,

Book Now: Luxury Yoga Intensive Retreat, Greece, Sep 2016

Luxury Yoga Intensive Retreat – Aegialis Hotel & Spa, Amorgos, Greece

Thursday 29 September – Wednesday 5 October 2016,  £695 pp shared room /£825 pp single room

We understand that life can be busy and stressful so this luxury yoga retreat is a perfect opportunity to take care of self, replenish, rejuvenate, relax and to have time to “just be”. Take the time to honour your body mind and soul.

This retreat will be hosted at the Five Star Aegialis Hotel & Spa on the beautiful Greek island of Amorgos. As with all our retreats you will have two teachers so be assured of our full attention.

To book please complete the booking form below and a deposit of £150 is payable upon booking. Full balance due by 14 June 2016. Monthly payment plans are available, please ask for details.

  • Deepen your practice

“And you? When will you begin that long journey into yourself?” ~ Rumi

Developing your practice can be challenging especially when you have a busy life and schedule.  Being on retreat gives you the chance to attend 2 classes per day, you will notice the progress and the positive effect this is having.  Distractions are limited so you can be sure that you fully focus.

  • Create a new perspective

“The trees, the flowers, the plants grow in silence. The stars, the sun, the moon move in silence. Silence gives us a new perspective” ~ Mother Teresa

We all benefit from going to a new place, seeing the world and ourselves through different eyes.  You will have time to contemplate, to review what is out of balance and where you need to action change in your life.  This safe space will allow you to grow and learn.

  • Navigate life changes

“It’s a good idea always to do something relaxing prior to making an important decision in your life” ~ Paulo Coelho, The Pilgrimage

Life is in constant change, some of which can be challenging.  A retreat allows you to step outside of your everyday life, to gain deeper understanding and create clarity.

It may be that you consciously decide to attend a retreat in order to work through change in your life or the outcome of a relaxing retreat may be a new perspective which leads to change.

  • Time to meditate

“In meditation we return to where we already are – this shifting, changing ever-present now. 
If you wish to take up meditation, it must be now or never.” ~ Steve Hagen, Meditation Now or Never

You will be away from distractions, feel relaxed and ‘in the moment’ leading to a peaceful space in which to develop your meditation practice.  This is a perfect time to develop new habits.

  •  Take a digital detox

“Spending the majority of our waking lives experiencing reality through a screen, endlessly plugged into our devices, is taking its toll… and we’re realising it’s not the answer. The era of burnout, multi-tasking, tech dependence, fatigue, ‘social media everything’ and information overload is coming to a close” ~ thedigitaldetox.org

By switching off your technology you can find space and balance.  You can evaluate your relationship with technology and develop a more balanced approach.  Understand that you can press pause, reconnect with yourself and those around you, saviour your life experiences and feel recharged.

  • Rest and Relax 

“Turn off your mind, relax, and float downstream”  ~ John Lennon

On retreat you have the permission to fully relax.  You can tune into your body, rest when you need it, allow your body and mind to de-stress.  You are free to replenish as you wish, you are free from demands.

  • Eat well

“Let food be thy medicine, thy medicine shall be thy food” ~ Hippocrates

All of the hard work is done for you, you will enjoy nutritious and delicious meals.  It is an opportunity to review unhealthy habits and to develop new behaviours.   Healthy food, yoga and rest will re-energise your batteries and assist the body’s healing process.

  • Make new friends. 

“Every person needs a time out, away from stressful jobs, pressures from employers or clients, home responsibilities….  Everyone deserves to enjoy, visit unknown places, try other things, meet a lot of new friends, and feel at the top of the world. Life is full of fun, excitement, and adventure. Thus, vacation is an experience that’s worth remembering for a lifetime. It heals a weary mind and soul”  ~ Alon Calinao Dy

You may travel as a group or solo but it is guaranteed that you will meet like minded people on retreat.  Retreats are perfect if you are travelling alone, you have the choice to spend time with others or enjoy your own space if you wish.

Two experienced yoga teachers will lead this retreat, Julie Bladon (Jayadevi) and Jackie Dorrian (Jagdambe Ma), who will teach yoga classes in a variety of styles including Akhanda Yoga, Classical Kundalini Yoga, Yin Yoga, Sivananda Yoga and Yoga Nidra. This mixed programme is perfect if you are starting your yogic journey and wish to explore different styles or if you are more experienced and wish to immerse yourself in your practice.

During the 6 night retreat, each day will consist of two yoga classes, meditation plus additional workshops (Yoga Nidra, Developing Your Home Practice and Evening Meditation & Chanting).

Programme

Day of arrival (Thu 29 Sep)

We suggest that guests arrive in Athens either on Wed 28 Sep (you will need to book your accommodation for this overnight) or book a flight arriving before 1400 on Thu 29 Sep so that you can be at the port in time for the ferry. Most ferries leave at 17.30.

For those arriving on Thu 29 Sep into Athens we can share details of who is arriving as you may wish to meet at the airport & co-ordinate your onward travel to the ferry port.

02:00 Ferry arrival at Amorgos

(Next morning practice opening ceremony and practice will begin at 10:30)

Click here for full travel information.

Normal day schedule

07.30 – 09.30 Yoga & Meditation

10.00 – 11.30 Breakfast

11.30 – 16.30 Free time

16.30 – 18.15 Yoga

19.30 – 21:00 Dinner

NB Lunch, snacks and refreshments can be purchased from the hotel at extra cost.

Workshops (included in the package)

Yoga Nidra

Developing Your Home Practice

Evening Meditation & Chanting

Agenda for departure date (Wed 5 Oct)

06.00 Breakfast

07.00 Board ferry at Aegiali Port

10.00-11.00 Closing Ceremony will be on held on the ferry.

Package includes:

– 6 nights accommodation in Superior room

– daily buffet breakfast with organic ingredients from the hotel’s own garden

– daily dinner

– arrival & departure transfer from/to the port of Amorgos

– welcome pack to help you unwind

– twice daily (morning and afternoon) yoga & meditation classes

– a blissful Yoga Nidra session where you will enjoy complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation

– two workshops to deepen your practice (Develop Your Home Practice / Evening Meditation & Chanting)

– one free 30 minute Swedish massage

– 10% discount on face and body spa treatments

– free use of internet

– free use of Lalon Idor Spa facilities (sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, indoor swimming pool with sea water, gym)

– tea and coffee making facilities are provided in all guest rooms.

– the yoga studio is fully equipped with yoga mats, blocks and bolsters

Cost of this 6 night retreat:  Shared room: £695 pp / Single room: £825 pp

Not included:

– Flight to Athens

– Return ferry from Athens to Amorgos

– Travel Insurance

– Airport Transfers

– Lunch / Drinks / Shopping

For bookings and queries please contact info@juliebladon.com

Co-hosted by Julie Bladon / Jackie Dorrian

Hotel: www.amorgos-aegialis.com

Beaches: Beaches of Amorgos

Ferry Bookings: Bluestar Ferries

Booking Form Downloads

Aloha Yoga Retreat Greece 2016 booking form (Word Doc)

Aloha Yoga Retreat Greece 2016 booking form (pdf)

Any changes to reservations must be made in writing.

Retreat Testimonials

“Really loved the space created.  Particularly appreciated the suggestions for daily practice which I will take away.  Enjoyed the discussion in the studio in some sessions and Friday morning interactive session excellent, liked having time to ask about postures and learning from other people’s questions in the group.  Thank you Thank you Thank you”

“The place & people were very enjoyable & a good mix of personalities.  You two have been very accessible and welcoming.”

“Thank you Julie and Jackie for a wonderful week, full of joy and fun.  It has been very interesting to experience different types of yoga practice and different teaching styles.  I feel I have learned a lot and have been convinced that I can include daily yoga practice into my usual routine.  You are both excellent inspirational teachers and I appreciate your hard work planning the sessions and all the smooth organisation.  Thank you again for your patience and kindness.”

“Good caring and friendly group – I felt very comfortable being part of it.  Thank you Julie and Jackie for making the retreat such a pleasurable experience.  What a fantastic experience thank to you two. Thank you thank you! Yoga will never be the same again.”

,

Courgette and Sweet Potato Slice

Easy to make nourishing slice that’s perfect for lunch, picnics or with salad.  Serve hot or cold.  Make in bulk for freezing and reheating for any meal! Experiment with the flavours and add your own additional ingredients.

Ingredients

1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp dried rosemary
450g courgette, grated (approximately 2 cups)
250g sweet potato, peeled and grated (approximately 1 cup)
1 cup (150g) almond meal
1 tsp baking powder
sea salt and cracked black pepper
5 eggs, lightly beaten
1 packet of feta, crumbled
Cherry tomatoes to top

Extra Optional Ingredients
1½ cups frozen peas
2 tablespoons pesto
1 cup baby spinach
1 teaspoon chilli flakes

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
  2. Grease and line baking dish (20cm x 30cm).
  3. If you have a food processor you can whip up this recipe super quick by using your grater blade and grate sweet potato, courgette, onion and garlic.
  4. Mix courgette, sweet potato, almond meal, rosemary, feta cheese, baking powder and salt and pepper ingredients together in a large bowl.
  5. Make well in the mixture, add eggs and mix well.
  6. Spread evenly in baking tin, or whatever dish you have.  Top with halved cherry tomatoes.
  7. Bake 40-50 minutes. This will depend on your dish you used, the slice is cooked once you insert a skewer and it comes out clean.

Recipe credit: Food Matters TV

Gratitude Diary 2016

There is much scientific evidence supporting the benefits of a Gratitude Diary. I have started a gratitude journal in the past and this year I am determined to keep up my practice. I have set myself the goal of writing 3 items in my Gratitude Diary each evening. I document positive events that have occurred for me during my day.

My aim is to maintain my Gratitude Diary until it becomes a habit. It’s a peaceful time to reflect on my day and to note what has gone well. Even on the most challenging of days we can find 3 items to add to the Gratitude Diary.

Benefits of a Gratitude Diary

  1. Well-Being:  Grateful people report higher levels of positive emotions, life satisfaction, vitality, optimism and lower levels of depression and stress.
  2. Exercise: Those who kept gratitude journals on a weekly basis exercised more regularly, reported fewer physical symptoms, felt better about their lives as a whole, and were more optimistic about the upcoming week compared to those who recorded hassles or neutral life events (Emmons & McCullough, 2003).
  3. Empathy: People with a strong disposition toward gratitude have the capacity to be empathic and to take the perspective of others.  They are rated as more generous and more helpful by people in their social networks (McCullough, Emmons, & Tsang, 2002).
  4. Materialism:  Grateful individuals place less importance on material goods; they are less likely to judge their own and others success in terms of possessions accumulated; they are less envious of wealthy persons; and are more likely to share their possessions with others relative to less grateful persons.
  5. Connection: Grateful people are more likely to acknowledge a belief in the interconnectedness of all life and a commitment to and responsibility to others (McCullough et. al., 2002).
  6. Focus: The process will help you focus on what really matters.
  7. Self-awareness: Keeping a gratitude diary will help you learn more about yourself.
  8. Positive Vibe: A useful tool to use if you are feeling down. Shift your energy back to a positive vibe by reading your Gratitude Diary and seeing everything that you are thankful for.
  9. Goal Attainment: People who kept gratitude lists were more likely to have made progress toward important personal goals (academic, interpersonal and health-based).
  10. Helping Others: Those that kept gratitude journals were more likely to report having helped someone with a personal problem or having offered emotional support to another, relative to the hassles or social comparison condition.

A few tips for maintaining a Gratitude Diary

  1. Purchase a beautiful book or diary to acknowledge the significance of your Gratitude Diary. A special place to record and journal.
  2. Plan to write your Gratitude Diary every night before bed. I find it easier to write at night so that I can reflect and process my day.
  3. Keep your Gratitude Diary to hand so that it is easily accessible at night such as by your bed.
  4. Set a number of things you are going to record each night. It can be between 3-10 items.
  5. Record whatever you are thankful for and it may differ from everyone else. This is your personal diary so record your own personal thoughts. It doesn’t have to be deep thoughts. You can record simple things such as “family”, “sunshine” and “this evening’s dinner”. Just record what feels right for you.
  6. Challenge yourself to come up with something new each day. Remember tiny things can have an effect such as noticing a rainbow, seeing new leaves on the trees. Be fully aware during your day and acknowledge these items in your diary.
  7. Have a gratitude partner. To establish healthy habits it is useful to share with others. Find a like-minded friend who you can share your Gratitude Diary and discuss the effects of the diary.

The best time to start your Gratitude Diary is NOW! Give it a go and experience the benefits for yourself.

“Gratitude opens the door to…. the power, the wisdom, the creativity of the universe. You open the door through gratitude.” ~ Deepak Chopra

 

 

, , , , , ,

Season’s Greetings

juliebladon.com

As we head into the festive season, I would like to thank the yogis that I have had the pleasure of sharing yoga with, all of my Lomi Lomi clients and those around the globe who have listened to my guided meditations. 

I am most grateful for your support, kindness and inspiration you have shown me over the year. It has been a wonderful and busy 2015.  I have had the pleasure of working with a wide array of yoga students in Devon, Wales and on retreat in Devon & Spain.

The two Yoga at the Beach sessions in the summer raised £203 for two charities.  A big thank you to everyone that supported these sessions.  I will plan Yoga at the Beach sessions for summer 2016.  It is always enjoyable doing yoga on the beach!

My yoga colleague, Jackie, and I had a great time at Wilderness Festival and Green Man.  We were part of the in-house therapist team for Wild Wellbeing. Festivals are VERY busy but always fun!

The Yoga Nidra workshops are proving very popular.  It is such an honour to share Yoga Nidra and to witness the true benefits of this practice.  I also love to hear from those around the globe who listen to my Yoga Nidra meditations especially children who really love Yoga Sleep.

The new Meditation Classes at Exmouth Leisure Centre have a regular group of dedicated students.  Here’s feedback from one of the students “Thank you Julie, for helping us to understand meditation, the physical and spiritual health it brings us. A time to recharge our inner batteries, in our busy lives we all need some quiet time, realising that once we can find the time everything else seems to fall into place.”

Finally a big thank you to the venues, yoga studios and retreat centres that I work out of across the year.  Your support is always appreciated.

I will be taking a break to refresh and replenish ready for a busy 2016.  I will hopefully have some creative time to focus on exciting yoga developments in the pipeline, to finish the next draft of my children’s book, to write new guided meditations and have some time to “just be”.

2016 is already shaping up to be my busiest year to date!  Yoga Adventure in the Himalayas Tour in March, two Aloha Yoga Retreats on Dartmoor, Luxury Yoga Intensive in Greece, Yoga Nidra workshops in Exeter and Sidmouth, weekly yoga classes, weekly meditation classes, Lomi Lomi massages, new guided meditation downloads and yoga e-courses.

For upcoming weekly yoga classes, workshops and events click here.

I look forward to seeing you all in 2016!  Wishing you a peaceful, restful, happy and healthy Christmas & New Year.

, , ,

Yoga Sleep for Children – Thank you letters from two young yogis

I love to hear from children who listen to my Yoga Sleep meditations.  Here are thank you letters from Jess and Josh, two young yogis based in the UK.  The drawings of yoga postures are fantastic!

Letter Jess

Letter Josh

All of my Yoga Nidra tracks are available for streaming with iTunes, Spotify and TIDAL.  Search under my spiritual name JAYADEVI.  You can also purchase as CDs or downloads via my online shop.

, ,

Unplugged Christmas

The Christmas holidays and New Year can be hectic. Searching for the perfect gifts for everyone, completing work in advance of the holidays, Christmas parties, getting all of the food in, preparing food, making time to catch up with friends and family. We can become very frazzled and worn out. This holiday season is a perfect time to unplug from your devices and take a digital detox.

  • Take a Break from your devices

Do you find yourself spending endless hours staring at your computer or device screen? Get lost in endless links and find you have wasted hours surfing the internet. Take a break. Give yourself a rest. Get some exercise. Try yoga and meditation.  Spend some time in silent contemplation.  Spend quality time with friends and family. You’ll feel refreshed, you’ll have more focus, you will feel energised and less likely to become distracted.

  • Turn off your devices for better posture

By switching off your devices for an extended period of time you will begin to notice a better posture. An opening of the front of your body, shoulders moving back and realignment of your upper spine. Your energy will open up, you will interact more naturally with others, you will appear more approachable and you will be more present. This will lead to better eye contact, deeper conversations, a sense of relaxation and great empathy towards others.

  • Not in the bedroom

Winter is the time for rest, rejuvenation, reflection, time to go within and to slow down. It is important not to take devices to bed with you. Looking at screens late into the evening and in bed prevents you from switching off properly and will affect your natural sleeping patterns. The blue light from screens suppresses melatonin in the body which makes us more alert as we are going to sleep. You may find you are getting enough hours sleep but it may not be a high quality sleep. If you normally use your phone as an alarm clock, buy an alarm clock. Over the holidays you may have the opportunity not to set your alarm and allow yourself to catch up on sleep.

  • Have proper conversations to feel more connected

Create bonds with others by having proper conversations. Gain insight into someone’s mind by having conversations. Conversations can be memorable and engaging, you will learn new things about others and yourself. Don’t jump on Google to find the answer, allow the conversation to develop as you explore the answers. It’s a lot more fun!

  • Switch off to improve your memory

Even after a few days without technology, you are more likely to remember obscure details about others. Neuroscientists believe that this is because when people are more present in conversations, their brains are able to process and store new information more easily. With the many distractions of technology, our brains have been trained not to register seemingly insignificant details. These minor facts are actually very important in the process of bonding and learning about other people. Rather than taking endless photographs we can be present and in the moment, taking in the details and using all of our senses to absorb the information. We will have a greater recall of events when we are fully present.

  • Developing New Perspectives

When you are offline for a while, it gives you space to review your career or relationships. You may wish to address your habits surrounding your health, fitness and lifestyle. You can really focus on yourself and discover areas you wish to transform.

  • Get creative

Stepping away from your devices can allow you to find new ways to be creative and achieve a state of flow. This time and space will help original thinking and big ideas. You may wish to try something new such as dancing, singing, making Christmas cards, baking a cake, creating gifts, mindful colouring in, silent meditation. The list is endless, don’t limit yourself and give new things a try!

  • Change your morning routine

Instead of checking your social media or email first thing, write down on paper three things that you are grateful for. Appreciation can make you a happier person and more positive. Doing this evokes positive sentiments, so when you’re feeling low reading over this list can be a great reminder of all the good things in your life.

  • Get outside

Make the most of the great outdoors and lose yourself in green space. A day out without your phone can feel liberating. You will more fully absorb and appreciate your surroundings. Being in a natural environment does wonders for your clearing your mind. Getting out into daylight in winter can really help with our wellbeing and promote a more positive mood.

  • Ask a stranger for directions

Try not to rely on Google Maps for every turn. Asking somebody for directions forces us to engage in human connection. It could put a smile on your face, and theirs – people love knowing they’ve helped someone out. Plus, you could get some inside knowledge of the local area that a screen digital map couldn’t tell you.

  • Eat, drink and be merry… but don’t post it!

Enjoy the festive season. Have fun with friends and family. Experience great food and new places but please resist the urge to post every detail online. Switch off your phone and appreciate the present moment. Being present and mindful will make your Christmas even more memorable.

  • Start a digital swear-jar

To keep your good digital habitats going into the New Year you could start a digital “swear-jar” with friends, family or colleagues. Every time someone checks their phone mid conversation, they have to put money in the digital “swear-jar”.  This really highlights the amount that people use their phones while engaging with others. You can use the collection for a gadget free night out, you’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll raise funds!

Use this holiday period to balance and set new boundaries. Allow yourself to completely rest and rejuvenate. Take the time to gain control over your devices rather than the other way around!

Have wonderfully restful and peaceful Christmas and New Year.