Mindfulness - be kind to yourself

When I started the Breathworks 8 week Mindfulness for stress course I was already familiar with meditation and mindfulness but had let my home practice slip.  I was also feeling very stressed and overloaded due to pressures at work and an emotionally difficult personal time that I was experiencing.  I was hoping that this course would teach me the skills to approach stressful situations differently and to be kinder to myself.

Kath (the tutor) was a calming presence right from the start, with a very kind, peaceful and friendly approach.  We were welcomed to the first session with gentle group introductions and our well-presented home study course overview booklet and our meditation practice c.d.’s.  Our home study was very enjoyable with meditation, movement and mindfulness practice for our daily lives, it was easy enough to follow but also challenging enough to fully engage the mind and body.

Each session started and ended with a gentle guided meditation which I found a perfect way to relax and settle and to open my body and mind to my own awareness and experience.  The meditations increased in length as the course progressed which felt a very natural and gentle progression.

The course was presented in an interactive and easy to understand way with guided meditations, mindful movement, poetry, gentle role play and discussion.  I found it very beneficial that Kath facilitated easy going discussions alongside the teachings which was delivered in a very engaging and thought provoking way and at just the right pace to keep us focused on the practice of mindfulness throughout each session.  Although Kath guided us through the course over the 8 weeks, we were also encouraged to explore our

own ideas in relation to our own experiences, which created a feeling of being valued as an individual as well as interest and belonging in the group. 

The course has allowed me to feel like I can breathe again.  I now find that I am dealing with potentially stressful situations in a much calmer way.  I am much more aware of my mind and body experience in the moment, and so rather than just reacting mindlessly to difficult situations or experiences I can now accept them more easily which helps me to ‘let go’ rather than dwell on them.  I really don’t feel so rushed and pressured all the time and my thought process has become much clearer.  I have also noticed that I am being more kind to myself which is something that in the past I have found difficult.  Thanks to the course I now have a regular mediation practice again which I now find an enjoyable and empowering experience rather than being ‘something I have to do’. 

Aches and pains - why suffer?

When you approach your ‘three score years and ten’ life allocation you come to assume that it is ‘normal’ to have aches and pains, stiffness and an increasing lack of energy  - at least I did. But after I ‘merely’ mentioned the lethargy in passing to my GP and was given a blood test which then led to a diagnosis of colon cancer, I dramatically learnt not to make such facile assumptions again. So a few years later when I became aware that the fairly constant rumbling pain in my left knee and shin and the periodic sharp shooting pains up from my toes seemed not to be going away, I  didn’t let myself put it down to  ‘old age’ but I presented myself to my GP.  No clots were found when I was given a leg scan in case I had a thrombosis , but , since no other diagnosis presented itself, all  I was then offered was a selection of painkillers and this ‘we can’t think of anything else’ solution was certainly not reassuring.

I have been involved with alternative medicines on and off throughout my life and I instinctively began to try to work out what to follow up regarding this increasingly debilitating aching leg.  A friend suggested I might benefit from Myofascial Release, about which I had never heard, but after some researching I arranged to meet up with Emma Gilmore early in 2014.  I have seen her pretty much every three weeks since then and, yes, the treatment has – bit by bit – made an enormous difference to my leg and to my general well being. Twelve years ago I dug up a whole garden, but before I met Emma I had got to the point where I didn’t have the flexibility or the inclination to bend or reach over to pull up even a weed – but now, whilst I might not yet dig up a whole garden, I will attack and tidy a bed of shrubs and flowers and even undertake pruning (when does not require a ladder). Who knows what tomorrow will bring!

Myofascial release therapy works on the knowledge that an intricate labyrinth of myofascia weaves its way throughout our bodies covering and surrounding every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and all internal organs and, because it is a continuous structure, it connects every part of the body to every other part. Myofascial release is just that – a means of releasing myofascia that because of trauma or inflammation has been damaged or has lost its pliability. Because the myofascia is connected all round the body any damage in one place can have a spin off impact in other areas of the body.

The myofascia release therapist, after taking a case history, will want you to remove your top layer of clothes and lie on a table. He/she will then put pressure on parts of the body that s(he) thinks may have relevance to the presenting problem – often it will be an obvious area (on your neck if you have presented a sore neck), but often it can be elsewhere, which, through the connections of the myofascia network, might also be influencing the problem. The hand pressure is placed for many minutes, quietly, gently. Apparently the therapist can often feel activity or heat under his/ her hands and, with practice, the patient can begin to feel tingling or twitching in response in other parts of the body. For me, with each treatment I have become increasingly aware of what is going on in my whole body whilst I am lying under the therapist’s hands.

Let me give an example from my case – this left leg and foot. Obviously in the first sessions,  pressure was mainly put on parts of that leg, but it was also put on parts of the other leg which sometimes led to responses (twitches, tingling) in the first leg. Then Emma began to wonder if the base of my back had any connection with the pains in my leg – I have had recurring back pain for twenty years – so she worked on that and there were a couple of times, for example, when to my amazement the pressure on my back triggered the profound shooting pains up from my toes, so something was certainly happening! (And for the record, my back has definitely improved as a result of her work there, too.) By now in my treatment journey, the pain and discomfort in my left leg had all but disappeared but we had become aware that there was a tendency for my ankles and feet to get puffy, particularly in the right leg. By now Emma was working on the scar of my colon cancer operation. In the operation I had had many lymph nodes removed which might now be affecting the leg and the causing the oedema. In recent treatment sessions, when she has been putting pressure on my leg – note, my leg -  I can have quite strong twinges underneath my scar of my stomach : nowhere else, just underneath my scar. And this is where we have got to so far – I am hoping, nay expecting, that the work on my scar will help my oedema, that it will assist in strengthening both legs and that it will help my battered colon, not to mention my body as a whole. It is not the end of the journey for me by any means. 

If you need any more information Emma Gilmore our resident Myofascial specialist will be on hand to answer any questions about  your health issues.

                                                                             http://www.schoolofbodywork.com/

Rosen therapy - I wasn't expecting that!

Rosen method - Linda Rock- Therapist of the month.

A friend of mine suggested I try Rosen therapy as I am a busy mum of 2. I hadn't really heard of this therapy before and just thought it might be something like a massage. Oh how wrong was I! I made the appointment one afternoon after a lot of cleaning up and I had glanced at the leaflet thinking it connects the physical to the mental and it's a gentle way of holding the muscle to release blockages. It didn't really make sense if I am honest but my friend swore by it.

When I got there I went into a beautiful relaxing room at the Axminster Health and Wellbeing Centre and realised just how much I had been on the go this last week, month and probably year. Linda took down my details and a thorough check about my medical history. Before Linda left the room she asked me to take my clothes off down to my underwear. So glad I did have time to change them. I lay face down on the couch and Linda came back in. At first Linda touch different parts of my body in a really gentle way and I didn't think anything was happening until Linda asked a question particular to me. Instantly I felt a little sick and then my tummy rumbled. It was like Linda had read my body. I have a lot of tension in my stomach area! I just wasn't expecting that sudden type of movement just from very gentle touch.

At times there was a little tear as Linda continued to work, which wasn't unpleasant at all - a release. I turned over and Linda touched my shoulders very gently unlike a massage. My shoulders due to loads of tension were very tense indeed but after a few touches they felt they had dropped several inches. By the end of the session I was completely relaxed. It was a completely new experience and after the first session I felt more relaxed and ready to start to accept the situation which was holding so much tension in my stomach. And as the days have gone by it has made me listen to my body a little more. It was a unique experience and I can't wait to find out more. If you want to know more and you have possible unresolved tension in your body then I would suggest Rosen.

Linda's Reply - "Thank you so much for articulating so clearly your Rosen experience . 

It's great to have your feed-back and I am glad that you found the session helpful.

Kindly, Linda."

Volunteering is very good for you!

Here is a great blog about our exhibition and why Nikki Mansell enjoyed being part of our annual exhibition.

Hi, my name is Nikki and I first moved to Axminster 5 months ago. I began volunteering at the Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre about three months ago as I thought it would be a great way to meet people in my new hometown as well as an opportunity to find out what the centre is about. As part of my voluntary work, I was asked if I would be willing to help out at the Exhibition, which I was more than happy to do. Having previously lived 200 miles away, this was my first experience of the Exhibition and I was looking forward to learning more about the types of therapies offered within the Centre.

On the day itself, I arrived half an hour before the doors opened to the public to see the final touches being added to everyone’s stalls. I spent my day running the raffle stall in aid of the Wishing Well Cancer Support Group alongside another volunteer, Bryan, who was giving out free hand massages to anyone who wanted them. I met so many different people and enjoyed talking to them all, and it was nice when I spoke to quite a few who are originally from the same county as I am – every one of them said how welcoming the people of Axminster had been when they first arrived. I agree wholeheartedly with them! There was a really lovely relaxed atmosphere in the Guildhall and the lovely scents from the essential oils being used, as well as the lavender products just a couple of stalls away added to that. In fact, I felt so relaxed during my lunch break that I could have fallen asleep if I hadn’t wanted to look around before getting back to selling raffle tickets! The best part of the day for me though, was seeing those who had sampled treatments, or had a free hand massage walking away looking so relaxed and happy. I know everyone I spoke with who had sampled a treatment said how much they had enjoyed it and that they felt so much better for having it. I guess that really encapsulates what the centre is all about and I am very much looking forward to sampling some of the many treatments on offer here as a result of both finding out more about the treatments themselves, and seeing the positive effect they had on the people who sampled them.

By the end of the day, I felt tired but really pleased with how well the raffle ticket sales had gone. I am really looking forward to getting involved again next year, and I will be putting my hand up to run the raffle again as I loved how many people I met and also being able to spread the word about the Wishing Well project as I believe it is a fantastic cause. Thank you to everyone at the Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre for giving me the opportunity to take part in the event! 

Could you use a food bank?

The following blog was written by a food bank client from the Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre. This person would like to remain anonymous but we are very thankful for their wonderful feedback.

A donation from a  local school


"I recently found myself in a position where I had no money and no one I could ask for help so that I could buy food to keep me going until my next pay day came round. I struggled on for as long as I could but, in the end, I realised that I would have to swallow my pride and go into the local food bank to see if they could help me out. I initially felt very awkward asking for help as I am so fiercely independent but, everyone I spoke to in relation to getting help was so lovely that I very quickly stopped worrying about it. I was concerned about being able to get the types of foods I am able to eat as I have to really watch my diet and, even though I felt like I was asking too much, they were very helpful in understanding the types of food I can have so that they could put my food parcel together. I was very impressed with how vigilant everyone was about food intolerances and allergies as well. When I collected my food parcel a couple of days later, I was again treated so well and the quantity of food they supplied me with was amazing and easily kept me going until I got paid again. I cannot fault the staff running the food bank and I feel that I can’t thank them enough for all of the lovely food they gave me. It is very clear to see that they genuinely care about helping people in need and taking away the one of the worries they have to deal with. If I know of anyone who needs help I will definitely send them down to Canned Sunshine at the Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre. And if I need help again in the future, I will definitely go back and speak to them. Thank you, Canned Sunshine, you are awesome!"

A food bank volunteer making up supplies

If you would like to help with our food bank or give a donation please come into the Centre and have a chat or phone 01297 32331 and see what differences you could make.

What does a Lymphatic system do anyway?

Wishing well - Cancer Support group.

As part of Lymphatic Cancer Awareness day we are exploring how little we really know about this very important system. I only investigated it when my mum was first diagnosed with Lymphoma in 2010. After much searching I found it was one of the most important parts of our bodies and this is what I found out. Within our body we have a network called the lymphatic system consisting of paths ways which are connected to nodes. There are lots of technical terms for this that I don't remember and there are much better sites out there for very technical analogies. 

This system helps to protect, clean and filter waste products in our blood, keep infection at bay and retain our fluid balance just right. Quite important, no? In the case of Lymphoma cancer a node may stop working properly for no reason and then in that part of the body it can become susceptible to cancerous cells. Unfortunately there is very little we know in the way of lifestyle to reduce this risk apart from the obvious of having a healthy diet. However, studies have shown that simple changes that lowering or eliminating chemicals from toiletries has been effective. A good example of this is changing a moisturiser or deodorant to a mineral based product. Another useful tip is brushing the skin with a light skin brush after washing to give your lymphatic system an extra boost. But on the whole this cancer, like all the others, is just hit or miss who it chooses to target.

In other areas we can develop swellings, upper respiratory infections, tissue infections or even Lymphedema. All these symptoms all lead to a blockage or excess fluid in the system. This fluid can collect in one area so if you have one limb or area of the body bigger than another and it looks swollen you should always seek medical help. For most it will go away quite quickly with a trip to the doctors but for others they are stuck with large debilitating swollen limbs. Lymphedema can be either congenital or acquired and usually occurs after surgery. Having these swellings can be quite a harrowing experience but don't despair as there are many massage specialist who are qualified in lymphatic drainage. 

Lymphatic drainage uses a stroking technique to gently assist fluid to disperse out of the area affect and then from the body. It can help with the uncomfortable feeling of swollenness and pain relief. Massage therapists qualified in this technique will take a full history and although it is rarely a cure it can go a long way in relieving the majority of symptoms. If you are interested further please look at some of our links or contact our massage therapist Marie Holmes on 01297 22746 / 07769652725 or email marie@headbodyandsole.com and she will be very happy to discuss treatments.

I think I can I know I can

A smile and some flowers

I know I can, I think I can, I know I can I think I can…Maybe I can’t. I’ll just clean that floor, phone my friend Julie, and the grass needs mowing.  Why do so many of our best intentions end in procrastination or a negative result? How many of us say things like I wish I could do that but never put things into practice. If we just chanelled as much positive energy into ourselves as we did the mundane we would all be as happy as Larry, whoever Larry is. Positivity takes practice and normally like most things it’s the starting that beats us all.

Being positive and sunny is not about being perfect, beautiful and polished, it’s what makes you feel comfortable and this is what lies at the heart of the matter. We just love to judge ourselves. I have never met a person who has never judged themselves unfairly. Turning those negatives patterns into positives can be a right royal pain in the backside. Why do all the blogs tell us to look in the mirror and like what you see? Personally I stopped looking directly in the mirror many years ago and that’s when I found happiness with who I was. The exterior changed so frequently it agitated my interior and that wouldn’t do at all. Could clothes, make up, a new hair style, jewellery or perfume enhance or change your demeanour? The answer is of course but only temporarily. How many people buy full running regalia only to give up after the first attempt? As my P.E teacher once said “the shoes don’t make the runner”.

So why do we hate to look at the inside. Again perspective can be a very clever little deceiver which leads us back to old tricks. Maybe it’s because we have never been taught to like ourselves, others yes but ourselves? Surely that’s way too indulgent?  Wrong, there’s the negativity setting in again. We are but a picture and if we spend the day focusing on all the positives rather than the negatives then I urge you to watch what happens – It will start with a smile. Today I remember my daughter telling me she loves me and that I am the best mummy, a naughty smile from my husband, a friend thanking me for my help, a really beautiful comment on Facebook and all of this was before I started work. All the other things fitted into place and before too long I had breezed through my day without much effort. This isn’t to say that all our problems will disappear but it will help us focus to overcome them, challenge them and then learn from.

If you need help with old and negative patterns or just want to help establish a change the Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre www.axminsterwellbeing.com has an abundance to offer: Counselling, Hypnotherapy and Mindfulness to name a few. Being stuck does not have to be a way of life and unlocking that positive potential could have dramatic effects on your life. Or why not volunteer at the Centre and work in a positive and calming environment. And while you are here you could learn many new things.

Migraines - When finding car keys feels like climbing Everest

When finding car keys feels like climbing Everest. Yes you did read it correctly.It's that moment in the day, dead of night, morning, noon when it creeps or it clashes into your head making an unwelcomed disruption. Some of us have triggers but more often than not it manages to arrive when it is least needed. The Migraine to non sufferers draws a very stony blank but yet to the 8 million U.K sufferers, it's just another moment in time to bring on the battle of daily life.  Before long many Migraine casualties have woven in an intricate set of routines, food groups, blackout blinds or even lucky pants to get us through the important events.. if we can concentrate long enough to be part of it. Read on we may be able to help.

For the fortunate unfortunates who know their triggers then life can be a little more tolerable but for the bigger group we are all left wondering whether daily caffeine, one glass of wine three days later or running up the stairs has brought on an attack. Is it just Karma from arguing with my daughter? The truth is we just don't know about the triggers that cause such interference. But we do know it can help when we make the correct lifestyle choices and have the correct therapy. The rise in the number of people turning their backs from conventional pain relief to complementary therapies have risen significantly in the last 5 years.

Long term medicine use, although important when prescribed by a doctor, can have a dramatic effect on the body. So are you one of the Migraine populace searching for ways to cope with pain relief or even to become Migraine free? The Health and Wellbeing Centre may just have the answers for you.
Many therapist will give you a brief, free consultation before embarking on any treatment and many complementary therapies can be accessed through the NHS So what have you got to lose? Drop in to the Centre and find out about some life changing results and where finding those car keys could be like a walk in the park.

The following link is a great site to find out what other people are saying all around the country and beyond if you want to find out more

http://migraine.com/migraine-community-blogs/

What is Mindfulness?

My name is Megan Wharton and as a new volunteer at Axminster Health and Wellbeing Centre I welcomed the opportunity to experience a taster group session in Mindfulness. This experience gave me an insight into what the centre has to offer. The group engaged in two practice exercises which included the body scan and the raisin test. This allowed me to focus on a particular moment in time however I found it hard to focus and not let my mind wonder and I feel this may take practice!

Practicing mindfulness allows us to be fully aware of our surroundings that allow people to enjoy a good quality of life while attempting to develop a non-judgemental awareness of their mind and body.  When you begin to practice mindfulness you will be taught to pay attention deliberately and as best you can try to become more aware of the actions that are taking place at that moment in time in your mind and body. Everyone has most likely experienced a difficult or troubling period of time throughout their lifetime and I have learnt that practising the act of mindfulness helps to lower certain levels of stress that people may experience in their daily lives as it gives people the opportunity to compartmentalize their feelings and try to focus on the moments that concern them immediately instead of being swamped with fears of the future. Mindfulness is all about becoming more aware of your senses and becoming more involved with the world around you which may include becoming aware of your thinking, emotions and even your breath. One of the most important aspects of mindfulness is to leave all your cares at the door and try your best to focus on the here and now while remembering that

 “Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery, Today is a gift”

Yesterday I took part in my first ‘taste of mindfulness’ I took part in what is known as the raisin test;

First, take a raisin and hold it in the palm of your hand or between your finger and thumb and focus on it.

Seeing

Take time to really see it; gaze at the raisin with care and full attention.

Let your eyes explore every part of it, seeing the contrasts between the dark and light areas

Touching

Turn the raisin over between your fingers, exploring its texture, maybe with your eyes closed if that enhances your sense of touch.

Smelling

Holding the raisin beneath your nose, with each inhalation drink in any smell, aroma, or fragrance that may arise, noticing as you do this anything interesting that may be happening in your mouth or stomach.

Placing

Now slowly bring the raisin up to your lips, noticing how your hand and arm know exactly how and where to position it. Gently place the object in the mouth, without chewing, noticing how it gets into the mouth in the first place. Spend a few moments exploring the sensations of having it in your mouth, exploring it with your tongue.

Tasting

When you are ready, prepare to chew the raisin, noticing how and where it needs to be for chewing. Then, very consciously, take one or two bites into it and notice what happens in the aftermath, experiencing any waves of taste that emanate from it as you continue chewing. Without swallowing yet, notice the bare sensations of taste and texture in the mouth and how these may change over time, moment by moment, as well as any changes in the object itself.

Swallowing

When you feel ready to swallow the raisin, see if you can first detect the intention to swallow as it comes up, so that even this is experienced consciously before you actually swallow the raisin.

Following

Finally, see if you can feel what is left of the raisin moving down into your stomach, and sense how the body as a whole is feeling after completing this exercise in mindful eating (Williams et al, 2007).

 

Poem

Consider the lilies of the field

how they grow:

Perfect in poise and balance.

So do wee birdies sing,

in utter exuberance, serene.

So would we sing:

making every moment of every day

an eternity of worship

and mirthful praise:

Love, Laughter and radiant similes. 

Michael Walton  

Wishing Well

Room Hire

Wishing Well

cancer self help support group

Wishing Well is newly re-launched and is hosted by Axminster Health and Wellbeing Centre

There are a series of talks planned for the next few weeks which may be of interest to you

25 June Meet the Complementary Therapists

2 July Care for Carers

9 July Mindfulness

All sessions begin at 2:30 pm and are open to people experiencing cancer and to carers, friends and family of people experiencing cancer

   NEW MINDFULNESS COURSES

   MINDFULNESS TASTER SESSIONS:-

   FRIDAY           19th June                                            6 - 7.30 pm

   FRIDAY           26th June                                            6 - 7.30 pm

    (£10 per session) 

  EIGHT WEEK MINDFULNESS BASED STRESS REDUCTION:-

  FRIDAY            10th July                                             6 - 8.30 pm

  THURSDAY     24th September                                   6 - 8.30 pm

 (£200 per course - some concessions available to those on low income)

PLEASE CONTACT THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING CENTRE TO BOOK

COURSES - 01297 32331.

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness has ancient roots in the Buddhist tradition, but this approach, developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in the late 1970s, is entirely secular.

Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and surrounding environment, without judging them.

In mindfulness meditation we pay attention to very ordinary experiences - the sensations of breathing, for example - that we don't usually notice.

Research studies have shown that regular meditation produces a wide range of positive effects on a person's mind, body and behaviour. Mindfulness is now taught widely in many areas, including schools, hospitals, mental heath services, prisons and corporate settings.

How does mindfulness help?

• There is a lot of evidence of benefit for people with stress, anxiety and depression, and reducing the impact of chronic pain.
• It can train the mind to serve us more effectively, sharpening concentration and focus.
• It strengthens the immune system and lowers blood pressure.

Meditation calms the areas of the brain that produce stress hormones and activates those that lift mood and help with learning.  People who practise mindfulness often feel more serene about life in general.

Discover the science of yoga - Are you open-minded?

by Eleni Markante

In one of my yoga classes recently, I was approached by an enthusiastic fellow student of life with the following statement: “I really enjoyed your class today, my daughter has told me all about the chakras and now I believe they are true!”

I was at first so happy that someone has seen the light, but then the thought that followed was one of distrust in today’s belief system. What proofs do we need to believe? What are we seeking? and immediately plunged into a pool of yet again ones life’s questions. The combination of our biological system and cosmology has been a matter of much personal interest. It is during this study that I started researching the scientific topic of matter and energy, only to find that various definitions in modern thinking describe what philosophical scriptures refer on Yoga.

So, it is no coincidence to be drawn to a holistic approach for health and wellbeing, one that encompasses our physical body, our emotions our thought processes and their interdependence. It is this balance we strive to achieve when we are practitioners of Yoga and matter and energy manifest throughout this journey. A concept not much observed clinically that bears the science of Yoga and its inherent reference to Prana, the principal vital force of creation and maintenance.

Along this yogic path we examine the secretion of hormones in the physical body regulating our metabolism, mood and management of stress and their relation to the energy points in the subtle (non-physical) body that recycle vital force. The purpose of this is to free the flow of prana by observing the effects of potential blockages in order to express harmony. Harmony is a space where we can enjoy our best health.  In my humble opinion, you better have a pretty open mind for health! So join me this Saturday as we approach our yoga practice from a deeper perspective, a space where our whole being endeavours to be present.

Eleni teaches Hatha Yoga at the Axminster Health & Wellbeing Centre and will be leading a workshop introducing the Endocrine System and the seven Chakras this Saturday, 23rd May from 10am until 1pm.

Please call the centre on 01297 32331 to reserve your space.

In this workshop you will:

1.    Learn about the relationship of the endocrine glands and the seven chakras

2.    Practice a sequence in relation to each chakra

3.    Receive a guided meditation associated with awakening your inner vision

Cost:£25

About Eleni Markante: I had my first taste of yoga in 1997 at the Life Centre in Notting Hill, London and fell in love with the practice. Today, I am honoured to meet other souls and share the numerous ways yoga and meditation can transform lives, simply by exploring comfort in stillness. As a permanent student, I am trained in different styles and still investing in continuous education.

My classes are designed to cultivate breath awareness, as a means to explore the mind, while finding balance by engaging wholeheartedly. I teach group and private yoga sessions. Book by sending me an email on markante@yahoo.co.uk

Cast your vote for Canned Sunshine 

and help to secure £1,000

We have applied to Aviva for funding to help stock Axminster Food Bank with food and other items.

We have the opportunity to receive £1,000 and in order to be successful we must receive the most votes between now and the end of May.

Please vote for Canned Sunshine - Axminster Food Bank.

You are given 10 votes which means you can vote 10 times for the Food Bank!

Follow this link:

https://community-fund.aviva.co.uk/voting/project/view/559/

Do tell friends and family and ask them to vote - the more votes the better chance we have of securing

funding.

Many thanks

OUR LOVELY GARDEN

 I am now sitting at my desk as a receptionist at the Health and Wellbeing Centre - after arriving back from two weeks vacation in the Big Apple.  It was a wonderful experience and I visited all the usual tourist spots. After one very busy day in the city I decided to go to Central Park and sit and relax away from all the hustle and bustle.  While reflecting on how lucky I was to be there - my thoughts went  to work and our lovely garden and how tranquil and inviting it is. On arriving back it's looking even more beautiful with all the lovely spring flowers starting to bloom. 

Not everyone has their own garden to enjoy, but it's wonderful to know they are always welcome to come and relax in ours!

Eva

Changing unhelpful thought patterns

Most of my clients want to change unhelpful patterns of thought or behaviour, whether that’s getting rid of a fear of spiders, overturning a life-long habit of believing the glass is half empty or wanting to feel more confident.

Until relatively recently scientists believed that our habitual thought patterns were laid down in our late teens, early twenties, and that they were pretty much fixed for life.

Fortunately, modern brain scanning techniques have turned this idea on its head.

Neuroscientists have discovered that our brains remain 'plastic' right up into old age. They have demonstrated our brains' ability to forge new connections, essentially changing the way we think. With 100 billion neurons (nerve cells) in our brains, each with 1,000 connections, the possibilities are endless. In fact, there is even evidence that we can overcome brain damage by rewiring the remaining neurons.

As a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist I help clients tap into this natural ability of the brain, by utilising the client’s own imagination. Brain studies show that thinking about doing something fires the same neurons as actually doing it.

So, by encouraging clients to think about how they want things to be, and actively discouraging them from focusing on how they don’t want things to be, I can help them to forge new, more helpful connections.

So, if there is some aspect of your thinking or behaviour that you want to change, start by imagining how you want it to be. If you do this often enough you will be surprised at how automatic this new pattern becomes.

Deborah Pearce

Solution Focused Hypnotherapist

01404 813388    07939 840788

Graphic Design at the Centre

Hi!

My name is Katie I am 22 and I have been at the Centre for the past 3 months working as a Graphic Designer on work experience!

I had just qualified as a BA (Hons) Degree student and I was ready to put my designs out into the world, However.... I could not get a job. I applied everywhere, Taunton, Yeovil, Chard, Axminster, Ilminster, Lyme regis, and yet no matter how many times I sent my CV out to companies, or asked around for some part time work I would not get a reply from anyone. It was really down putting, I started to apply to jobs that were not even in the artistic field, and yet I still would not get once interview. I began to wonder what was the point of me studying for 5 years and not being able to get a job in the field that I loved, or even a job in a supermarket. I was turned down for one because I was "too overly qualified..."

For nearly 3 months I had been without a job and I was put on job seekers. I was lucky enough to have some really understanding people at the job Centre, and they gave me many options and a lot of help in creating new CV's writing cover letters and even options to start up my own business. This is how I found out about Axminster Health and Wellbeing Centre.

They were looking for someone who would be interested in helping them with their social networking and promoting the Centre, I thought that there was no harm in applying to this so I did.

A couple days later I had a phone call to come into the Centre for an interview. I Met Sam and Sara, two of the Managers at the Centre who were really friendly and helpful. Apparently I was just what they needed! At first I was shocked, I have never had this opportunity before, except in school when we had to go on work experience, and I was thoroughly excited!

I started on Tuesday and my first task was designing the Centre leaflet!

I was very nervous but Sam and Sara assured me that there was nothing to worry about! I was allowed to go at my own pace and create designs for them.

I enjoyed being at the Centre so much that I have stayed on through my job seeking. 

After a while I was contacted by more job opportunities, people were interested in seeing my work and my designs, as they found out that I was volunteering at the Centre. A therapist who is here often  has also asked me to design some business cards and leaflets for her on freelance! My luck was slowly picking up, and I have noticed my designs have improved as well as my confidence.

I have always struggled with interacting with people who are strangers, but the Centre has improved my confidence massively, and I think this has showed in the interviews that I have had for jobs. I handed out leaflets for the food bank down in Tesco for 3 hours straight because I enjoyed it so much, and people who were generally interested in the food bank stopped and chatted with me. I also created the Volunteer Newsletter which requires me to interact with every volunteer at the Centre. 

I cannot thank the Centre enough for what they have allowed for me, it has given me new insight and has boosted my confidence as well as giving me the opportunity to do something that I love. If anyone wants to do volunteering work, you should come here, there is always loads of work to do, and you will never be bored. They also have access to a lovely garden and library for anyone to access. It has given me more than I can say, and though I will not be at the Centre much anymore due to me becoming so busy I will always try and get work done for them, whether it is the Volunteer newsletter or a leaflet!

I will always be grateful to the Centre.

Katie

www.bladelmtd.com

l

Every now and then...

Now and again I am reminded just how amazing the human body is and how the body and all of it's functions seem to carry on day in day out doing what it needs to do with very little interference and conscious direction from us!

Working at the Centre has given me the opportunity to learn more about some of the practices that our complementary therapists offer to clients and just yesterday I became quite intrigued by a practice that can help babies, who are not in the 'head down' position, turn ready for delivery.

This was of immense interest to me on a personal level - had I known about 
pelvic diaphragm release sixteen years ago I might have had an entirely different experience of pregnancy and delivery!

My delightful son's position was  'transverse' for most of my pregnancy with him and in spite of the fact that many people assured me that he would eventually 'turn' I was never convinced  and he never did 'turn'. Something about my body just didn't feel right - something felt restricted somehow.

My son was born by planned cesarean section, delivered by a lovely registrar and team of midwives so all was well, however it seems to me that a treatment of pelvic diaphragm release may possibly have helped and prevented the need for surgical intervention. 
I believe that would only have been a good thing for all concerned.

Pelvic Diaphragm Release involves, as I understand it, the use of Myofascial Release Techniques to release restrictions around the pelvic diaphragm and is one of the tools available for midwives or bodywork practitioners to use when supporting pregnant women.

 If you find yourself with a baby in 'breech' or 'transverse' it is definitely worth asking your midwife for more information about the subject and the options available for support for this situation. 

More than anything though the fact that these treatments are now available has heartened me and on a wider level has also reminded me that it is totally acceptable for our bodies, at times, to need a little bit of help from those that are skilled at giving it.

SN

Another busy week at the Centre

There's been a lot happening again this week with more work in the garden - it's looking really good, yoga classes, lots of therapies and a mindfulness course.

Tonight at 7pm one of our therapists, Ranbir, is giving a talk and demonstration on Tui Na. This is an ancient form of Chinese massage, Rambi described it to me once as being a bit like acupuncture without needles! I was lucky enough to try out this massage and I really enjoyed it. Rambi really knows the body and though it's not gentle, it really feels like it's doing some good. In fact when I stood up afterwards I felt like I'd had a great workout and as if lots of toxins had been drained from my body! If you're not sure then come and meet him tonight and find out more about it or just call into the Centre for more information.

Tomorrow as part of the 8 week mindfulness course we have a Saturday workshop which I'm looking forward to. Since starting the course 5 weeks ago I have found myself slowing down and appreciating things more. I've also become much more aware of my body and the feelings within. It's very enlightening and the challenge for me I think will be keeping up the daily practice once the course has finished. But I'm going to give it a really good try.

I thought I'd finish on another lovely, thought provoking poem that came from the mindfulness course last night.

WILD GEESE  by Mary Oliver

You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees

For a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body

love what it loves.

Tell me about your despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.

Meanwhile the world goes on.

Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain

are moving across the landscapes,

over the prairies and the deep trees,

the mountains and the rivers.

Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,

are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,

the world offers itself to your imagination,

calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting --

over and over announcing your place

in the family of things.

Walk Slowly (Danna Faulds)

It only takes a reminder to breathe,

a moment to be still, and just like that,

something in me settles, softens, makes

space for imperfection. The harsh voice

of judgment drops to a whisper and I

remember again that life isn't a relay

race; that we will all cross the finish

line; that waking up to life is what we

were born for. As many times as I

forget, catch myself charging forward

without even knowing where I'm going,

that many times I can make the choice

to stop, to breathe, and be, and walk

slowly into the mystery.

Thank you Danna Faulds - This poem really moved me when I first heard it during my Mindfulness Training Course - SN

The garden at the Centre looked great this morning.
The plants, which are coming into full flower, are looking lovely. The sun was shining, the sky was blue and the space was sheltered from the cool breeze that could be felt elsewhere in the town.
It felt like an oasis in the middle of busyness.
Do feel free to come and sit in the garden  at the Centre - it's there for people to enjoy.
SN

Axminster Health and Wellbeing Centre

Testimonial by volunteer Emma Prior

I was first made aware of the Centre, by Jane Rowe shortly after moving to Axminster in September 2014. It did take me a little while to actually go in and visit, like many things in life we keep meaning to do. However, after my first visit I wish I’d gone in sooner.

I had noticed the advert for volunteers on the front door and wondered if I could find out a little more about what the Centre did and what opportunities it may hold for me. As a massage therapist myself I have an interest in health, wellbeing and helping people. In addition I still felt quite new to the town and thought it may be a good chance to meet some new people. For once, how correct my thoughts and hopes were.

On entering I was met by a friendly face on reception and after a short chat was shown around the centre and given some information, both verbal and written as to what the centre offered. There are some wonderful facilities and opportunities at the centre which I was completely unaware of until this moment. This includes: The Axminster Food Bank., a free library and the chance to just make yourself a drink and read or sit in the garden. Free Read Easy classes and a large number of groups and classes including meditation, yoga, mindfulness and cancer support. Not to mention the long list of therapies on offer.

However it was the chance to interact with people that I decided would be best for me and so I signed up to volunteer on reception. I have volunteered now for 2 months and enjoyed every minute of it. The staff and volunteers are extremely friendly and I feel I have gained confidence on the telephone and increased my experience at dealing with customer queries. These are very important attributes to me as at the end of April I am leaving the centre to expand and develop my own Soft Tissue Therapy and Sports Massage business which will be based at 5 Milton’s Yard in Axminster. I will continue to be a supporter and friend of the centre as I believe it does great work within the community and encourage all those who have been ‘meaning to pop in’ for a while to make the time to go in and see what’s on offer. I guarantee you’ll be pleased you did.