Sometimes when the head is full, or emotions are running high, getting out of our mental self and into our  physical self is helpful. This is a quick and easy mindful body scan. I find it relieves tension, when the pressure feels full on and it’s also a good way to prepare mind and body […]

Black Dog Brain fog Chest tightening Feels frightening BUT IT’S OK One hand on my heart To anchor self-love partnering this feeling like a soothing glove The other on my belly For comfort and ease And “its ok, I’m here for you” And with this I breathe and Remind myself, in this moment “this too […]

As this is suicide awareness/prevention month I thought talking about emotions might be helpful. It’s inspiring that there are so many community events, activities and initiatives happening globally. However, it might also be a time when many of us might feel a bit stirred up by the amount of coverage in the media during this […]

Modern mindfulness practices and mindfulness meditation find their origins in the traditions philosophies and teachings of Zen Buddhism. ZEN  is a word liberally used but at one level it refers to presence,  a state of being, a total togetherness of mind and body.  And we can do this through the breath. Just to sit quietly […]

In 2018, a group of young creatives got together and decided to raise awareness of suicide amongst young people. They did this in the way they knew and loved best – the creative arts. OLLIE launched our first suicide awareness film campaign in collaboration with the #ItMatters initiative. The creative team of ItMatters produced the […]

From 1st-15th December, local art gallery Nude Tin Can is showcasing the first exhibition of Louise Gendrot aka LouZyArt. LouZy’s work is described as model making infused with hidden installations. Inspired by London grit, modern society and conceptual ideas, they are a culmination of large sculptures and hidden scenes, creating a vibrant and interesting exhibition for the inquisitive. LouZyArt has […]

Meditation Made Easy by its Founder Zoe Strickland Hello! My name is Zoe. I am a mindfulness meditation teacher and have enjoyed the benefits of my own meditation practice for several years. Thank you, OLLIE, for inviting me to contribute to the newsletter and digital media platforms, with a view to enthusing people to begin […]

An exercise you might find helpful.    Sometimes it all gets a bit crowded up there and at these times I remind myself “a mind at ease is not a mind with no thoughts, but a non- judgmental mind”. So, I sit down quietly for a while, wrap myself in a self – compassion blanket […]