Author: Esther Neela M.

A blog from a Zen living enthusiast. I am into Meditation, Reiki, Yoga, Qigong, The Tapping Solution and Natural Therapies such as Ayurveda. Life moments are to be treated like a treasure. After all, life is indeed a treasure!

Cultivate Positivity with Mindful Practices

  1. Go for a walk

A walk refreshes not only your mind and body but also your perspectives on anything. Sitting down too long and working on something can, at times, cause a block or murky feelings. Just taking a small break and walking will totally refresh everything. If you have never tried it, why not do it next time?

  1. Stay hydrated

Keeping yourself hydrated with water throughout the day makes you function better than usual. Staying in a tropical country such as Singapore, it is essential to keep yourself hydrated. Lack of water gets your energy levels depleted and tired. If drinking plain water is boring, try new ways to keep yourself hydrated. An example would be adding lemons to your drinking water or consuming fruits. When adding new items to your diet it is always best to do it slowly so that your body is given time to get used to it.

  1. Focus on Positivity

We always have a choice on what we can focus on. You would have heard many times that whatever we focus on, that will grow. Whenever you feel anxious and get pushed to think or have negative thoughts, turn it back to positive thoughts. One way is to take consistent conscious breaths to clear your mind and thoughts. At times, when negative thoughts hit you, stop whatever you are doing and take a short walk. It will help you clear your mind, and thoughts and will refresh you (point number 1).

Our mental health is our responsibility. Do not blame anyone for the condition of our mental health. Take ownership and be responsible for our health. Slowly introduce new things to your life to move away from negativity. It can be a small effort – but it matters.

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Is Being Alone Healthier than Feeling Lonely?

Many people feel alone or lonely at times. But what is the difference between the two? Which one is healthier?

Being alone and feeling lonely are different experiences.

Being alone means spending time by yourself, and it can be a choice. This time alone can be positive. It provides you time to think, be creative, and discover more about yourself. It can bring you peace and fulfillment.

Feeling lonely is different. It happens when you feel isolated or disconnected from others. Loneliness often brings negative feelings like sadness and a desire for connection, even when you are around people.

In summary, being alone can enrich your life, while loneliness can create emotional distress.

It is normal to move back and forth between these feelings. We should make time for ourselves and enjoy our own company.

When you are alone, you can engage in activities like scrap booking or writing in a journal. You can also read a book or think about what you have read. You can also explore creative activities like arts and crafts, needlework, pottery, and more.

So, take the time to be alone and appreciate your own company.

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Introducing “Senseful Crafts” Online Store

Discover the exquisite range of organic, natural soaps, crystals, planners (dated and undated), scented and fragrance-free candles, body care products, and more at our newly launched “Senseful Crafts” online store. Explore now!

Senseful Crafts
http://www.sensefulcrafts.com
https://www.instagram.com/senseful_crafts/
https://linktr.ee/sensefulcrafts
https://www.facebook.com/sensefulcrafts/
https://pin.it/6gqbFJEdB

Zen Fridays – 2022 Diary / Journal

Another year will be over soon. We will be welcoming another new year soon. Anything new offers us an opportunity to look at things from a new perspective. I write journals or reflections daily. For the coming new year, 2022, I have purchased a planner and a Pursebook from Mori. Mori is a women-run business, giving opportunities for women to earn a living while supporting their families.

You can read more on their initiative here:

Mori Initiative
https://moriofficial.com/pages/about-us

Mori Pursebook Collections
https://moriofficial.com/collections/pursebook

Mori Planners
https://moriofficial.com/products/2022-planner-diary-weekly-monthly

I have decorated my 2022 planner with stickers. The below pictures shows my 2022 Mori Diary.

So, if you are a regular journal keeper, what will yours be for the coming year? 🙂

Happy Mother’s Day!

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Mother’s Day Wishes to all!

I do not believe in restricting the Mother’s Day wishes to those who are already mothers. This wish applies to all who takes on the role of a lead, guide and support to anyone.

Lastly, I would like to thank our Mother Earth that has always been doing her work for all of us. Let us take this opportunity to remember her too.

Have a great day!

Best Wishes, Esther

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Jotter Wednesdays – World Water Day, 22 March 2021

Photo by Sebastian Voortman on Pexels.com

World Water Day is held annually on 22 March worldwide to celebrate the importance of water. Each country would have got their awareness programs. World Water Day (https://www.worldwaterday.org/) “is about what water means to people, its true value and how we can better protect this vital resource.”

Usually, in developed nations, we take water for granted. Being a small nation, Singapore has plenty of awareness programs for water-saving for schools, homes and work areas.

Individually, each one of us needs to think about the importance and role of water in our life. I am more of a water person. I drink water throughout the day. All of us use water daily. We need water for activities such as cleaning, cooking, food preparation, religious rites and more.

Our human body is at least 60% of water. Our body is dependent on water. We can be in any part of the world. All of us need to play our role to conserve and protect water. We can start at home on small things, such as washing the car, brushing the teeth using a mug, showering and more. But the most important thing is to start protecting our water resources not only for us but for future generations too.

Appreciate our water resources and give gratitude daily for our simple element, water.

Articles & Video for more information by Singapore Agencies and Ministry:

The Drop of Life — 6 Reasons to Drink Water by Ministry of Health Singapore, Health Hub
https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1358/the-drop-of-life—six-reasons-to-drink-water

Animation Video – “Let’s Go Save Water” – PUB Water Conservation Animation, Singapore
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcCAkWT7df4

PUB Singapore – Water-Saving Habits for Home
https://www.pub.gov.sg/savewater/athome/watersavinghabits

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Zen Fridays – Wisdom Gem 2

Photo by Zukiman Mohamad on Pexels.com

(This is a re-post. Will be continuing the “Wisdom Gem series” for every Friday. This was part of series of “wisdom” handouts that was created in the past for my retail customers and my students.)

“Flow with whatever may happen, and let your mind be free:
Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing.
This is the ultimate”.
~ Zhuangzi

Reflection by Esther
Go with the flow!
That will be the best advice that one needs to have in any given situation. Resistance is going to make things worse for an individual and the people surrounding him. Rather than going against, “flow” into any circumstance and be at ease. It is better to “flow” and accept the moments. Once we have learnt how to live our lives in that way, nothing can dampen our spirits and the life we live.

Jotter Wednesdays: Introduction to our new blog, “Broken Clay Vessels”

We are delighted to introduce our new blog, “Broken Clay Vessels”. We will touch on many issues twice a week basis.

For more details on this blog, please head to this link: https://brokenclayvessels.blog/

Thank you.
Esther & Eunice

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Zen Fridays – Wisdom Gem 1

Photo by Jack Hawley on Pexels.com

(This is a re-post. Will be continuing the “Wisdom Gem series” for every Friday. This was part of series of “wisdom” handouts that was created in the past for my retail customers and my students.)

“When you look at a field of dandelions,
You can either see
a hundred weeds
or a hundred wishes”.
~ Unknown ~

Reflection by Esther
How we view life or a particular situation is entirely up to us. No one can change the way we think of something unless we ourselves allow it to happen. Rather than looking at something, someone or a situation as negative and a hindrance, why don’t we step aside and look at ways on how we can learn or benefit from it. We all have to remember that anything negative that is taking place in our life is not permanent. Everything will pass at ease if we allow our thoughts to change accordingly. We must always see every situation in our life an opportunity to advance further. We must never let a bad situation drive us to darkness, depression and negativity.

Jotter Wednesdays – Chinese New Year goodies and calories

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We are still in the season of Chinese New Year (CNY). Though things are very different and quieter this year, much has not changed in terms of food and snacks for the festive. Each one of us will have our favourites of the various snacks from the festival. At the same time, it is also good to look at the calories in the cookies.

An article from the Channel News Asia, “How many calories are lurking in your Chinese New Year snacks?” by Jalelah Abu Baker gives us the calories in some of the popular CNY snacks. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/chinese-new-year-snacks-fat-calories-fish-skin-14159600

Of course, my all-time favourite will be Bangkit cookies and Bahulu. Yummy. 🙂

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