With stronger boundaries, one has less to dwell on in the past and more confidence that whatever arises in the future can be met and handled; one starts to naturally rest in the present moment and thus mindfulness becomes more natural at this point and can take on life's ups and downs more easily.

However, one of the subtler aspects of us human beings is the nagging little voice inside that likes to criticise and find fault, but it can be the straw that breaks the donkeys back in times of trouble.

So, let’s take a look at what that little voice is and how it can be handled both in times of trouble and times of steadiness.

What factors though, did this far from ideal location, have? It was relatively secluded as it was off the side of a road. It wasn’t particularly quiet, but I could sit undisturbed. It wasn’t raining usually, but when it did, I just opened an umbrella and kept dry. That was enough.

I’ve been fortunate, as I, like many, had a lot of challenges growing up as a teenager; at the time I didn’t see it this way though! I was rather rebellious with long hair, highly strung, and towards the end of the teen years, experienced a very down unhappy period.

We are going to reflect on how that voice of doubt and criticism can be softened through some simple changes to how we approach each day to reveal the empathic, and steadier, side of our hearts. Then in times of trouble, one will have access to this natural empathy to help one navigate such times rather than be sunk by the voice of negativity.

I just had to sit unguided on many occasions back in my early days. In hindsight that was a healthy way to learn. Some guidance, some non-guidance, so that is what I’m going to recommend. Here are three approaches...

When lying down and applying mindfulness to help you relax: don't try too hard.

Whether you are a beginner or a veteran to mindfulness meditation, I hope the following blog will give you some practical tips on how to sit and start to calm your mind.

Getting to know yourself in life though is invaluable. I would put this as one of the most useful things I've done so far...

This is a question worth asking yourself, because, it may affect your approach to meditation. Knowing could be the difference between getting a practice established or getting stuck and giving up altogether.

In this blog we are going to explore different ways to walk mindfully that will hopefully give you a little “walking mindfully toolkit” for your everyday life.

Have you ever tried to be mindful of your body but found that your mind is wandering all over the place? I know I have! And from my experience, acceptance combined with, regularly coming back to a grounding object of awareness (i.e. the body or the breath) is the best way to navigate the wandering mind.