Feeling Invigorated...

Feeling invigorated after my massage yesterday I was up and about around 5:30 this morning. I immediately went out to let the girls out for the day. 

I then decided to dismantle part of the pen, that was allegedly put up to contain them.

I used it for half a day.

I prefer my chickens roaming free.

After so many years of never being used, it was time for it to go.

I couldn't contain my hens whilst they could see a huge garden lingering out of their reach, so they rule the garden, living as they should be, free to wander as they please.

As always, the girls have to see what I am up to. Chickens are quite curious souls, and if I am moving things in the garden, that means there's disturbed earth, which equals things to eat.

I don't use any chemicals in my garden, but having chickens roaming free means most pests are dealt with by my adorable girls, weeds on the other hand are often out of control.

After dealing with removing the fence, which wasn't as difficult as I imagined, I then began to tackle the winter weeds.

 Brulee loves to follow me around as weeds are pulled, this morning though the rest of the flock were still busy checking out the other change in the garden.

When I move to sit for a five minute break, my adorable chickens follow me for a few minutes of rest, as they always do.

I really can't think of my garden without my small flock of chickens, they are characters each with her own unique personality and all are gentle humorous little beings...

 

Yesterday I Returned...

Yesterday I returned to Bodhi Highgate Spa, for another blissful Kodo hot stone massage. 

On arrival, after I had changed into a fluffy robe and entered the relaxation lounge, the soothing music and dreamy scent that fills the room immediately lulled me into a quiet place.

After a few minutes my therapist came in to escort me through for my massage.

Firstly, I sat on a low stool in preparation for a foot bath. 

A mixture of herbs and flowers are sprinkled in the warm water, my feet enter the water, and then softly caressed as all tension fell away. 

Then I was offered to smell the three different oils.

This is something I really like, and have not seen in any other places I have been.

Intuition plays a role in what oil you choose.

All the oils are infused with native ingredients, last time I tuned into the lemon Myrtle oil, yesterday it was the sandlewood infusion that called to me most.

After that it was time for 90 minutes of sublime bliss.

The Li'tya Marta Hot Rock Massage uses ancient stones from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, and the oils as I already stated are created using native botanicals, this treatment has been created with traditional aboriginal techniques for complete healing and wellness.

Having returned a second time, I again had the same therapist, as she is a fantastic. 

For me, it's imperative to have a connection with someone providing bodywork, because your body is open on a deep level, so energies need to work well together. 

Plus, when you regularly see the same therapist they are able to read subtle differences in your body, which is beneficial for healing. 

During my last massage, I was extremely emotional, this time though I was immediately lulled into complete relaxation as the hot stones moved the fragrant oils across my body.

At the end of the massage a smoking ceremony is performed, which brought my awareness back into the room as the smoke trailed over me, cleansing my aura.

After that, instead of returning to the relaxation lounge, I went into the courtyard for my refreshments.

There's no time limit on how long you linger.

And I was quite happy sitting in the presence of a rather stunning old tree, with the sun warming my body.

As I did last time, before leaving I have rebooked the same treatment with the same therapist again in another three months...

 

Having Taken...

Having taken the last couple of days of the week off, yesterday morning I took myself to the lake for a morning meander. 

It has to be said that my pace was glacial.

 It would have to have been the slowest lap around Lake  Leschenaultia in my history. 

I have found that more and more, I am needing to take mental health days, away from the chaotic realm of the human machine. 

The humdrum demands of work are proving difficult to navigate the more I ponder the ridiculousness of society, of how pointless the whole setup truly is. 

Nothing makes more sense to me than being alone in nature.

It is here that life is real.

Everything flows.

Has a purpose.

Unlike the absurd society that surrounds me.

Surrounded by the nurturing embrace of the bushland is where I feel at home.

It is where I find my peace, and regain my strength.

Slowing down to the rhythm of the plants takes mere seconds.

My breath become deeper, heart lighter.

I feel held.

 

Steps are slow, my head often skyward, gazing at the canopy that shrouds me.

Birdsong flitters in as leaves are teased by a slightly brisk breeze. 

Flowers call to me as I drift slowly by, causing me to pause even more. 

Slowing like this in the silence of a forest brings many a magical happening. 

It is during these times of stillness that the little things are noticed.

The truly astonishing things. 

A painted lady butterfly entranced me towards the end of my walk.

Fluttering from flower to flower oblivious to my presence. 

I find such encounters very special. 

And frequently wonder of how marvellous the Universe is to orchestrate such intimate moments between one species and another. 

I also noticed a species of bee which I had not seen before.

Instead of landing on each flower, it hovered, similar to that of a hummingbird.

How exquisite.

With around 800 native bee species, I am having trouble finding out what this fluffy bee is.

Still, it isn't really important for me to name everything.

Simply appreciating the beauty is enough...