New Phase

Entering a new phase in my life, I will be taking a break from writing this blog...For now, I will focus on writing about development work on my other blog, www.volunteereast.blogspot.com, and scribbling on my website, www.tiijarinta.com.

Please follow my journey on the above link - and a Big Thank You to all my readers for taking the time and interest for the past couple of years! All the best, peace and love to all of you! 

What is Yoga?

Yoga means different things to each one of us. For some, it is relaxation and letting go of every day stresses. For others, it is a deeper philosophical and spiritual discipline. Some, on the other hand, are more interested in its physiological benefits. As you embark on your journey with yoga, you discover what yoga has to offer you and your own yoga practice will develop as a result.

'The Deeper Dimension of Yoga' by Georg Feuerstein offers some traditional definitions for yoga. You can have a read and see which one's you resonate with the most.... Perhaps they will bring a new perspective to your own self-practice.


Yoga is the control of the whirls of the mind.

Yoga is skill in the performance of actions.

Yoga is ecstasy.

Yoga is said to be the oneness of breath, mind, and senses, and the abandonment of all states of existence.

Yoga is the union of the individual psyche with the transcendental Self.

Yoga is said to be the unification of the web of dualities. 

Yoga is known as the disconnection of the connection with suffering. 

Yoga is said to be control.

Yoga is the separation of the Self from the World-Ground.

Yoga is said to be the unity of exhalation and inhalation and of blood and semen, as well as the union of sun and moon and of the individual psyche with the transcendental Self. 

This they consider Yoga: the steady holding of the senses. 

Yoga is called balance.  

Ideas for a Sabbatical & Career Break

I'm sure that many of you have thought about taking a sabbatical or a career break at some point...

I stumbled upon an article that listed several excellent sites for seeking inspirations and ideas on what to do in order to make such dreams manifest - here is some tat will hopefully inspire you to reach for your dreams:

Cruise ship jobs:
http://allcruisejobs.com/

Seasonal Workers:
http://www.seasonworkers.com/

International Exchange:
http://ciee.org/

Work and volunteer abroad:
http://bunac.org.uk/

Ideas for a career break:
http://thecareerbreaksite.com/

Two Interesting Articles in the Guardian this week....

This week the Guardian published two interesting articles that I would like to share with you  below. They do make you reflect on the current situation in the academic world and also in the recession-hit Europe....


This article discusses male-dominance in academia and women still struggle in the field - features a friend's mum who was one of the first female professors in the 90s:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2013/jan/28/women-bme-professors-academia


This article is on the recession that has hit Europe and made professionals, whether natives or migrants, consider moving to other parts of the world - features a good friend who moved abroad last year after struggling to find work in the UK:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2013/jan/30/great-escape-european-migrants-fleeing-recession

Example Video of Grade 1 Piano Exam

Some of my piano students are feeling apprehensive about their Grade exams. Some anxiety before an exam  is normal and can help you to achieve a better result. But being too anxious can also have a deteriorating effect on your performance...

Grade exams are really not as scary as many students think. Below, you can find an example video of a Grade exam. Hopefully this can put your mind at rest and you can go to your exam, feeling confident.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4FBBFsLNek

Effective Treatment for Dry Skin

When the weather gets colder, our skins can lose their elasticity and become dry, as well as irritated. Itching is common during the winter months, primarily due to the fact that environmental humidity is low during the colder season.

Lucky for us, nowadays there are many different skin products that can be used to counter-act the ill-effects of cold weather. Personally, I tried Jergen's Naturals moisterisers and they do wonders to my skin! Jergens offers a range of skin care products and so there is bound to be something for everyone. What more, they are affordable, last for a ling-time and have not been tested on animals.  

http://www.jergens.co.uk/

Affordable Hairdresser's in Central London

My lady friends often tell me that, when they first moved to London, it was very difficult for them to find affordable hairdresser's. In London (particularly central London), there is huge differences between hairdresser's both price and quality-wise. If you are willing to pay at least £40 for a simple haircut, you are guaranteed a satisfied customer. However, if you are on a budget, it can be challenging to find a hairdresser that would take their time cutting your hair and not rush through their job....

Having lived in central London for the past eight years, I have compiled a list of affordable hairdresser's that are worth a try if in need of a good quality cut but don't have the cash to spend:

1. Supercuts: 
One of the cheapest hairdresser's around - a good quality cut guaranteed (based on personal experience!) without breaking your budget - another good thing about them is that you don't need to book an appointment, you can just walk into any of their salons any time for a cut!

http://supercuts.co.uk/

2. Mr Topper's Haircuts: 
This is probably the cheapest hairdresser's that you can find - prices start at £5.00 for a trim! I have only ever had my hair trimmed there, but I have a couple of friends who regularly go there for a haircut and they are very happy customers.

http://www.qype.co.uk/place/95022-Mr-Toppers-Haircuts-London

3. Tony and Guy Academy:
Hairdresser's training for the profession with the Tony and Guy Hair Salon are always in need of models at their Academy at Oxford Street. These are either free or cost £5.00. The students there are training into the profession, but they are being supervised closely at all times by professional hairdressers who have worked for Tony and guy for many years. I have very good personal experiences of the place - in fact, I was very pleased with their styling both times!

http://toniandguy.com/pages/category/education/academies

4. Hair by Fairy:
A very reasonably priced new hairdresser's in the spot centre of London's Covent Garden. They also do nails and other beauty treatments at very reasonable prices.

http://www.hairbyfairy.co.uk/







 

Discrimination against Pregnant Women and Women on Maternity

Despite all the legislation against discrimination in the western world, pregnant women and women on maternity still face a great deal of discrimination at their workplaces, in rented accommodation and in other situations. The decline of the economic climate over the past years has given employers and landlords more opportunities to discriminate against women, in particular those expecting babies.

Time and time again, we hear of stories of how badly women have been treated purely because they are expecting a baby. One would have thought that, in today's society, people were more empathetic and fair. But no, in the end of the day, most people seem to put their own opinions in front of other's well-being.

It is crucial that women know of their legal rights and they should never hesitate to seek advice from their Citizens' Advice Bureau if in doubt or if they think that they might be discriminated against. Here are a couple of useful links that outline the basic rights of women and also a link to an excellent project advocating maternity rights:  


Maternity Action Project:
http://www.maternityaction.org.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/allianceagainstpregnancydiscrimination.pdf

Legal rights at work when pregnant:
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/work_e/work_discrimination_e/discrimination_at_work_because_of_pregnancy_or_maternity_leave.htm


Discrimination by private landlord because of pregnancy or maternity:
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/housing_e/housing_renting_a_home_e/renting_from_a_private_landlord.htm

New Year's Poem to All of My Friends and Readers

New Year’s Reflections


Looking back on the months gone by,
As a new year starts and an old one ends,
We contemplate what brought us joy,
And we think of our friends.


Recalling all the happy times,
Remembering how they enriched our lives,
We reflect upon who really counts,
As the fresh and bright new year arrives.


And when I ponder those who do,
I immediately think of you, dear friends and readers!


Thanks for being one of the reasons I'll have a Happy New Year!

Peace be upon you!

Finnish Christmas Traditions

Here is a little blurb about Finnish Christmas traditions for anyone interested.... Wishing you all a wonderful Festive Season and a Prosperous New Year!


http://www.family-christmas-traditions.com/Christmas-traditions-in-Finland.html

Top 100 Names in the UK in 2012

Here is the list of Top 100 Names given to babies in 2012 in the UK!
Probably not surprisingly, Harry is on top of the list for boys (thanks to Prince Harry and Harry Styles from One Direction). But so is Amelia, Lily and Emilia for girls...

Has the Top 100 changed much over the years, we ask...

http://www.netmums.com/pregnancy/baby-names-buys-and-rights/top-100-names-in-2012-in-the-uk

Our Little Research Study on Autism & Music - Read Online!

Earlier this year, I had a pleasure of being part of a small research team who investigates the use of music with autistic children. The research project aimed to investigate how musical activities could be used beneficially with children who have autism. It was a collaboration between the University of London and the University of Oulu in Finland, and my role in it was of a Lead Researcher and Music Consultant.

We obtained two small grants for materializing the project - one from the Music Sales Charitable Trust (UK) and the other from the Finn-Guild Scholarship Scheme. The latter wanted to promote our wonderful research and so we wrote a small article for their monthly magazine.

Here is the link to the magazine - you can find our study featured on Page 16:

http://www.finn-guild.org/en/content/horisontti-winter-2012

Benefits of Self-Massage

Self massage is an ancient practice originating from India where it is still performed on a daily basis. Massaging yourself wit oil on a regular basis has many benefits to the mind and body. These include: rejuvenating the skin; balancing the nervous system; lubricating the joints; soothing the endocrine system; and strengthening the immune system. In India, it is believed that if babies are massaged on a daily basis, they will grow into strong and healthy individuals.

Aubri Barnes, a Holistic Health Counselor, has written short instructions as to how to perform self-massage at the comfort of your home. Please take a look at the link below - and treat yourself to an awesome massage!

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6988/How-to-Go-Ahead-and-Give-Yourself-an-Awesome-Massage.html 

The Ministry of Stories

The Ministry of Stories is a creative writing and mentoring centre for young people in east London. The organization uses storytelling to inspire young people aged 8-18, in the belief that writing unleashes their imaginations and builds confidence, self-respect and communication.

Nick Hornby, Lucy Macnab and Ben Payne founded the Ministry of Stories in 2010. In its first year, over 3000 young people took part in our volunteer-led workshops and writing projects. Our inspiration came from the writer Dave Eggers and educator Ninive Calegari, who opened a shop for pirates and writing centre called 826 Valencia in San Francisco.

For more information, please see their website:

http://www.ministryofstories.org/

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Migrant Mum-project in London

I recently had a pleasure to be part of a project called Migrant Mums. The project consists of text and photography, portraying migrant mothers and mothers-to-be living in London. The project illustrates thoughts, experiences and life struggles and triumphs of the participant women.

Two migrant ladies, Yuka and Ryoko, came up with the concept and have interviewed and taken photos of dozens of migrant women living in London.  Yuka was born and raised in New York. She works on the editorial team at Granta magazine (www.granta.com) and writes fiction and non-fiction. Ryoko grew up on the edge of Tokyo in Japan. Since 2006, she has been working as a freelance photographer for magazines in London.  She has done several personal projects about communities and tribes, such as Brazilian-Japanese communities, suburban youth gangs and a senior centre in Islington. Her website is www.ryokouyama.com. 

The website of the project contains a profile for each mother/ mother-to-be who took part in the project. The leaders of the project are also planning to turn it into a book

The project is still on-going, so if you are migrant mother/ mother-to-be living in London, it is not too late to take part!

Here is the website of the project:
http://migrantmumlondon.tumblr.com/

Alternative London - Street Art in East London

 Anyone who has walked around the East End of London must have noticed the striking graffitis that decorate the area and add to its unique character. You can see graffiti by different street artists simply by walking around on your own, but an excellent way see more of it is by taking part in an alternative tour of London. More information on organized walks and bike tours can be found at:
http://www.alternativeldn.co.uk/

Are you Feeling Resentful?

No doubt that all of us have felt resentment during our lives. Have you felt hurt by someone, or perhaps you have been the one to upset someone else and feel guilty about this?

When we have felt betrayed, hurt or done-wrong-by, it can be hard just to forgive and forget, accumulating to strong sensations of resentment. Resentment can then make us experience deep feelings of sadness, pain and anger. It can lead to lowered self-esteem and even make us feel unworthy. Over time, it can be very damaging - not just to ourselves but also to people around us.

Caroline Rushforth, an NLP Coach, points out in her latest article that, although it is human nature to mentally revisit upsetting experiences as a way of processing the experience, holding onto resentment is considered a way of punishing yourself or the other person. Carrying around feelings of resentment, you can hurting yourself, as it drains your resources. However, Caroline is adamant that it is entirely your own choice - it is your own internal processing system that determines how you feel about what others have said or done.

In her article, Caroline goes onto explain how we can deal with resentment and let go off it. Please read the full article attached below - and let all your resentment go!

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6778/How-to-Let-Go-of-Resentment.html 

Beautiful Online Christmas Calendars

It's that time of the year again when adults and children alike are getting ready for another Christmas. It seems that for many, it is the run-up to Christmas that excites them more than Christmas itself. Buying presents for loved ones, decorating the tree, baking yummy foods... Christmas itself always seems to go by so fast!

Another lovely Christmas tradition that in particular children love is having an Advent or Christmas Calendar. It is the highlight of children's mornings during December to each day open a new window in the calendar and discover a new picture, saying or even a sweet. Nowadays, there are so many different kinds of calendars to choose from, from the funny ones to more spiritual ones, that there is bound to be a suitable one for all of us.

If you fancy trying out an online Christmas Calendar this year, here is an excellent link that gives you ten different ones to choose from and will be a splendid way to start each of your days during December:


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/30/online-advent-calendars_n_789288.html

'My First Book of Christmas Songs' by Bergerac

It is that time of the year again when all of my piano students start asking me to bring Christmas songs along to our lessons. Everyone has their favourite ones that they want to learn - yet, some arrangements can be tricky for beginner and lower intermediate learners.

Luckily I came across 'My First Book of Christmas Songs', by Bergerac. This book includes 20 well-known Christmas songs in easy piano arrangements, making them accessible to learners at any level. The songs are organized in order of difficulty and so the beginning of the book contains those that even beginners can play (such as 'an easy version of 'Silent Night') and the end of the book contains more elaborate versions of Christmas classics.

If you love Christmas songs, check out the book and dive into the wonderful world of Christmas music:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/First-Christmas-Songs-Dover-ebook/dp/B008TVLOY8

Online Yoga Communities - a growing trend

Over the past year, I have seen many online yoga communities spring up. Often such sites offer home practice advice, videos and other tips on how to improve your yoga practice or how to start one. They are great for busy people who cannot attend a regular yoga class or for anyone else looking for some sort of support and guidance for their yoga practice at home.

One such a yoga website and online yoga community launched recently is called Yoga Guardian. I have been following them for some weeks now and I can warmly recommend their home videos that are posted on their online forum once a week. They offers tips and advice that are easy to incorporate into your daily practice, whether this takes places as formal yoga practice or more as a philosophy that you apply to your life.

The site is suitable for beginners, as well as more advanced practitioners. One of the most attractive features of the site is that it emphasises how yoga is a way of life. In fact, as soon as you enter the site, you are taken to the calming world of yoga through peaceful music and beautiful photos.

Why not take a look at their site and also find them on Facebook? You never know, they might be the  yoga community that you have been looking for

http://www.yogaguardian.com/

https://www.facebook.com/YogaGuardian