Journal

Honoured to welcome Tom and Zoe, the founders of Wunder Workshop as guest experts on our recently concluded Elevate and Nourish Mallorca Retreat. In this conversation, we advance the discussion on Ayurveda and its ancestral history, plant-care and sourcing principles, approaches to integrating herbal plants into modern life that goes beyond ingestion and celebrating the wisdom nature provides us.

We are extremely excited to be in conversation with one of London’s most sought-after Pilates coaches and founder of Shapes Studio, Paola Langella. Together, we discuss Pilates, nutrition and lifestyle to move you closer towards your new year goals and intentions centred on self-love and attributes that look beyond the physical and material.

As of late, energy healing is having a moment with celebrities and on television, being lauded as the tool for removing blockages and finding the true self. In this interview, we are joined in conversation with Valerie Oula, the director of Vibrational Healing and founder of Modern Ritual NYC, to explore the concept in more detail and how it can support us in day to day living.

A Qualified Health Coach and certified Holistic Nutritionist from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and Cornell University's Plant-Based Nutrition Programme. In this piece, Morgan Witkin explores holistic health and wellness as a result of plants and the concept of Primary Food.

Often referred to as the woman behind the bodies of Emily Blunt, Hayley Atwell, Stanley Tucci and more. Monique Eastwood shares how her personal menopause journey is shaping her motivation to inspire and support other women embarking on this inspiring journey.

Belinda Matwali is a Spiritual Mentor and Meditation Guide. She joins Balance Holidays to share her thoughts on ‘Bliss Body’, ‘Spiritual Nutrition’, her journey to self-discovery and how these areas can help us overcome challenges to continue listening to our intuition and authentic being.

Have you ever visited or lived in Italy for a year or more to come back home noticing the immediate differences amongst the cultures? If the answer is a yes then you will also agree there are notable elements within the Italian lifestyle that can be highlighted for adding positive effects to the current framework of life.

Have you ever visited or lived in Italy for a year or more to come back home noticing the immediate differences amongst the cultures? If the answer is a yes then you will also agree there are notable elements within the Italian lifestyle that can be highlighted for adding positive effects to the current framework of life.

France, the landmark of romance and home to sweet, buttery pastries, wheels of cheese and crisp, clean, aromatic wines. The French indulge in a life of luxuries and that is not to refer to on the surface, superficial components such as draping themselves in copious amounts of designer wear from head to toe for lunch with the girlfriends at Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th Arrondissement.

The wonder of the woodlands has long since been fascinating and worship to those of our pastime. A walk under canopies of lush green verdant shades, enveloped beneath ice-cold glacier mountains, breathing in the aromatic freshness of nature delivers a promise of physical and mental rejuvenation.

Looking to go away for the summer with friends or family? Or have that daunting long-hauled flight booked to Australia to cuddle with the world’s most huggable animal, koala bears whilst hopping around with kangaroos? Holidays are an auspicious time for a lot of people.

It becomes an all too familiar story when your sister, best friend, work colleague and brother’s new girlfriend uploads a beautiful photo sitting pool-side, relaxing with a colourful concoction in hand beneath the clear blue skies and 44 degree summer heat whilst you squeeze into a train carriage of sweaty strangers like a child’s squishy toy feeling an immeasurable cup of dissatisfaction and inadequacy.

Many understand the health benefits exercising holds on the physical body yet equally as many people are oblivious that the benefits of exercising stretch beyond physical boundaries and can benefit mental health.

Often referred to as the land of flourishing and everlasting romance, home to iconic designers creating up pleats of fashion innovation and trends and the land of renaissance churches and buildings, France is the rose-tinted dreamscape that always manages to win the fawning and ardent hearts of those who have visited.

Having heard all the soundly reviews, lauded as a host of a multitude of benefits to calm and soothe the psyche, there is often a blurred edge around what meditation truly is and how to implement into our busy lives.

Italy, surrounded by the sea, located South of Europe with an uncanny resemblance to a lady’s boot and home to three notably popular P-items, pizza, pasta and people, it is precisely these associations that draw steady flows of tourism throughout the twelve months of the year.

Whether you’re strolling through the local supermarket or picking up a double-shot of espresso at the coffee shop, chances are you have already stumbled across a bottle of cold pressed juice. Cold-pressed juices have now become the new health-craze because not only are they packed with healthy goodness, for many cold-pressed juices have made the consumption of all the detestable fruits and vegetables an easy guarantee.

Holiday: hearing the word, what comes to mind? Rays of golden sunshine beaming across a spread of halcyon pink sand in a warm tropic destination is likely to be the image amongst most of us. This pre-set idyllic standard of a beautiful holiday is a common for most because of previous experiences enabling and invoking feelings of personal satisfaction, enjoyment and most importantly, fulfilment.

Do you feel stressed, anxious or overworked? Has life seemed a bit out of control or do you find it difficult to enjoy the things that once made you happy? If so, transcendental meditation could be the solution to your problems. Let's take a quick look at this technique, its associated benefits and how wellbeing retreats could play an important role in helping you regain equilibrium.

Make a retreat part of your annual routine to understand why many have begun making this an annual ritual. From mindfulness retreats, yoga retreats and walking and activity retreats, there are benefits to each and a retreat to meet your wellbeing goals.

Millions of people today suffer from insomnia – an estimated 30-50% of the general population, with 10% suffering chronic insomnia, according to a study done by The Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research. You or someone you know, being one of those people is likely what brought you to this article.

Nowhere in the 21st century seems to be free from the clatter and chatter of everyday life. Wherever you go, the background hum of traffic gives way to a musical backdrop in retail stores, clanking construction sites, or even just barking dogs. It all adds up to a cacophony that is impossible to turn off, and can be seriously counterproductive to our wellbeing.

Have you always wanted to learn yoga? If so, you could be hampered by a limited amount of time or the inability to access a wellness retreat. You will be happy to learn that a sense of peace and balance is only moments away! Let's look at look at some of the benefits of this practice before moving on to an excellent 10-minute yoga routine.

Have you ever gone for a delightful walk in nature and returned feeling happier, calmer, and more refreshed than before? Perhaps you have wondered if there is a scientific basis to the enhanced wellbeing that you feel yourself experiencing after spending time in the natural world? In fact, there is: nature can positively impact on our wellbeing in numerous ways and there are studies to show this.

Thinking of improving your diet or imposing new lifestyle changes into your autonomous routine? As an advocate of keeping the components in our lives at a balance, we always endeavour to understand and explore new things and places to inspire you. Explore a curated list of the top 7 wellbeing blogs who echo the same values as us and carry inspirational content we believe can help you take a step forward with rebalancing your inner harmony.

Have you been considering yoga as an effective method to reduce stress and to increase your physical vitality? You are not alone, as a study by IBIS World has shown that there are more than 4,100 yoga studios in the United Kingdom alone. Let's take a quick look at what to expect in your first yoga class so that you are prepared in advance.

Have you been feeling unfocused recently or are you experiencing a great deal of stress in your daily life? If so, you may have temporarily lost a state of mindfulness that is able to provide a sense of peace and relaxation. Let us look at eight effective methods to return to this natural balance and to become one with the world around you.

How many times have you said, “I’ll improve my diet tomorrow; I’ll just eat this chocolate cake now,” or “I’ll start exercising on Monday; it’s too difficult to start on the weekend.” We all know what our bad habits are, but because they are habits and we fall into them without thinking it can be difficult to change them. In the lead up to 2019, we have time to try and change how we act so that we can live a healthy and mindful life in 2019.

The early bird gets the worm. By embracing a handful of tried-and-true habits, you may just be able to enjoy this very same sense of rejuvenation and balance. Let's take a look at eleven sure-fire suggestions to make sure that you start your day off on the right foot.

Do you feel rather down and dejected as soon as January rolls around? If so, you are certainly not alone. The good news is that you have the ability to beat the winter blues with a few simple steps.

Many are under the assumption that wellness requires investing copious amounts of time and money, however this is not true. In fact, making small changes to our daily routine is enough for cultivating self-care and achieving positive long-term results, suitable for even the time-starved.

Do you constantly feel anxious and stressed? Wondering when the last time was when you woke up feeling energised and motivated to take on the new day? Given the modern framework of life, personal obligations mixed in with work responsibilities and duties ram up our daily schedules. On top of this, our personal desires to strive for results and strike a balance between work leave us with little to no room to breathe.

Winter is finally signing out. Next in line to check in is spring, which officially begins on 20th March. This season of nature's awakening is often associated with fresh starts and positive change. How about trying something new this spring? With dreary skies no longer hanging over our heads, let the season draw in a new light that fills you with renewed zeal and restored happiness.

Do you feel as if the world is spinning out of control and that you have little time to devote to yourself? Have you been neglecting your health and wellbeing? If so, new beginnings are in the air. Spring is upon us and it’s time to explore how to relax and gain a different perspective.

When you think of yoga, the image that comes to mind is probably a group of women doing the downward-facing dog. You’re not alone. Yoga for men is a relatively new concept for many.

These days, it's very possible to find daily life somewhat consuming. Hours, days and maybe even weeks can pass before you realise how quickly time goes, and you think, when did I last take the time to focus on just me? Here at Balance Holidays, we know this happens, and it's okay. We're here to help you understand a little more about self-care, and how it can be encouraged to become a regular feature in your life.

Those who are conscious of their mental wellbeing are now trying to understand the things that affect it. Through extensive scientific study and increased public awareness, we are starting to gain a better understanding of mental health, and the factors that may influence it.

All around us, nature is continuously moving in a wave of ultimate infinity. Often the powers of nature remain invisible, and it’s these powers that move undetected and help to shape the world as we know it.

Here at Balance Holidays, it may go without saying that we enjoy a spot of yoga! The refreshing sensation of bending, stretching and breathing to connect our minds with our bodies fills us with joy. We know that we are not alone, and in years gone by, many of you will have tried or thought about trying yoga.

If you choose to visit Italy, you will likely come to find that a passion for food lies in the hearts of many Italian people. Traditionally, much of Italian family life revolves around the dinner table, and they even have a phrase ‘gioie della tavola’ which translates to ‘joys of the table’. With so much soul ingrained in their cuisine, it’s no wonder that Italian food is celebrated around the world.

What does it take to be mindful? How do I learn how to meditate? These may be some of the questions you ask when hearing those words. It may surprise you that the answers to these questions and more are relatively simple. Anyone can practice mindfulness and meditation, and to get started is also straight forward.

Have you ever found yourself struggling with work-related stress? Some people often feel the effects too much work can have on them. While we all have an annual leave allowance some of us may struggle to completely switch off from work during this time. A holiday retreat can be the perfect solution, whether referring to a location focused on meditation, yoga or simply a resort which provides a tranquil setting for rejuvenation.

Home to the alluring towns of Saint-Tropez and Cannes and the grand cities of Nice, Provence is a sensational region in the southeastern part of France. It borders the Mediterranean sea and Italy by way of the southern Alps. To think of Provence conjures images of dramatic landscapes and tranquil rolling lavender fields. A region steeped in beauty and ancient history, Provence is the ideal place to visit for a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday or retreat.

‘Mindfulness isn’t difficult. We just need to remember to do it.’ Sharon Salzberg is a best-selling author and teacher of meditation practices in the west, and for many people, this quote may ring true. We all know how to be mindful, we do it every day to some extent, but the practice of being mindful involves us being aware of it.

A 5,000- year old practise recommended by health professionals today; yoga can’t help but trigger intrigue from the modern individual. When practiced correctly, some may begin to see physical benefits. For an example, those who recently visited our Forest Bathing Retreat reported improved flexibility and a strengthened lower body. An essential aspect of yoga also concentrates on breathing and meditation.

There are many ways in which we can work to reduce our carbon footprint. In today’s society, we are more aware now than ever on the impact the actions we take will have on the environment. If you are reading this, it is likely that you are already an environmentally conscious person, looking to expand your knowledge further.

Podcasts have existed for over a decade, although their popularity has seen a dramatic increase in the last few years. Modern technology has made them widely available, and many of them are free. With a quick search, you will find everything from celebrity interviews to the secret lives of insects; it’s fair to say there is now a podcast for everything.

With so much information on mental health, mindfulness and self-care out there, it can sometimes to be hard to know where to start. Many people find benefits in practising mindfulness and meditation, but if you are just beginning, you might find it slightly daunting.

Where the most northern tip of Italy touches Austria and Germany, South Tyrol covers an exceptional location in the Alps. The area is also known as the Alto Adige, ascribed to a river which passes through the region. It encompasses a community created from the union of Italian, German and Austrian populations. A unique culture, the Ladin people, contribute profoundly to the charm of the area.

As we approach the midsummer of 2019, you may be finding yourself with the opportunity to take a well-earned holiday. So far, 2019 has seen a rise in bespoke and creative wellness tourism, with some exciting new trends emerging from previous years. Wellness holidays, dedicated to maintaining and enhancing wellbeing, are now considered by some to be a fresh antidote to hectic modern life.

Being aware of, and attentive to, yourself is the basis of yoga. A yoga retreat's emphasis is to encourage you to do this and use it as a life skill. Instead of planning all the holiday activities and sights you will be seeing, a yoga retreat asks you to learn about yourself within a serene and natural setting.

Tuscany is filled with historically-rich and fine-looking sites. Regarded as the origin for the Renaissance, there are impressive museums and architecture throughout the area, showcasing the most excellent examples of Italian art and culture.

We’ve all been there. You get into bed after a long day, looking forward to the night’s sleep and feeling refreshed in the morning. Maybe you have a big interview or an important day at work ahead? Suddenly your brain fills with anything and everything that acts a hurdle to your slumber, and it can take you hours to finally drift off.

There are many ways in which we can achieve happiness in our lives — practising self-care, spending time with loved ones or treating ourselves to a special something. But have you ever wondered, do the foods we eat also have an impact on how we feel? It is a topic that is becoming well researched as more people become conscious to what they put into their bodies.

Yoga has been recognised by the National Sleep Foundation as a way to help ease the symptoms of insomnia, if performed routinely. It can act as a relief for insomnia sufferers by helping them to let their minds wander from the troubles and tasks of everyday life.

At a time of environmental uncertainty and change, we must come together as humans to discover solutions and new ways of life. Awareness of the environment and, in extension, sustainability is growing across the globe, and now more than ever before, we possess the tools and knowledge to make positive change.

The word ‘habit’ sometimes comes with negative connotations, often associated with detrimental activities such as smoking or being untidy. However, if used to create an affirmative action, habits can be utilised to create a constructive routine that can be beneficial in a multitude of ways.

What choices do you make to be more environmentally friendly? With awareness rising and government policy finally starting to reflect the urgency of being more eco-responsive, many of us are making conscious and not so conscious decisions that have a positive impact.

A city of decadence and ageless eloquence, Paris and its surrounding area is the most populated of France’s 18 regions. Millions of explorers from across the world venture to the city every year to visit classic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc du Triumph. While these landmarks hoard the expected number of eager tourists, there are some fantastic locations in the city and the surrounding area where you can avoid these crowds.

Loneliness and being alone- two states of being that seem related but are actually completely different. Have you ever been to a gathering with a group of people you know and still felt alone? Have you ever been by yourself but felt completely fulfilled and content, maybe doing something that you love?

The concept of going green is something many of us are becoming more aware of, but did you know you can extend eco-awareness to the way you travel? Sustainable travel is the future for sustainability-conscious adventurers. Not only is the industry of eco-travel here to stay, but you will be amazed at what such holidays have to offer. Let us take a closer look at what is in store.

Across the world, people who are passionate about mindfulness and its benefits to humans and the world that surrounds them, take the brave step to put themselves out there and become teachers and leaders. In the modern-day, we look to influential advocates and experienced gurus to advise and further educate us. Mindfulness is an ancient practice that has been introduced to the western world.

Many people find that drifting off for a restful night’s sleep can be a pivotal contributor to waking up feeling refreshed and ready to embrace the new day’s challenges. It’s no wonder, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the importance of sleep extends far beyond merely feeling great when the alarm clock rings.

Doing nothing certainly does not have to mean achieving nothing. It is a concerning factor of modern life that every second of our time is seen to have a monetary value. Many of us are feeling the pressure to maximise productivity and ‘make the most’ of our time. But what does this actually mean? Many individuals are advocating the value of allowing oneself to simply do nothing.

Paris ticks many boxes when it comes to a destination for travel. Culturally significant and endlessly decadent, La Ville-Lumière is known for its exquisite architecture and beautiful cuisine. But as much as a city break can be an enjoyable experience, the chaos of airports, checking into hotels and finding your way around can leave you feeling somewhat exhausted despite the holiday.

There is no question that we live in a society that puts a great deal of pressure on females. Social media, popular culture, and gender stereotypes all play a part in painting an unrealistic image of perfection. Fortunately, women across the world are fighting back, restoring self-esteem and redefining what it means to be female.

Sustainability is a prevalent topic on everyone’s lips. We are all becoming aware of the importance of being more environmentally conscious in an effort to care for the planet and reduce the effects of global warming. The environmental impact caused by the tourism industry has been highlighted in recent years.

Should we be teaching mindfulness to children? We live in an age where social pressures are heightened by social media influence, and climate change and political unrest dominate the news. As such, there are several compelling arguments to suggest that children, as well as adults, may benefit from the practice.

For some, looking after their emotional health is an important part of their overall health and wellbeing. It is easy to overlook the smaller, but essential details your body and mind required to stay at ease in a hectic day to day schedule. A mindfulness retreat offers dedicated time to learn about your body and mind and to discover the attention required to allow yourself to be your most productive and creative.

For most, the joy of the holiday season arriving is normally a time for celebration. However, it is not unusual to find that the shift in routine, coupled with the added pressures of the holidays, can leave you feeling somewhat stressed and anxious. By adding a touch of mindfulness to the festive period, we can help ourselves, and others, to stay on track and ensure our wellbeing is maintained throughout this demanding time.

Take a quick look at Instagram, and one thing you will notice is the growing trend of emerald, leafy houseplants of all shapes and sizes, adorning the homes of millennials. These pictures demonstrate the burgeoning increase of a new wellness trend amongst the new generation, choosing to bring low maintenance nature into their homes.

Italian cuisine is arguably one of the world’s most popular and delectable foods. Each region of Italy uniquely hosts its diverse range of dishes, curated from hundreds of years of culture and cooking. The island of Sicily is no different and plays host to its regional delights influenced by Italian, Spanish, French, Arab and Greek cooking.

How often do you look back and wonder where time has gone? It’s not uncommon to feel as though each year disappears into another faster than the one before. Slowing down can act as an antidote to this rapidly vanishing timeline, but what does ‘slowing down’ mean? Here we discuss how you can reduce the pace of life, and why it is essential that you should.

With heavy weekdays filled with jobs, school runs and schedules, the weekend comes as a relief for many families who have children. A chance to leave the timetable behind, the weekend can be an opportunity to re-programme and spend some much needed time enjoying each other’s company in the home environment. With two days to unwind and relax, there are an array of nourishing activities which you can enjoy as a family.

It is no secret that the popularity of wellness is soaring as more of us turn to personal care as an antidote to the ever-increasing daily events. Experts are predicting further growth as we head into 2020 and along with it, the emerging trends that are expected to add extra support and diversity to solidify wellness as not just another passing trend, but as a way of life.

The way in which we travel is constantly evolving, and each year new trends hit our Instagram feeds. Solo travel, however, stands out from the rest. Intrepid explorers have long been going on adventures around the world, but something about it is changing. The independent traveller scene has seen significant growth in recent years.

The festive season is one that sparks joy and frivolity in many individuals and even the scrooges among us get swept up in the excitement by the time Christmas day arrives. However, for those who are mindful of the environment, the holiday season can be a cause for concern.

It’s volcanic, mountainous landscapes and ancient culture make Sicily one of Italy’s most fascinating and glorious regions. While a popular tourist destination, the area still presents many exciting hidden gems to discover on an authentic Sicilian adventure. From the vibrant towns and cities to the protected Aeolian Islands, here we share with you the regions most treasured secrets.

Gift buying has evolved in the past decade. Once a time to receive piles of material items, the modern-day has shifted our perspectives, and many of us now value mindful gifts that present us with an opportunity.

Sweeping into the Adriatic Sea, Istria is a unique peninsula belonging to three different countries. The largest area makes up part of Croatia, with other areas that are part of Slovenia and Italy. Istria has been populated for well over two millennia, resulting in a rich culture and ancient history, much of which can still be seen today.

Sustainability is a hot topic when it comes to travel. While we are becoming more aware than ever of the possible detrimental impact of tourism, we are also reminded that some communities and countries prosper and thrive from visitors and holidaymakers. To find the perfect balance, eco-minded travellers are demanding a more sustainable way to discover the world.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines the pronoun ‘nothing’ as not anything; no single thing. Of course, it is not technically possible for a person, or any other living entity to do absolutely nothing, as we are always respiring, moving or growing. In today’s rhetoric, doing nothing implies the act of doing nothing useful.

The busy holiday season is a wonderful time but, as many of us know, it is also very hectic. Additional commitments such as work parties and the added stress of seeing family, gift buying and preparing for festivities can often mean that we feel slightly thrown off balance.

The notion of a sound bath is one that stems from ancient healing practices, used by many cultures throughout history to create a deeply meditative experience to promote realignment. In modern times, as we recognise the powers of meditation, sound bathing has risen in the ranks as part of the practices of the mindfulness movement.

A romantic bond between two people is a powerful joy, and it is important to celebrate it. To take a romantic holiday is a beautiful way to connect with your partner and spend quality time together away from the trials and distractions of daily life. The difficulty sometimes, as with many other commitments in life, is finding the time to dedicate to a break.

Japan, a country in East Asia that is often associated to artful culture, divine etiquette and the world’s oldest population. Yet, beyond the bright colours and layers of tradition, the concept of wellness is deeply forged into the Japanese lifestyle, inspiring droves of experience-seekers to get an up-close taste.

Our mothers are the ones who bring us into the world and each year on Mothering Sunday, we celebrate the wonderful women and the roles they play in our lives. Showing your mum how much she means to you is a fantastic way to give something back and show how much you appreciate the nourishment, support and love.

When was the last time you took things slow? We have come a long way from a time where ‘slow’ was considered a bad thing: slow transport systems, slow service, slow activities. Yet now, it is a heavily desired commodity. The pace of everyday life isn’t slowing down and it’s affecting the way we travel.

It brings us into every second of the day yet it is oftentimes the most overlooked tool to help us manage our wellbeing - our breath. Chances are, if you’ve ever been in a state of stress, panic, anxiety or pain, the very first piece of advice you’d hear people say is: “Take a deep breath.” The act of breathing is an essential part of our lives and particularly emphasised in yoga classes and meditation practices.

Wines: a punchy addition to cooking but also a wonderful dinnertime companion. Recently, the spotlight is on natural wines, which is understandable given the discourse around food at the moment. But what is it? How does it vary from organic and biodynamic wine and does it lessen hangovers?

It has been several weeks since we’ve been confined at home due to current circumstances. For most of us, we have probably already taken an internal road-trip of self-discoveries, seeking answers to who we are and what’s next in terms of life progression. The more we dwell, the easier it becomes to spiral down a slope made up of our most raw and pure thoughts and emotions.

Becoming a new parent in the modern age brings its own set of challenges and obstacles. Put a pandemic, social distancing, a new work and family life setup in between seems synonymous to Mission Impossible. We raise a conversation about being mother during an unprecedented time and explore why the upkeep of a healthy and positive lifestyle is particularly important for balanced wellbeing with our knowledgeable and passionate expert, Happy Healthy Ila.

When the novel Coronavirus overturned our lifestyles, prompted full-scale lockdown in some countries and month-long bans on non-essential travel, we witnessed the result of our inactivity on planet Earth for the first time. Now, travel restrictions are beginning to ease.

The wide-reaching Covid-19 pandemic has and continues to present increasing challenges for the global economy. For one sector in particular, travel and tourism - the largest single global industry market, the impacts were felt harshly.

From leisure weekend trips to grocery shopping and how we spend our free time. The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up many fundamental aspects of our daily lives. One area in particular, working from home has been turbocharged by the unprecedented times. In the UK alone, after lockdown was introduced, the scale of shift indicated an astonishing eight-fold rise.

Music is a powerful tool for liberation and creative expression. Oftentimes referred to as 'music therapy' in health and wellness, it is an area that studies the effects of music on the mind.

As the saying goes, we do not remember days, we remember memories. Walking into the new decade, many of us carried high anticipations for 2020. Hoping for it to be a year swelling rich of meaningful progression, personal achievements and heart-warming memories. Yet instead, their realisation was placed on involuntary pause.

Where have you been turning to support personal wellbeing? Perhaps before Coronavirus, wellbeing was considered a fanciful ideal wrapped in Zen, perfect happiness and optimal health. Although this is still true, through recent events, many are beginning to realise that wellbeing is in fact, a way of living.