What are you looking forward to once this is over?

  0 

I hope you are all keeping well and staying safe. Recently, I’ve been having so many ideas what I would like to do when all of this is finally over. I’ve been visualising what it’s going to feel like to go for meal to my favourite restaurant again or to do something exciting, like going on a trip of a lifetime. I think we are all getting a bit fed up with everything that is going on and want life to go back to normal ASAP. It’s important to re-focus our attention to things that we care about, that we are excited about, instead of focusing on what we fear. Just the other day I took a pen and paper and wrote down some things I’m so looking forward to, once all of this over. I’d love to share this list with you, with a hope that it will encourage you to perhaps write your own. I want you to get excited about the future, start visualising what you are looking forward to, instead of worrying every day. It’s always nice to look forward to something, even though you may not know exactly when it’s going to happen. I’d rather focus on the positive, than worry about something I cannot change. I’d rather stay optimistic than feeling upset about what else may go wrong. I think this exercise can be a fun thing to do and it can lift you up a bit. I hope you’ll give it a go.

The list is not in chronological order and there are some short-term and also long-term goals on it.

So, here is my list:

  • Give a big hug to my mum, my dad, my sister, my brother-in-law, my nephew and my niece, and tell them, in person, how much I love them
  • Go to London’s Ritz with my boyfriend and my best friends for an afternoon tea
  • Teach a meditation class and connect with my lovely students again
  • Go for a classical concert to the Royal Albert Hall
  • Get back to the ballet studio
  • Get my helicopter license
  • Go to my favourite coffee shop, order a nice Latte and work on my new book
  • Go back to Alaska and explore some new parts of it
  • Explore more haunted castles
  • Give a Ted Talk and inspire many people
  • Help others to achieve their goals
  • Speak more publicly about things that matter to me
  • Build up my flying hours
  • Don’t take the little things for granted
  • Buy a cottage in the countryside
  • Have a BBQ at my parents’ garden
  • Go on a holiday with my family
  • Create a cool soundtrack for a film
  • Do more good in the world

I hope my list can inspire you to write your own. Stay safe and well, my friends. 

Jana x 

Getting a new perspective

  0 

Last week I’ve decided to minimise my presence on social media for a while. This was a hard decision for me to make, but it was 100% necessary, for many reasons. I’ve been on the social media, practically full-time, since 2009, so it feels a bit unusual to suddenly not be part of it as much. But, as much as I love inspiring others over the internet, I had to step away for a while. That’s why I will keep my posts to the minimum for now.

And I know, there are many people who don’t care, but there are also many people who do and they get inspired by my posts and messages. I know who these people are, so to them, I feel, I owe you an explanation of my sudden absence.

We all need to put ourselves and our well-being first, and at the moment, I need some time out to make my well-being a full-time job. I always say to my students and clients: ‘I know you love people and care about people. I know you want to help them and serve them, but first, you have to make sure you are taken care of, that you are well and you are looking after yourself. Then, when you are finally overflowing, you can give to others. You can’t pour from an empty cup. You are the most important person in your own life and you need to put yourself first. And this is not selfish, but an act of self-love and a healthy self-respect towards yourself.’ 

And I know, this can be extremely hard when you have small children or are looking after others who depend on you. Therefore, I want to honour you, your journey and the great work that you do. It’s not easy. I fully understand. You can only do your best at any given moment. And I want you to know, that you are amazing!

So, beside everything else that is going on in my life and in the world, I’ve been longing to get more still for ages. I’ve been longing to seek some answers for myself, which I can hopefully find, when I turn down the volume of other things. And so far, I’m noticing some positive changes. In that quiet-titute I’m able to see life differently. I’m able to see life more clearly and I’m able to be more present. I’m able to notice the little things more. These are the things we often take for granted, but they are, in most cases, the ones that truly matter. I feel that I’m healing from something that I didn’t even know was a problem before.

I’m not saying that there is something wrong with social media. It is through social media I was able to connect with most of you, and for that, I will always be grateful. But, there is also so much noise out there, which some sensitive and introverted souls like me, can find challenging to navigate through after quite some time. When we take it in a small doses, it’s all fine. But, when we start noticing that we are turning to it more than is necessary, then it becomes a problem. And partly, this is what has been happening to me.

There are other elements of my life, which are currently not running smoothly. Well, who doesn’t find life challenging these days? But, there are so many things I’ve been overlooking for a long time and they need my full attention now. Realising that has been a blessing.

I do miss you and interacting with you, and I will come back online again fully. But now, I need a bit of space. However, the Mystic Butterfly community still keeps going, because it is what truly empowers me. If you would like to be part of it, simply join the list and subscribe. I sent out a weekly newsletter, every Tuesday, with my latest updates, blog posts and news, and I answer your questions: http://www.mysticbutterfly.co.uk  and as a bonus, you’ll get my brand new eBook ‘The Art of Believing in Yourself’.

Beside that, I’m still continuing with my YouTube videos, so if you are not a subscriber yet and would you like to become one, you can subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCHhGKB2UHc0vWvVhrv9xTw

Look after yourselves, keep well, stay safe and I’m so looking forward to getting in touch again soon. 

Jana x

Confession time:

  2 

I love being creative and sharing content with you. I love the process of putting things together, in a way that only we, as individuals, can do in our own unique way. But, there is something that still haunts me when I do this. It is judgement of myself and my work. As much as I get excited putting something out to the world, whether it’s an article, a video, a piece of music, I sometimes question it.

Can you relate?

Judging yourself for your own content?

It’s very interesting to actually notice how much energy we put into worrying what may other people think of our work, especially once we put it out there. This is just my perception, so if you don’t feel this way, I’m glad you don’t have to deal with the scary voice in your head, which questions or judges your own creativity. I think the reason I feel this way, is partly because I’ve always been a natural worrier ever since I can remember. But that’s another story.

Most of us, when we are in the process of creating something, get very excited. We put so much time and effort to create something we feel proud of, but when it finally comes to sharing it with others, we begin to doubt ourselves, question our creativity, our vision, our unique perspective. Is it okay? Would this or that person like it? Did I say it right? How is it going to be received? Am I going to be judged? We awaken this doubtful voice in the back of our minds and it often takes over and we question something we were so proud of just a few moments ago. Mine used to be so much louder than it is now, but it’s still there. However, I’m trying to co-operate with it the best way I can.

But, there is also a positive side to this. I know, that no matter how judgmental I may get towards myself, I will never stop creating. I will never stop, regardless of other people’s opinions. I will continue to do my best, create my art (no matter how big or small), because it brings me joy. Creativity is my soul food. It is my nourishment. It’s keeping me awake, it fulfils me, it helps me breathe better and it gives me confidence in my ideas. On top of that, there is good chance that my work can inspire and help people. That is the main reason why I do what I do.

When it comes to dealing with the judgemental voice, this is what I find very helpful: Continuously reminding myself that I love and accept myself for who I am, regardless of what other people think of me or my work. It is the love and acceptance that is continuously helping me bring my new projects into fruition.

And here is something I believe can help you, if you struggle with that voice too: 

A year ago, I put together some positive affirmations (at the link below), which can help you become more loving and accepting towards yourself. I hope these affirmations will inspire you. Sit back, relax and let these words sink into your subconscious. You can also play them in the background, while you are cooking, tidying your house, even gardening. The choice is yours. My hope and my intention is that they will help you become more loving and accepting towards your beautiful self.

Lift yourself up, by staying present

  2 

Last Saturday I had a nice, relaxing day, which I’m extremely grateful for. In the evening, I’ve decided to grab my headphones and listen to some music. For a couple of hours I listened everything from the 80’s to the more contemporary Hip-Hop. Later that evening, while making a cup of tea, I realised, that for those couple of hours, I completely forgot about the current outbreak, the ‘C’ word and all the stresses that come with it. I got so ‘lost in the music’, it didn’t cross my mind once. I felt great.

And this experience has inspired today’s post. Being present in the moment and fully focused on the activity you are doing in that particular moment in time, can be very therapeutic. Every time there is something going on in our lives (a problem we can’t find a solution for etc.), it is possible to leave it aside for a while, by being fully engage in the activity we are doing.

I will give you another example. Some of you may now that I’m a devoted ballet student. I took ballet as a child and got back to it as an adult a few years ago. I love ballet. To me, ballet is an art, and another way how my soul expresses itself on this physical plane. Of course, being currently in a ‘lockdown’ here in Britain, there are no classes at my local studio. However, in the last couple of weeks, my beautiful teachers, Jessi and Suzy, came up with an idea to start teaching a life-streaming online classes. I’m so happy and extremely grateful for this. I keep attending and dancing in my living room, while connecting with all my classmates through the internet. I think it’s amazing that we can do that. Ballet, also helps me be more present in the moment and forget, if only for an hour, what is currently going on in the world. The great thing about ballet is that you have to fully focus on what you are doing, so you don’t make mistakes with your steps and the routine. This prevents your mind from wandering. And who doesn’t need that now?

So, what do you enjoy doing? Is it listening to music, reading, gardening, dancing? Get immersed in that activity for a while. Give it your full and undivided attention, and experience the benefits that come with it. You will not only forget about the worries you may have for a while, but afterwards, you may have a completely different outlook on them. Try it.

Stay safe and well, my friends, 

Jana x 

I feel HOPEFUL

  0 

I feel the energy is re-arranging right now. I feel this, when I tune in the truth of who I really am, and when I’m aligned with the higher frequencies of this Universe. And, I feel HOPEFUL.⠀

Things may be hard and chaotic right now, but the waters will eventually settle and the darkness will start dissolving, and will eventually fade away.⠀
⠀
There is always a light at the end of the tunnel (which can also be seen in the photograph above). Even though, I’m not facing the light and I can’t see it, it doesn’t mean is not there. The light is always there, the HOPE is always there. I thought this was a good metaphor to use.⠀
⠀
There are so many amazing earth angels in this world, such as light workers and energy healers, we may not even hear about. They are doing an amazing work sending positive energy and positive intentions to the entire humanity on a daily basis. I am so grateful for all these people.⠀
⠀
And these earth angels also include all the nursers, doctors and carers, who are healing and helping people daily. They include all the hardworking cooks and cleaners working in the hospitals, and beyond, making sure the patients eat and are kept in a clean environment.⠀
⠀
And what about the supermarket employees, who are daily interacting with general public, to serve them with such a bravery and integrity, even though they may be scared themselves?⠀
⠀
Look at all the aviation workers, such as cabin crew, pilots and many aviation ground employees, running their flight operations the best way they can, still bringing many stranded people home. At the same time, they are feeling uneasy crossing boarders to other countries, keeping a brave smile on in front of their passenger while they are so worried about their own families and their job security.⠀
⠀
And these are just a very few to mention. The list can go on and on! There are so many more amazing earth angels, our heroes, who are raising the frequency of this planet, by doing their wonderful work. They are re-arranging the energy around while doing so much good for the entire planet, even without realising. For all of you, I am so grateful!⠀
⠀
I feel hopeful, because even though we are going through something very challenging right now, there are so many people shining their light. And only the light can dissolve the darkness. More darkness and negativity cannot do that.⠀
⠀
So, stay hopeful, stay safe and look after yourselves, my friends.⠀
⠀
Jana x

Calmness = your secret superpower

  2 

Firstly, I hope you and your loved ones are doing well. We are still in the global crisis, so therefore it’s important to support each other more than we’ve ever done before. Let’s put our egos aside and start really co-operating. Let’s lead by an example, so others can get inspired by our actions and not become upset by our behaviour.

In the last few days, I’ve been noticing lots of tension building up. People are leaving social media, because they are being attacked and abused for their views and beliefs. I thought, that especially now, social media was a place to virtually gather and celebrate each other’s presence, but clearly, I can’t fully stand by that statement.

There is so much judgement and unnecessary hate floating around. Just the other day I’ve seen a viral video made by a man here in the UK. He was recording a video while driving his car and pointing at all the people walking in the streets using a very inappropriate and insulting language. Of course, people should only go out when really necessary, to get their food and other essentials. But that wasn’t the main point of his video. His monologue went something like this: (I will use ‘pauses’ where he used any swear word).  ‘Look at all these crazy ____queuing in front of the shops and walking around. Look at them. They must be all ____ eastern europeans. Look at that woman, definitely a ____ eastern european. Look at these muslims and indians. They shouldn’t even be in this country.’ The monologue went on for a while, but I just could not continue watching the rest of the video. He was getting abusive more and more, by every second.

It’s quite sad, that even in the global crisis, people still act this way. I was shocked. We should all realise, that we are in this together. And in truth, we are all citizens of this world, of this earth, of this universe and not of the geographical location we were happened to be born in. But, that’s not a point of this post.

Luckily, not everyone is like that man. But, the sad truth is, the tension amongst people is clearly building up. There is so much unnecessary hate floating around. We need to be wiser than that.

I’ve been noticing a lot of pressure within myself too. Many things, I wouldn’t otherwise give a second thought to, irritate me. And I am working hard to dissolve these irritations. Part of me thinks, this is because we spend more time on our gadgets where we are surrounded by too much information from other people. So, if you need to take a break from these gadgets, I would definitely recommend limiting their use. Try to filter what you let in.

So, the question is: ‘What can we do when the tension is clearly building up around us? How can we stay in control in the middle of this chaos?’ We need to remain as calm as we possibly can. I know this can be easier said than done, but when you are in a calm state of mind, you are able to see what you are not able to see when you are anxious, in fear or over-reacting. When you are in a calm state of mind, you will be able to see things from a different perspective and also notice solutions instead of all the obstacles and negativity. That’s why I call calmness your secret superpower.

To help you out, I created a simple meditation. Even if you’ve never meditated before, give it a go. Make yourself comfortable and let my voice be your guide. I believe it can help you feel better. You can access it at the link below.

Stay safe and look after yourselves. 

Jana x 

 

How to stay disciplined

  2 

These days, during the current outbreak, we can get easily caught up in the media and chaos, and forget about our daily routines. We can get out of balance and our thoughts can get out of control. We can unintentionally de-tour into some bad habits, such as comfort eating, addiction to the news, social media or even self-pity.

In these chaotic times, it is important, more than ever, to stay disciplined and keeping our vibration as high as possible. We need to prevent falling into some unwanted, bad habits that can lead us down hill even more. I know this may not be easy, especially when we are feeling so worried right now. But, sticking to our little routines, like having a glass of water first thing in the morning, keeping up our 5-minute meditation practice or doing the 20 sit-ups we said we are going to do every single day, can work miracles. We need to stay motivated, we need to stay inspired, we need to stay in control.

I fully understand that staying disciplined can be a challenge to many people, but it is the discipline that can bring many incredible benefits into your life.

If you want to know how to stayed disciplined, I’d love to share with you some of my favourite tips. I believe they can inspire you or at least re-direct your attention to something different than the current news.

Keep your word

When you say you are going to do something, do it. Stick to your word. You will not only be respected by others, but it will make you feel good about yourself too. Keep a word to yourself for your own peace of mind and keep a word to others, so they can rely on you.

Remove temptations

For me, personally, social media can be a big temptation, especially when I’m working from home. These days when there is so much going on, we can get easily caught up scrolling through our news feeds and forget that we were doing something productive just a few minutes ago. If you find it difficult, put your phone in another room while you are working on something. This works like magic.

Schedule

Write down all the things that are important to you and you need to get done. When something is written down, do it. Don’t postpone and don’t procrastinate. Make appointments with yourself. Put them in your diary. Try this approach for a week or so and see how much more organised you’ll feel.

Praise yourself for your little successes

When you are starting to be more disciplined in life, praise yourself for all your little accomplishments. It can be as little as not looking at your phone for 2 hours, when you are so used to checking it every few minutes. It can also be pausing for moment twice a day and taking a few, deep, conscious breaths. Celebrate your little successes.

I will leave you with these powerful words by Abraham Lincoln:

‘Discipline is choosing between what you want now, and what you want most.’ 

Staying calm in the midst of chaos

  0 

A few days ago my boyfriend and I went grocery shopping. The supermarket shelves were half-empty and people were panic-buying. We could sense the energy of lack and anxiety floating around. At the same time, it was so interesting to observe how people react in these sorts of situations. There is no need to even verbalise what we are all currently dealing with in the world. Well, you are surrounded by it by more than an hourly media reminders and reports. Everyone’s talking about it at work, at home, you name it.

When there is something going in our lives, not only in the world, most of us have a difficulty to remain calm and in control. Many people have a tendency to panic and even go to some extreme behaviour that may even surprise themselves. Witnessing what is currently going on in the world is a clear example of that. At times like these it’s important, more than ever, to stand in our power, stay in control and not to get too drawn into the chaos that surrounds us. I’m not saying to be ignorant or not to get informed, but we need to filter the information that has been given to us and don’t believe entirely everything ‘they’ tell us. We need to be wiser than that, and most importantly, think for ourselves. It’s good to be cautious, but not to go overboard.

The truth is, there is so much scarcity and anxiety in the world right now and it seems so much easier to get drawn into it fully rather than seeing it from a different perspective. These days, in general, we are surrounded by so much information, but also mis-information that can easily mislead us. Years ago, when we only had black and white televisions and no internet, we had a completely different perspective on things. When there was something going on in the world, we would maybe briefly say a few words about it to a work colleague or somebody at the bus stop and ask them: ‘Did you hear about this-that…?’ They would say yes or no, and maybe we wouldn’t even give it a second thought. But, because these days information is practically everywhere, and we are surrounded by it every second of every day, it’s difficult to escape it. Therefore we tend to overanalyse and exaggerate.

But there is another side of this too: The unnecessary, humorous remarks some people make about a rather serious situation. We are witnessing this daily on social media in a form of intentionally ‘funny posts’. I think we need to really ask ourselves whether we want to be making fun of it. At the same time, I do understand that those who are sharing these sorts of posts are trying to perceive the situation from a lighter perspective. I get it. My only problem with it is this: ‘I don’t think any of  these remarks are funny to those people who have lost someone they truly loved and cared about in this or are currently going through it.’ 

So, how do we stay calm in the midst of this chaos?

Let’s look after ourselves and protect ourselves and those around us. Let’s get informed, but filter the information that comes to us (there is also lots of mis-information going around). Let’s keep on a positive frequency, trust our intuition, our inner voice, and if it tells us not to do something or go somewhere, let’s listen to it. Let’s be more respectful towards others and think twice what we share or not share on social media.

If you have got this far, thank you for reading. I wanted to express few of my thoughts on this and I hope you found it helpful.

Stay safe and well, my friends! 

Jana x 

Do you feel less than…?

  0 

I used to feel like I was less than other people. I had a lack of self-love, self-worth and self-confidence. I was putting other people and their needs ahead of mine, thinking they were better than me, because of their social class, a ‘fancy job title’, you name it. When I look back, I think this is absolutely ridiculous, but yes, this is what I used to believe and it was making my life difficult in so many ways.

Sadly, there are so many people around the world who feel this way because their past beliefs may be controlling their lives, and what we believe will always be reflected back to us just like if we were looking in the mirror. But this is not to make anyone a victim. Not at all. What we focus on always expands, so it is very important to ask ourselves, whether we want to still believe what someone has told us about us or not.

You decide what you want to accept and believe, and what you want to discard.

My hope for this new decade is that we can finally start dissolving all these outdated beliefs, such as one is better than another. The truth is, we are all human beings and we should all be treated equally, without being afraid to speak up or stand up for ourselves, no matter what category someone put us in, in the past. This is what creates division, separation and so much pain. I think this new decade should be the decade where we finally wake up and start doing something about this issue, so the next generations can feel freer. Some of you may think that’s quite an ambitious vision and may even be impossible. Perhaps… But, if many people with great intentions come together, why not? One of many great things that came out of my personal struggles, is to think big and stopped believing in the impossible.

Where can we begin?

Let’s be an example to others by treating everyone the way we want to be treated. Let’s be more loving and compassionate towards  each other and treat people with love, respect, no matter of their ‘so called’ social class or a job title. I know many people won’t even need this reminder, because they are already respectful and would not even consider treating others disrespectfully, but if you’ve ever looked down on someone, let this be your reminder.

And if you are someone who sometimes feels less than other people, please know that this isn’t who you truly are. You are more than good enough. You are worthy of amazing things in life, no matter what lie you have accepted in the past about yourself.  You matter and you can make a decision to see yourself in a different light at any given moment. You are a unique individual with so much greatness within you and a potential to do some wonderful things in life.

Jana x 

How exciting is it to finally step out of your comfort zone?

  0 

Last week, I’ve decided to start making motivational videos again. These videos are very spontaneous. When an inspiration comes to me, I just get my phone or a computer out and press record. Talking in front of the camera never felt natural to me, but after hearing an inner voice over and over again, that this is what I should be doing, I’ve decided to get to work. I like stepping out of my comfort zone, even though I often go through the overwhelming feelings of a resistance and sometimes fear. But, I’d rather be pushing through that resistance and fear than living with the thought: ‘I wish I’ve done that.’ Life is too short for that.

When it comes to being afraid to do something, I love the advice from Mel Robbins: ‘When you are scared, tell yourself that you are very excited.’ She says, and I’m paraphrasing now: ‘Your brain doesn’t know the difference between being scared and being excited, so you may as well use it to your advantage.’ I absolutely love that outlook, so I began applying it into my life. The results I’ve been getting have been pleasantly surprising. On top of that, I also stopped worrying so much what other people think of me. My messages are not for everyone, I understand that, and the truth is, we are not here to be everyone’s cup of tea anyway. And all of that is okay. However, we are here to be ourselves and to do our best in any given moment.

So today, I have a question for you: ‘Have you recently stepped out of your comfort zone and started doing what you always wanted to do?’ If so, tell me about it in the comments below or PM me. I love hearing your inspiring stories.

I’m also attaching my Step into your Future visualisation to this post. Listen to it daily for 14 days at least. The affirmations are very powerful and specifically designed to help you step out of your comfort zone 🙂

And lastly, if you would like to watch some of my most recent videos, visit my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCHhGKB2UHc0vWvVhrv9xTw?view_as=subscriber

I hope they will inspire you.

Jana x