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And Then The Clouds Break
United Kingdom
Приєднався 27 чер 2019
Wellbeing, wellness, self development and personal objectives are all things I aspire to, in the pursuit of an authentic life. This channel allows me to share my experiences of personal growth and development, in the hope that it will inspire others to make the changes they want to make a life they feel is authentic.
They are intentionally raw, because they is how we are when we start a journey of change - raw and in need of refining.
I'll be looking at all aspects of wellbeing.
The channel has the following purposes:
Inspire others and challenging me.
Please join me on the journey and say goodbye to the comfort zone.
They are intentionally raw, because they is how we are when we start a journey of change - raw and in need of refining.
I'll be looking at all aspects of wellbeing.
The channel has the following purposes:
Inspire others and challenging me.
Please join me on the journey and say goodbye to the comfort zone.
Wim Hof Method in a Frozen Garden - What is it like?
I've played with the Wim Hof method a few times in the past, using breathing, meditation and cold showers - its never really stuck for me.
However, with a cold snap upon us, I decided to try cold exposure outside, earthing into nature and seeing how it felt.
Here is my experience - excuse the rambling - it was cold, I was trying to focus on warmth!
I loved this experience and I'm now praying for snow!
However, with a cold snap upon us, I decided to try cold exposure outside, earthing into nature and seeing how it felt.
Here is my experience - excuse the rambling - it was cold, I was trying to focus on warmth!
I loved this experience and I'm now praying for snow!
Переглядів: 57
Відео
How to be happy - what really matters
Переглядів 1024 роки тому
Being able to let go of how you think your life has to be is an amazing experience, one that has bought me a lightness that has been rare in my life. Needing to let go of "stuff" and the need to consume endlessly has been so liberating. Here I explore a few of these thoughts in an amazing wander through the woods - I love this place so much. My inspiration:ua-cam.com/video/MRXc0G3Njg8/v-deo.html
Parenting An Unwell Child - Handling Your Emotions
Переглядів 804 роки тому
Parenting is not without its challenges, even just the best of times - we've all had bedtime time battles, school sickness, housework horrors and TV tanrums. However, when your child is ill - and worse still, in hospital - the stress of parenthood reaches new levels, as we try and manage our own emotions, along with those of our child. I put together this heartfelt vlog to throw some light on t...
Calming Blankets Review - My experience with a weighted blanket.
Переглядів 7424 роки тому
Here is my first UA-cam review of the Calming Blanket products. I've enjoyed using weighted blankets as a method of managing my anxiety and also to support my meditation. I heartily recommend these blankets, very well made and a pleasure to use. Enjoy this discount code! Discount code: SIMON50 www.calmingblankets.com.au www.calmingblankets.co.uk
Flipping Covid19 Mindset - Moving away from anxiety.
Переглядів 534 роки тому
We are living in uncertain times. Times that can prompt much anxiety and worry. As a freelancer, work has slowed right down and our wedding plans have had to be cancelled. It found myself on an anxious path, however I made a decision that I didn't want to slip down that route, it brings too much misery to me and my family. So I made a list of positives to get my PMA going. It worked wonders - I...
Running in Storm Ciara - Running with nature.
Переглядів 224 роки тому
I wasn't going to post this, as the audio is so bad because of the high winds, however I think it adds to the experience. After the London Winter 10km was cancelled, I decided to press on and run my first 10km since September - what an amazing experience. Running with the wind at my back, I flew - running with it into my face, I was barely moving. Its amazing to be part of nature and experience...
First ever Parkrun - in Montreal
Переглядів 2094 роки тому
Welcome to And Then The Clouds Break - An exciting week for me, it all started with anxiety and finished with me running my first ever Parkrun in Montreal, Canada - and experiencing an amazing new country. We often talk about of "comfort zone" - however its quite the reverse. Its more our "dead zone", where nothing grows and we stagnate. Anxiety likes us to be there, as it can control our lives...
Update on mental health - moving forwards
Переглядів 404 роки тому
Acknowledging, accepting and then improving mental health isn't easy and can be both a lonely and isolated place to be. This is why I'm sharing my progress to date - its been at times challenging, however I'm moving forward and have had the right support at the right time. Reach out and talk - you are not alone. Cruse Bereavement Care www.cruse.org.uk/
Resisting Black Friday - Vlog 16
Переглядів 225 років тому
Its that time of year, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas. A time when we are put under massive pressure to spend money we don't alway have, often by clever social engineering techniques. Do we need more stuff? Is that how we need to show our love? This year, we've put priority on things, rather than stuff and its been a great experience.
What is the price of freedom? Vlog 15
Переглядів 645 років тому
We are programmed from birth to live a life governed by rules. We do things to a structure. Getting to school at the same time each day, being picked up at the same time, after school clubs on the same day. This extends through to the world of work in many cases. It might should glamourous to have the freedom to do what you want, when you want to. However there is a price for that freedom and i...
Top tip for improving mental health - vlog 15
Переглядів 685 років тому
Its easy to fallen into despair with anxiety and depression, feeling that this is nothing you can do to improve how you feel. I've certainly felt that way many, many times. However this tip really does help - its not a cure, nor a solution, but its a great way of giving your mind a break from all the stress and worry you may be feeling. Every Mind Matters - NHS www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matt...
Mental health - anxiety & depression - vlog 14
Переглядів 1995 років тому
Lets talk about mental health. Things have improved, yet a stigma still exists when it comes to talking about mental health, particularly with men. Here is my recent experiences of mental health and why it is so important to reach out for help. People care and people want you well. The illness plays tricks on you. Some links you might find useful www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/mental-hea...
Where is your place of peace? - vlog 13
Переглядів 685 років тому
Places to unwind, relax, destress and reset aren't always easy to find. We spend so much of our lives rushing from appointment to appointment at pace - over time, our stress builds up and our resources deplete. Here is my take on places of peace, places to set rest up - our long weekend at the seaside was amazing for this. Love to hear all about your places of peace and what works for you.
Riu Palace Maspalomas, Gran Canaria - Travel Vlog 1
Переглядів 10 тис.5 років тому
The Riu Palace Maspalomas was where we chose to stay for our holiday in August 2019 - there was a lack of up to date videos, so through I'd publish a walk through, which might help you decide whether this is the right place for you to take your holiday. Happy to answer any questions you might have.
How to deal with those that doubt you - vlog 12
Переглядів 915 років тому
We all have doubters in our lives, people who assume we will fail, who question our mindset, our ability and our chances of achieving our goals. I often read that we should cut these people out of our lives, cast them adrift and leave them to it - however thats not always possible. What if they are family? People we see each day at work? We could ignore them, rise above it - or maybe there is a...
How does it feel to finish a 10km race? vlog 11
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How does it feel to finish a 10km race? vlog 11
What happened when I changed my diet & stopped eating meat - vlog10
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What happened when I changed my diet & stopped eating meat - vlog10
Whats its like to start running at 48? - vlog 9
Переглядів 2695 років тому
Whats its like to start running at 48? - vlog 9
The power of authenticity & how it feels - Vlog 8
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The power of authenticity & how it feels - Vlog 8
Why do we hold onto what hurts? - Vlog 7
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Why do we hold onto what hurts? - Vlog 7
Whats the best advise you've ever been given? - Vlog 6.
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Whats the best advise you've ever been given? - Vlog 6.
What's it like to be dyslexic? - Vlog 5
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What's it like to be dyslexic? - Vlog 5
Where did my channel come from? - Vlog 4
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Where did my channel come from? - Vlog 4
What does personal change look like? - vlog 3
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What does personal change look like? - vlog 3
The power of friendship and connection - vlog 2
Переглядів 1645 років тому
The power of friendship and connection - vlog 2
Wellness, inspiration and welcome to "And Then The Clouds "- vlog 1.
Переглядів 3075 років тому
Wellness, inspiration and welcome to "And Then The Clouds "- vlog 1.
This popped up in my You Tube feed so only just seen it. Thoughtful and what I think of as an emergent view on life instead of setting all sorts of goals- letting the universe guide you. Good to see you so happy
Adult only hotel i thought!
Great video, hugely insightful!
The much mentioned refurbishment is now nearing it's completion. That said I love this hotel, have been many times, and if I could only choose one place to go for the rest of my life, granted I'm nearing the end of mine, I would choose to go here. The staff are excellent, they tell us 'welcome home' when we arrive. The video was very fair and very informative so thanks for going to the trouble of producing it. Just to correct you on one point though. The nude beaches are not just gay and they are usually quite well defined which is which.
Hi Reg, thank you for taking the time to reply - much appreciated - glad you like the hotel and good to hear the refurbishment is nearing completion. Really appreciate the correction - we didn't visit the beach, so thats helpful. Agreed that the staff were excellent - hopefully we can all holiday again soon. Take care and thank you again
Thank you for a great video. Very well produced.
Thank you Sean, obviously the world is a different place now, so travel logs are tough to do! Glad you found it useful.
That’s a great reminder to myself to try the Wim Hoff method. Have read up on it, and the volder weather makes this a good time to try. Thanks for the video!
Hi George, hope you had a great Christmas - and are looking forward to a New Year. Thank you for taking the time to comment, yes, I've flirted with it a bit off and on - however I'm now committing to see how it feels going forward. What I loved about yesterday was that I'm sat in the frost in my garden, just wearing shorts - and I'd parked all my anxiety about what others may think - if thats the only positive, then its been very worth while. Keep well and Happy New Year to you! Simon PS - any ideas for vlogs very welcome!
Beautiful. Walk in the woods are so nice
Thank you - yes, its a place I go to get some perspective on life - and to regain contentment - such a beautiful place. Thank you for watching the video!
This is so true. This pandemic has brought out in the wash what we really need for fulfilment. Great blog. Thought provoking.🙂
Sending my best wishes to your daughter and the family! Found your channel for it's excellent videos around mental health. Appreciate your openness for sharing this.
George, thank you so much for your message - very much appreciated and a real lift. Thank you for the feedback, I'd lost a bit of confidence in vlogging, but really enjoyed making this one and I recorded another one yetersday too. Please keep in touch and have a fantastic weekend.
Great unbiassed overview - would be handy for anyone thinking of going to this hotel. We have stayed there more than 10 times. The place is starting to look rather dated and in need of refurbishment, which unfortunately has been deferred on several occasions. It is one of the last in the Riu group that has not yet been done. No doubt some of the elderly clients will be horrified when it happens, however if it is not completed soon, visitor numbers will fade along with those ageing clients. One of my main reasons for repeatedly returning is the quality of the staff. It's great to be recognised on our return and the welcome feels very sincere. I wish Riu well for speedy return of business following the virus pandemic.
Hi Steven, thank you for your comments - much appreciated. Yes, it does need a refurbishment - It does have a peaceful feel to the place, which is probably at least in part, due to the age of the clientele. We had a 12 year old with us and she is happy with the pool etc - however not many other children there. I agree - the staff were lovely - always helpful, polite and engaging. A lovely touch for a large hotel. Tough times for the holiday industry - lets hope things get back to normal soon. Thanks again Steven and sorry for the delay. Keep safe.
Good video! I have just found your vlog. I've been making a few myself to document my recovery. Thanks so much for sharing. Neil
Thanks Neil. Appreciate your feedback. Hope you're recovering well. I'll check your channel out....
@@andthenthecloudsbreak8647 The more people we reach hopefully the less people will suffer. Keep up the good work!
Good video! I have just found your vlog. I've been making a few myself to document my recovery. Thanks so much for sharing. Neil
Hi Neil, sorry for the delayed reply - UA-cam has only just told me about your comment. Glad you like the vlog - would love to see what you are putting together. Really appreciate your comment - thank you.
completely agree with you. Moving to a smaller house was very good for me, got rid of an awful lot of stuff, do miss quite a bit of it, but managing without! I don't wander the shops for this reason, you see too many things you didn't realise you couldn't live without!
Thank you! Yes, I don't shop as much anymore. I avoid supermarkets, which hook you into buying more. It's been a great challenge really. I don't miss all the stuff I used to buy. I don't buy as much gaming stuff, I just enjoy what I have more.
The price of freedom is discipline. If you choose to lose the 'rules' then to achieve, you will need to have new ones of your own, or you can end up wandering and faffing. Personally, this morning I was dreading the trek to work and another day of it all. Actually... I've had the best, most rewarding day, teaching my 1st year student nurses. The sense of satisfaction at being the person leading one of the 'rites of passage' for a students nurse...first go at injection technique (we don't use oranges any more LOL), was lovely. I felt like I had done something worthwhile and I really enjoyed it. At 6am I wasn't too chuffed to have to get up. At 7am the traffic was crap. At 5pm I was smiling. I am not sure I would want no structure. It has motivated me today and has been very good. P.S. in a good mood as I have a day off tomorrow...LMAO!!!
Good to see you using your experience to raise awereness. I've been working in the field for 32 years and we are finally seeing a change in attitudes to mental health, slooowly but surely. As somebody who has had anxiety for decades, I have a foot in both camps. What I would say to people generaly, with my MH professional hat on, is seek support as you say Simon, and also just take care when people recommend all sorts of random things as solutions, many work or work for them and that is great, but some can trigger people in unexpected ways as well as some quite dodgy stuff on the internet. Mental illness is illness and as such I'd check with somebody trained just as I would check likewise if contemplating some new physical activity whilst carrying a physical a physical illness/injury. It is also good to find out what the issue is - for example sometimes depression can be brought on due to low thyroid levels. It is also good to look at the things that are supportive of mental wellbeing, which include support from others, exercise and getting out into the natural environment - all of which are evidenced here.
Vlogs do feel like flow! I’m with you there. Something very therapeutic about creating. Keep on it 👍🏼
Thanks buddy. Really appreciate the encouragement. Hope you've subscribed!
I took the time I needed, I did things when I could, but didn't make myself when it exacerbated my distress my feelings of anxiety and didn't allow this to make me feel like a 'failure'. Today I am up and off to the gym, (as I did yesterday), not forcing myself, and no longer anxious. For me it was like a broken leg, just needed time to heal...
Mines slightly different. I know that running helps. So once I get out there, I know that the rest of the day so feel better - which it did. Anxiety skrinks my world - and I find it very hard to then expand it again.
Nice one Simon! It's so awesome that you're sticking with the fitness! I'll be cheering for you with the Birmingham half! What an epic goal you've set & I can't wait to see how the journey unfolds.
Preparing is tough. Very tough. Half is going to really push me - however, I need to do it! Appreciate the message and encouragement!
Do you need a running mate for the Birmingham half? I am available if you want me
If you fancy it mate - I'll be slow, just so you're aware. We are going up Saturday. But your company would be very welcome!
Great stuff Simon, Its amazing how we look around us and perceive others to have the perfect jobs, lifestyles etc etc....When in fact i think we all have the same anxiety, worries and stresses that todays modern world puts on us. Its amazing just how talking and sharing experiences helps. Thank you for sharing yours. Best regards, Gary
Thank you Gary - yes, very true. We put massive pressure on ourselves, just because we perceive things in a certain way. Thanks for watching and commenting - really appreciated.
Listened to this whilst on the bike in the gym, listening to you thoughts mad the time fly by
Could not agree more Simon - and it isn't just you blokes... when I was young I did netball, hockey, running, gymnastics and judo. Then it was kids/work/couch potato. So, having had a somewhat enforced break from work I'm now playing rugby, running, PT session and boxing. It has been immensely good for me. Well my left knee might disagree, but otherwise it has been great. Also....yes you finished 10k rock bottom? You FINISHED 10k! Well done!
Well, I don't like to assume how women feel - not being one - however, yes, great point. It was a 12km I finished last - I don't care - I did it - on a rainy, winter, sunday morning - I was back home before 11AM. I ran through a beautiful Nationak Trust property, with next to no one around - it was stunning. Thanks for supporting the channel!
One of my professional coachy mates sent me here. Happy to subscribe to your channel to we how you develop your self + channel. Good words here, great style. Having been in this situation many times too, can totally empathise with everything you've said here 👏 If you can afford it, consider getting a handheld gimbal for around £150 though, it'll help make your videos that much more professional and nicer to watch :)
Hi mate, I cannot believe I missed your message - I'm assuming it arrived when I was having a tough time, so didn't reply - my apologies. Really pleased you were referred here and glad you enjoyed the content - I hope your journey is progressing well and that you are moving in a direction that is good for you. Thanks for the tip - I had to google what it was! Didn't even know they existed - so will see if I can get hold of one of these - am sure it would make a difference. Anything else you'd like to see on the channel?
Hiding ones soul is so easy to do, baring it is a lot tougher! If this encourages more to do then its a good vlog!
The sense of freedom and "honesty" from a bared soul is amazing - its a very weird feeling, one of being true, in touch and grounded - yet feeling that nothing is beyond reach. Similar, in many ways, to the power of mantra - which I will do something about at some point.
Simon, I think what you are sharing, has shown how so many of us have to deal with these experiences. In all walks of life. It isn't unusual. People assume that in my working role (MH nursing...) I don't experience such things. As you know I very much do and it was partly what motivated me to go into the work that I now have. When my students have a 'Eureka' moment about how patients struggle and it develops a non-judgemental approach, I know it is worth every minute!
Indeed - I find it odd that so few talk about it. Its ok, it's fine, it's life.
Interesting one about escaping the matrix
Yet we hold it close...
Just love these
Thanks mate - love doing them. Need to upskill so I can make them look a bit better. Love your support - thank you.
Hey you! I find your take on this SO fascinating. There are load of things here that I can really relate to but there are other things that are totally alien to me and my experience of dyslexia (diagnosed at 27). I just don't think I've ever given it as much weight as you appear to- maybe that's my dappy and also FORGETFUL nature due to (in part) having dyslexia. I dunno. I'd always struggled with words, thoughts, organisation, memory, focus, time to do things but I always had it drummed into me by my parents that I just need to work harder which looking back was great advice but also a little detrimental in the self-care and self-kindness allowance. We need to do a joint vid on this one! xx
Also you mention a book- link it in your description please! (Was it 'The Gift of dyslexia'? I'm yet to read it and hear about it YEARS ago!)
@@arnikabass3767 Added link - its Dyslexia Advantage.
Thanks for the comments Nika - I think I'm still accepting it - I was 48 at diagnosis & that made me throw much of my life up in the air - I'm still working out where all the pieces go. Its made a lot of sense of so many things for me - why I was rubbish at school, why I can't concentrate or focus, why I struggle to remember, etc. etc. I was treated badly at schoole - and work - because of it. I'm just pleased that I know why these things are hard for me - hence why I want to spend more time doing what I love and I'm good at - I made a good career out of doing things which are totally against my dyslexia - so what can I achieve with my strengths?
BTW - joint vid would be awesome.
I like it Simon, it is honest. It isn't quite easy for a lot of us to change our lifestyles as readily, but I nevertheless respect your courage. :-)
My NHS redundancy did help - however I had little choice really. The misery was real. Just had to leap and grow wings on the way down. Thanks for the feedback.
@@andthenthecloudsbreak8647 If I left my job, I would be bankrupt. And I actually love my job and find it very rewarding. But given recent events (as you know) I would find it hard to teach some of that stuff for a bit. I am sure it will get better.
@@rosalynmccartney115 yes, great you love your job. That's important. Redundancy money was a good safety net, but with a family, that doesn't last long. Got a bit hairy tbh.
Another cracking vlog Simon !!
Thanks Phil - glad you enjoyed it.
Great effort - keep going.
I'm suffering this now. I decided I don't want kids and I'm single. I'm 37. I love spending time alone but when I want to go to an event, like this wknd I can't find anyone to come. It's shit really. Feel like everyone followed the generic, invisible, book of life rule book and all vanished into little family bubbles. I still want to go ravin an stuff, that's always been the thing I love to do but because none of my friends like the same music, or they just cut everyone off to live the family life, I find myself barely ever going out. I'll find something that I want to go to that gets me out of the house about 4 times a year, and even that's too much for most of my so called 'friends'.
Hi, sorry for the delayed reply, thank you for your message. I have a family, however I try hard to preserve time with friends - because its important for me and means I get change to recharge. I wouldn't be the person I am without doing that. I often do things alone however, for example, I did a concert in London earlier in the year - I wanted to go - no one else did - so I went. I promised myself that a few years back - and I've found it good for my personal growth. Would it have been better with someone? Probably - however I still had my experience - different because I went alone. I've also down movies, etc alone too.
I hear ya! I'm the same age as you and I find many of my friends are in their little cookie-cut out bubbles and it's super frustrating BUT you can't blame them for it- it's just how life happened for them and their priorities are and HAVE to be different. Let's go raving together! And maybe you can challenge yourself to find another circle of friends- that's my mission at the mo. It's hard but not impossible. Whoop!
It is pretty challenging isn't it? I am with you on this one.
Not 'preachy' Simon ;-)
I'm sure you'll call me out whenever I am! Hope you liked the raw style - didn't want to mess around with "stuff" just get it out there!
Well done Simon, left me wanting to see and hear more about your journey. Look forward to the next Vlog x
Thanks Tim - I've already recorded number 2 - was struck by being in such a beautiful place.