elementas
Welness at Work – Life – Play
The Power of Hope
Moving into a new year, we enter a natural time to reflect and take stock, to gather feeling of hope for the future. Hopefully looking to new horizons, ideas and beginnings. Sometimes after a difficult year we can restart, begin again, change our direction, as well as celebrate where we are.
“When the world says ‘Give Up’.
anonymous
Hope whispers ‘Try it one more time.”
But, what is hope? The Cambridge Online Dictionary defines Hope as follows:
Hope; to want something to happen or to be true, and usually have a good reason to think that it might.
What do you most hope for in 2023? What would you like to experience more of…. or less of?
We often talk about goals and targets, however in coaching research suggests intention (what) motivation (why) can be more natural, and just as effective. A sense of being curious, present and more open to what we don’t know or haven’t quite worked out! Open to who (the people) and what (the opportunities, the delights) which unexpectedly appear on our journey. It takes trust to take heart in the synchronicities and happenings that you could never have anticipated to meet. Whist goals and targets are helpful, they are put emphasis on passing or failing (good or bad and often measured by others). Who knows if we have even set the best or most suitable target for ourselves anyway!
Taking time to relax and reflect about what we hope for supports insightful, wiser choices; coming from a place of kindness rather than criticism (which research suggest only motivates us for so long!) And by aligning our intentions and motivations to our core values then we are more like to stay in harmony and keep energised when we run out of steam, in the ups and downs of life.
Patience is also a good quality to add to the hope mix. Patience with ourselves and with others. Take note where you are now has taken time; years of conscious and unconscious habits, patterns and conditioning. Realigning our paths and journey takes a lot of purpose effort and energy before it becomes natural and effortless. That is why change can be tricky and we can give up. Slow and purposeful application can take us to where we need to be.
Focusing on taking in the good, enable us to build positive resources for change. In his book Hardwiring Happiness Dr Rick Hanson explains how our brains are like Velcro for bad experiences and Teflon for the good. By learning to absorb and linger in the good, we can build positive neural networks in the brain for resilience through change. Being present and aware in the simple things in life such as a hearty smile, savouring the flavours of your favourite food, a lovely view of nature, contagious laughter can help to bed these sensations into our brains neural circuitry; so we can recall the good more easily and lay down new helpful habits. Find out more Dr Hanson , I recommend his down to earth practical teachings and books and blog.
“The things that matter most in our lives are not fantastic or grand. They are the moments when we touch one another.”
Jack Kornfield
Remember our imagination is a powerful tool. Our mind can take us to dark places but if we ‘flip it’ we can imagine the good, relishing in the small joys as well as the big joys and bring in positive energy to help us to refuel. Perhaps notice what information (ideas, experiences) you are digesting in; is it or toxic and draining or healthy and nurturing?
Gratitude and appreciation can help to keep us motivated. It is easy to forget and undervalue what we have, the simple things from warm drinks and food, a place to live, our connections with others including pets.
Kindness and self-compassion helps is to learn to ‘mess up quicker, rest and restore” with a dose of self-compassion to avoid self-shaming and move on (see compassion training). Compassion enables us to take a gentler approach to face and to cope with life challenges which cause suffering.
Hope and Hopelessness, in sharing our empathy and compassion with others can help us connect with our sense of humanity. However sadly not everybody has access to basic needs (safety, food, connections and purpose) and the New Year can be difficult for so many who may be feeling hopeless or lost. This factsheet from Extern is helpful which talks about Hope and Hopelessness. There are some great tips to share with others also. Art, nature and poetry can bring space to reflect more mindfully and make sense challenges. I particularly love this poem from Emily Dickinson, I hope you do also.
Cultivating hope can touch the heart of others and bring joy and inspiration. I hope this blog brings a little hope and wellness to all in your coming year.
Warmest Wishes, Lou
Hopelessness
Moving into a new year, we enter a natural time to reflect and take stock, to gather feeling of hope for the future. Hopefully looking to new horizons, ideas and beginnings. Sometimes after a difficult year we can restart, begin again, change our direction, as well as celebrate where we are. But sometimes we may feel hopeless about work, relationships and health. Perhaps it may be useful to understand and witness hopelessness first.
But, what is hopelessness? The Cambridge Online Dictionary defines Hope as follows with examples:
Hopelessness: the feeling or state of being without hope: I find the hopelessness of the situation very depressing. Utter hopelessness about your future is one symptom of depression
Sharing our empathy and compassion with others can help us connect with our sense of humanity to bring hope in hopelessness. However sadly not everybody has access to basic needs (safety, food, connections and purpose) and the New Year can be difficult for so many who may be feeling hopeless or lost. This factsheet from Extern is helpful which talks about Hope and Hopelessness. There are some great tips to reflect upon and share with others.
“When the world says ‘Give Up’.
anonymous
Hope whispers ‘Try it one more time.”
A sense of being curious, present and more open to what we don’t know or haven’t quite worked out! Open to who (the people) and what (the opportunities, the delights) which unexpectedly appear on our journey. It takes trust to take heart in the synchronicities and happenings that you could never have anticipated to meet. Whist goals and targets are helpful, they are put emphasis on passing or failing (good or bad and often measured by others). Who knows if we have even set the best or most suitable target for ourselves anyway!
Taking time to relax and reflect about what we hope for supports insightful, wiser choices; coming from a place of kindness rather than criticism (which research suggest only motivates us for so long!) And by aligning our intentions and motivations to our core values then we are more like to stay in harmony and keep energised when we run out of steam, in the ups and downs of life.
Patience is also a good quality to add to the hope mix. Patience with ourselves and with others. Take note where you are now has taken time; years of conscious and unconscious habits, patterns and conditioning. Realigning our paths and journey takes a lot of purpose effort and energy before it becomes natural and effortless. That is why change can be tricky and we can give up. Slow and purposeful application can take us to where we need to be.
Focusing on taking in the good, enable us to build positive resources for change. In his book Hardwiring Happiness Dr Rick Hanson explains how our brains are like Velcro for bad experiences and Teflon for the good. By learning to absorb and linger in the good, we can build positive neural networks in the brain for resilience through change. Being present and aware in the simple things in life such as a hearty smile, savouring the flavours of your favourite food, a lovely view of nature, contagious laughter can help to bed these sensations into our brains neural circuitry; so we can recall the good more easily and lay down new helpful habits. Find out more Dr Hanson , I recommend his down to earth practical teachings and books and blog.
“The things that matter most in our lives are not fantastic or grand. They are the moments when we touch one another.”
Jack Kornfield
Remember our imagination is a powerful tool. Our mind can take us to dark places but if we ‘flip it’ we can imagine the good, relishing in the small joys as well as the big joys and bring in positive energy to help us to refuel. Perhaps notice what information (ideas, experiences) you are digesting in; is it or toxic and draining or healthy and nurturing?
Gratitude and appreciation can help to keep us motivated. It is easy to forget and undervalue what we have, the simple things from warm drinks and food, a place to live, our connections with others including pets.
Kindness and self-compassion helps is to learn to ‘mess up quicker, rest and restore” with a dose of self-compassion to avoid self-shaming and move on (see compassion training). Compassion enables us to take a gentler approach to face and to cope with life challenges which cause suffering.
Art, nature and poetry can bring space to reflect more mindfully and make sense challenges. I particularly love this poem from Emily Dickinson, I hope you do also.
Cultivating hope can touch the heart of others and bring joy and inspiration. I hope this blog brings a little hope and wellness to all in your coming year.
Warmest Wishes, Lou
Keep Well and Resilient- Harness Your Self-compassion Superpower!
Join a small group of like-minded professionals to harness the power of compassion for resilience and wellness.
Would you benefit from a boost to your wellness and resilience? A chance to improve your emotional intelligence, to build your confidence, focus, clarity and creativity? To wisely protect your health against looming stress and potential burnout? Are you motivated to spend 1.5hr a month to join like-minded people?
Join us, on a four month group coaching journey with 5 others to explore and grow your inner Self-compassion superpower . The sessions have been designed for professionals, sole traders, or retired open and curious to grow and develop.
You will be the first to experience new materials and ideas backed by the latest scientific research from my MSc studies in Mindfulness and Self-compassion in business coaching at Aberdeen University.
Experts Dr Kristen Neff and Dr Chris Germer tell us Self-compassion can be expressed both tenderly /yin (comforting, soothing, validating) and fiercely/yang (protecting, providing, motivating) to met our core needs as highlighted by Dr Rick Hanson and Profession Paul Gilbert.
However we may have been socialised to express ourselves with a more yin or yang approach, this can lead to imbalance. Our core needs may stay unsatisfied and we can become frustrated or depleted at work or in our personal lives. These sessions will help you come self-aware to your personal preferences improving your emotional intelligence with better self-confidence to met your needs.
As a group you will help each other and discover simple ways to harness your innate power of self-compassion; mindfulness, belonging and kindness to naturally grow your wellbeing.
Feedback from the current group;
“I joined Lou’s Self-compassion and mindfulness because I wanted to know more. I have actually gained a great deal more from Lou and the group. I gained me, for that I thank you all.”
(Nurse)
“the self compassion course, has made me truly realise how undervalued this skill is and although down to be a daily habit of improvement…..it is greatly valuable if you wish to understand self kindness and awareness within yourself, and a fantastic group to be along the journey with who wish to take the same path, some extreme epiphany moments along the way!!”
(Phil)
“I have been on a personal journey of improving my mental and physical self for the past 2-3 years. As an over thinking people pleaser it’s been a mixed experience and I know I was guilty of being unkind to myself. So I decided to learn more about self-compassion and mindfulness alongside a small group of others, led by Lou. The course has made me more aware of emotional triggers, how to identify with how I’m really feeling and importantly how to be kind to myself and celebrate the good in me. As an extra bonus I have met some truly beautiful people who have so much to offer and the shared experience has been wonderful.” Thank you.
(Engineer)
“Thanks Lou. I can say hand on heart that the kindness and clarity you bring to a complex subject is touching and eye opening. There are beautiful gems and insights that you are bringing to others in this course. For myself you have turned on the lights again and again to the different elements of self compassion. Your creative connections with values and beliefs with self compassion is innovative. I’m very grateful that I have had the opportunity to benefit from your passion and true vulnerability in sharing your experiences and understanding of self compassion. Thank you”
(SD Educator and Researcher)
Spring 2023: 6 March, 3 April, 24 April, 15 May 23 –
For ease and convenience sessions are online with zoom video. We will have optional breakout rooms to enable you to get to know each other better and to discuss and share. A WhatApp group will help you find community and connections with fellow group members between sessions.
- meet like-minded people
- learn to identify your core needs
- experience a sense of belonging in a supportive community
- practice mindfulness and self-compassion techniques
- harness the power of fierce and tender self-compassion
- develop your trust and confidence
- change with group support
- provide self-care to guard against stress and burnout
- 4 Sessions, 4 Months
Pricing is accessible to support individuals paying for their own development at £120 for all 4 sessions.
Should the group wish to continue we have 2 bonus sessions at an extra £30 per session.
There is additional option for 1:1 coaching available to explore session subject matter in more detail and a WhatsApp group for group connection and support.
Contact Lou directly to book your place Lou@elementas.co.uk or WhatsApp 07715814833
Choosing Wellness
Moment by moment we can choose to cultivate wellness.
’Energy follows focus’, what we pay attention to grows stronger ( positive or negative). The small things we do again and again change our lives and the lives of others. It’s that simple, yet it also takes us to clearly set our intention, harness our motivation and then practice.
Here are some of my favourite tips to grow wellness:
1.Make Space and Take Time to Breathe
Take time for three deep breaths, a few times a day. Deep breathing slows our heart rate to a more rested state. This can help us feel more grounded. Each day bring minutes of breathing space to calm your nervous system.
2. Listen to Yourself
Tune in regularly to your inner voice. Keep connected by noticing your thoughts, emotions and senses and stay in touch with your personal needs. Take time to recall memories and remind yourself of experiences when you have coped well before, be that tricky times in business or personally. Tap into your resilience and give your confidence a boost.
3. Digital Detox
Keep on top of the latest information from trustworthy sources. Remember at times of fear and uncertainty our mind is more alert, looking for signs and potential threats. Maybe ration your need to keep checking news updates? Too much information can contribute to overwhelm and burnout. In the long run this may be counter-productive, if it stops you from keeping healthy and well.
4. Home Working
Working and living in our home space, alone or with family, can bring new unforeseen pressures and gifts, as we work out our ‘new normal’. People may miss social connection, friendships and support from colleagues. Some people may have tricky home lives. We are all different we cope, and adapt to change at our own pace. Some people want help; others may be more self-sufficient in taking time to adjust.
5. Calming our Minds
Keep curious and pay more attention to your mind, without judgment. Changes and restrictions to our normal routines, loss and disappointments for our future social plans can all add up. Starting to work from home, or increased pressure at work can trigger positive or negative patterns, thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness is a technique that helps us to be with things as they are, avoiding the extremes of suppressing or running away with thoughts feelings or sensations; keeping a sense of perspective and balance. Self-compassion helps to hold our position with kindness, when we are experiencing difficulty.
6. Kindness Counts
Cultivating kindness and compassion for ourselves, and empathy for others helps us become more accepting, whilst adjusting to the global changes we are all collectively experiencing. Kindness calms our nervous system. Research indicates compassionate leadership in organisations, helps us feel valued, connected and safe, during changes.
7. Keep Communicating
In times of stress we need understanding and a scaffolding of emotional support around us. Pause, catch your breath, become more aware and present in your inner and external conversations; listen better and hear more. Practice keeping open, checking in with yourself and others. Be in the moment with your loved ones, or your team (they will notice), it will make a difference.
8. Get Outside in the Fresh Air
Discover abundance in green spaces even in urban areas. Research tells us that nature has a calming effect on our mind and emotions. Soothe and replenish your senses and uplift your spirit with nature’s sights, sounds and sensations.
9. Physical Health
Plan for a marathon than a sprint. Eat well, hydrate and refuel your body. Make time to rest, recuperate and recover. Relax, switch off and sleep well, so you are resourced and resilient to go the distance. You will thank your future self.
10. Practice the Science of Gratitude
Take in the good stuff, be really present in it, and totally absorb it to nurture and nourish your senses. The magic of gratitude is it has already happened and we know it, so this boosts our “feel good” achievement chemicals! Each morning write down “3 things you are grateful for” e.g. having a home, friends, a pet whatever is special to you.
At the end of Your Day, remember “3 good things that happened today”. Appreciating small things can provide priceless and precious instantaneous moments of Joy! Remember, what we pay attention to gets stronger.
Lou delivers wellness coaching and mentoring services helping individuals, business owners, and staff to thrive and flourish at work. Passionate about wellness, Lou studies internationally with some of the world’s best teachers. A business graduate and Tai Chi teacher, Lou is currently researching the benefits of mindfulness and compassion in coaching, as part of her MSc in Mindfulness, at Aberdeen University.
Set your compass to wellness and to get some focused support, please get in touch to find out more.
Lou
07715814833 WhatsApp
elementas – a different kind of wellness coaching and business mentoring
Bring Light to your day during the Dark Winter Months
Join our Wellness and Resilience Peer Sessions to make sure you keep healthy and well during the dark winter months. A couple of places left for our Autumn- Spring Cohort. Fully funded project for businesses/organisations turning over £100K (pre-Covid also) and with 5 or more in the team. Some exceptions, call me or WhatsApp me to join 07715814833 lou@elementas.co.uk .
Peer Sessions:
18 hours of Group Sessions over the time period. We will meet every 2-3 weeks on line for 2hrs x 6 and 2 site visits of 3hrs (Covid restrictions allowing) where we can get to inspiring places to get to know each other better informally and learn some new ideas and skills.
- Wellness and Resilience Topics:
• Time to consider our own wellness opposed to illness and what resilience means.
• Unpack models of wellness and resilience, to build common understanding dialogue with colleagues and teams.
• Explore our ‘perceptions’ and where we focus our energy e.g. “circle of influence and concerns” (S Covey).
• Tune into our basic human needs and basic brain functions (e.g. Fight and Flight, Soothing, Achieving) systems.
• Learn about the stress response and identify stress early to prevent burnout in ourselves/our teams.
• Identify our own value systems and notice how this impacts our communications, decision-making and leadership.
• Explore research evidenced mindfulness and compassion (tender and fierce) techniques e.g. boundaries which
support and build our resilience and wellness.
• Learn from the experts and specialists in the room to take back home and to work. - Action Learning:
For the second part of the session we will take an Action Learning approach to help others grow by building support and challenge. This is where participants get the chance to present an issue or challenge that they have. The group asks ‘open’ questions to help the participant to find awareness and personal insights into the matter that they are dealing with. At the end the group members can give advice and the participant commits to actions before the next session, to share with the group.
It’s a great way of building communication and interpersonal skills. Trust and friendships are grown over the weeks and the participants make use of the expertise, skill and wisdom in the room of professionals. This is what people said about the last Cohort. https://elementascoaching.com/wellness-and-resilience-peer-network/ - Optional1:1 Coaching and mentoring:
3.5 hours coaching or mentoring for work or personally. These sessions bring opportunity to focus on what is currently alive for you and/ or link to the exploring subject matters from the sessions in more depth, and at your own pace.
Lou Booth: ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/loubooth/)
• ILM level 7 Executive Coach and Mentor (professionals, leaders and senior managers)
• Licensed Heartmath Coach
• NLP Practitioner Certificate
• Currently MSc Studies in Mindfulness- Aberdeen University (Part-time) specialising in Mindfulness based
Coaching in business settings
• Men’s Health Forum Advocate http://www.menshealthforum.org.uk
• Member of European Mentoring Coaching Council (EMCC).Mindfulness Association Heartmath UK
Chartered Institute Marketing
Autumn’s Message to Start Anew
We often talk about January and the New Year being the time for fresh beginnings, new resolutions and intentions. Yet I wonder, is September and Autumn the more natural time for change? My love of nature and fashion has always been stimulated by Autumn ’s enchanting colour pallet. Psychologically it would definitely make sense. The colours of Autumnal leaves signify a time when as adults or as children we’ve all had to grapple with new starts; timetables, getting to new new places and people. Memories of a mental shift in pace and pattern, returning to school, college or Uni after the a summer rest? I wonder, maybe our brain is naturally hardwired to change in Autumn, if so could we harness this energy?
Change can be exciting and energising, mapping out future plans and aspirations, new adventures. Change can also be subtle or pronounced. Change can be unsettling and uncomfortable; especially the type of change that arrives without welcome. Changes like a pandemic, or those unexpected life defining words from a partner, a boss, a doctor or vet – that can stop us in our tracks, to catch our breath, and potentially change our lives for better or worse. Such experiences can take even the most prepared of us by surprise, without the cushion of time to prepare for the shift, the journey or fall out that can follow.
Coming back to Autumn as she reliably returns again, spreading her stylish cape of deep purples, ruby reds and vibrant yellows. Could Autumn’s uplifting spirit help you to start anew? Could this new season and natural splendour soften your mental and emotional landscape, helping you to press pause as we emerge from multiple lockdowns? Could you take time to balance out the benefits of personal and work changes, with the harsh shifts in society that we have all experienced in the last few years?
As we all adapt to natural life pace and rhythm, I invite you to keep curious and open. As we start to make sense and navigate our new world, emerging from multiple lockdowns. As we begin to notice the subtle shifts to our behaviour and society norms and habits, remember to take time to re-calibrate and adjust.
“True life is lived when tiny changes occur”
Leo Tolstoy
What can we learn from the natural movement of Autumn as she prepares to open her natural jewellery box of seasonal delights?
- Tune in to your senses to become more present; let your eyes notice the colour changes around you. Feel the air temperate shifting bringing a palpable chill to the air. Watch the play of Autumn’s mellow light dancing on pavements, textures and surfaces. Remember to “press pause” and connect with your mind and emotional internal weather system daily.
- Calm and support your nervous system as you move and settle into a new pace, albeit perhaps a less familiar life. Take a deep breath in and then a long release. Make your breath audible (helping your mind to hear you), giving it permission to rest and settle just for a few minutes during your day.
- Watch and learn from nature. Hear the wind’s energy gently gathering momentum nudging acorns and sycamore seeds to let go, to take a leap of faith to scatter and flourish.
- Like Mother Nature, embrace the strength of tender compassion, for self and others described by expert and researcher Dr Kristin Neff as a beautiful mix of keeping loving, connected and present.
- Gather together your own personal harvest with gratitude and appreciation. Take stock of your gifts and abilities, acknowledge how you (alongside others) have done your best to survive and triumph over uncertainty.
As we learn to deal with and recover form the life challenges that are thrown at, we can build resilience. Remember that ‘energy follows focus’ and we can build what transformational leader and businessman Stephen R. Covey (October 24, 1932 – July 16, 2012) called our “circle of influence” rather than getting lost in our ‘circle of concern’.
As with the strength of the mighty mountains and ancient oaks that stand tall, as the winds of life come and go, we can emerge wiser, stronger and more resilient.
Autumn is truly a time of hope, a knowing that ancient cycles will prevail. A reassurance and remembering that that “this too will pass” good or bad, it will not stay the same. We can trust that with the right support the flow of life continues.
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world”
Mahatma Gandhi
Despite what we are told there is another way. Sidestepping our harsh cultural stereotypes and judgements woven into our language encouraging us to “smash it” or “kill it”, imagine how would it feel to move with more ease, an acceptance of yourself and find a tempo that resonates and best fits with you?
Observe and learn from nature’s perpetual cycles and seasons and tune in and reset your own natural personal rhythm. Find new ways to acknowledge and hold your vulnerability, with a firm but flexible stance, a fierce compassion of bravery, empowerment, wisdom. It will serve you well as you draw upon your personal, rich abundance and unfurl through your life seasons with a natural, more effortless grace.
Lou Booth is a wellness and mindfulness life coach and business mentor. She works with individuals and organisations to develop new approaches that to help them to thrive and flourish. Contact Lou lou@elementas.co.uk 07715814833 www.elementascoaching.com
www.linkedin.com/loubooth
If you are open to change and want to grow your personal and organisational resilience and wellness get in touch I still have places on fully funded* programme of Peer Networking with 1:1 Coaching. It runs from late October 2021 until March 2022. * Lancashire Organisations conditions apply see https://elementascoaching.com/elementas-to-deliver-government-backed-peer-networks-initiative-in-lancashire/
Image courtesy of Dani Korai (Fundamental Nature) taken in Romania when training alongside inspiring professionals exploring new steps and ways to live and work.
elementas to deliver Government-backed peer networks initiative in Lancashire
elementas has been appointed by Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub, to help Lancashire’s businesses overcome challenges, build a trusted network and improve their performance through a funded programme of targeted knowledge sharing.
Peer Networks, which has just been launched is a national programme for SME leaders that want to work with likeminded business leaders to address key challenges and reach their goals.
It will run from September 2021 to March 2022 and follows a successful pilot programme which ended in March this year and supported more than 320 Lancashire businesses.
It will create a range of diverse peer-to-peer networking cohorts of 8-11 businesses in a range of sectors across Lancashire. Peer Networks is delivered through a series of high impact group sessions, with each cohort led by an expert facilitator.
Andrew Leeming, programme manager, Boost, said: “Our Peer Networks pilot, which took place last year, helped more than 320 Lancashire business leaders at a critical time in the county’s recovery from coronavirus. “We’re proud to announce that Peer Networks will be returning so that we can support a whole new group of business owners and managers to work together to address key issues, support each other and develop their business. “elementas is one of the 17 expert organisations we have chosen to help us deliver this exciting programme.”
Lou Booth, elementas owner founder said: “The elementas cohort will focus on Resilience and Wellness; front of mind for us all, as we navigate our business pandemic journey. The sessions are designed to help the group explore what Wellness and Resilience means to them personally and in business. With new tools and understanding participants, will be better equipped to talk wellness together and with their staff and colleagues. Participants will be able to recognise stress, anxiety and burnout earlier. This means they can lead better and keep doing what they love doing and be enterprising and creative to thrive and flourish. Resilience and wellness II builds on the success of the first cohort and I’m ever so excited to bring more fabulous Lancashire businesses together to do their magic! ”
The programme includes interactive action learning, small groups, flexible topic selection and one to one coaching. Let previous participants tell you more and check out their videos on this link Wellness and Resilience Peer Network:
“Please do this … The support is fantastic …”
I joined Lou’s previous group and thoroughly enjoyed the programme. This mainly was down to Lou’s enthusiasm and professionalism throughout. Everyone who has attended has stayed in touch which, in this busy life, speaks volumes for the value we all gained. Mick (MD Sancus Solutions Ltd)
“I attended this programme recently and had massively supportive experience both personally and professionally. I can highly recommend it to all “
Carl Bell Managing Director The Whitaker Organisation Community Interest Company, Museum, Art Gallery and Cultural Hub.
“I was involved in one of Lou’s groups and I have to say that it was an absolute pleasure and joy to have met so many talented and wonderful people, all on their own journeys and all able to offer wisdom, support and mentoring. Lou is a delight to work with and an experienced mentor and life coach. Her knowledge on wellness and resilience was insightful and creative. I only wish I could take part again! If you’ve not been involved, sign up now! 😊 “
Nicola Murray Head of Operations / Deputy Director at Sue Ryder
“I can personally recommend Lou Booth and the Peer Networks scheme. I’m very happy to speak to anyone who is interested and would like an informal chat about my experience – which is all very positive and has opened many new doors for me.”
The Resilience and Wellness is a fully funded project.
It is available to any small or medium sized business that has:
- Operated for at least one year
- At least five employees
- A turnover of at least £100,000
- An aspiration to improve
Ideally, participants should also have:
- The potential to scale up
- The ability or potential to export
There are still places available if you wish to part of a journey to grow and transform join our Resilience and Wellness Cohort (starting late October 2021) . Get in touch with to find out more Lou Booth 07715814833 (phone or WhatsApp) or email Lou@elementas.co.uk.
10 Years Old
Today is special and I have reason to be feel happy, grateful and proud. elementas has come of age, my company is 10 years old, a decade old! It marks a milestone on a journey to founding my own business and living a life that I love.
I am particularly thankful to all my clients, friends and supporters who have encouraged me from my very early days with elementas.
I can still recall meeting new start-ups and discussing our ambitions and hopes. I remember being a fledgling learning to fly, talking to other new start-ups who were mapping their futures to run their own businesses. Today I work with such people as a volunteer mentor. I was leaving behind the certainty of a secure 9-5 type job and a regular salary to follow my dreams and carve a new way to live and work. It was exciting and liberating but rather scary at the time, I didn’t have an anchor. I remember taking some months out to volunteer in South America, and writing my elementas (elements was taken!) business plan and deciding on my company values (natural, creative, holistic) half-way up an Andean Mountain!
This last year we have all had to deal with unplanned change and had to find new ways to live and work. In the middle of a global pandemic wellness and illness are at the front of mind for many of us at work and at home, with our loved ones. More than ever I sense that people are starting ‘to get’ the benefits of the work I do through elementas; combining my business background with mindfulness, wellness, compassion, heart-focused emotional intelligence coaching. A fellow professional and respected friend calls my work ‘gold standard’. In the earlier years it was tricky as these ideas and concepts were more alien or unfamiliar to many I came across. I had to be brave and muster up my courage and it paid off. More and more I see first hand the difference mindfulness techniques and mindfulness practices and compassionate leadership makes to individuals, teams and leaders. Clients find more clarity, develop more self-trust and insights. It is magic and simple!
I am grateful that I kept trusting my instinct, learning from wise experts, building my knowledge, skills and experience, taking time out (to keep well) and keeping going. After a decade of doing the work I love, navigating being a small business in a pandemic the words “together we flourish” ring more true than ever. I am truly grateful and resourcing my inner resilience and wisdom on my fascinating journey!
(On the way back from a break in Skye, May 2021)
Talking Men’s Health
I have always enjoyed working with men, in business and industry. In more recent years, I have become more curious about men’s health, as more men have come to me for coaching for help with work pressures and stresses; be that personally or with their colleagues and teams.
Recently I took the opportunity to train as a Men’s Health Champion, with the Men’s Health Forum. It was as chance to improve my own skills, and to better understand men’s health. I thought this would to help me in my role as coach as well as better support the relationships with the men in my life both professionally and personally. It was great to work with men’s health trainers Peter Baker and Jim Pollard, experts in this field.
We all came together as like-minded and enthusiastic practitioners, including organisations like the NHS and police, to learn more. Together we learnt more about the do’s and don’t and how to get men talking with appropriate conversations about their health. We used tested frameworks and processes to understand the stages of change and the best ways to support men in their journey to improved health choices. Together we explored the barriers that men say get in the way of their wellness. It was good fun and definitely a worthwhile experience. I was able to sharpen my awareness and knowledge about the current issues and challenges around men’s health. Here are some facts that cannot be ignored:
- Culturally and socially there is still a pressure for men to be strong.
- Health and wellness is a tricky subject to talk about; we need to learn to listen well.
- Men are less like likely to see a doctor, go to the opticians or visit a dentist than women.
- In the UK, one man in five dies before he reaches 65 years old.
- Four in five suicides are by men – suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under 35 and there has been a sharp increase in the rate among men aged 35-64.
We can all support the men in our lives be they friends, family or colleagues by being present and being ready to listen; when men are ready to talk.
To find out more about 1:1 wellness coaching and business mentoring or organisational wellness sessions, please get in touch WhatsApp 07715814833 or email Lou@elementas.co.uk
Find out more about the great work of the Men’s Health Forum (MHF) and their mission to improve the health of men and boys; all backed up by the latest research and facts. Discover partners that work with MHF, online resources ways individuals and organisations can get involved and raise awareness about Men’s Heath and Wellness.
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