RELIEVE STRESS INSTANTLY with this technique...

Breath Works

Solar showered . . . newly plumbed fixture means hot water from the sun's rays (see 'news' below)

HELLO,

As ever, we hope this blog post finds you well. If it doesn't, we hope it helps to point you in that direction.

For there is no denying that modern life can be stressful.

Though it needn't be.

One of our favourite methods of winding down here on the mountains is to focus on breath work.

Sometimes it involves singing mantras, sometimes it involves a pre-yoga Pranayama session, sometimes it involves a load of impromptu 'Aums'.

Every time, though, it involves increased oxygenation, lower blood pressure/heart rate and a sense of physical and mental euphoria.

Merkaba resident Jeremy Mannas - who trained in Clarity Breathwork during a lengthy retreat in Costa Rica - offers 90-minute sessions to guests. The one-to-one workshop usually involves the two individuals disappearing off into the mountains, returning as a pair of beaming grins.

Here's a dead quick method for you to try right now...

Relax in whatever position feels best. Sitting at a desk is fine although try and relax your shoulders.

Close your eyes and start to pay close attention to your breathing, through the nose.

Whenever you find your mind beginning to wander, just re-focus your attention on the air going in and out of your nose. 

Inhale a deep breath to the count of four, and slowly exhale to the count of six. Repeat five times.

When you commence using this type of breathing exercise, you should do it for no more than five minutes; until you have acquired sufficient practise in re-focussing your attention when it drifts.

You can then extend this pattern to become a session of fifteen minutes if you wish.

Moments of clarity . . . people report life-changing results from Jeremy's one-to-one work

Jez says: "First, step away from the problem. Take your focus away from the situation you're stressed about and focus on slowing down.

"Forgetting about the trauma of the past or the worry over your future, focussing on breath brings you into the present moment.

"In fact, that's the only place you can be when you're doing breath work, the present moment.

"You're thoughts might be still going on, but you're existing in your body.

"Scientifically, you're slowing the whole body down, you're slowing the brain down."

For those who don't consider themselves in need of de-stressing, Jeremy adds: "Even if you are calm, there's no harm in thinking, 'how could I be calmer?'"

We highly recommend Jeremy's services, and you can connect with him on his Facebook page HERE.

NEWS

Merkaba is still taking bookings for retreats during September, October and November... But also...

- Mau Hugeat, above, will be present at the Merkaba Community for the last two weeks in August. He is world-renowned and creates extremely unique, inspiring and spiritual tattoos. If you're keen, message us on Facebook or email wearemerkaba@gmail.com

- Merkaba kitchen Goddess Kerry Oliver, below, has acquired some nearby land with plans to build a healing retreat, particularly aimed at those suffering with and recovering from cancer.

Kerry arrived in Portugal with Stage 4 cancer and a broken back around a year ago. Thanks to natural methods, she is now as fit as a fiddle. It's an amazing and inspiring story.

Give her new venture, Sirona Retreats, a 'like' on Facebook if you wish!

- We've said hello to Chris and Becky, an electrician-yoga teacher combo couple who were passing through Europe in a campervan one week, and are staying with us for a month the next. 

If you have a campervan,you can just rock up too. Email wearemerkaba@gmail.com if this tickles your fancy.

- Jeremy Corbyn turned 67. Merkaba resident Tommy - who ran for Parliament last year as a Peace candidate - is a big fan of the Islington MP, and so had a wonderful afternoon.

- Finally, we gleefully report the development of unlimited hot water for showers. Prior to this week, we relied on lighting a fire to heat a tank. Now - thanks to an awkward afternoon spent shifting a solar-generated vat from the top of the mountain to the top of the bus - they are possible on tap.

THIS WEEK IN PICS

Pipped to the boast . . . Kerry proudly displays a ripe avocado ahead of yet another stunning salad

Sauce to be reckoned with . . . Kerry's original homemade coriander creation, right, and lemon zest curd 

Sign, sealed . . . Vanessa lays a final coat of varnish over a beautifully hand-painted Merkaba

Hang man . . . Merkaba visitor Luke endures a static hold to finish a pleasantly punishing pre-yoga workout

Bedside Mannas . . . Jeremy - also a joiner by trade - knocks up a four-poster made from a freshly preened branch 

Head's tanned . . . sunkissed Jamie holds an inversion on a hot yoga morning

Ground nuts . . . earth-loving gang enjoy a spot of fresh-veg-patch Tai Chi down at the bottom of the garden

Cable guy . . . campervan man Chris hits the nail on the head during Operation WiFi Boost

Weed all about it . . . Yin Yoga teacher Becky tends a path during the afternoon 'productivity slot' 

Labour Party . . . burgeoning politico Tommy celebrates the Islington MP's 67th while grafting

Bus conductor . . . Dan, with newly-fitted rooftop electricity panels, points to where it once was (see below)

Top of the mountain to ya . . . the blue water tank sits by the solar panel's former location

We love living this lifestyle, and would love to share it with you too. If you are interested in visiting our Portugal-based community [nearest airport Lisbon] then please email WEAREMERKABA@GMAIL.COM or contact us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.