The Spiral Tree

New Year New Beginnings...

2009-01-12T16:41:00.008Z

Happy New Year!!!!!

I love New Year...I love the feeling of knowing that a whole new cycle of seasons is waiting to spread out ahead of me, filled with endless possibilities for JOY! New people to meet, new destinations to visit, new books to read, new projects to unfold...

For me, January can be summed up in two words...excitement and anticipation! The air is filled with the promise of endless possibilities, opportunities and adventures and the world seems refreshed, renewed, alive!

Last January I made the decision to return to the things that feed and nourish my soul - travel and a deep sense of freedom that comes with exploration - and that decision has made all the difference!

A wise friend once told me 'Big risks = Big life' and she couldn't have been more right! A year on, I look back at the transformational trip to India and the life-changing summer in Canada and I truly understand her bold statement.

So, here I find myself, January 2009...back in snowy Vancouver, wondering what this year has in store as I ask you all the following question:

What big risk would you take to feel truly ALIVE in 2009?

Spiral

SPIRAL CD RELEASE...hooray!

2008-11-26T10:30:00.003Z

Journey Inward through the Breath: Part I

Following hundreds of requests for a Spiral Tree CD Series, I am excited to announce that Journey Inward through the Breath: Part I is now available for pre-order and will be on sale from 17th December.

Price: £12.99
(plus P&P - free postage within the Channel Islands)

The perfect Christmas gift for friends and loved ones, you can hear clips from the CD by clicking HERE or visiting the News section of The Spiral Tree Website

Part I is a 60 minute journey through the Breath, leading into a Deep Body Relaxation and Grounding exercise blended with the most beautiful music specially composed by Third Floor Tiger (http://www.myspace.com/thirdfloortiger)

This CD is dedicated to all the incredible students I have had the honour of working with, all of whom have supported The Spiral Tree and my vision in more ways than I can express...for this and more I am truly grateful

To order your copy of Journey Inward through the Breath: Part I, please email me at sarah@thespiraltree.com

BREATHE...Spiral on the dance floor!

2008-11-24T18:04:00.005Z

Some exciting events are unfolding for The Spiral Tree this year...and one the most unexpected of these is the appearance of Sarah Spiral vocals on a dance track due for release on 26th January/09!

Breathe, written by Third Floor Tiger is creating a storm on dance floors all over the world and is one of 3 tracks featured on a Third Floor Tiger EP, due for public release through UrbanTorque in the New Year...

To hear Breathe, click here...and listen out for Spiral vocals midway through the track! Hooray!

A Christmas Celebration...hooray!!!!!

2008-11-18T18:35:00.066Z

Bazaarly Christmas 2008

Friday 21st November (2.30pm - 9.00pm)
Saturday 22nd November (10.30am - 5.00pm)

Location: Castle Green Apartments, La Route de la Cote, St Martin
(next door to the Castle Green Pub, Gorey)

Our Christmas Extravaganza gets bigger and better each year and this promises to be the most exciting yet! With a new location for 2008, The Spiral Tree joins hands with 10 local businesses to create a celebration you won't want to miss...so gather together your family and friends, come out to Gorey and explore our Christmas Bazaar!
Filled with beautifully unique gifts and festive cheer, here's a small taste of what's in store...
(for a glimpse of last year's photos, click here)

Gorgeously unique gifts...Delicious spiced cheer...Irresistible nibbles
Hot soup & Bar-B-Q bites...Live music...

PLUS the chance to win a Luxury Hamper
filled with goodies from all the suppliers!

PLEASE NOTE: CASH OR CHEQUE PAYMENTS ONLY

Vote for KIVA

2008-10-05T11:57:00.001+01:00

KIVA - www.kiva.org - has been nominated for this year;s AMEX Members Project and could win $100,000 ...do take a look and vote for this inspiring organisation...

Beautiful British Columbia

2008-08-28T03:24:00.009+01:00

I smile every time I see a number plate here in Vancouver as they all proudly carry the words: 'Beautiful British Columbia'...

It took me a matter of minutes to fall in love with Vancouver on my first visit 10 years ago and the feeling only increases every time I return...5 weeks into my summer adventure, I truly feel as if the city has scooped me up into her arms and welcomed me home.

So much to tell, so much to share...tales of the most loving, joy-filled souls who have appeared on my path, weaving their magic and stories into my life...tales of driftwood beaches and blue herons, misty islands and swooping eagles...tales of silent mountains and ancient trees...tales of gluten and dairy free pies, straight from heaven..all this and more in Beautiful British Columbia!

"He who dares to leap shall find he lands on soft earth" are the inspired words that came to me as I started my journal for 2008, and eight months into my year of Spiral travels, I am filled with the profound truth behind these simple words...

So I invite you to click on the link below and travel through my photo gallery, to catch a glimpse of the magic of Canada as it unfolds with each new day:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14644863@N07/sets/72157606382969102/

As the golden glow of Summer moves through our lives, I invite you to celebrate the adventures and friendships that have blossomed this season and to plant a seed of discovery for the seasons to come...

With love and peace
Spiral x

Jolies Choses...Handcrafted Treasures!

2008-06-23T23:20:00.001+01:00

Creative events are always worth celebrating and the opening of Jolies Choses in St Aubin is one event worth shouting about! Hooray!!!

Those of you who came to the Spiral Tree Xmas Celebration will remember Natalie Moss and her magical stall, filled with handcrafted boats, chalk boards, doves, doorstops and more...

Inspired by nature and with a passion for the sea, Natalie's joy of creating led her to launch Jolies Choses in 2006 and the shop is a vibrant combination of her passion and style!

The opening of Jolies Choses (shop extraordinaire!), brings together months of hard work and fabulous new creations, showcasing some of the most unique and inspired gifts imaginable...from sailboats to beach huts, bags to bunting, fish to seagulls, chalk boards to mirrors, each item is hand crafted with love and care by Natalie, who simply LOVES her work!

Perfectly located on Le Mont Les Vaux, St Aubin, Jolies Choses is open from 10.30am to 5.00pm Wednesday to Saturday and is a great excuse for a day trip out to St Aubin...why not combine a spot of lunch overlooking the harbour, then a gentle stroll up the hill for a spot of shopping...the perfect afternoon!

"Creative souls inspire creative lives"

Jolies Choses,
Le Mont Les Vaux,
St Aubin
Tel: 490572

10.30am - 5.00pm
Wednesday - Sunday

Dawn Chorus...

2008-06-18T13:42:00.018+01:00

There are certain magical moments that stir the soul forever and the Jersey Dawn Chorus is one such moment...

On Sunday, the alarm went off at 4.00am and after quickly dressing in the dark and making a flask of hot peppermint tea, I climbed into the car and made the magical journey down to St Catherine's breakwater...

As I grew closer to the bay, I came across other early morning souls heading in the same direction and as we parked and jumped out of our cars, there was an instant sense of magical camaraderie - a gathering of souls armed with blankets, flasks and rugs, all ready to walk the pier's length and witness the year's most inspiring sunrise!

By 4.30am over 400 souls had gathered at the end of the pier where a grand piano stood.
As the clouds began to break and the sun streaked across the sky, the 4 members of Diva Opera performed an hour long performance of such beauty and strength against the most dramatic backdrop.

With a standing ovation and over 400 hearts filled with dawn inspiration, we all headed up to the cafe and sat sipping mugs of hot tea whilst discussing just how wonderful it is to be alive!

It is in moments like these that you feel the immense power of nature and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for life and all its beauty...
My life is so blessed!

Tony Dickinson visits Jersey

2008-06-17T13:39:00.012+01:00

Last month I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Tony Dickinson - a wonderful soul and incredible trainer/facilitator with the most colourful background...

Our initial meeting led to a fascinating weekend of events, held in Jersey at the end of May - talk, workshop and a series of 1:1 appointments - and people have been lining up for appointments ever since!

International teacher Tony Dickinson was Principal Assistant Secretary for Health in Hong Kong and now runs a successful practice in London. A leading pioneer in the field of energy psychology, Tony studied with the founder of Guided Self Healing, clinical psychologist Andrew Hahn Psy.D, to become the first certified practitioner and trainer of GSH outside North America and is also certified in EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), TFT (Thought Field Therapy) and TAT (Tapas Acupressure Technique) having studied with the founders of all of the above.

Tony's unique combination of therapies creates a powerful healing experience and a fascinating journey.

Tony will be returning to Jersey on 26th - 27th June for a further series of 1:1 appointments and there are spaces available for those wishing to book. For further information or to book a unique Guided Self Healing experience, please do contact The Spiral Tree on 07797 796720 or e-mail sarah@thespiraltree.com

India...Journey to the Sacred Feminine

2008-06-07T20:37:00.009+01:00

Certain journeys are impossible to express in words...and this is how I have felt about my trip to India, leaving most of my friends a little puzzled and bemused about the whole trip.
I had always felt that India would call to me when the time had come for me to visit and I can honestly say that I am glad I waited, for this was one of the most deeply transformational experiences of my life - a journey that led me to reconnect with all I consider sacred within me and the sacred feminine that dwells within all.

As my journey began to unfold, I found myself being led across southern India to meet with such divine female beings as Amma, Shiva Shakti, Mother Meera and also connect with the ashram and township created by 'The Mother' and with each new day I felt my heart and soul blossoming, opening, smiling, laughing, loving, living, rejoicing...I felt so awake, aware and alive as if every pore of my body had begun to sing!

Some journeys are outward journeys...ones that explore and admire historical and cultural sights, landscapes and views. Mine was an inward journey...one that awakened every cell within my being and sent a 'zing' of life throughout my entire body, mind and soul. I began to smile more and more each day until I found myself smiling constantly, beaming at everyone that passed me (I'm sure I was even smiling in my sleep!) and with each new day I felt the most powerful sense of joy and excitement at being alive.

I lost all track of time and had no idea what day of the week it was...each day was 'a new day', not a Monday or a Thursday; I met the children and women supported by the Rubybleu foundation; I hired a moped and felt the freedom of an early dawn mist flying through my hair; I blessed every meal and took time to honour the Earth for each morsel of food I ate; I received a Shambalah reiki initiation on a candlelit rooftop; I journalled and created collages in my travelling sketchbook; I watched life and absorbed India through every breath; I witnessed 1000s of people circumnavigating Arunchala mountain barefoot on full moon night; I saw shrines and temples ablaze with colour, oil lamps, flowers and incense; I walked the Holy Mountain of Shiva at sunrise; I admired the beauty and grace of the Indian women; I marvelled at the sacred and intricate 'kolam' drawings created each morning on the red earth; I felt the silence of prayer and the stillness of meditation; I felt the magic and sacredness of a 'puja' at sunrise; I watched wild elephants grazing at sunset; I ate off banana leaves and spooned food with my fingers; I felt the dance of life move through me and shake me; I laughed out loud and celebrated life; I sent prayers of gratitude for my life...all this and more...in India!

Every moment was a photo waiting to be taken, however I reached a point where I decided to watch, learn, observe and absorb and therefore took only a fraction of the photos I could have snapped...here are a few for all those wishing for further glimpses of this magical journey:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14644863@N07/sets/72157605423795350/

Enjoy...
Spiral x

New Year New Beginnings...

2008-01-15T23:24:00.000Z

This year The Spiral Tree spreads its roots and begins to explore new pathways and directions...

I decided very early on in life that India would call to me when the time was right and it seems that this time has arrived.
A country that has mystified and intrigued me for most of my adult life, I now have only days to go before I fly into Kerala to visit Katalin Koda at the Rubybleu Foundation ( see http://www.rubybleu.org ) and start my journey around Southern India. I am nervous, excited and filled with a sensation that I can only describe as that of 'standing at the very edge of a very deep canyon, waiting to leap off'...wow, does it feel good!

I will be posting updates and photos here on the blog as often as I can so that I can share as many Spiral experiences as possible with you all and look forward to hearing all your news along the way...

For all of you who have enquired about courses for 2008, I will be posting dates and information on the website as soon as schedules are organised, so please do visit the site for news and updates.

Wishing you all an inspiring start to what promises to be a very auspicious year ahead...
Smile and jump for joy!
Spiral

A Month of Celebrations...

2008-01-15T22:24:00.000Z

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

A New Year begins bringing the fresh and vibrant energy of change sweeping through our doors...
January is a magical month and one of great power as the energy of new beginnings fills the air promising adventures and pathways as of yet undiscovered...

December was a whirlwind month for The Spiral Tree as the farmhouse overflowed with gorgeous gifts and inspiring new faces at the Celebration Part II, followed swiftly by the first Spiral Celebration Supper, which was the most fantastic night of fun and laughter!!

To be able to gather so many gorgeously inspiring souls together in one place was just magical and I have to send out a huge thank you to everyone for making it a real night to remember! I think the photo above says it all...and congratulations to Marianne for winning the Spiral hamper bursting with goodies!
(Numbers were unfortunately limited and I do apologise to all those on the waiting list - I promise to find a bigger location for this year!)

As I said on the evening, The Spiral Tree would not exist without all the wonderful people who attend courses and events bringing their own personal stories, dreams and inspirations to the groups, and for this I thank all who have become part of The Spiral Tree over the past 4 years. It has been an incredible journey so far and I feel truly privileged to have met such incredible souls along the way...

May 2008 bring an abundance of joy and laughter, success and inspiration, love and friendship and the opening of new and exciting doorways...

With love and peace
Spiral

Spiral Celebration Supper - Weds 19th December

2007-11-26T17:10:00.000Z

Dear All

Following e-mails from members of various Spiral Tree groups, both past and present, all asking when we can meet up for supper, The Spiral Tree has come up with a fabulous solution to kick start your festive celebrations...

An evening not to be missed...

The Spiral Tree Celebration Supper!!!

Location: Thai Park House, Colomberie

Date: Weds 19th December

Time: 7.30pm

Spaces limited to 25

A chance to bring together friends and like-minded souls from various Spiral Tree groups, I have booked Thai Park House on Colomberie for Wednesday 19th December.

Gorgeous food for gorgeous people, Aranya and her team can cater to all dietary needs (non-spicy dishes also available) and the evening promises fun and games, fascinating chatter and so much more...
but hurry as there are only 25 places available so first come first reserved : )

There will be no set menu for the evening and the team will create whichever dishes take your fancy on the night...less hassle, more fun!

An evening not to be missed!!!

To reserve a place and receive a booking deposit form, please e-mail me at sarah@thespiraltree.com

A Christmas Celebration

2007-11-22T12:11:00.003Z

The Spiral Tree Celebration 2007

This year The Spiral Tree joined hands with 4 local businesses to create the most inspirational event ever!!! (See photos)

Friday 16th Nov - Saturday 17th Nov
Location: The Spiral Tree, Stonewall Farmhouse, Oaklands Lane, St Helier

- Jolies Choses - Alex Red - Ebony Bean - Baby Grows Green -

*Irresistible home accessories*
*Unique pieces of handcrafted silver*
*Natural indulgence for body, mind & soul*
*Succulent collections of clothing*
*Awe-Inspiring jewellery, accessories & more*

With unique and thoughtful gifts, delicious spiced cheer and irresistible nibbles, Spiral HQ overflowed with excitement and laughter as people immersed themselves in stocking-filler heaven and bathed in festive cheer...do take a look at photos from the weekend and feast your eyes on an abundance of colour!

Congratulations to our Raffle Winner Kristina who won a Luxurious Hamper overflowing
with goodies from all the above suppliers plus a year's membership to the Jersey National Trust (proceeds from the raffle went to J.N.Trust) - hooray!!

With so many comments and requests for another event, plans are afoot for The Spiral Tree Celebration Part II coming early December...with 2 more local businesses coming onboard... watch this space!!

Ann Morgan - Goddess & Artist Sublime!

2007-10-25T13:42:00.000+01:00

I have been waiting all year for next Monday's big event...Ann Morgan's One-Woman Show at Studio 18 opens its doors to the public and I just cannot wait!

For those of you unfamiliar with Ann's work, The Spiral Blog has been gifted with a few sneak preview photos of Monday's magic and as you can see, it is the most vibrantly soul-inspiring work ever!

Dramatic cliff drops, enticing seas, mysterious and powerful plays of light all burst off the canvas in the most vibrant collection of colour and oils...

I cannot think of a more inspiring start to the week, so if you are free on Monday 29th October, do pop down to the opening of 'Surface Light' at Studio 18, 23a Beresford Street, St Helier, 5.30 - 7.30pm and breathe in the beauty and colours of Jersey's coastline... Spiral

Autumn Magic...

2007-10-22T13:22:00.001+01:00

Autumn is always a time of great change...a time of reflection and a time of release. A time of letting go and trusting...a time to go within and nurture the body, mind and soul.

As nature around us releases its leaves and seeds, I am reminded that for us to grow, we need to be prepared to release the old and let go for new life to flourish. In order for the cycle of life to continue, the trees around us release acorns, conkers, chestnuts and in that very act of releasing, they plant new seeds and the promise of new growth and new life fills the air.

So why is it, as humans, we fight the cycles and rhythms of change that continually move through our lives? Why do we fight the body's urge to move in new directions? Why do we hold on to aspects of our lives that no longer serve us or bring us joy? Why do we fight the very cycles of change that keep us feeling alive and awake in life? Why do we ignore the body's urge to rest and recharge?

To let go is to trust...to trust that as we let go of one thing, another will appear to fill its place and that the new will be better than that we have released...To trust is to believe.
Trusting...Believing...Releasing

So I invite you to take a walk in nature and breathe in the Autumn air. Listen to nature in all its wisdom. Observe the changing colours, collect some fallen leaves, roast some chestnuts and think about all you are ready to release in your life, to invite in the new.

Make time to meditate, to listen to your body and hear the messages of your soul. Ask yourself 'What does it mean to be alive?' and create space in your life for the answers...

Sarah Spiral

Blog Action Day...Pesticide Action

2007-10-15T14:46:00.000+01:00

On Blog Action Day participants around the world unite to write about one issue...THE ENVIRONMENT. The Spiral Tree has chosen a topic relevant to all...

What is the real cost of clothing?

Pesticides used in conventional cotton production kill an estimated 20,000 farmers a year, and drive 100,000 others to suicide (*Figures from the World Health Organisation*).

This isn’t something happening on the other side of the world that has nothing to do with us. This is the cotton that is used to make the clothes we buy without thinking on the High Street. Making a few conscious consumer choices you can help reduce the real cost of clothing...

In 2001 Safia Minney launched the fair trade clothing company People Tree...and I have been accompanying its development with admiration ever since.

People Tree's aim is to use fashion as a tool to help the world's most marginalised people. They work closely with producers and designers to ensure that, not only are all their clothes beautifully crafted, but as many jobs are created as possible so people in developing countries can work their way out of poverty.

People Tree strive to protect the environment that its partners live in – doing everything as ecologically as possible, buying Fair Trade, organic cotton, using Fair Trade weavers, tailors, embroiderers...In fact every part of the process through the whole supply chain is under scrutiny to ensure it meets Fair Trade standards and is ecologically sound. That is why People Tree are recognised the pioneers of Fair Trade fashion.

For further information on People Tree and cotton farming click here.

Choice is a powerful weapon...use yours to make a difference.

Sarah

Blog Action Day 2007

2007-10-15T13:01:00.001+01:00

15th October is Blog Action Day...

Blog Action Day...15th October

2007-10-12T22:22:00.000+01:00

15th October is Blog Action Day...

On Monday October 15th, bloggers around the web will unite to put a single important issue on everyone’s mind - the environment. Every blogger will post about the environment in their own way and relating to their own topic. The aim is to get everyone talking towards a better future...

The Spiral Tree has pledged its participation to Blog Action Day - watch this space for up-and-coming environmental news and articles...

Sarah

London-Brighton-Barcelona-Jersey

2007-10-06T22:01:00.001+01:00

Autumn is here - hooray - and The Spiral Blog is launched...creative musings, photos and thoughts all coming this way!

The last few months have taken me to London, Brighton and Barcelona (click here to see PHOTOS) and coming back to Jersey I realise once again just how lucky we are to live in such a tranquil place, surrounded by the ocean and immersed in nature...and this time of year is just magical!

Mooching around Barcelona (and for those of you from the US, let me point out that by 'mooching' I mean 'exploring' as I know that in the US it means something completely different!) I found a new passion...Gaudi! The more of his projects I visited and the more I learnt about Gaudi as a person, the more intrigued and enamored of his work I became - in fact Aninha and I rapidly became Gaudi Groupies as we discovered that all his shapes and designs were inspired by forms in nature. Stepping into one of his buildings felt like entering a magical world, where the smooth, flowing walls, rounded designs and bright splashes of colour brought an overwhelming sense of calm and awe and also the feeling that one was actually inside an organic, living structure - the buildings felt alive - like large, peaceful creatures!
No harsh corners, no 90 degree angles, but carefully thought out pieces of living art, an expression of the deep respect and love the architect felt for the natural world that fascinated him so. Each new building was a uniquely profound experience and a haven of calm from the hectic city life outside.

Nature and our connection to the world around us are passionate themes that flow through all of my work and the courses I teach, hence the deep respect I feel for Gaudi.
Soul Coaching Programmes guide participants through weekly themes of self-discovery, as they explore themselves and the world they live in through the 4 elements of Air - Water - Fire - Earth, which in turn reflect the Mental, Emotional, Spiritual and Physical aspects of their 'selves'. The journey is profound, the discoveries enlightening and the transformations life-changing as a vibrant awareness of 'self' and admiration for nature in all its forms is awakened.
Meditation & Relaxation Courses nurture a deeper understanding of the body and mind, whilst awakening an awareness of the cycles and rhythms that move within us and the world around us. Meditation is a journey...one that leads us to connect with our true selves and the world we live in through the breath. We draw the outer world into our inner world through the breath.

Nature is our greatest teacher...and with these thoughts in mind, I leave you here and invite you to join in the October Poll and tell me what you love most about Autumn!

Wishing you all a Wonder-filled Week ahead
Sarah Spiral