Once Upon a Time ...: July 2017

Change is a Beautiful Thing

'The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.'-Socrates.

It happened again. A friend called about how he was being let go of at his workplace and how much of a blow that was. We have most of us been there. Being let go of at work, in a relationship, in a friendship. Changes to the status quo , foreseen or unforeseen, which leave us reeling and gripped with shock.

Had and would it have been so much better if we had seen it coming? In hindsight , we like to think so. Like to think that forewarned is forearmed. But really, the intensity of the moment when the news is confirmed is the same as if we had never been forewarned to begin with.

Stress causes a number of changes including elevated heart rate and respiration, suppression of the digestive system, increased blood flow, and immune suppression.

Fight or Flight

All of your physiological resources are diverted from normal functions to prepare you for fight or flight. Ideally, once the perceived threat disappears, then the hormones and chemicals will leave your system and your body function reverts to normal
Stress can and does also cause only some of the below :

Poor immune function
Insomnia
Anxiety
Muscle tension and pain
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Obesity
Depression

You are in Control !!

Create an action plan: The World of Psychology suggests preparing instead of worrying. in this way, you will feel more in control of the situation, which should help minimize your stress. This preparation should also help you reduce uncertainty, which will minimize worrying about the unknown associated with upcoming change.
Build a strong support network: Seek mutually supportive relationships among multiple social groups, such as friends, family, work, volunteer activities, church, and hobbies. Having people you can lean on during your upcoming changes will ease the way.
Take care of your physical health: Eat healthy foods, exercising, finding time to relax, and getting plenty of sleep can help you cope with stress. This is especially important if you know big changes are on the horizon.
Eat healthy: This will help boost your brain's serotonin levels, which will combat higher cortisol associated with stress.
One change at a time: Minimize other changes in your life as you prepare for a big change. For example, if you're going to be changing jobs soon it will be best not to attempt to change personal habits at the same time

Throughout our lives, we experience both change and stress many times. But you can learn to effectively deal with the associated stress and realize you are in control. !

An Ancient history through Hieroglyphs

The remains of two old villages have been uncovered by Archaeologists in Fiji. This was discovered after a survey was carried out in the Koroyanitu mountain range in Lautoka.

The survey resulted in the discovery of the village sites which have been dated between 200 and 500 years old. Evidence of housing and of people living at the site was found. There have been stone alignments in the mountains and some clay pottery pieces found.

The archaeologists' have been recording historical accounts and linking it to the existing cultural features in the form of old village sites through mapping and reporting.

According to the Fiji Museum, Austronesian peoples are believed to have settled in the Fijian islands some 3,500 years ago, with Melanesians following around a thousand years later. Most authorities agree that they originated in Southeast Asia and came via Indonesia. Archeological evidence shows signs of settlement on Moturiki Island from 600 BC and possibly as far back as 900 BC.

These indicator helps follow the thread of Fiji’s history and the movements of its people and track a path of journey over the generations.

Naihehe Caves

The history of the Naihehe caves starts in 1865 with a European missionary named Reverend Thomas Baker who was killed and eaten by the local Fijian Tribe. His half eaten shoe can still be seen at the Suva National Museum.

The caves are mirrored by a beautiful aqua pool of water. Cannibalism and tribal warfare were rife in those days. The caves have a spiritual feel and a sense of a painful history about them. The caves are being utilised as a wedding destination in more recent times hopefully bringing a sense of happiness and good tidings to an unfortunate sad historical destination.

Practical Steps to work towards Inner Peace

Be honest with yourself. The world of men is not honest with you. The world loves hypocrisy. When you are honest with yourself you find the road to inner peace ~ Yogananda

It's easier said than done. The road to peace.. wide and varied but difficult terrains to cross. I've know pure peaceful states only to be jarred into something just slightly out of my grasp.. and the true challenge to that is the workplace. I admit, I become a completely different personality type in the workforce setting in an instant much to my dismay. And also I comprehend on some basic level that the workplace persona is not me.
Oh, all I really become is driven, short tempered and results oriented and drive myself like a banshee but I've seen, I also fail to get the best out of my employees in this manner. I have yet to harness my tools to deal with this workplace conundrum but it is a personal learning curve for me. I have put together a few little notes to keep in mind daily and I hope this helps you too!

Take twelve minutes in the morning. Mornings are full of the activities of getting up and going ad these 12 mins to relax your mind prior will make a change.

Participate in meditative actions. The fact is that meditation can be done at any time and actively seeking to enter a meditative or mindful state a good start.

Walking in nature. Nature helps the mind to relax like nothing else. The quiet of the wilderness and time to dwell.

Grow a garden. Work with nature in a mostly quiet, solo activity. Growing bounty will help bring down the stress level.

Commute in peace and quiet. Reflect on the day’s events to revive a tired spirit and restore peace. Focus to regain some peace in your life.

When Life gets Hard

"There are many causes that I am prepared to die for but no cause that I am prepared to kill for." -Gandhi

As it inevitably will. You can not let it get you down. In you, in all of us we are capable of achieving and overcoming. When life gets hard, remember this:

Be tolerant

Be peaceful

Reflect

Seek forgiveness, not revenge

Live in Joy

Be part of the solution

Granted there will be times when fast action is essential but know other times when reacting with care and consideration will bring in a much better result.

It is because we're all humans, with the same ambitions and aspirations to raise our family, and to live life to its fullest that we need to work together and live together.

You will see how living in peace means more than living in the absence of violence. Try to cultivate peace in all areas of your life by reducing stress as much as possible. Do not contend.

Choosing to see the wonders of the world is an antidote to violence. Joy brings peace to your life because you're always prepared to see what is good in others and the world, and to be grateful for the wondrous aspects of life. This will radiate outwards from you and multiply in the Universe.

Peace is a constant goal to work towards. It needs Change. In yourself. So it’s inside you that you need to go to stop violence and become peaceful. In seeking not to harm living beings, to live peacefully, first change yourself, and then change the world.

Be a person who loves every person for who they truly are. Make people comfortable around you, and allow them to be themselves with you. You will see how much more at peace you will be.

How to keep Peace during Mayhem

'Peace begins with a smile ' -Mother Teresa

Do you have those days? You know the one I'm talking about.. You get to work, school , university or wherever and instantly your peace of mind is shattered . Shattered by words spoken in haste or intentionally. Words unwatched and unobserved. I spoke to a friend of mine who experience this as we all do on a daily basis , but her defence mechanisms were not up to the task of self preservation.

As someone who has been through numerous suffering and knows exactly how it feels to hit rock bottom and steadily try to climb back out, I will try to vocalise some of my own learnings in the spirit that it may help someone out there.

Finding Inner peace (or peace of mind)is a daily struggle for most of us. Because this means being mentally and spiritually at peace, with enough understanding to keep oneself strong in the face of discord or stress.

How does one find peace you may ask??

It is not easy. I found the only way to overcome my struggles and suffering was to get down to the root cause of my suffering and acknowledge it for what it was. You can not find peace without going through immense suffering first.

Peace of mind is the associated state of bliss and happiness you find later.

Finding your inner peace will lead you through many difficulties in life. Although it is often associated with traditions such as Buddhism and Hinduism as well as the New Age movement and Christianity this is an individual journey to be taken.

While you will find your own meanings of peaceful existence and outward manifestations of a peaceful life according to your beliefs and lifestyle, being non-violent, being tolerant, holding moderate views, and celebrating wondrous-life are the basic tools to harness. This page will provide some suggestions to help you to discover your journey to living in peace, a journey and way of life that ultimately only you can be responsible for.

A Lavender Sorta Day

So a little research on Lavender for a bestie who loves them !!
It is grown mainly for the production of essential oil of lavender which has antiseptic and healing properties, and can be used as a natural mosquito repellent. It is also widely used as fragrances for bath products.

Typically though, we like to combine lavender in with our cooking. As an aromatic, it has a sweet fragrance with a taste of lemon or citrus notes. It is used as a spice or condiment in pastas, salads and dressings, and desserts.

Thanks to Nana, growing up we also saw flower spikes used for dried flower arrangements. Scented around the house we saw fragrant, pale purple flowers and flower buds used in potpourris. Lavender is also used extensively as herbal filler inside sachets used to freshen linens. As drawer liners dried and sealed in pouches, lavender flowers are placed among stored items of clothing to give a fresh fragrance .

For the Gardener with a green thumb:

Lavenders flourish best in dry, well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils in full sun
All types need little or no fertilizer and good air circulation.
In areas of high humidity, root rot due to fungus infection can be a problem. Organic mulches can trap moisture around the plants' bases, encouraging root rot.
Gravelly materials such as crushed rocks give better results^.
It grows best in soils with a pH between 6 and 8.

Hmm... so next time you are in the presence of this multipurpose beautiful plant ...stop ..inhale and smell the lavender..

Aircraft out of Nowhere..

Watch this Aircraft suddenly emerge!!

Japanese food fix??

Japanese Anyone??

What to Avoid , given how scrumptious these dishes are ..

1. Miso soup: contains one-third to one-half the amount you should have in a day.

2. Spicy rolls: Spicy sushi rolls sauce is nearly always mayonnaise-based, so the calories add up quickly.

3. Tempura: yes, it is deep fried flour.

4. Udon: Again udon contains significant amounts of sodium to your day.

5. Hibachi: Fine by itself, however, look out for the oil and sauces additions!

Five best Japanese dishes:

1. Edamame: Just plain baby soybeans with a nice hit of filling fiber and protein.

2. Sashimi: Sashimi simply consists of plain, thin-sliced pieces of fish.

3. Shishito peppers: Shishito peppers deliver many nutrients in a low-calorie package.

4. Hiyayakko: Is pure chilled tofu with toppings like daikon, grated ginger, or mustard.

5. Spinach ohitashi: This blanched spinach salad is a great source of vitamin K, which is crucial for healthy bones.

Cloud Nine Floating Restaurant

Based at the incredible Ro Ro Reef amongst the Mamanuca Islands of Viti Levu, Cloud 9 is Fiji's newest floating restaurant surrounded by turquoise blue waters and glorious ocean views..

Port Denarau has transport to and fro Fiji's only two level floating platform.

Laze on the sun decks, hanging chairs and day beds. There are also an internationally stocked bar and Italian wood-fired pizzeria for your enjoyment. Live on the ocean awhile !!

You can also take a dip in the calm crystal clear waters and explore the coral reefs.

Live the way you were meant to in Paradise!!

Heck....

With oceans as beautiful as these who'd want to get off the Restaurant ??

Amazing coffees & cakes at BULACCINO!

Eileen is her name. Graceful and courteous , the owner of this delightful coffee shop which has branches in Denarau is the best place for a relaxing meet over coffee and eats. There is an extensive menu listing and a Blackboard menu which is dotted with new dishes!
Grab yourself the dailies or a mag from the back section and spend happy moments with the sweet pastries displayed...
The lemon yoghurt cake has to be one of the best i've tasted.. a delightfully home made taste which gives it that special taste...

Bulaccino is the name...and hard to forget!!

Sitar ~ a delightful palate

Ah Sitar .....

Wonderful memories that were created at this restaurant with various family members, friends and acquaintances .. all wonderful moments made even better by their varying and ever increasing menu selections!
The Menu houses flaming hot dishes from India, Fiji and Thailand. Sitar is a great little hideout across from Burger King and on the Nadi Bay Resort Strip.
Known for its hot little curries.. the Chicken Tikka kebabs and Chicken Jalfrezi are not to be missed! It comes with a live music band on the weekends and lit by flaming gas torches at the entrance. Parking is out on the street but safely under the glare of the streetlights.

Yet another little fave in your hunt for a great restaurant!

not just any island

It is not just any island... Plantation Island Resort Fiji proudly embraces its lush 23 acres of tropical landscaped gardens and coconut palms, and has kilometres of white, sandy beaches, only some of which oversees a gorgeous, sheltered lagoon…you have got to be here to believe it !!
As the day begins and vacationing people start out on their adventures, it is a place to be appreciated and present in the now. Soak up the sun.. the friendliness...the wonderful cuisine. It is these moments that will later become your cherished moments..make wonderful memories!! Forget about your job back home and your daily grind in the rat race of life. Live now with the people around you sharing your space and your life..

Please do let me know if you have specific questions on anything!!

absolutely beautiful ...

The beautiful Pearl Resort at Pacific Harbour... as we meandered down the Pacific Harbour Art Centre and reached the Resort, did we discover the idyllic escape where luxury accommodation and exquisite cuisine awaited us.

As they say, only some of the many features include an 18 hole championship golf course, swimming pool with swim- up bar, The Pearl Spa, white water rafting, game fishing, world famous shark diving, snorkeling, jet ski safari and surfing at Frigates Passage.

I do have to say that for the perfect Fijian wedding the chapel or championship course venue is a must see. And im not among the throngs of easily impressed but my cynical voice also agreed with me on this one....Ladies...it is definitely worth a look-see...

Pacific Harbour Art Centre -Remnants of bygone days

Tiki Pool Bar at the Art Centre ,Fiji.
is Fiji 's largest swim up bar, an 18m water slide, and a stage for regular performances.
The pool has a giant tiki head with water spraying nostrils and a bench seat inside mouth with a cold water spa1!
Climbing inside the Tiki head you will find a great corkscrew water slide. The entire pool is surrounded in sand .

Remnants of a once beautiful place remains, which had cultural performances and bars for nightlife. Now left are a few shops and nice looking bridges, cafes and restaurants to try out, small supermarket and touristy type clothes and souvenir shops.
The Lily pond is lovely and adds its own charm to the village.

Hidden peaceful tranquility in the heart of Pac. Harbour... Find quiet solitude on the spot awaiting you. ... i felt the quiet of the place encompass and wrap me in its warmth. hidden in a lonely spot behind a deserted restaurant which once was widely popular for Cajun food in Pacific Harbour, Suva , Fiji. A must see !!!

Momi Bay Historical Park

Guns and bunkers were set up here during World War II to protect Nadi .

One of the bunkers has been turned into a museum with photographs documenting its history. The site offers spectacular views over Momi Bay and the Mamanuca Islands.There are also two 6in guns that were installed here by the New Zealand 30th Battalion in 1941 to defend Fiji against the Japanese.

Sunset from the Rocks...

A beautiful setting sun shot which was captured on an evening walk on the beach at Wailoaloa in Nadi. Amidst a crowd of bustling backpackers and the solitary dreamer a thin path curved around a bend and led to this spot where the most incredible sun was setting bringing the close to another day and events in peoples lives in this corner of the world...
For now it is adieu..

Aerial views

an awesome heli- tour ride where we managed to capture these snazzy pics from far above !!

Crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches....cheap fares and food....you can find all these in Fiji Islands. For a backpacking adventure, honeymooners, work break vacation or simply to discover a new place!! Feel yourself relax and unwind with Island Time !!

An aerial bird's eye -view of the lower fringe of Nadi, which is in the western part of Viti Levu in Fiji. It is located on the western side of the main island of Viti Levu, and had a population of 42,284 at the most recent census, in 2007. A 2012 estimate showed that the population had grown to over 50,000. Nadi is multiracial with many of its inhabitants Indian or Fijian, along with a large transient population of foreign tourists. Along with sugar cane production, tourism is a mainstay of the local economy.The Nadi region has a higher concentration of hotels and motels than any other part of Fiji.

Apart from wiki's contribution on the region, the loveliest areas to visit are in the Mamanuca Islands. The islands offer crystal clear waters, palm fringed sandy beaches and live coral reefs. There are islands, villages, resorts to visit, snorkel and swim. More exclusive than the onshore resorts and hotels, the pristine beauty of these islands will simply blow you away....