Our Kindness Challenge

June 1, 2009 | 1 Comment

Kindness

With a theme like Kindness this month, we’re ready for a Big, Hearty, Man-sized Challenge! Are you up for it?

Often we’re so focussed on the doings of our own life, the chores and tasks that must get done, and the thoughts whirring around inside our heads that we forget, for a while, to look outwards at the people we come in contact with daily.

We don’t need to look far to see where a little dash of kindness could brighten someones day and give their heart a lift.

Little acts (and big acts) of kindness have a habit of restoring our faith in the power of love and compassion. They fill up the heart of the giver as well as the receiver.

So, today, tomorrow and throughout June, we’re challenging you to notice the moments where a little dash of kindness, a quiet good deed or caring word, could make a difference. And then, act.

Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.

~Anne Herbert

Posted by karen | Filed Under Challenge Space, June 09

Conversations - Our Challenge for April

April 1, 2009 | 6 Comments

Conversations, our theme for April here at The Calm Space, are all about sharing, listening, asking and responding to questions. And some of our best conversations are had over the dinner table or a simple cuppa…

Share with us!

Join in our conversation here this month by naming three people (alive or dead) who you would love to sit down over a meal and have a four-way conversation with; and what one question would you ask them to start the conversation?

Sit Down by Saxon on Flickr

Leave your response in a comment below, or email thecalmspace@gmail.com.

Every response will go in the draw to win a special ‘conversations’ pack we’re putting together.

Posted by karen | Filed Under April 09, Challenge Space

Your Challenge for March

March 23, 2009 | Leave a Comment

What is this life, if

Full of care,

We have no time

To stand and stare?

~W.H. Davies

When was the last time you sat and stared off into space?

Did you get into trouble for that as a child? For daydreaming in class? For being absent of mind, even though present in body?

Maybe that’s why we resist it now…

Take a moment (not while driving!) and just let your mind drift. Watch the clouds move in the sky. Watch people walk past you on the street.

Let your mind wander. Don’t tell your thoughts where to go.

It’s amazing where we can go if we let go… even if only for a minute.

Lie on a park bench and stare (istockphoto.com)

Posted by karen | Filed Under Challenge Space, March 08

Your Challenge for September - Blossom!

September 8, 2008 | 2 Comments

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

Anais Nin

What are you resisting?

Where in your life are you remaining tight in the bud?

It’s your time to blossom!

Reinvent and share your beauty with the world.

Now. Right now.

We’re here waiting for you…

Posted by karen | Filed Under Challenge Space, September 08

Our simplicity challenge for July

July 11, 2008 | Leave a Comment

This month, as we explore simplicity in all its guises, we’d like to throw out a challenge to you.

Become attuned to the seasons.

If it’s winter, like it is here, enjoy the bracing fresh air as you throw a ball or go for a walk. Enjoy the warmth of the sun without fear of baking. Cook delicious soups and casseroles and stir a fragrant risotto. Make pasta with the kids. Enjoy a glass of red in front of the fire. Curl up with a good book under a snugly throw rug. Watch the clouds skid across the sky, driven by the cold winter winds.

And for our northern friends, relish the warmth of summer. Relish the long hours of daylight, and make the most of the extended afternoons to spend time outdoors. Notice the scents of summer, how the heat really brings out the frangrance of your garden. Relish the feel of water against your skin as you swim. Enjoy the sand beneath your feet on your beach sojourn. Eat light, delicious, fresh salads. Savour a long, cool drink with lots of ice, the drips of condensation providing added coolness to your skin.

Are you up to the challenge?

Posted by karen | Filed Under Challenge Space, July 08

Sharing what fires me up

April 15, 2008 | 3 Comments

My Top 3 Passions are…

1. Family and friends, spending time with them, and the laughter we share.

2. Travel and photography, they go hand in hand.

3. My business, finding solutions and helping people.

Yes, I know. Technically that’s more than 3, but I just couldn’t leave anything out. And like an Oscar winner’s speech, I’ve probably left something important off the list. Oh, yes, I love lists too!

Posted by angela | Filed Under April 08, Challenge Space

A secret passion is shared

April 14, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Here’s my answer to the challenge this month. It’s a bit long! But I was hoping some of you might find it of interest…

Posted by joanna | Filed Under April 08, Challenge Space

Sharing the passion around

April 13, 2008 | 1 Comment

I have been inspired to try something a little different in my response to our challenge this month on What Really Fires You Up?

Joanna (The Writing Space) encouraged me to try out this new technology tool. It’s called Voicethread. It’s quick, simple and free to set up. And the best part about it? You can leave comments on the ‘thread’ - by voice or by writing your contribution. You also get to hear my voice, which sounds really weird to me when I play it back - but I am hoping sounds normal to you ; )

Click the arrow to start playing, there are only two slides, and doesn’t take more than a minute or two. Then you can leave me a message (you need to register with Voicethread to leave a message on the thread, or simply leave a comment on this post).

What is it that really fires you up? We’d love to hear from you!

Posted by karen | Filed Under April 08, Challenge Space

The Challenge for April - Share Your Passion!

April 1, 2008 | 3 Comments

Share your passions, secret or otherwise, with The Calm Space this April.
What is it that really fires you up?

Send us your answers: one line (50 words max), a photo, a link to a move clip or a piece of music…

Please share with us - leave your comment below!

We’ll be sharing ours and we’d love to share yours too!

All contributions will be published here in The Challenge Space… come visit, subscribe and share in the passion and community here at The Calm Space.

soul singing… what really fires YOU up?

PS we’re working on a special prize for this… more details soon

Posted by karen | Filed Under April 08, Challenge Space

Announcing The Challenge Space

March 3, 2008 | 4 Comments

what do you want to be challenged on? Some time ago, before The Calm Space was born, I asked the readership of Sanctuary (the predecessor of Calm Space) what they would like to see in an online magazine… what it was they would find most useful in their quest for a better life.

I got some brilliant answers, and cherished every single of one them. Most were incorporated into the design of The Calm Space, and you’ve been enjoying the fruits of those ideas and thoughtful suggestions for the last five months now.

However, one idea that I loved was held back… not because it didn’t have merit, more because I needed time to devote to it, to give it the attention it deserved. I’d like to say a big thank you to Marina - your feedback and ideas were really wonderful!

Here it is! Welcome to The Challenge Space. A space where we will offer regular challenges (we’re thinking twice a month, but are eager to hear your thoughts on that).

The challenges will consist of little things. Things that probably won’t take up much time, but will make a difference when you do them.

The challenge may fit with the theme of the month, or it may be something else we feel strongly about.

We’re working on allowing you to subscribe by email or RSS feed to The Challenge Space, so that whenever we put up a new challenge you’ll be notified personally and able to take us up on the challenge if the timing is right for you.

Your First Challenge

Your first challenge, should you care to accept it, is to leave a comment below or contact me and let me know the kinds of things you’d like to be challenged on. Big or little. Daunting or fun. Relevant or irreverent. Let me know!

Oh! And go drink a glass of water… go on. Your body will thank you.