Artist and masseur Ali Zaidi gets hands-on about healing the body, mind and spirit. Ignore the picture though, he doesn’t practice rake-i.
Let me begin by saying that I was not always comfortable with my body the way I accept, respect and love it now. Love is an important word that I repeatedly return to throughout my work as a self-confessed connector. Continue reading A Touching Story of Healing Hands-London
Healing Hands-London offers bodywork to stimulate the human body, mind, the emotional centre and spirit together. Most importantly, a safe space of non-judgemental intimacy is created which allows a person to feel their most authentic. Authenticity is an essential state for acceptance and healing to take place. Continue reading Healing Hands-London… Tantra Touch
Nowruz, the Persian New Year is worldwide celebrated on March 20, 2017 and means “The New Day”. It takes place annually at the equinox in spring and so the exact date is varying. Nowruz is mostly celebrated in Iranian cultural regions, where pupils get a two week holiday to take part in this traditional family feast. People visit their friends and neighbours, exchanging small gifts and best wishes.
The most important Nowruz customs is the collection and consumption of the Haft-Seen, which means “seven seen’s” in English, according to the seven pieces of decoration for the Persian tabletop called Sofreh. Each of them symbolizes a Zoroastrian virtue. Rebirth, affluence, love, health, beauty, sunrise and patience are the seven wishes for the New Year that starts on Nowruz Day.
A mirror for the metaphoric reflexion of the old year, a living fish in water as a symbol for the new life, colored eggs for fertility and a bouquet of hyacinths representing spring are also parts of the festive tabletop. Islamic families add their Koran, Christians their Bible and Zoroastrian people a picture of Zarathustra.
On Wednesday before Nowruz another custom called Chaharshanbe Suri takes place. People jump over small bonfires in the streets, leaving all paleness behind and receiving the flaming Red of the fire. It is common belief that all bad things are left with the fire, which likewise gives off its brilliance and vitality.
The exact moment of the breaking of the New Year is not fixed with a certain time, but celebrated at the equinox. Before that moment could be ascertained easily via internet, the Haji Firooz, an elderly man, painted black and wearing red, danced through the streets on Nowruz, announcing that moment loudly.
The colour this year is white… may it bring peace and joy to the world!!
text “Nowruz” has been taken from www.cute-calendar.com
Ann my neighbour gifted me a potted bulb of Amaryllis belladonna. It was a farewell 2015 intimate food based Casa Ali gathering in my front room. Ann, Vojko my ex-flatmate, Franz my couch surfing guest et moi. Amidst hugs and laughter and anecdotes and reminisces, Ann brought out this decorative pot boxed with no nonsense instructions. A beautiful thoughtful gift marking the end of an year and welcoming the new. Continue reading Amaryllis… a token of neighbourly love!
Happiness is… following your heart with love, joy and respect.
