Sunshine Academy of Metaphysics and Natural Therapies

Lion's Gate is almost here.

Each year, between 1 and 12 August, many people choose to spend a little extra time in quiet reflection as the Lion's Gate journey unfolds, with 8 August (8/8) often regarded as its energetic peak.

Whether you see it as a symbolic gateway or simply an invitation to pause, it offers us an opportunity to live with a little more intention.

Over the coming days, we will explore this journey together through gentle reflections, simple practices and moments of stillness.

There is nothing you need to force.

Nothing you need to prove.

Nothing you need to chase.

Simply notice what is gently unfolding within your own heart.

Perhaps this year, Lion's Gate is not about striving for something new, but about remembering the strength, wisdom and light that have always been within you.

EmmaBx

Are you able to spare $10 or $20 – R100 or R200

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/emma-needs-her-eyesight

Today I am sharing something that has taken me a great deal of courage.

I have started a fundraising campaign to help me have cataract surgery. Time and time again I have the amount available and then another medical emergency crops up, this time I am in atrial fibrillation with my heart again, another bout of pneumonia and going through a severe allergy flareup - I have had several hospital visits and doctors visits, antibiotics etc.

If you know me, you will know that asking for help is not something I do easily. I have always been the one quietly helping others, so putting this campaign together has required me to set aside a great deal of pride and simply admit that I can no longer do this alone.

My eyesight has now deteriorated to the point where everyday life has become incredibly difficult. I spend much of my time behind closed curtains because my eyes can no longer cope with bright light, and my depth perception has become so poor that I have been advised not to walk outside on my own.

There is something else I never truly understood until I experienced it myself.

I used to see characters in films who could not recognise people's faces and assumed it was simply something created for the story. It isn't.

It is very real.

Imagine seeing someone you know and only being able to make out the outline of their body. Their face remains a blur unless they are standing right in front of you. It is isolating, frustrating, and at times quite frightening.

If you are able to support my campaign in any way, whether through a donation or simply by sharing it with others, I would be deeply grateful. Every act of kindness brings me one step closer to having my sight restored.

Thank you for reading, for caring and for walking this little part of the journey with me.

EmmaBx

PS I have tried all the natural remedies shared with me over the years and have also approached various institutions who sadly do not do free cataract surgery anymore. There is one place in JHB but I am not allowed to travel with my heart condition. And because of the time that has elapsed the costs keep going up

Emma needs her eyesight | BackaBuddy A little help to enable me to see properly again and to continue what I love doing most I have been on the Government waiting list for cataract su...

Today is International Self-Care Da y – a gentle reminder that caring for ourselves is not something we do only when we are exhausted. It is something we can weave into our everyday lives.

The date, 24 July (24/7), was chosen to remind us that self-care is something we can practice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. Often, the smallest acts are the ones that nourish us the most.

Self-care might be:

Sitting quietly with a cup of tea before the day begins.
Taking a few slow, mindful breaths.
Going for a gentle walk and noticing the world around you.
Reading a few pages of a book that brings you joy.
Saying "no" without feeling guilty.
Spending time in your garden or with nature.
Listening to music that soothes your heart.
Stretching your body after sitting for too long.
Having an early night and allowing yourself to truly rest.
Turning off your phone for a little while.
Writing down three things you are grateful for.
Lighting a candle and simply being present for a few quiet moments.

Perhaps the most important form of self-care is learning to speak to yourself with the same kindness you so freely offer others.

What is one small act of self-care you can give yourself today? It doesn't have to be anything big. Sometimes the gentlest moments become the ones we remember most.

EmmaBx