The last issue of oh mag... hello autumn, farewell friends

Cover by Jago Silver

Our beautiful new, slow and mellow autumn issue is out now and holds the theme 'secret' at its heart. Within the 132 pages, we explore the ways in which we share our inner hopes, wildest wishes and silent shadows (even if only with ourselves). From the ever-growing (and unifying, universal) language of emojis, to the historical mysteries surrounding homeopathy, we navigate the little-known paths that take us to unexpected places. We explore both the importance of facing our own demons within the pages of a personal diary while also celebrating the creative benefits of visual storytelling via social media. Secrets, we learn, can be a source of passionate inspiration – fuelling us to follow our dreams irrespective of societal expectation. From the pilgrims who walk out in search of life’s truths, to the artists who find answers in nature’s featherlight brushstrokes, this secret issue was nevertheless made to be shared – because good things happen when we listen to each other.

In the same breath, we're really sad to let you know that this issue will also be the very last issue of oh magazine…

a note from oh mag publisher, Lisa Sykes

For those who don't know me, I’m Lisa Sykes, co-founder and editorial director of Iceberg Press, the publishers of oh and The Simple Things magazines. We’re a small business and as such we value the support of our loyal purchasers and subscribers but, unfortunately, we launched oh at the end of 2019 and were only able to sell two issues before the first lockdown and the closure of many of the places we could sell oh. Even now, some of these shops have closed for good or are selling far fewer magazines than before. So, we find ourselves unable to continue to publish it, which has been a really tough call to make. I’d like to thank you so much for all of your support and really hope that you'll enjoy this brilliant final issue of oh magazine.

We'll continue to publish The Simple Things, which is very much oh Magazine's big sister, and if you'd like to try it out we've put together a special trial offer, which you can access here.

Here’s a last word from Emine Kali Rushton, Editor of oh magazine, 2019-2021:

“Having worked in magazines for 20 years, the past two years as editor of oh have been the happiest of my career. It's a rare and generous thing – being given the chance to push envelopes and embrace fresh perspectives; to be unafraid of tackling those big questions and divisive topics, while also creating a read that proffers comfort, hope and inspiration. I love that our mag reflected real life with all of its ups and downs, and shone light onto the magic of our most 'everyday' moments. And while, of course, I wish that our little indie mag could have weathered these toughest years in publishing and come out the other side, I'll be forever proud of the stories we've shared and the people we've met through our inclusive, inspiring and down-to-earth magazine... but proudest of all to have worked on something that people have enjoyed and embraced with so much enthusiasm.”

If you'd like to learn more about what oh mag editor Emine's doing next you can have a read of our next blog post in which she introduces her new online journal, WELLSPRING, and seasonal self-care membership, The Clearing.

With best wishes,

Lisa Sykes

Co-founder, Iceberg Press

3 brilliant eco festivals in the UK

Wilderlands

Wilderlands is a series of intimate family-friendly wild camping weekends rooted in supporting mental and bodily wellbeing and closeness to nature, incorporating outdoor activities, yoga, meditation and the opportunity to melt into the landscape and dissolve into the beautiful Chiddinglye woodland in West Sussex. 

The intimate nature of these weekends makes for a more languid and communal festival feeling, eschewing the crowds for more laid-back gathering around the fireside to soak up the music, storytelling, myth and poetry. Or to immerse ourselves in enlightening and thoughtfully curated tented talks founded in the philosophy and art of sustainability, environmentalism and rebellion - rooted in life’s love for life and the rising tide of human-induced climate change, loss of biodiversity and natural connection. We find ourselves at the intersection between our own wellbeing and that of the Earth.  

There is the opportunity to luxuriate in the woodland spa, enjoy walking the ancient countryside and participate in, largely forgotten, arts and crafts, nature-based making and mending or simply awaken the parts of us that live in the rhythms of starlight, birdsong and fire; the delicate, magical luxury of nature.    

www.wilderlands.co.uk/wild-weekends

Timber
Timber is a joyous family festival, nestled in the regenerated landscape of the National Forest, inviting us to gather in celebration of nature and to explore our relationship with trees and forests. Through music, performance, art and literature we find new ways to connect with, and respond to, the natural world around us and magical spaces in which to play, or to relax and wonder. There is the magical melding of old crafts and new stories, campfire gathering, starlight and leafy clearings. Once again we explore the intersection between human joy, restoration and wellbeing and the revival and celebration of the natural world we depend upon. Timber is produced by Wild Rumpus, a social and community interest enterprise and not-for-profit channelling funds into support for emerging artists and the creation of wildly imaginative, immersive and inclusive family experiences.   
www.timberfestival.org.uk

photo: Catherine Dineley

Just So

Just So is our favourite family festival, again produced by Wild Rumpus and dedicated towards creating a magical, musical, theatrical weekend for children and their grown-ups and, as a grown-up I don’t believe I have enjoyed a festival more. As the tribes of bees and stags, foxes and fish, lions and frogs gather in costumed throngs around woodland theatre, live music, pop-up performance, midnight feasts, playful colour fights or the stories around the fire in the woods, a little of our grown-up-ness dissipates and we remember something of the pure magic of newness, imagination and sheer play. 

Set amongst the ancient trees around the beautiful Rode Hall Estate in Cheshire and its Spellbound Forest, Just So allows our children to lead the most wonderful dance in search of golden pebbles, towards the gathering of the animals and the joyful tribal tournament with all manner of wonders and workshops along the way, all the while immersed in nature and elemental connection. This festival beckons the entwined spirits of discovery, community and remembering and an opportunity for families to reconnect in this joy-filled meeting place.    

www.justsofestival.org.uk

oh reviews: Down to Flow escapes

The invitation came into the oh inbox out of the blue… after 18 months of repeated lockdowns and pandemic panic, the idea of joining a group of real, breathing women for a slow yoga, movement and nature retreat in the Somerset countryside seemed like the stuff of fairytales… what would it be like to return to ‘in person’ retreats, away from the screen – immersed not only in nature, but in the company of others?

A 90 minute train journey from London Paddington brought me into Taunton, Somerset, where Down to Flow founders, Molly Robinson and Dylan Salaman, scooped us all up from the train station and whisked us away down a series of beautiful country lanes to our home for the next three days – a glorious 16th century former cider press: roomy, airy, bright and breezy, with punches of colour, pattern, texture and humour, c/o the Kit Kemp-esque decor.

Preferring a gentle, holistic approach to ‘exercise’, I was worried that this retreat would focus too much on physical exertion and personal-limit-pushing (bootcamp-style fitness being my idea of hell)… Dylan, a former pro rugby player, does give off that initial impression, but it’s a highly mistaken one. In fact, what Molly and Dylan co-create, is an expansive space to feel your way into – with journalling, mindfulness, breathing and alignment techniques that honour the individual’s needs and pace, and push them just enough to support personal growth. The three days, though more like 48 hours given travel times, nevertheless felt extremely rich and varied – and even included once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as an evening ride in a hot air balloon (c/o Fly Away Ballooning) and a 2.5 hour walk around a beautiful local reservoir and nature reserve, which ended with a breezy, easy picnic.

Every single class was thoughtful and pleasurable. From the early morning ‘circuit’ training, which was a playful dip into strength-building repetitive movements, to the gentle alignment adjustments that worked our feet, heels, shoulders and necks, in a way that loosened up the previous days’s stiffness, the retreat really did flow, and in a leisurely way – no mean feat, given that so many wonderful activities were on the itinerary. Highlights included yin yoga – led by Dyl, who worked gently to support everyone’s own comfort and flexibility levels – and a beautiful flow-style class with Molly, both under the summer sky,; the benefits lingered on too, in the dropped shoulders and deeper breaths as the days developed.

Back in the serene rooms each guest also received an extremely generous goody bag to take home – a mix of the yoga tools needed to continue the good work (the wonderful ethical mats and accessories provided by Fable, and comfiest clothing by Varley) – and thoughtful treats such as English bubbly from Ridgeview Wine, turmeric latte mixes by Wunder Workshop, a gloriously soft eye mask by Elizabeth Scarlett, a forever-bottle by Sophie Allport and muscle-soothing balms from Puresport CBD.

And all this before we even touch on the delicious food – ripe, seasonal, flavourful and exciting flavours, with a zero waste ethos (refreshing to see on a luxury retreat), created by chef Woody Pyke. From ripest peaches with freshest burrata to zesty salsa verde atop slow-roasted local veggies, food was a real highlight too (and breakfasts were best of all).

What set the retreat apart was the holistic ethos that encircled the three days – Dylan’s functional movement and flexibility knowledge is applied in every class (and all guests leave with a valuable one-on-one session, that targets postural and physical imbalance and weaknesses with simplest daily exercises to do at home), while Molly’s background as a nutritionist and chef blend into her approach to living well: with pleasure, joy and a hearty appetite for life. At no point is there any sense that any food is off limits or that the coffee or alcohol drinkers are the black sheep… this is a thoroughly laid-back though highly professional creation: a place where grown-ups can have a good laugh and third glass of wine, while also feeling supported, inspired and as though a breath of fresh air has blown away the cobwebs.

Interested in joining Down to Flow later this year, or in 2022? Here is what is coming up:

Island Play / 28th December - 3rd January / Sri Lanka - this retreat allows you to go off the radar and enter your own little paradisiacal island! With a prime position backing onto the beach, our retreat home offers the freedom to lounge by the pool whilst being surrounded by the swishing sounds of the waves as the sun soaks us from overhead. When we’re not flowing on the mat, you can enjoy a few moments to unwind inside. With large open communal spaces scattered with little luxuries, you can expect to find the perfect quiet spot to enjoy the views across the gardens to the beach. Embracing this moment of internal exploration, we will then turn our mindset to the great outdoors to allow our free spirited hearts beat! Discovering local beaches, caves and taking to the waves, you can expect the chance to grasp a surf board or dive into crystal clear water!

Rise & Release / 5th - 11th April / Portugal - With the warming temperatures of the spring months, Portugal with its flourishing wildflowers and temptingly cool sea, makes for the most enticing environment for this retreat. Digging deep into your psyche through movement, adventure and abstract art, together we will strip away seeds of doubt and uncertainty to nourish any soul searching for more from life.

Playing with Motion / 14th - 20th May / UK - For those craving more than just movement, our ‘Playing with Motion’ retreat offers you the chance to escape to a cornucopia of wildlife and adventure! Set amongst 320 acres of rustic farmland our retreat home, ambushed by an essence of playful features, brings us a chance to explore new ways to sweat. Embracing personal challenges through movement and cold water therapy, we hope to harness your true strength and resilience. Combining farm yard fitness, with logs from the trees for lifting and tyres from the tractors to flip, through to runs through the rambling countryside, we want you to release all fears and bear all on this explorative fitness escape.

Treat your feet to some soothing reflexology

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It’s easy to take our feet for granted, yet they are one of the most complex structures in the human body, with the average foot containing 26 bones, 33 joints, 100+ ligaments and muscles, and around 7,000 nerve endings. But did you know that our humble feet might also hold the key to a number of health and wellbeing benefits? In this blog, we take a look at reflexology and what this gentle but powerful therapy has to offer…

What is reflexology?

With its roots dating back more than four millennia, reflexology is based on the principle that special ‘reflex’ points found on the soles, tops and sides of the feet correspond to different areas of the body. In this way, the feet can be seen as a ‘map’ of the whole body. While the feet are the most common part of the body treated during a reflexology treatment, reflex points can also be found on the hands, ears and face. By applying specialised massage techniques to the reflex points, the aim of a reflexology treatment is to help restore balance to the body naturally and improve general wellbeing. The therapist will usually work the various reflex points using their thumbs, fingers and knuckles, though some may incorporate special tools to enhance treatment.

Here we take a look at five reasons to treat your feet to some reflexology…

Relaxation and sleep

If left unchecked, stress and anxiety can lead to a range of health issues. Studies have shown that reflexology can help to reduce levels of the ‘stress’ hormone cortisol, as well as reduce anxiety, improve sleep and mood, and relieve tension.

Managing your health

A survey of FHT reflexologists* found that 71% of their clients have regular treatments to support them with long-term health conditions - from mental health problems, to joint and mobility issues. Some people also use reflexology to help them manage pain or to support them through a major illness, such as cancer.

A therapy for all

People of any age and from all walks of life can potentially benefit from reflexology – from small babies, right through to adults in nursing homes. The power of positive touch should also not be underestimated, especially when the pandemic has meant less physical contact with our friends and loved ones.

Keeping you on your toes

As well as balancing the body as a whole, reflexology treatments involve a range a techniques designed to mobilise the toes, feet and ankles. If you stand on your feet for long periods or suffer from stiff or tired feet and ankles, regular treatments may help to make a difference.  

Easy access

As reflexology only involves treating the feet, it can be carried out just about anywhere! All you need to do is pop off your shoes and socks, sit back and enjoy. Many reflexologists offer a mobile service, which means they can come and treat you in the comfort of your own home.

Ready to take the next step? Find a professional reflexologist in your area today by visiting the FHT Directory and feel the benefit. 

*2019 FHT Reflexology Survey, 188 respondents

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The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) is the UK’s largest professional association for complementary, holistic beauty and sports therapists, and has been developing and promoting the highest standards in education and therapy practice for more than 50 years. 

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Spend time in nature with Unique hideaways

However we choose to immerse ourselves into nature, it can have multiple benefits to our physical and mental wellbeing. From a walk and a picnic in a wildflower meadow, to a swim at a secret, secluded, freshwater lake. Any time spent in nature is always time well spent.

Unique hideaways is a collection of quirky places to stay, that are all in pretty magical locations. Each property allows you the chance to escape the pressures of the modern-day world and immerse your mind, body and soul into nature’s paradise. Every hideaway has its own unique charm and all offer a little bit of luxury. From glamping in a woodland with a wood-fired hot tub, to a clifftop cabin retreat with the most breathtaking sea views, there's a hideaway just waiting to capture your heart.

While staying in one of these heavenly hideaways, you will feel that your senses become more attuned to how the world evolves throughout the day and you start to appreciate the smaller things in life. Like the soft golden glow of an early morning sunrise, or how the warmth from the wood burner on a cool winter’s eve, has the power to instantly release a wave of relaxation through your body.

Unique hideaways offer a collection of one-of-a-kind places to stay in hidden corners across the UK. From a houseboat docked in a private quay in Cornwall to a bijou bolthole for two with countryside views in Pembrokeshire, if it takes those on a journey to a place unknown to most, you can guarantee it’s in their portfolio of hidden havens. Take a look at their hideaway collection and start planning your next adventure to the great outdoors.

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Mindful beauty choices

Here are the beauty & wellbeing brands that the oh team have been enjoying this month – proffering a welcome daily dose of mindfulness. If you’d like to dive deeper into the ethics of beauty and conscious consumerism, we’ve written a more detailed post here on the blog, and you can also pick up a copy of issue 61, where we dive into green beauty with Jessie Johnson.

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Magic Organic Apothecary (MOA)

This all-natural brand is handmade in England and celebrates the herbal wisdom of those wise women of the past: a welcome blend of ritualistic magic and botanical power. The range lauds one herb most of all: yarrow. The yarrow in question is grown on a certified-organic farm in Somerset, England; yarrow is wonderfully healing and steeped in myth (it was the herb used to heal Achilles, hence its Latin name: achillea millefolium), and provides a soothing, calming base to these gentle, botanic products. Our editor has been using the Aphrodite Facial Oil and loves the rosehip base, which brightens and strengthens skin. Learn about MOA here.

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GAIA

The GAIA range is 100% natural with certified organic plant extracts, many of which are fair trade and sourced from small farms and producers. The products are all small-batch and handmade in Britain, created using traditional artisan methods of production, that maintain practices to minimise any adverse effect of the environment, without compromising on the consistency and quality of the range. Products are houses in pleasing glass jars & bottles that can be reused or recycles, with bamboo caps and tops. Find the range here.

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Weleda

Weleda are the original ‘green beauty’ pioneers, creating natural wellbeing products and cosmetics, based on anthroposophy, since their birth in 1921. Every single product is NATRUE certified and their sourcing, sustainability and longterm partnership policies are second to none. ‘We are nature’ is the tagline, and this extends to their brilliant biodiversity roadmaps and work with organisations such as Tree Sisters (whose founder, Claire DuBois we profiled all the back in issue 53). Recent big hits with the team have been the Weleda Prickly Pear Cactus Hydrating Mist and the extensive range of wonderfully effective natural medicines including Fragaria Vitis for digestion and Rhinodorn Nasal Spray for allergies and rhinitis.

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Subtle Energies

Australian brand Subtle Energies was founded in 1993 by Farida Irani as a clinic of natural therapies. The clinic is still operated by Farida and her daughter Khursheed. This clinical & education background, underpins the pioneering clinical research and development of the Subtle Energies brand, allowing authentic results-based formulas and treatments to be developed. With qualifications in clinical aromatherapy, aromatic medicine, Bowen therapy, and a post graduate diploma in Ayurveda studies with world renowned Ayurveda guru, Prof Dr PH Kulkarni, Irani brings a wonderfully holistic approach to these highly effective and wonderfully pleasurable products. The range has been certified by Cruelty Free International and does not contain parabens, mineral oils, silicones or artificial fragrances, and the brand prides itself on sourcing the highest grade of oils, through sustainable and ethical trade with small-scale artisan distillers. There is also an extensive section on their website – ‘What’s in our products’ – whereby you can read about every single ingredients, including preservatives used.

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Aviela

The Aviela product range consists of the Pure Shea Butter, Shea Body Butter, Shea Body Lotion, Shea Foot Butter, Shea Hand Butter and the African Shea Black Soap, each with delicate, light and airy textures that feel wonderfully soothing on the most sensitive skin. The shea used is raw and unrefined in order to preserve the natural minerals, proteins and essential fatty acids. Unrefined Shea Butter has been used for centuries in parts of Africa as a natural remedy to help hydrate, protect, heal, soften the skin as well as to help control inflammatory conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. Aviela ethically source their unrefined Shea Butter directly from the fields of Northern Ghana from a Women’s Cooperative that is very close to Aviela's heart and the range is 100% natural, cruelty free, vegan where possible and packaged in fully recyclable materials. Learn more here.

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Ilody

Ilody founder Deepika Patel’s mother was a doctor, and she grew up above her GP surgery. Each night her mother would cook Indian dishes for her from scratch, made with fresh and traditional ingredients. So, from an early age she was equally influenced by eastern and western principles of health, combining tradition and science. Ilody’s two skin serums contain highest grade natural actives, many of which are certified organic, and all of which are clearly labelled so that it’s easy to know what you are putting on your skin. There is also a clear list of what is never included in these products on the website. Also in line with their transparent ethos, their preservative, though not natural, is approved by Ecocert for use within natural cosmetics. The Hydrating Radiance Serum in particular, really won the oh team over – the scent, texture and deeply hydrating results a big hit with our two testers. Learn more at Ilody.

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Tabitha James Kraan

Instead of the traditional oil-stripping ‘rinse & repeat’ approach to skincare, with TJK the emphasis is on treating the scalp as an extension of your skin (which of course it is) and protecting hair’s own crucial natural oils. Almost all of the issues we have with our hair, argues founder Tabitha, comes to the harsh, over-cleansing approach we take to our hair – washing it too often, with harsh foaming products, which leave hair susceptible to greater damage. The entire range focuses, instead, on balancing oil production for long lasting hair health. The brand’s 100% natural formulations are 100% silicone free, and rather than encourage the usage of more and more products, their 4 in 1 conditioner works as both a rinse-out and leave in conditioner, plus a heat protecting styling aid, or a co-wash cream for curly hair. Explore the brand here.

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5 great reasons to try complementary therapy

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

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There are lots of different types of complementary therapy. Some are better known than others – such as massage, aromatherapy, reflexology and reiki – but what exactly do these treatments have to offer? Are they merely about relaxation and pampering or do these little pockets of ‘me-time’ actually have wider health benefits?

While complementary therapies should never be used in place of medical care, below are five reasons you might just like to give them a try…

Tackle the cause, not the symptom

Over-the-counter medicines tend to offer a ‘quick-fix’ approach to a particular health problem but rarely address the underlying cause. If you’re experiencing tension headaches or pain in your back, neck and shoulders because you sit at a desk for long periods of time, wouldn’t it be much better to have regular massages and learn how to correct your posture than reach for the pain killers?

Get a better night’s slumber

Most complementary therapies are excellent at helping to promote a good night’s sleep, the power of which should never be underestimated. We all know that a lack of sleep, or interrupted sleep, can affect our mood and concentration levels the next day but research now shows that regular poor sleep can actually put us at an increased risk of serious medical conditions including obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

Benefit from a ‘whole-person’ approach

The holistic nature of complementary therapies means that even if you hope to address just one particular health issue, over time you may find that other little niggles start to improve, too. Most therapists will also offer you some general tips to improve your wellbeing and show you self-help techniques that you can use at home.

Feel the power of positive touch

As humans, touch is so important to us that if we are deprived of it as newborns, we can literally fail to thrive and grow. Even as adults, positive touch helps us to feel nurtured and cared for, and encourages us to respect and feel connected to our bodies. The body and mind are also intrinsically linked, with the health of one usually affecting the other. A treatment that helps to relax the body can therefore also help to relax the mind.

Take control of your own health and wellbeing

Sometimes, there is nothing more empowering than knowing you have the ability to take charge of your own health and wellbeing, rather than being a ‘passive’ patient. Complementary therapies can be that vital first step in taking back the reins and may even prompt you to make other positive lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet or exercising more regularly.

Ready to take the next step? Find a professional therapist in your area today by visiting the FHT Directory and feel the difference.

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The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) is the UK’s largest professional association for complementary, holistic beauty and sports therapists, and has been developing and promoting the highest standards in education and therapy practice for more than 50 years. 

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Nature diary playlists from the issue

If you read oh mag regularly you’ll be familiar with our brilliant Nature Diarist Elizabeth-Jane Burnett. Elizabeth-Jane is an author, academic and founder of Grow Your Own Creativity.

A writer of English and Kenyan heritage, she was born in Devon and her work is inspired by the landscape in which she was raised. Her poetry has been highly commended in the Forward Prize and Swims was longlisted for the Laurel Prize and a Sunday Times Poetry Book of the Year. She was selected for the 2020 British Council/National Centre for Writing International Literature Showcase and leads the British Academy / Leverhulme Trust project, Creative Writing and Climate Change: Moss, Wetlands and Women (2018-20).

Her unforgettable works include poetry collection Swims, her latest collection, Of Sea (both with Penned in the Margins) and the luminous poetic-prose memoir, The Grassling.

She shares a short nature-inspired playlist, linked to her writing in each issue, which is also woven together with the issue’s theme. Find her playlists below – and enjoy listening to them on a nature walk.

oh mag nature diary Robin playlist (issue 58)
oh mag nature diary Swift playlist (issue 59)
oh mag nature diary Song playlist (issue 60)
oh mag nature diary Yellow playlist (issue 61)

Mindful living series: 30 planet-kind podcasts

As part of our Mindful Beauty & Wellbeing Series, we share some of our favourite podcasts on conscious and sustainable living… have more to add to this list? Ping us at ohmag@icebergpress.co.uk

Friends of the Earth / Friends of the Earth UK – one of 75 national groups around the world making up the Friends of the Earth network. Friends of the Earth England was founded in 1971, two years after the group was first founded in San Francisco in 1969. Their podcasts feature critical and detailed interviews on topics such as voices from the frontline of climate activism and rewilding (with George Monbiot).

Costing the Earth – via BBC Radio 4, this podcast discusses new and fresh ideas for a cleaner and environmentally friendly future. Some examples include Forests of the Future (Peter Gibbs discusses whether trees can overcome increasing carbon emissions, or Silencing with Noise (how is the rising tide of man-made noise affecting our wildlife and what can we do about it?)

Sustainabbable – a weekly comedic podcast discussing environmental issues such as Eco-Anxiety (feeling of powerlessness approaching climageddon) and Litter (how we trashed the planet the second we were released from lockdown). Hosted by Ol and Dave who try to become more enlightened with every podcast. “They sift through the eco-guff out there, exposing the real eco villians.” It’s topical and funny.

Amnesty International UK – ‘In their own words’ – is a series of interesting real stories from people who are at the front line of human rights abuses, e.g. Atena Farghadani, imprisoned for her art in Iran. It’s a good podcast for updates on global politics and current affairs.

The Energy Gang – A weekly American podcast dealing with everything energy, such as Government energy policies and putting pressure on coal plants. Hosted by Stephen Lacey, Katherine Hamilton and Jigar Shah, The Energy Gang focuses on providing interesting information on tech innovations and individual projects who are tackling this global issue.

The Sustainability Agenda – A weekly podcast that explores the biggest sustainability questions. Hosted by Fergal Byrne, a seasoned researcher, writer and interviewer, this podcast offers leading thinkers the platform to share their views on sustainability challenges, identify what’s working and what needs to change for a better future.

Wardrobe Crisis – Clare Press, Vogue Australia’s Sustainability Editor-at-large, founded her podcast to quiz experts about all of our fashion concerns. Subjects include cultural appropriation to the circular economy and fast fashion.

Deliciously Ella – a podcast that delves into the world of physical and mental health, well-being, the realities of building a business and a brand and staying positive. Episodes include a discussion with the ‘green carpet’ founder and UN leader for change Livia Firth sitting down to talk about how to make responsible purchases. Additionally, other subjects include food waste, climate change and vegan diet advice.

Green Dreamer – Hosted by Kamea Chayne, this podcast features grounding conversations with people who are paving the way towards ecological regeneration, intersectional sustainability and true wellness for all. Subjects range, in episode 172, Chayne talks to Fashionista’s Associate Editor, Whitney Bauck, about the psychology of consumerism and episode 258 discusses healing the water cycle to restore climate and ecological balance.

Conscious Chatter – Kestrel Jenkins hosts a podcast with guests that range from eco-friendly startups to internationally renowned writers. She started People Tree, a sustainable brand, which inspired her to engage more people into the sustainability issue.

Sustainability Defined – Deal with any topics under the umbrella of sustainability. Each episode breaks down a specific aspect of sustainability through education. It’s a podcast to fill the gaps of knowledge.

Think: Sustainability – This is a radio show-cum-podcast that delves a little deeper into intersectional sustainability, assuming more knowledge from the listener. Hosted by Australia based host Jake Morcom and a variety of expert guests.

Sourcing Matters – This podcast focuses on how we source food and why it matters. Each episode examines a different issue, from food waste to organics to fisheries and gets you to focus on what goes into what we are eating. Chief host is Aaron Niederhelmen, a fishmonger and CEO of OneHealthAg.

Bioneers – Sustainable stories that are told with empathy and compassion that you may not hear on mainstream settings. Focuses on solutions for listeners.

The Response – A podcast that deep dives into how different communities respond to natural disasters. A focus on worldwide issues due to increasing frequency of extreme weather events. It focuses on the stories of the people on the ground, many of which were ignored by mainstream media.

The Guardian’s 12-part series on climate change – follows the editor in chief of the Guardian as his team focuses on the fight against climate change. They talk in real time about how they can change their personal lives and how they can use the power of the institution they’re a part of to change the world.

Drilled – Focusing on the flip side of the sustainability movement i.e. the climate denialism movement. The story is told in the style of true crime podcasts so is truly engaging and intense.

Spirit of 608 – By women, for women. Focusing on the future of fashion with episodes including inspiring, real and entertaining conversations about FEST (Fashion, Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, and Tech).

Low Tox Life – Hosted by Alex Stuart, this podcast of about our bodies, minds and souls. Episodes include our sleeping habits, the food we eat, psychological wellness, covering topics that are informative and intriguing. There are also recipes, e-courses and e-books available on Alex’s website.

Good + Social – Dedicated to exploring stories behind innovators, entrepreneurs, and activists who want to change their industry for the better by looking at their impact on the world. Leaving an optimistic feeling for the future with its listeners.

Green Dreamer – Hosted by Kamea Chayne, a leader in the ethical and sustainable living space, this podcast features interviews with other visionaries. It’s great for creatives who want to be more environmentally-conscious work and lifestyles.

The Green Divas – A weekly radio show that is committed to approaching green issues with humour and low-stress. Hosted by Megan McWilliams, the podcast covers current events, interviews, green living tips, and environmental concerns.

The Slow Home Podcast – Brooke McAlary created this podcast to focus on slowing down, simplifying and focusing on the truly important things in life. It’s for anyone in the fast lane that needs a breath of fresh air. It has previously ranked #1 in Health Podcasts on iTunes.

Sustainable Dish – A podcast that’s dedicated to create an informative mix of issues focusing on food – from vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, to Fair Trade and biodynamic wines. It’s hosted by Diana Rodgers, a licensed registered dietitian nutritionist.

A Sustainable Mind – Each week the hosts feature influential ‘environmental change makers’ and give listeners an insight to the things that have influenced their attitudes towards the Earth.

The Minimalists Podcasts – Pursuit of minimalism as part of an ethical and sustainable living journey. Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus are ‘The Minimalists’ and have years of experience and knowledge. There are over 148 episodes to listen to covering topics from decluttering to consumerism.

Mothers of Invention – Ireland’s first female president, Mary Robinson, joins comic Maeve Higgins to highlight the global voices of women spearheading solutions for climate change.

BBC Costing the Earth – a podcast from the BBC that examines human effects on the environment and how the environment reacts. Covering an array of topics it challenges governments and corporations, reports on progress, and questions accepted truths.

Podship Earth – Hosted by Jared Blumenfeld, an environmentalist and former regional administrator for EPA, this podcast helps listeners engage with life on Earth. Episodes include scientific research on forest fires and why they occur.

Sustainable(ish) – sharing easy ideas for do-able changes you can make. Jen the host and founder wants to make a safe space for people to come together for fun events, workshops and talks that would help empower people to take whatever action is needed to make a positive change. Making sustainable living mainstream.

compiled by Olivia Reynolds

Among the trees

© Oesterreich Werbung, Popp Hackner

This post is sponsored by the Austrian National Tourist Office

Forest bathing is a living meditation, and an escape to Austria’s woodlands provides myriad wellbeing benefits to body, mind and spirit

“Indoors, we tend to use only two senses, our eyes and our ears,” writes Dr Qing Li, author of Shinrin-Yoku: The Art and Science of Forest-Bathing (Penguin Life). “Outside is where we can smell the flowers, taste the fresh air, look at the changing colours of the trees, hear the birds singing and feel the breeze on our skin. And when we open up our senses, we begin to connect to the natural world.”

The forest offers us so many unique invitations to just ‘be’ – to hear, feel, see, touch; to transport our minds into a place of stillness and appreciation where we move from over-thinking to deeply feeling. This is the essence of mindfulness – creating moments of pause and quiet focus that enable our ever-busy minds to rest and re-set.

Green magic

Mindful forest experiences abound in Austria, where you can enjoy everything from guided forest bathing to Alpine walks and hiking, wild-animal trails to luxury treehouse escapes. The forest calms, the earthy scent refreshes and the green colours soothe. As numerous studies prove, spending time in the forest works wonders, and the different types of forests in Austria invite you to immerse yourself in nature as you explore and relax miles away from the relentless noise of modern life. Discover wondrous natural springs hidden in the conifer forest on the Hochrindl mountain pass in Carinthia, or have fun getting lost (and found) in the high-lying stone pine forest in Obergurgl, Tirol, which is one of the country’s precious natural treasures.

Healing trees

As well as having a higher concentration of oxygen, the air in the forest is also full of phytoncides,” writes Dr Li. “Phytoncides are the natural oils within a plant and are part of the tree’s defence system. Trees release phytoncides to protect them from bacteria, insects and fungi. They are also part of the communication pathway between trees: the way trees talk to each other.” Studies have also shown that the common and harmless Mycobacterium vaccae, which is readily found in forests, also has a positive effect on both our mood and immune system. Simply by choosing to spend time among the trees we improve our wellbeing in countless profound ways.

Primeval forest

In the Reichraminger Hintergebirge and the Sengsengebirge regions of Upper Austria, the Kalkalpen National Park protects Austria’s largest contiguous forest. Eighty-one per cent of the area is forest – almost 21,000 hectares of mountain woods, some of which have been left completely untouched by man. This primeval forest is reclaiming nature, bit by bit, enabling each and every visitor to experience and enjoy the forest wilderness in their own unique and unforgettable way

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Starry nights in the forest

Visit Austria’s International Dark Sky Park

Naturpark Attersee-Traunsee spans 77 square kilometres of forested land situated between the eponymous lakes Attersee and Traunsee. After extensive scientific analysis the area between the two Upper Austrian lakes was deemed to be ideal for certification as a night landscape protection area. The unique geographical terrain of this region, which is mountainous and typical of that found in the foothills of the Alps, makes this one of the darkest remaining regions in continental Europe. It’s so dark that the Milky Way can be easily seen with the naked eye – a sight that’s absolutely mesmerising.

Discover more at austria.info

Peter Oberransmayr

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oh issue 61 'song' playlist

Photo by Jeffrey Hamilton

The theme for our midsummer issue 61 is SONG… so, perhaps any playlist would’ve ticked the box, but instead, our compilation editor, Patrick McKeown, dove deep into tunes that sing their own stories in the most unique ways, and encourage us all to better sing our own hearts out. Let us know what you think at @ohmaguk

Listen to & download the oh PLAY playlist here

Make rosemary + sea salt focaccia

In issue 60 of oh, we shared a mindful bread making story, and here is the recipe to go with it, taken from The Calm Kitchen: Mindful Recipes to Feed Body and Soul by Lorna Salmon, published by National Trust Books.

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Rosemary + Sea Salt Focaccia

This focaccia recipe is a firm favourite in my house. There’s a lot to love about it. In particular, once you’ve nailed this version, you can get really creative with your toppings and flavours. I’ve made a sun-dried tomato version, as well as a more autumnal walnut and truffle oil variation. This bread also travels very well (be it in a bike basket or backpack), making it ideal alongside a salad as part of a summer picnic. 

Focaccia is one of my favourite breads for a variety of reasons. Firstly, you knead it in oil, which is the loveliest and most satisfying feeling. It’s a sensory experience – the squelching noises, the fragrant scent of olive oil, the rich, golden dough slowly absorbing the flavours. My recipe makes two small loaves, which ties into one of the recurring themes of summer for me: sharing. One for you, one for a friend. I’m not a huge fan of rules, but that’s one I’ll always stick to when making focaccia. 

Makes 2 small loaves 

500g strong white (bread) flour
2 tsp sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling
7g fast-action dried yeast
2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for oiling
300ml lukewarm water
bunch of fresh rosemary, divided into small sprigs fruity extra virgin olive oil 

1 Put the flour, salt, yeast, olive oil and water in a mixing bowl. Using your hands, bring the ingredients together and knead the dough in the bowl for 3–5 minutes. 

2 Tip the dough onto a clean work surface greased with some olive oil and knead the dough for a further 5 minutes. When kneading, use the heel of your dominant hand to push the dough away from you, then roll it back in on itself and give it a quarter turn. Keep doing this until you can feel the dough becoming more pliant. You’ll soon find a rhythm to this, moving the dough back and forth, back and forth ... 

Add more oil when the dough begins to stick to your work surface. This adds to the depth of flavour of the focaccia, and also makes for some delightful noises. 

3 Put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a tea towel and leave in a warm spot to prove for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. I prove my bread in the oven on a very, very low heat – no more than 30°C. If you do this, be sure to leave your oven door open. 

4 Line two baking trays with baking parchment. Divide the dough into two. Shape each piece into an oval about 2.5cm high, place on the baking trays and leave to prove in a warm place for a further hour.

5 Preheat the oven to 200°C fan/gas mark 7. 

6 Using your thumb or pinched fingers, dot your dough with holes, a few centimetres apart. Fill the holes with fresh rosemary sprigs, then drizzle over some more olive oil
(your fruitiest extra virgin). Be generous with this – it will pool in the holes and soak into your bread as it bakes. Sprinkle all over with sea salt and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown. 

7 Leave the focaccia to cool on top of a wire rack. Focaccia is best enjoyed on the day it’s baked, while still a little warm, but it tastes just as good the day after. 

Extracted from The Calm Kitchen: Mindful Recipes to Feed Body and Soul by Lorna Salmon, published by National Trust Books.

oh 61 – the late summer 'song' issue

132 pages of stories that sing the heart out

In this issue, we celebrate the many ways in which our voices and visions join together – in pursuit of freedom, expression, creation and inspiration. From global movements to private lightbulb moments, some of this issue’s big ideas have created ripples that have moved millions – like the man whose plantable pencils literally sprout new beginnings – while other stories set the tone for a single positive change of tune, mind or heart. We find that the idea of self-compassion can be both fierce and forgiving, and discover dazzling crafts from around the world that empower and emancipate women.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND IN THIS ISSUE

- Making conscious beauty choices on a budget
- Heavenly Bodies: Astrology for a new age
- Secret gardens in curious places
- Music for the mind
- Wave watching + celebrating birdsong
- Lucid dreaming
+ Fierce Self Compassion with Dr Kristin Neff

oh issue 60 'leap' playlist

The theme for our midsummer issue 60 is LEAP and so we dove into those tunes that get us bouncing around, tapping our toes and looking to head out into the wider world with a bag on our back & stars in our eyes… Let us know what you think at @ohmaguk

Listen to & download the oh LEAP playlist here

oh 60 – our midsummer issue is here

132 pages of gentle new beginnings

A leap can often feel like a bold thing – a brave beginning that leads to some epic adventure, but the little leaps matter too – the daily kindnesses, the happy habits, the small gestures. In this issue, we explore the many different ways in which people have sought to move forward, even when there was no one to guide the way. Sometimes their leap has been akin to a thoughtful side-step, and at other times, a seismic shift that changes everything. Throughout this, our Midsummer issue, we find that change can be a comfort, and how when the questions we ask are just too complicated for easy answers, making peace with the nuanced possibilities brings hope in a whole new way instead. From getting up early each morning to go for a walk in any weather, to writing the children’s book you’d always wished to read, we learn that a small first step becomes a big leap too in its own way. Wherever yours may lead, we’re happy to be by your side.

The land of water

Photo © Achensee Tourismus

This post is sponsored by the Austrian National Tourist Office

From wild swimming to paddleboarding, Austria’s beautiful lakes and pristine springs are replete with ‘blue mind’ benefits

The myriad positive, meditative wellbeing effects that water has upon the mind are well-documented – and never more compellingly so than within eminent marine biologist Wallace J Nichols’s 2014 book Blue Mind: How Water Makes You Happier, More Connected and Better at What You Do. In his book, Nichols shares studies that illustrate how being by a large body of water floods the brain with the feel-good hormones dopamine and oxytocin. These studies also found that levels of the stress hormone cortisol drop when we’re near water. Contact with water induces a meditative state that makes us happier, healthier, calmer, more creative and more capable of feeling emotions such as optimism and awe. And it’s this feeling – awe – that has numerous health benefits. In past studies, people who reported feeling awe also tend to experience less emotional stress and have lower levels of body-wide inflammation. Just from being closer to the water – awe-inspiring indeed. The term ‘blue mind’ describes the mildly meditative state we fall into when we are in or by the water. “It’s the antidote to what we refer to as ‘red mind’, which is the anxious, over-connected and over-stimulated state that defines the new normal of modern life,” Nichols explains in his book.

And while travel may not be on the cards just yet, Austria certainly provides ample inspiration for immersing yourself in a wealth of water’s powerful wellness benefits which abound at every turn.

Calming waters
With so many beautiful lakes in Austria – such as Lake Achensee in Tyrol – visitors are spoiled for choice. It’s no surprise that Austria is also known as the ‘land of water’. Its high-quality drinking water – pumped directly from pure mineral springs into households and public water fountains – sets the salubrious tone for life among the Alpine countries. Whether it’s to offer an extra boost of energy while on a bicycling break, a comfortable boat trip or a cooling, leisurely swim, lakes hold a special appeal for lovers of the outdoors.

Lakeside leisure

For cyclists seeking out lake landscapes, there is no nicer trail than the 337km-long Salzkammergut bicycle route, which runs through Salzburg, Upper Austria and Styria and takes in 13 stunning spots along the way. Where to begin? In Salzburg, the city of festivals and Mozart, or at Lake Wolfgangsee? Or perhaps the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt, or the beautiful imperial town of Bad Ischl? For culture and culinary pitstops it’s a route unlike any other. At the route’s end we suggest time out to soothe weary limbs with a restorative break at the thermal baths in Bad Aussee and Bad Mitterndorf.

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Wild swimming wonders

Austria’s most beautiful lakes demand a fresh dip

In the Waldviertel, the fjord-like landscape of the three artificial lakes in the Kamptal Valley are stunningly beautiful. Ideal for a dip, Lake Neusiedle in Burgenland is one of Europe’s few steppe lakes and is almost entirely surrounded by reed beds. Carinthia, too, is famed for its many lakes which draw open-water swimmers from all over the world. And if wild swimming isn’t your thing, take inspiration from the many holidaymakers who glide across the turquoise blue Lake Weissensee or go on a rowing tour to explore the charming bays nestled along the shores of Lake Millstatt.

For more information on what Austria has to offer, please visit austria.info

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WIN a bag for life with Millican

Competition

British brand Millican makes backpacks and accessories for everyday adventures

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Based in the Lake District, Millican was founded to make a better alternative for the bag on your back.

Crafted to take you anywhere, from the commute to a wild swim, all bags feature external water-bottle pockets, laptop sleeves and all the pockets you could need for valuables and essentials. Woven into Millican’s fabrics are solutions that meet the exacting needs of backpacks that are used every day, in all environments, and that align with reducing our global impact. Weatherproof, lightweight and made to last a lifetime, all fabrics are made from 100 per cent recycled single-use plastics reclaimed from post-consumer waste.

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This spring, Millican is offering three lucky oh readers a chance to win a companion for their everyday adventures. First prize will be a Millican Smith Roll Pack 15L (with pockets), worth £125, and the two runners-up will receive a Millican Core Roll Pack 20L, worth £80.

To enter, simply press the button below to answer this question: where is Millican bags based?

a. Yorkshire

b. The Lake District

c. Durham

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Terms and conditions
The competition closes at 11.59pm on 28 July 2021. One winner and two runners-up will be selected at random from all the correct entries received and notified soon after. The winners cannot transfer the prize or swap them for cash. Bag colour choices are dependent on stock levels at the time of the competition closing. Details of our full terms and conditions can be found at icebergpress.co.uk/comprules

Simple Self-Soothing for Stress

Sponsored post

Stress. None of us want to live with it (the bad kind, which makes us sick), but we also know we can’t live without it (the good kind, which keeps us on our toes and motivated). What’s important is knowing how to strike a healthy balance between the two.

In this blog post, FHT Vice President and complementary therapist, Mary Dalgleish, offers a few simple techniques to help you self-manage your stress levels, in case you ever feel the scales are starting to tip in the wrong direction…

Feet first
The adrenal glands, which are directly affected by stress, are responsible for the ‘fight-or-flight’ response we feel when we’re under pressure. This response is meant to be short-lived, but in many cases it is a regular occurrence, which means these small but mighty glands eventually get overworked. In reflexology, the adrenal reflex is found just below the ball of each foot and also on the fleshy area below the thumb on the palmar side of the hand. Gently pressing these reflex points for a few minutes can help calm the adrenal glands and reduce tension. The hands can be worked at any time of day and the feet are best worked for about five minutes per foot before bedtime.

Aroma time
Aromatherapy involves using plant essential oils to help improve our health and wellbeing. Lavender is one of the most studied essential oils in terms of its relaxing effects. It has been shown to calm the nervous system, lower blood pressure, heart rate and skin temperature, as well as change brain waves to a more relaxed state. Neroli, often referred to as the ‘rescue remedy’ of essential oils, is also a valuable oil for helping to ease anxiety and stress, along with bergamot, which is traditionally used in Italian folk medicine to relieve tension and anxiety. Add one or two drops of oil to a hanky or pillowcase and inhale when required, avoiding contact with the eyes and skin.

Facing up to stress
My speciality treatment is a natural facelift massage and I am constantly amazed how tension can be released throughout the whole body when just the face is being treated. We tend to hold emotional stress in our faces – particularly in the jaw and temples – so gently massaging these areas using upward and outward circular motions helps to promote relaxation and reduce stress, while increasing muscle tone and revitalising your skin. It is easy to do yourself, using your favourite cream or oil after cleansing, which means you can make it part of your daily routine.

Visit FHT’s blog and type ‘self’ into the search engine to find lots of other helpful self-care tips. Alternatively, you can search FHT’s Directory if you’d prefer to see a professional therapist (go on – you deserve it!).

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The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) is the UK’s largest professional association for complementary, holistic beauty and sports therapists, and has been developing and promoting the highest standards in education and therapy practice for more than 50 years. 

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The Mindfulness Association

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mindfulness
compassion
insight

Curious about mindfulness but don’t know where to start?

We can offer you a glimpse and a taste of mindfulness for free so you can decide whether it’s something you’d like to try. Our lead tutors not only teach on our Masters MSc courses, they also teach beginners on our foundational courses and lead practices on our free ‘Daily Sits’ - so you know you are in good, safe hands.

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We set up our free online daily guided meditations (Daily Sits) twice daily to support people everywhere in their homes - via zoom. One year on and our online community has grown steadily throughout the year as people find connection with others through the practice and time to chat over a cuppa if they wish.

You too, can start here, with us. There is no need to book. No commitment required.

By working with the mind, we train ourselves through mindfulness meditation practice - to see things differently – to relate to ourselves and others in a kinder more curious and accepting way - and as we learn to offer ourselves a little of that kindness, our compassion naturally grows for ourselves, for those around us, and for the wider community and for the environment that supports us and all life.

Join us for the journey of your life.

Here's the link to join us at 10.30am (Monday to Friday) and at 7pm every evening.  https://www.mindfulnessassociation.net/free-daily-online.../

OUR COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING INCLUDES

• Foundational Practices in Mindfulness

• Compassion and Insight training

• Mindfulness to Buddhism

• Practice days and retreats

• Mindfulness Teacher Training

• Continued Professional Development Courses and Retreats for    Mindfulness Teachers

• Supervision Training

• Two Masters Degree Courses

Find out about our Masters Courses here:

https://www.mindfulnessassociation.net/come-study-with-us/

www.mindfulnessassociation.net

And if you can’t find what you are looking for then please do write to us at info@mindfulnessassociation.net and we will support you. 

Introducing the oh mindful living series: beauty

I recently had the joy of sitting on a panel of natural cosmetics experts (of whom I was certainly the least qualified), to discuss the topic of ‘Conscious Beauty.’ Beside me were Imelda Burke, founder of Content Beauty & Wellbeing, an online retail destination, with the most stringent control re ‘clean’ cosmetics I’ve thus far encountered (her bricks & mortar store in Marylebone, is a conscious beauty haven, too), and author of The Nature of Beauty – a practical guide for all of us seeking to make more informed and safer choices re our cosmetics; Helen Lynn, a health advisor to WEN, the Women’s Environmental Network, a phenomenal group who seek to inspire women to make environmentally sound and safe choices; and Dr Mark Smith who is also the Director General of NATRUE, and has an interdisciplinary PhD in chemistry and genetics.

The discussion was chaired by Jayn Sterland, the MD of Weleda, a company that has championed ‘clean beauty’ since their birth in 1921 – based on the ‘beyond organic’ biodynamic principles of farming and creation of natural formulations.

Already, I have used some wooly terms. ‘Clean beauty,’ ‘green beauty,’ and ‘natural’. None of these are legal terms, which means that they are not very helpful in guiding us around the shelves and aisles. I do talk about natural, often, in my line of work – as editor of oh mag, and previously, in my role as Wellbeing Director at Psychologies magazine for 10 years. I am also a trained and qualified facial therapist, and though I am not presently practising, I come to my wellbeing work as an editor, author & therapist with a focus on holistic care, from the inside-out.

For all of these reasons, I feel a vested interest in empowering consumers to make mindful, conscious choices and to avoid having the wool pulled over their eyes by companies that are true experts at greenwashing. And this is why I wanted to launch a new series of content & features here on the oh blog – all of which will be focused on making mindful choices within the beauty & wellbeing sector.

For me, a good place to begin before I buy is to ask for percentages. A 100% natural product has become the benchmark for me, these days – and it is easily attainable; the natural beauty market is booming, and new products are launching each and every week. For those seeking to swap out their synthetic cosmetics in favour of all-natural alternatives, we also have other help at hand – the resources I most often turn to when seeking clarity on the ingredients within the products I choose to buy are EWG.org and their Skin Deep app, Skin Ninja (app) and Think Dirty (app). Simply scan a product’s barcode via the app, and get a clear picture of what goes into it, and if there is anything to be concerned about. When the product is not already listed within the inventory, you can add it yourself, or check out the individual ingredients, which are listed by hazard/toxicity level, in line with the most recent studies into said ingredients.

EWG is particularly robust here, as it very regularly updates its ingredients inventory based on breakthrough research – but it is US based, so it is important to check the EU-versions of your purchases, if you have bought them in the EU. As a side note, US formulations are often markedly different from EU ones – mainly because in order to become an EU-compliant cosmetic, you must go through a very lengthly and cost-prohibitive compliance procedure, which roots out up to 1328 banned chemicals. The US, meanwhile, bans only 11 chemicals in total (so, also worth bearing in mind if you’re in the habit of stockpiling while in the States, or importing US products yourself).

When it comes to consumer choice, then, consciousness is key. Each member of the panel was asked what ‘conscious beauty’ meant to them. Our answers all intersected and overlapped. For me, it is about a choice that chimes with my ethics and values. We are all of us, simply the product of the choices we make. I may choose to buy local, support independent business, buy fair trade, and avoid plastic. These choices are conscious on my part, because I do not wish to leave a lasting, muddy footprint on the earth I inhabit. I have two young daughters, and some understanding of the natural wisdom within our own bodies and cells, and the delicate balance at play within our many ‘biomes’ – from our gut, to our skin. I do not want to interfere, one bit, with what nature has already bestowed on us – healthy immunity, robust and clear skin, resilient bodies and vital organs.

Sadly, these beautiful bodies of ours are often testing grounds for dozens of questionable cosmetics. The average woman in the UK uses up to 17 products, every single day. It immediately sounds a lot – but consider: shampoo, conditioner, face wash, moisturiser, toothpaste, deodorant, body wash, body cream, foundation, lipstick, mascara… you can see how it very quickly adds up. Much of what we use is based upon nothing other than habit. We begin, in our early teens, to become so very impressionable to marketing and messaging – very few of us actually stop to wonder if our young girls should ‘naturally’ want to wear make-up, apply perfume, scented body lotion and anti-perspirant. The prevalent beauty norm is one of artifice – concealing, contouring, layering, scenting and masking – beauty’s own language speaks volumes.

For me, conscious beauty is about a return to the foundations of our own natural beauty, radiance and health. It is acceptance of our skin, our body, our essence – and the confidence that comes with that. I love a bright lipstick and do wear make-up several times a week, but my choices, now, are incredibly simple, all natural, and, I feel, empowering. The ritual behind the product, matters to me too. An all-natural body oil – brimming with vitamins, omegas, essential oils – is transporting and nourishing. Applying this, feels like the act of self-care it really is. I know that I would not feel that way if I were applying a synthetically fragranced petroleum-based oil. There is no affinity there – neither with spirit, nor skin. One is a stranger to the other.

So… what do I opt out of? What constitutes a conscious ‘cleaner’ choice for me?

1. I never, ever use anything with mineral oil in it. Petroleum/petrolatum/pariffinum liquidum – all incredibly cheap by-products of the dirty mineral oil and petrol industry, which sully my body and my ethics. They have no cosmetic benefits, other than those to the cost-cutting manufacturer – being inert and stable (so they will not ‘react’ at all – they can sit on a shelf for years), and very, very cheap.

2. I choose not to use antiperspirant, which blocks off a natural biological function with heavy metals – interfering not only with our sensitive bio-regulatory and thermostatic responses (we sweat for a reason!), but also builds up within our sweat glands – heavy metals, such as aluminium, the mainstay of commercial antiperspirant – which do not break down, wash away or excrete. All this, so close to our delicate breast tissue and lymph nodes… I find this deeply worrying, and stopped using anti-perspirant 15 years ago.

3. I choose not to use any synthetic body washes or lotions or creams. I oil my skin, twice a day, with raw virgin coconut oil if it needs cooling and soothing, or rose or calendula oil if it needs cosseting and nourishing (both in an organic base oil of olive, sweet almon. Nothing more is needed. I wash, most often, with warm water – we do not need scented washes to refresh our parts, but if a wash is used, it is 100% natural, and always free of SLS and SLES – the foaming surfactants which are not only common skin irritants, but also non-biodegradable. They rinse down our plug holes and out into our waterways, rivers and seasides… creating a cumulative froth that rims our waterways, and will not be broken down any time soon.

4. I choose not to use anything containing PEGs (polyethylene glycols). PEGs have been regularly found to be contaminated with 1.4 Dioxane and Ethylene Oxide, which the International Agency for Cancer have labelled ‘possible human carcinogens.’ In a study of 100 products marketed as ‘natural’, 46 were found to be contaminated with 1.4 dioxane – SO, remember, always check that INCI list, and don’t let a ‘natural’ label fool you into thinking that you are buying a worry-free product. Ask for percentages, check ingredients, use your apps & websites, and if still in doubt, ask a certifying body, such as NATRUE, to check it out for you.

5. I choose to avoid parabens. In spite of some heated discussions with chemists re the fact that parabens can occur in nature, I take the line below – cautiously pessimistic, is my ethos when it comes to cosmetics! “The fact is that parabens do exist rarely in nature, but it is highly misleading to claim that they are a common constituent of fruits or vegetables.Meanwhile, a growing body of scientific evidence lends credence to health concerns from paraben exposure. Increasing evidence has drawn attention to their possible health risks, primarily their potential to disrupt the endocrine system, which can interfere with the normal functioning of hormones,” say the Environmental Working Group.

6. I also, very rarely, paint my nails. If I do, I choose 10-free brands (although, to be honest, 10-free is a green-wash in parts, because it is already illegal to formulate products that contain known carcinogens formaldehyde and formaldehyde-resin (you’d hope so, wouldn’t you). I also avoid (like the plague) toulene, DBP (dibutyl pthalates) Triphenyl Phosphate and camphor (which, if inhaled, can make you feel nauseous). Kure Bazaar’s latest collection is 10-free, and 90 per cent natural (they have also removed benzophenone -1 and -3, the toxic chemical used to prevent colour fading).

7. I avoid chemical sunscreens – the nastiest of which, Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, have now been banned by Hawaii, who proved that both have had devastating effects on the marine environments around this tropical US state. A study in 2015, published in the journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, found the chemicals have a range of effects on coral, including mortality in developing coral, bleaching of coral and genetic damage to coral and other organisms. It also found both chemicals can induce feminisation in adult male fish and increase reproductive diseases in creatures from sea urchins to parrotfish and mammal species similar to the Hawaiian monk seal. The chemicals can also induce neurological behavioural changes in fish and have possible impact on the many endangered species found in Hawaii’s waters, including sea turtles. The study found oxybenzone had a toxic effect at a concentration of 62 parts per trillion – equivalent to one drop in six-and-a-half Olympic-size swimming pools. Do we want to be putting this on our bodies?

8. I avoid commercial toothpastes. Most contain SLS, for that foaming action once again, and some even contain triclosan – a synthetic antibacterial agent, which can be found in household cleaning products and hand sanitisers. Given the delicacy of our gums and sub-lingual system – where anything that comes into contact with that area, which contains small enough particles, is absorbed into the bloodstream, it seems a sensible move.

   I also avoid fluoride – based, once again, on this report published by EWG. “During the last 15-20 years there has been a revolution in our understanding of fluoride’s effects on teeth. It is now well-established that fluoride exposure is directly and proportionately related to dental fluorosis, a range of adverse health effect that includes mottling, pitting, and weakening of the teeth (Fejerskov 1994; Heller 1997; NRC 2006). At the same time, fluoride helps prevent tooth decay (Aoba 2002; Featherstone 2000). Fluoride is believed to have contributed to the decline of tooth decay (cavities, also called dental caries) in many developed countries (CDC 2008; Kumar 2008). On the other hand, early exposure to fluoride poses undeniable health risks to children (NRC 2006; Sohn 2008). In the U.S. and worldwide, about 30 percent of children who drink fluoridated water experience dental fluorosis (Brunelle 1987; Heller 1997; Khan 2005). Strong concerns have been also raised about fluoride exposure and the risk of bone cancer (osteosarcoma), adverse effects on the thyroid function, and lowered IQ in children (NRC 2006). The risks of fluoride are especially high for infants, prompting the American Dental Association (ADA) to issue an “Interim Guidance on Fluoride Intake for Infants and Young Children. ADA recommended that in areas where fluoride is added to tap water, parents should consider using fluoride-free bottled water to reconstitute concentrated or powdered infant formula (ADA 2006).” So, from the water we drink at home (I use a Berkey Water Filter), to the toothpaste we choose (Weleda Calendula or Salt; Comvita Propolis and Tea Tree; Kingfisher Mint), this is what informs our choices.

9. AND, all of this before we’ve even had a chance to look at packaging, carbon footprints, animal testing, sustainability, sourcing, fair trade… there is a so much to consider, and our aim at oh mag is to begin diving ever-deeper into this complex, cloudy topic over the coming months.

To end, then… the list of what & whom I choose to trust, is, hearteningly, short. 100% natural products, where the entire product is certified by Demeter (the Biodynamic certification), NATRUE, Cosmos or Ecocert. I also respect the work of The Soil Association, but be wary of buying products that contain only a few certified ingredients (though they may still carry a logo) if they are being used with a mixture of other non-organic, non-certified or non-natural products.

I also trust those simplest things that I make at home, or buy in their wholly untampered states – cold-pressed organic base oils, such as sunflower, coconut, almond, grapeseed – do all from condition hair, to remove make-up.

Secondly – and as an editor of 20 years who has always championed naturals – there is also the relationship that can blossom between brand and consumer – and which can go on to inform those choices we make, in a way that feels as though we are welcoming things into our family (because they have almost become part of the family). There are brands I trust, inherently. I know how they operate, I am familiar with their sustainability models, I love what the stand for and how they give back. I also love how they formulate, and the clarity, transparency and purity of their products. I have included a top 20 list of them below – but you can also find many more at my favourite reputable ‘clean beauty’ destinations, Content Beauty Love Lula, Glow Organic, and A Beautiful World.

So, I’ll begin with just a few of the brands I trust:

Weleda

Therapie Roques O’Neil

NEOM

de Mamiel

Fushi

The Organic Pharmacy

Ila

Inika Cosmetics

Absolution Cosmetics

Josh Rosebrook

Lavera

Neal’s Yard Remedies

TWELVE beauty

May Lindstrom

MV Organic Skincare

Inlight Beauty

Root & Flower

Amly

Aurelia

Dr Alkaitis

Dr Bronner

Evolve Skincare

S5 Skincare

I hope you’ve enjoyed this (lengthy!) introduction to mindful beauty & wellbeing and urge you to pop back for more features, reviews & edits in the near future. You can also keep an eye on our social media where we’ll be sharing more content in this series too – oh mag on Instagram.