Book Review by Sally Teixeira

This week I am delighted to share my review of Jane Sheehan's latest book Sole Trader with you. Those of you that know me, will appreciate my trepidation at opening what appears to be a business handbook. I don't do official stuff, law, rules or financial calculations well at all. I remember using the buttons on my school cardigan to count my way through basic arithmetic and wondering why there were so many silly rules I had to follow all the time!

I haven't changed that much as an adult and now I tend to feel and follow my intuition and trust that everything will fall into place... which it generally does! However, I am so glad I opened Sole Trader because it is a great read and I have also picked up some great tips about putting myself 'out there' in the holistic world.

And the icing on the cake is that I will be joining Jane at her Foot Reading workshop in Edinburgh on Saturday 5th December! Although I can only attend for the first day, I'll be taking my camera and I'll tell you all about the fun we have.

Jane was one of my very first 'reflexology' friends. As a reflexology student back in 2001, I had posted a question on the Association of Reflexologists forum about my bewildering experiences in discovering my sensitivities to energy and Jane's answer was like a ray of light in a dark tunnel. We kept in touch over the years, met up a few times, and we are very much on parallel 'foot-paths', supporting and sharing with each other as the feet take us on wonderful journeys around the world.

So without further ado... enjoy! And you can find further details about Jane's Edinburgh workshop here!

“Sole Trader": The Holistic Therapy Business Handbook

Price £16.99 plus postage

Even before you open Jane Sheehan’s Sole Trader, it feels luxurious and looks inviting. Normally I wouldn’t chose to read a business handbook, but I was intrigued to see what Jane had to say about getting established in the therapy business world. Whether it is her infectious down to earth approach or her enthusiasm which reaches out from the pages, I was surprised to find myself pulled in and actually enjoying reading it!

It is very clearly laid out, with full page atmospheric pictures to introduce each chapter and it feels open, light and not at all heavy and ‘businessy’. The book is full of great tips, insights and stories to support her advice and each chapter has Action box to summarize what is being covered and what your next steps are.

Jane starts off by addressing every therapist’s biggest challenge... making that leap of faith into becoming a full time holistic therapist. From preparation, marketing, telephone skills to surviving the tough times, she carries you on a wave of positivity and self belief. Nothing seemed daunting or overwhelming even when it came to statutory disputes and resolution procedures.

The book does only cover the legalities of a business in the UK, but this guide would be a huge asset to any independent therapist, no matter which country they live in. Sole Trader is so much more than a business handbook!

(I was also delighted to come across myself and Universally Rio on page 94! Thank you, Jane!)

Sole Trader is a great read and I highly recommend it.

Sally Teixeira

The other day, an email appeared in my inbox entitled ‘A message from the Universe.’ It had come via my dear friend Kath Forster in Johannesburg. Every so often she sends out these inspirational words that always hit the spot at just the right time... as you will see as you read on.

“It’s ok to sizzle sometimes It's got nothing to do with being a perfect, goody-goody, selfless, sacrificing, spiritual saint. Blah! That whole characterization was meant for a different audience at a different time, and they really had issues. It's got everything to do with being yourself, trusting the magic, following your heart, dreaming big, and having fun. Hosanna in the highest, The Universe”

As you will know from my last blog post, I’ve found that the image of healing and spirituality can be rather off putting to ‘outsiders’ and almost impossible to live up to. So often those of us on the spiritual path are expected to be ever so goody-goody and frowned upon if we enjoy a good party and a glass or bottle of wine to celebrate over or give in to a moody bad hair day. How on earth can you be pure, a healer or a spiritual inspiration if you don’t fit the mould? Aren’t we meant to spend our time in meditation, shun the joys of life and sail through life’s challenges? Well, I think it is time we all woke up. The time has come to lift ourselves out of this inbred misconception and to let go of our ancestral prejudices and to open our hearts and minds to just being ourselves.

Now this is where it gets fun!

On Sunday it was the Gay Pride parade and party all the way along Copacabana beach. My husband and I went along and it really was the most fantastic party! Oh boy we had such fun! Despite the rain, there was an atmosphere of celebration and openness, excitement and friendliness. For almost 4 hours we danced our way along the beach, passing the different floats with their own music blaring out across Copacabana bay and beating its vibration through us.

What struck me most, was that it wasn’t just the gay communities out on the street, it was a mass gathering of souls, who were open enough to just celebrate their being alongside each other and to revel in their uniqueness. Hundreds of thousands of people dancing in the rain along the beach front and not one whiff of aggression or prejudice. Wonderful. Even the street vendors of drinks and food were dancing and celebrating and enjoying being part of the spectacle.

Of course there were some brilliant characters! An eclectic mix of feathered angel wings and swimming trunks, sparkling spandangled dresses and platform boots, aviator glasses and extrovert make up. How liberating it must be to freely express yourself! Free of inhibitions and standing true to yourself in the face of public scorn, bias and scrutiny.

We have a lot to learn from these wonderful souls!

So why don’t we all take ourselves a step closer to living as a spiritual being. Drop the old fashioned barriers and beliefs and accept and love ourselves for who we are ... and love and accept our neighbours for who they are. It really is that simple. And then we can all live together as one... and happily ever after!

And one step closer to unity is to come and join the movement towards unity by signing Humanity's Team’s Oneness Day petition. There are over 20,000 signatures already, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Yoko Ono. Spreading the message of oneness around the world is only the beginning...

Have a magical week! Sally x

PS: My camera went to sleep before the party even got going... so you'll have to use your imagination.