I was interested to read that the US President is fond of spending time on his own in the small hours, away from all of his White House staff, not doing anything in particular but just perhaps having a bit of thinking time.

An article penned by Times male writers sympathised with Obama, saying that men need time away from all this work/family commitments, and sometimes that time of quiet when the family are all sleeping can be simply delicious. I think one of them called it ‘shed’ time.

I would argue that this is not just a ‘man’ thing, women need some time away too. Whilst we are social animals, being on one’s own can be an enriching thing, allowing your mind to just rest, away from life’s constant barrage of ‘stuff’. You don’t have to think of it as meditation, it doesn’t need to be as formal as that. You do nothing, or make a cup of tea, or whatever you want.

I am lucky enough to have a beautiful space in my garden which I use as my practice room. I have no electronic gadgets in there, it’s quite sparse really, but is a wonderful little retreat for my clients when they come for treatment. It’s also my own shed for those times when I need to escape.

warmest wishes,

wendy xx