Mindful in Gothenburg

It has been some time since I updated this website and we are now facing a time where people are at home a lot  and finding ways to be creative. Some time ago I bought an air-drying clay at a local store. I don't really remember having used clay since my junior years in school. This is a soft clay and easy to mold something with your hands. Just be creative and try to form something that comes to mind. I myself got some inspiration from our cheese plant at home. I really love its leaves, so that is what my aim was, to make a leaf or a form of candlelight holder. The air-drying clay dries after a day or two and you can then paint it with some acrylic paint if you like. Mine is painted with white acrylic paint. Maybe it ends up on your shelf or  why not a little homemade present for someone, a one of a kind present. 🙏 Here is a store where you can buy air-drying clay Det har gått ett tag sedan jag uppdaterade denna websida och vi befinner oss nu i en tid där människor ä...

Like a tranquil oasis in the centre of Gothenburg. There she stands, The Palm House, in the middle of The Garden Society. This wonderful house actually celebrated 140 years this year. The Palm House was delivered by sea, all the way from Scotland. At the time the model for many greenhouses, Crystal Palace in London, was also the model for the Palm House. The Palm House is  divided  into five sections: the Nave, the Mediterranean House, the Camellia House, the Tropical House and the Water House. Here you will always find something beautiful to experience. Every season has something new blossoming. Here I warmed myself during a walk this winter and another time I watched the beautiful  spring light radiate through the glass windows. You can actually rent this lovely place to get married in, which also some acquaintances to me did. What an amazing environment for a wedding. During the year, the parks gardeners, offer guided tours in The Palm House. Both the park a...

During the summer there is an opportunity to try different types of training at The Garden Society of Gothenburg. Some Fridays between 11-12 you can take part in Qigong on the lawn in front of the Palm House. The class is free of charge so it is perfect for if you want to try something new. 💚 Qigong is an ancient Chinese training form. Simply put, Qigong means "to move energy". I have now tested Qigong on two occasions and like it very much. It gives both time for self-compassion and mindfulness. I feel pleasantly calm and happy afterwards. Barefoot we stand with our feet in the grass with a good grounded contact. 🌱 The Qigong class has soft and slow repetitive movements where you work with mindful breathing. I achieve a nice flow where I can land in my body and slow down my thoughts. There is no talking and no music, but I really like the silence and the sense of it. Towards the end, we practise balance and concentration followed by self-massage, where you massage the enti...

Just think that it is so easy to long to be far away, even though you have so much beauty to explore nearby. I have lately discovered the islands around Gothenburg. Recently we went to Asperö where I have never been before. Asperö is an island in Gothenburg's southern archipelago where about 400 inhabitants live. A smaller island that I think is sometimes passed by as many instead travel to the larger islands of the archipelago. We traveled from Saltholmen boat terminal to Asperö Östra (Eastern Asperö) which is the first stop with the ferry. It only takes about 10 minutes. You can now also take ferries to the southern archipelago from Stenpiren Travel Centre. Once on the island it is quiet, there are not a lot of people and everything is very close so you do not have to walk very far. We took with us salads from the mainland and we ate these for lunch by the boat harbour. After this we walked to the small shop to buy ice cream and drinks. We decided to walk up to the top of the vie...

I had tried yoga and meditation for a while and heard of different types of retreat. It seemed like something nice to go away to. Also, a good way to change the environment. So last year I searched on google to see what was out there. I didn't want it to be too far way or too expensive. I then found a silent retreat organised by the Swedish Church. Not expensive, not far away and just over the day. It sounded good. That time, last spring, I went with my boyfriend. It was very interesting and nice to spend the day together like that. After a few hours when the silence broke, it felt, strange enough, as if you didn't have to say anything. It was as if you had already spoken to each other on another level. This year I went on the silent retreat for the second time, but this time by myself. Just to see if it became a different experience. A retreat, for those who wonder, is in this case a quiet day of reflection, rest and peace. The day is varied with meditation, walk, service, lun...

If someone would have told me a few years ago that someday I would start to crochet, I would never have believed them. I never really understood how people could find book reading or handcraft so relaxing, but I did envy them for it. I was more of the training type of person. But, you should never say never and not stop learning more about yourself. You can have more aptitudes then you realise. They can be well hidden and never tried. So this Christmas, after becoming interested, I was taught to crochet and I have been hooked 😊 ever since. I continued on my own with help from Youtube clips. They make it easy to just stop and try yourself at your own speed. I have since then crocheted granny squares and flowers and other techniques and I'm still appreciating the fun of being more creative. Crochet is so much more than a hobby. It is pure mindfulness. It has something to do with using your hands, just like cooking and gardening. You become calm and focused. I even heard that crochet...

Sometimes you get days that are beautiful in every way. Such happiness it is to experience a Sunday in September while the summer is still around. A perfect day for a small trip. We have decided to visit Gunnebo House and Gardens that with bus from Gothenburg takes about 15 minutes to reach. As I enter the Gunnebo House environment, I immediately get a wow-feeling. Here it is beautiful like a dream and there is so much to look at of this 17th century property, which is well preserved and well maintained. I smell the lavender on our way up to the House, the lovely smell of lavender is hard to beat. In the southern garden we sit down and enjoy the sun, the surroundings and our bag of tea and fruit. After that we take a walk around Gunnebo cultural reserve and watch the cows as they rest in the shade. On our way back we walk around the kitchen garden next to Gunnebo Coffee House and Restaurant, here grows vegetables, herbs and flowers among other things. The tomatoes smell just as good ...

Liseberg is more than just an amusement park. For those who wish to get away from Liseberg's usually lively activity and for those who wish to collect energy, I recommend Lisebergs Lustgård (translated the Eden of Liseberg). You will get here just after passing through the main entrance and to the right. Lisebergs Lustgård is a 20,000 square meter green area that opened in 2008. Like Liseberg Amusement Park, the Eden raises imagination and playfulness. Here you will find waterfalls, winding paths and artwork. If you look closely, you can find quotes written in stone. At the same time there are open lawns and lots of plants. A place to visit not only during a day at Liseberg, but also during ones free time or during lunch if you happen to work nearby. Be sure to visit Lisebergs Lustgård as long as they are still open and the nature is green. With an annual pass, several visits awaits. 🙏 For more information about Liseberg Park and Garden Liseberg är mer än bara en nöjespark. Fö...

A few years ago I went to a presentation about Ung Cancer's work. I was incredibly touched by the presentation and the film "Det är okej att känna" (It is ok to feel). I wanted to contribute in some way. So for a few years now I have from time to time beaded bracelets. The moment I bead is a type of mindfulness for me. I'm relaxed yet focused on what to do, one by one beads become bracelets. Bracelets that are sold and give funds to Ung Cancer's continuous important work. Sometimes when I'm too much up in my own head, moments like these feel extra valuable and peaceful. On Ung Cancer's beading days, which take place several times a year and in several cities, one can come without registration and stay for as long as you like. Here I have met friendship, love and laughter. Why not open up with a hello to the person sitting opposite you. There are amazing things happening in the coming together of people. A part of a well-spent Sunday it is anyway. 🙏 For m...

It is a partially cloudy morning in August and we are going out for a small getaway. We take the Green Express bus from Nordstan and get off about 20 minutes later at Råda portar in the municipality of Härryda. From here we walk just over 1 km through a long beautiful avenue, which finally leads us to Råda Manor. The manor has a well preserved historical environment dating back to medieval times. We explore and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and garden. Just nearby Råda Manor is Lake Rådasjön and Råda nature reserve. We decide to walk the 2 km long nature walk around the peninsula called Labbera. Along the walk we learned more about nature through the app Naturfrågan Mölnlycke, fun and educational. It became an amazing walk in beech forest with a detour to visit the ruin that was built in the 19th century. To sum up it was a quiet and lovely trip and we are filled with historical beauty. Just like traveling through time for a short while. And time flies. 🙏 For more information abou...

Mindful eating is a way of slowing down and paying attention to food habits. Learn to recognise why you eat, when you eat, what you eat and how you eat. Are you nourishing the body or the mind? The thought is to make active choices. By mindful eating you can learn to nourish body and soul and find a healthier way of eating. Start positive rituals around cooking and eating, such as preparations and creativity around the presentation of the meals. Sitting down with no distractions and taking the time to appreciate when we eat our meals, whether it is by ourselves or with our loved ones. 🙏 Att äta medvetet är ett sätt att sakta ned och uppmärksamma matvanor. Att lära sig att känna igen varför du äter, när du äter, vad du äter och hur du äter. Ger du näring åt kroppen eller sinnet? Tanken är att göra aktiva val. Genom att äta medvetet kan du lära dig att ge näring till kropp och själ och hitta ett hälsosammare sätt att äta. Starta positiva ritualer runt matlagning och ätande, som til...

A nice way of ending the day before embracing the new, is to take a walk and enjoy the sunset. Especially in summer when the days are longer and the weather warmer. For example, one nice walk goes along the quayside. Once you have reached the Göteborg Opera turn left and walk along the water. Maybe watch the boats along the walk or just sit down and watch the sunset from one of the benches. It is powerful and peaceful at the same time. An evening walk gives a chance to reflect on the day and prepares for a good night's sleep. Thank you for this day. 🙏 Ett fint sätt att avsluta dagen innan man omfamnar den nya, är att ta en promenad och njuta av solnedgången. Särskilt på sommaren när dagarna är längre och vädret varmare. En trevlig promenad går till exempel längs Packhuskajen. När man nått GöteborgsOperan tar man till vänster och går längs med vattnet. Kanske titta på båtarna längs vägen eller bara sitta ned och titta på solnedgången från någon av bänkarna. Det är både mäktigt oc...

At the highest point of Slottsskogen, 80 meters above sea level, you will find the old water tower. It has been here since 1899, without my knowledge, but happy that I've now seen it. Through a guided tour you can get the opportunity to climb the tower and see Gothenburg from a 360 degree view, very powerful on a clear day. Just like in life, it's important to occasionally zoom out and get distance and perspective on things. For those who like to visit the great view it's possible to book visits during July and August. 🙏 For more information about the Observation tower På Slottsskogens högsta punkt, 80 meter över havet, hittar man det gamla vattentornet. Sedan 1899 har det stått här, helt utan min vetskap, men glad att jag nu sett det. Genom en bokad guidad visning får man möjlighet att få klättra upp i tornet och se Göteborg ur en 360 graders vy, väldigt mäktigt på en klar dag. Precis som i livet är det viktigt att då och då zooma ut och få distans och perspektiv på ti...

I think the Botanical Garden becomes more beautiful each time I visit it. Or it can be that I now take time and stop to actually see all its beauty. Here there are plant species gathered from different parts of the world and the Garden also has a program with many activities and exhibitions during the year. There is always something new to discover. To be in nature has proven to be very positive for the health and recovery. Why not download a guide to peaceful places in the Garden or listen to relaxation exercises found on the app Botaniska. The Botanical Garden is open daily from 9am until sunset, so one can go and visit whenever they like, to refill. 🙏 For more information about the app and Gothenburg botanical garden Jag tycker att Botaniska trädgården blir vackrare varje gång jag besöker den. Eller så är det att jag nu tar mig tid för att stanna upp och faktiskt se hela dess skönhet. Här finns växtarter samlade från olika delar av världen och botaniska har också ett program län...

Do you feel traveling abroad or going out to the archipelago is difficult or far away? Then there are options. At Skeppsbron one can nowadays find Playa Stenpiren, a city beach with deck chairs, parasols, palm trees, flowers and sand. It is what you want it to be. Close your eyes and dream yourself away in the deck chairs, feel sand between your toes or watch the boats pass by in the water. A little break and refill during the day and away from the city swarm. 🙏 For more information about Playa Stenpiren Känns en resa utomlands eller att ta sig ut till skärgården svårt eller långt bort? Då finns det alternativ. Vid Skeppsbron kan man numer hitta Playa Stenpiren, en stadsstrand med solstolar, parasoller, palmer, blommor och sand. Det är vad du vill det skall vara. Blunda och dröm dig bort i solstolen, känn sanden mellan tårna eller titta på båtarna som passerar i vattnet. En liten paus och påfyllning i vardagen och stadsmyllret. 🙏 För mer information om Playa Stenpiren

If you get lost while seeking, you may find something new. Something that you may not be looking for can suddenly appear in front of you. The Water Lilly Pond in Renström Park can be such a place. The risk of running into the park is not that great if you do not already know where it is. At the top of Götaplatsen behind the Museum of Art one can find this park, which was built in 1923. As mentioned by name, there are plenty of water lilies, but also lots of green areas and park benches right next to the dam where one can have a mindful moment of peace. 🙏 For more information about Renström park Om man går vilse i ett sökande kan man råka hitta något nytt. Något man kanske inte letade efter kan plötsligt uppenbara sig framför en. Näckrosdammen i Renströmsparken kan vara en sådan plats. Risken att springa på parken är inte så stor om man inte redan vet vart den finns. Längst upp på Götaplatsen bakom Konstmuseet kan man hitta denna park som anlades år 1923. Som på namnet hörs finns hä...

A sunny and windless day without a cloud in sight. We are going on a spontaneous trip to a near and new place. The desire to discover and explore can be so stimulating.  From the Nils Ericson terminal we leave with bus 291 towards Gothenburg's northern archipelago and get off at Hönö Pinan harbour. We walk along the northern part of Hönö until we reach Ramleberget. Here the scenery is beautiful and dramatic. Where we walk, climb and jump over stones and rocks we are reminded about traces and stories of the Bronze Age. So amazing that nature has saved those memories. Against a rock wall we eat lunch and enjoy the silence and the views. On our way back we walk through the Ersdalen nature reserve on the northwestern Hönö, a green beautiful contrast to the rocky Ramleberget. Since Hönö is quite big, there are thoughts about returning here to the southern parts like Hönö Klåva. Best to take our walking shoes that time as well. 🙏 For more information about Hönö En solig och vindstill...

Sometimes you may need to create your own mindful atmosphere where there are no distractions. At home it can be a silent dark room where you can rest on a bed or a mat. As a routine and a kind of ritual I use my oil diffuser with essential oils. Doing this sets the mood for the peaceful moment I'm about to enter. Aromatherapy gives me relaxation of the mind and body. Today I'm using the oil ylang-ylang which has balancing benefits. As I lie here I try focusing on my deep breaths. Sometimes I like to listen to a guided meditation or to soft music as well. Inhale-exhale. 🙏 For more information about the essential oils I'm currently using Ibland behöver man skapa sig sin egna medvetna atmosfär där det inte finns några distraktioner. Hemma kan det vara ett tyst mörkt rum där man kan vila på en säng eller en matta. Som en rutin eller en typ av ritual så använder jag min aromalampa med eteriska oljor. Genom att göra detta så ställer jag in stämningen på den fridfulla stund ja...

The Gothenburg Cathedral is centrally located in Gothenburg and dates back to the 17th century. The church has a quiet and secluded light chapel where one can sit down for a while and light a candle. A room for silence, rest and reflection. Lighting a candle can mean gratitude or be a wordless prayer. Sometimes it can be hard to express words when life is difficult but also when life is full of joy. For me, the light gives a sense of humanity. That someone was here to light a candle and share its light. 🙏 For more information about Gothenburg Cathedral Göteborgs Domkyrka ligger centralt i Göteborg och har anor sedan 1600-talet. Kyrkan har ett tyst och avskilt ljuskapell där man kan sätta sig ner en stund och tända ett ljus. Ett rum för tystnad, vila och eftertanke. Att tända ljus kan betyda tacksamhet eller vara en ordlös bön. Ibland kan det vara svårt att uttrycka ord när livet är svårt men även när livet är fullt av glädje. För mig ger ljusen en känsla av medmänsklighet. Att någo...

Vinga is located at the far western end of the archipelago. One could reach here by boat in one and a half hours from Stenpiren. The magic about Vinga is that its almost always good weather out there. Here is remarkable nature and the surroundings are very peaceful and silent. The island is quite small so one can walk around the island or why not visit the lighthouse and enjoy the view. Its also easy to fall asleep resting on a blanket while listening to the waves as they hit the rocks. I think that this could probably be the simplest, most effective and beautiful way to enjoy nature and truly be one with it. 🙏 For more information about Vinga Vinga ligger vid skärgårdens yttersta västra ände. Man kan nå hit med båt som tar en och en halv timme från Stenpiren. Det magiska med Vinga är att det nästan alltid är bra väder där ute. Här är anmärkningsvärd natur och omgivningen är mycket fridfull och tyst. Ön är ganska liten så man kan gå runt ön eller varför inte besöka fyren och njuta ...