Over the years Kate O’ Brien has been fortunate to spend time with some of the world’s top healers, therapists and wisdom keepers. She has learnt a lot, much of this is coming to the fore during these challenging times. In a new series for THE GLOSS, she starts by asking intuitive therapist Roger Moore what lessons he has drawn from the global pandemic.

Roger Moore has been on the wellness scene in the UK and Asia for over 30 years. He is a multidisciplinary therapist who has studied under the most respected masters and shamans in both the Western and Eastern schools of wellness. These he seamlessly blends with hands-on manual therapies and profound spiritual philosophy in a uniquely grounded approach, helping clients live healthier and happier lives.

Moore was living in Phuket during the 2004 tsunami that stole the lives of a few close friends. He devoted months to helping families of victims come to terms with their losses and witnessed amazing human sacrifice and compassion. He believes that the tragedy brought out the best in people. “This virus can do the same. For me this is a wake up call – a forced meditation on the self and we need to make the most of it. I believe that if this didn’t happen we would not have a planet to inhabit in 20 years time – as it just couldn’t continue to sustain the excessive lives we were leading. Once we get over the fear, we can learn a lesson.” 

Approach these times through the eyes of learning, is his advice. “Small things make for great results, so ask yourself what small changes you can make, every day, to make this world a better place in the virus aftermath and for future generations?” 

“To be alive now is a very humbling experience. We have the time to do those things we always said we had no time to do. We have no more excuses. It’s like the universe is telling us that we have been complaining for too long about the lack of time. Along with many others, Moore is spending time in his garden. “We need to dig deep and get our hands dirty to separate the weeds from the plants. “Let’s use this time to pull out the weeds in our own lives too – clearing the negative thoughts than can rule our minds. Dig deep, pull out the roots and discard them as you do the weeds, leaving space for our dreams and aspirations to flourish, as we become better human beings able to see the joy in life. What is holding us back?” 

As the environment starts to clean up with fewer planes flying, the dolphins are playing again along our coastlines, the sky is bluer and clearer, the birds chorus is more vibrant than ever before and the ozone layer is slowly being repaired. “Everything has been reset. It almost seems like the earth is needing this time to heal and for once, we are helping her.”

In the words of ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu (a quote that has got me through many challenging periods in my own life), ‘this too shall pass.’ “Yes, it will pass,” Moore adds, “and when we come out the other side, the outcome will be for the better. It has to be. After all, no light can shine as bright as one in the darkness – and this is what we have the opportunity to do now. Be patient, work on yourself and know that the impact we have on one another is our greatest gift.” www.moorewellnessconsultations.com

Roger Moore’s tips for living your best life during lockdown:

• Set a daily routine and stick with it as best you can.

• Plan a set time to exercise (outdoors where possible) to fill up on vitamin D and all the other benefits of sunshine and the outdoors.

• Be still for 10 to 15 minutes at least once each day to simply connect with your breath. Notice the rise and fall of your stomach and the sensation of the breath entering and leaving your body. When you get distracted (as you will!), simply return to the rise and fall of every breath cycle. 

• Load up your diet with vitamin C and zinc to strengthen immunity. Eat plenty of green and brightly coloured vegetables and fruits. 

• Stimulate your mind by learning something new – either in the garden or trying some online course, many of which are being offered free at the moment. Check out www.futurelearn.com  and www.yogaphilosophy.thinkific.com

• About one hour before bed, drink warm milk or hot water with 11/2 tsp. ground turmeric and a pinch of black pepper. This soothing blend helps enhance sleep and reduce stress related inflammation in the body.