Shali Wellbeing CIC

19/03/2026

Hi everyone,

I hope you’re enjoying this lovely weather?

I’m now 6 weeks into recovery from a subarachnoid haemorrhage and, although I’d hoped to be back by now, I’m still dealing with neuro-fatigue and cognitive dysfunction and can only manage one short activity a day. Progress is slow, with good and bad days, and even simple routines like washing and dressing take a lot of energy.

I’m hoping to return in around 6 weeks, starting gently. My driving licence is currently with the DVLA pending medical review, so I’ll be relying on taxis for a while.

I miss you all and really hope to see you soon 💛

17/03/2026

6:30am this morning 🌿
I sat outside and did a 10-minute gratitude meditation, listening to the birds and just taking a moment to be still.

As I gently opened my eyes… these beauties were right there waiting 🐔😂
Hovering like little reminders that life is happening all around us, even in the quiet moments.

Not sure if they came to join me or ask for breakfast… probably both!

Such a simple, grounding way to start the day.

Grateful for stillness, nature, and these unexpected little moments of joy 💫

15/03/2026

Mother’s Day can bring many different emotions. For some it’s a day of celebration, and for others it can feel tender, complicated, or quietly painful. 💛

Today we’re holding space for anyone who may be struggling — those missing their mum, those who have lost a child, experienced miscarriage, or hoped for a different journey into motherhood. It can also feel heavy when family relationships are strained or distant.

At Shali Wellbeing we’re thinking of our whole community today. We feel deep gratitude for all of our clients who trust us with their wellbeing, growth, and moments of vulnerability. Your courage to pause, reflect, and care for yourselves is something we never take for granted.

Whatever today means for you, please be gentle with yourself. Take a breath, step outside, find a small moment of stillness, or do something kind for yourself. 💛

07/03/2026

Today I'm stepping outside my comfort zone for an introductory cold water swimming course ❄️🌊

At Shali Wellbeing, we’re always exploring ways to support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Cold water immersion is becoming increasingly recognised for its potential benefits, including boosting mood, reducing stress, and helping us reconnect with our bodies and the natural world.

Sometimes wellbeing means slowing down…
and sometimes it means jumping into very cold water! 🥶

We love learning new things! I think! 😆 🤣

24/02/2026

Feeling incredibly grateful that Ali is finally home and now recouping. ❤️

Our friendship and the business we’ve built together mean more to me than words can say. We’ve shared so many dreams, plans and moments of courage — and right now the most important thing is that she has the time and space she needs to properly rest and heal.

Thank you to everyone who has checked in, sent messages and shown such kindness. It hasn’t gone unnoticed.

We’ll keep you updated on her progress, but for now we’re focusing on recovery and taking things gently.

Please take a moment to send her your love and well wishes — they truly make a difference. 💛✨

24/02/2026

It’s 7:15 in the morning, and I’m out on a mindful walk with Charlie. I’m really tuning into everything around me — the woodpeckers tapping, an owl calling faintly, and all the birds singing to each other. The sheep in the next field are grazing quietly, and the horses have come up to say hello. The fields are lush and green, and for once, the rain has held off.

Being fully present to these small moments — the sounds, the fresh air, each step — is such a grounding gift. I feel so grateful for this peace. I’d love to know — what are you focusing on this morning? What small moments of gratitude can you tune into today? Share in the comments — I’d love to hear.

17/02/2026

Hello lovely people,
Two weeks since my subarachnoid haemorrhage… and I was really hoping to be home by now, but I need to stay in hospital a few more days.

Physically I’m doing well. I’m just a bit slower with thinking and finding words, and I get very tired. Also — slightly bizarrely — there’s a bit of a disco happening in my head. I’m not the DJ, but the music choices are surprisingly decent! Apparently brains do odd things while healing, so I’m just going with it.

They’re still managing some swelling and pressure with a spinal drain, which has helped but not quite enough yet. Hopefully just a few more days and I’ll be home by the end of the week 🤞

Longer-term rehab hasn’t been mapped out yet, but I imagine the initial recovery phase will be about six weeks. I’ll keep you posted.

I’m really missing my tai chi family — the routine, the calm, and that beautiful shared peace. Thank you for all your love and support. It means more than you know.
Onwards gently 💛
Alison

09/02/2026

Many of you will know Ali Noakes not just as part of Shali Wellbeing, but as the warm, steady, caring presence she is in so many lives.

Last Wednesday, Ali was taken into hospital with a sudden subarachnoid haemorrhage (a bleed on the brain). She has since had surgery to stop the bleed and is currently in ICU being closely monitored. We are incredibly grateful to say she is stable and being very well cared for.

This has been a huge shock, and Ali will understandably be out of action for a while as she focuses fully on resting and recovering.

If you know Ali, you’ll know her strength, her kindness, and the way she shows up for others every single day. I’m sure she would feel the love from all of you, so please do hold her in your thoughts and send words of encouragement for a steady and full recovery.

Thank you for your patience and support — it truly means a lot. 🤍

05/02/2026

🌿 Today is Time to Talk Day 🌿

Sometimes, just a small conversation can make a big difference. Mental health matters, and talking about it is a powerful way to care for ourselves and each other.

Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or even a colleague, take a moment today to check in, listen, or share how you’re feeling. 💛

At Shali Wellbeing, we believe kindness, understanding, and connection help us all feel more balanced. Let’s break the stigma — one conversation at a time.

Take a step today: reach out to someone you care about and have a mindful chat, or share this post to encourage others to do the same. Or pop down to one of our tai chi classes or reach out to our Meditation Teacher, who is also a talking therapist VW Counselling and Meditation

28/01/2026

Despite having a January birthday, this month has been looooong! I'm looking forward to February and spring around the corner 🎍
And I'm really looking forward to the forecast tomorrow morning (Thursday) for tai chi at Henley Station at 9.30. Hopefully sunshine on our skin and the birds singing along with us as we enjoy the fresh air, and coffee The.brookie.bean afterwards. Come and join us?

27/01/2026

21/01/2026

Hmmmm it's looking rainy in the morning 🤔 keep an eye out for a message from me whether tai chi goes ahead at 9.30 at the station. I'll make a decision by 8.45 and if it's still looking a bit iffy I'll come down for coffee anyway. We managed a session last week when the skies were grey!