Hello, dear Chakra enthusiast!
To start tomorrow (and every day after) like a rock in the surf while having clear visions, we need the ultimate power combo: the Root Chakra and the Third Eye! Let's give these energy centers a little humorous tune-up.

1. The Root Chakra – The Grounding Power Outlet (Color: Red)
Location: Right at the very bottom, where you are sitting (or standing—hopefully grounded).
Your Job: You are the grounding power outlet. Without you: no stable Wi-Fi, no financial security, just wobbly knees and existential dread about running out of coffee.
When it’s running smoothly (Balanced):

• You feel so grounded you might be nominated for "Tree of the Month."
• Your survival instincts are sharp: you know exactly when to grab an extra slice of cake and when the sweater is truly too thin.
• Health Benefit (Especially for the Golden Years): A stable Root Chakra is like the foundation of a house. If that holds, your bones and general resilience can confidently say, "We’re staying put! And we are stable, no matter how chaotic the grandkids are!" You stand firm, and your body thanks you because it has less stress to deal with when your mind isn't constantly internally quivering.

When it’s blocked (Less Fun):

• You start hoarding toilet paper and constantly wonder if you locked the door.
• Your biggest fear is the floor being pulled out from under your feet, even if you’re standing on a plush carpet.

For a Morning Kickstart: Imagine you are a tortoise: Slow, stable, and completely unimpressed by the world’s hustle. I am here. I am safe. And I have the remote control.

2. The Third Eye – The Inner Laser Pointer (Color: Indigo/Violet)
Location: Centered on your forehead, that spot you sometimes unconsciously scratch when you are deep in thought.
Your Job: You are the inner GPS navigator, the Intuition laser pointer. You see the big picture while your feet are still in the mud (but stable, thanks to the Root Chakra!).
When it’s running smoothly (Balanced):

• You have such clear visions that you practically see tomorrow’s lottery numbers (but don't be disappointed if it's just the shopping list).
• Your intuition is so spot-on you know who is calling before the phone even rings.
• Health Benefit (Especially for the Golden Years): Hello, mental clarity and focus! This is priceless to keep from getting lost in the information jungle of older age. It helps you make well-informed decisions (e.g., which of the 500 supplements you actually need) and reduces stress/anxiety because you simply see through what is important and what is just noise. A balanced Ajna is also linked to the pineal gland, which regulates our sleep (Melatonin!), and good sleep is the ultimate anti-aging miracle!

When it’s blocked (Less Fun):

• You have the plan, but never the idea.
• You can't see the forest for the trees, and this often leads to headaches (migraines are a classic sign).

For a Morning Kickstart: Briefly close your eyes and tell yourself: My inner voice is always right, even if it’s currently whispering, "Coffee, now!"
The Magic Combination:
The Root Chakra makes you stable (physically/materially), the Third Eye makes you smart (intuitively/mentally). Only those who stand firm can see far without tumbling over!
So, Root Down, Eyes Up (the Third one, that is) and off you go into a fantastic, grounded-visionary day! Happy practicing!

The London Packaging Week was far more than just a trade fair for me: it was a vibrant centre for critical questions, impressive innovations and inspiring art. My mission at the fair was clear: I have focused on finding truly innovative, plastic-free solutions, especially for cosmetics, where the producer and us consumers alike can gain real value. My continued belief is that aluminium is the superior material, but the path to progress is complex.
My overall impression shows that we are at a crossroads. The industry has many good ideas, but it must find the courage to inspire and lead us consumers into a more sustainable future, transforming sustainability into something desirable and fun.

1. The Myth of Consumer Demand: A Question of Availability
Perhaps the most important takeaway from my trip is the critique of the current market logic. We often hear: "The consumer wants it this way." But that is simply not true. When I could effortlessly buy a plastic water bottle at the fair, even though there were masses of reusable alternatives, it clearly shows: The consumer buys what is available.
We have seen how consumer behaviour is controlled in other areas (online business, cashless payments). It is high time that the industry uses this controlling power to stop offering plastic entirely. If single-use water bottles were no longer sold, we would automatically bring our own. The responsibility here clearly lies with the manufacturers and the retailers.

2. The Shift in the Mass Market: Critique of PCR and the Toothpaste Dilemma
Looking at global players like Unilever showed that progress is being made. The term PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic) came up frequently. It's a good step, as it saves new plastic. But it doesn't fundamentally solve the problem: it remains plastic that must stay in the loop.
I am particularly critical of the historical evolution of the toothpaste tube: We saw how the industry switched from the (excellently recyclable) aluminium tube to the plastic tube. This step was unnecessary and, from today's perspective, represents a setback, as aluminium, correctly coated, does not transfer harmful substances to the product and is infinitely recyclable. The change was made primarily for reasons of cheaper mass production and cosmetic benefit? 

3. The Real Revolution: Reuse and Longevity
The greatest potential, for me, lay here. The presentations by Diageo and DCA Design International made it clear: We must move away from the "throwaway culture" and towards Longevity.

• Reuse (Refill) in the Premium Segment: Diageo demonstrated how a high-quality, refillable system for luxury spirits can work. This is a true win-win: a premium experience for the customer, material savings for the manufacturer. Such systems remove complexity for the consumer and make sustainability attractive.
• The Luxury of Repairability (and Self-Empowerment): As the DCA presentation emphasised: True exclusivity and genuine luxury must be defined by Longevity and repairability in the future. The ability to fix things ourselves—whether it’s learning to use a hammer or repairing a beloved, high-quality item—is a source of great satisfaction and a truly modern luxury. An expensive product that has to be discarded after two years (like a mobile phone) is not luxury—it is waste. Manufacturers, even in the mass market, must design products so that individual parts are replaceable and repair is both possible and, crucially, cheaper than a new purchase.

4. The Contradiction on the Shelf and the Beauty of Simplicity
Even with seemingly sustainable products like the nominated Migros "Nature Clean" line, I felt the contradiction. The contents are "natural," but the packaging is often not—or at least not plastic-free. There is still a gap here between what the product promises and what it delivers in terms of packaging. The technical improvement (monostructures, recycled content) is commendable, but the consistent demand must remain plastic-free or refill.
The work of Paper Artist Nathan Wirth proved that aesthetics and sustainability can coexist. His paper artworks embody beauty, luxury, and Longevity in one. It is proof that high-quality design and environmentally friendly materials can go hand in hand.

Conclusion: Less Consumption, More Value – The Joy of Making it Last
The London Packaging Week provided many insights. The overall conclusion is that the industry is still too heavily focused on mass consumption—the principle of having to own everything "a hundred times." However, the luxury sector, with its ideas of reuse and Longevity, appears to be charting a more future-proof course.
Our role as consumers and advocates for change is to reward the companies that have the courage to lead us out of the plastic trap—by restricting the availability of single-use products and making innovative, Long-lasting systems the most attractive option.
The key lies in finding the joy in this change. It’s about being proud of things that last, things that we fix and things that we choose with intention.
As the legendary designer Vivienne Westwood famously said, a principle that applies to everything we buy, including packaging:
​
"Buy less, choose well, make it last."

During my time in Vietnam, I became deeply aware of how important clear air is to me. The warm, humid air there taught me something essential — how much I value the feeling of freshness and clarity when I breathe. Here, where we have four seasons, I appreciate that even more. Now in October, the air feels so pure — not too cold, just crisp and full of life. I love being outside, feeling that freshness in my lungs.
I go jogging along the same route — always the same path, always in the morning air. It’s my ritual before my yoga practice. That run helps me wake up, ground myself and connect with my breath. And it’s also where I still need to focus the most: keeping my mouth closed while I run. Sometimes it’s tempting to open it, especially when I get tired, but I really try to stay with my nasal breathing. When I manage to keep that flow — the rhythm of my steps and my breath moving together — it feels amazing. It’s like everything inside me synchronizes.
Breathing through the nose is essential. The nose filters, warms and cleans the air before it enters the lungs. When I breathe in, I imagine the fresh, clear air circulating through my body, cleansing every cell and filling me with energy. It’s such a beautiful feeling — light, fresh and purifying.
I’ve also learned how deeply the breath influences both body and mind. When I inhale longer, the parasympathetic system activates, bringing calm and relaxation. When I exhale longer, it gently energizes and awakens the body. 
One of my favorite breathing techniques is what I call balancing breath: inhaling for four counts and exhaling for four. It immediately brings harmony and focus. When I want to calm my mind even more, I inhale for five or six counts and exhale for four. It’s a simple yet powerful way to come back into balance.
I also learned something important during my yoga practice: whenever I move into a pose that feels tight or slightly uncomfortable — not painful, but challenging — I focus on slow, long exhalations. Each breath out helps me to soften, to release resistance and to move a little deeper into the stretch. It’s incredible how the breath can guide the body to open.
And then there’s the other side — the fire breath.
When I’m running, jumping, or dancing, my breathing naturally becomes faster and more dynamic — almost like Kapalabhati, the “breath of fire.”
This rhythmic nasal breathing activates the sympathetic system and stimulates the vagus nerve through the steady movement of the diaphragm.
It creates warmth, focus, and vitality — and often leads me into what I call the runner’s bliss, that same elevated state I once experienced during the 108 sun salutations in my yoga training.
It’s a powerful, joyful flow where the body, the breath, and the rhythm become one — the mind quiets and there’s only energy and movement.
Whether I’m running in the morning air or dancing freely, this faster, rhythmic breathing fills me with happiness, lightness and pure connection.
Keeping the mouth closed remains key. Constant mouth breathing disrupts the natural rhythm and can even affect the structure of the face over time — what’s called long-face syndrome. When the mouth is gently closed, the tongue rests at the roof of the mouth, supporting natural, healthy nasal breathing.
The right breath is soft, quiet, and steady — you can hardly hear it. For me, it’s a silent meditation, a cleansing from within. Every inhale brings clarity and every exhale lets go of what I no longer need.
So simple — and yet so profound.

The exercise you often hear called “The Crocodile” in common language is one of the most essential and soothing spinal twists in yoga. It's known for its powerful relaxing effects on the back and nervous system, making it perfect for unwinding at the end of a long day or practice.

Key Benefits of The Crocodile Pose
The Crocodile is much more than just a simple stretch. It's a therapeutic posture with profound effects on your body and mind:

• Deep Back Relief: This gentle twist specifically mobilizes the lower spine (lumbar region) and is highly effective at dissolving tension and relieving back pain. It’s excellent for counteracting stiffness from long periods of sitting.
• Aids Digestion and Detox: The twisting motion applies a gentle, massaging pressure to your abdominal organs (including the liver, spleen and intestines). This helps stimulate blood flow, improve digestion, and support the body’s natural cleansing process.
• Calms the Nervous System: The pose activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System (your "rest and digest" mode). This promotes deep relaxation, helps reduce stress and fosters feelings of inner peace and serenity.
• Improves Flexibility: It passively stretches the back muscles, chest, shoulders, and glutes.

How to Practice The Basic Crocodile Twist
This posture is always performed while lying on your back.

1. Starting Position: Lie flat on your back. Extend your arms out to the sides at shoulder height, forming a "T" shape (palms can face up).
2. Set Up the Twist: Bend both knees and place your feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips slightly and shift your pelvis about an inch to the right (if you plan to twist your knees to the left).
3. The Twist: Take a deep breath in. As you exhale, gently let your knees fall all the way to the left side of your body.
4. The Head: Turn your head slowly to the right (the opposite direction of your knees) to complete the spinal twist.
5. Hold and Breathe: The most important part is to keep both shoulders grounded on the floor. Do not force your knees down; let gravity do the work. Hold the pose for 5 to 10 deep, slow breaths, consciously breathing into the abdomen and the side body.
6. Release: Inhale as you slowly bring your knees and head back to the center. Straighten the legs for a few moments to neutralize your spine before repeating on the opposite side.

Important Note:
If you experience any sharp pain or pinching in your lower back, ease out of the twist immediately. Never force the stretch. You can always place a cushion or block under your knees for support if they don't reach the floor comfortably.