Hi Reader, The poet Robert Frost said ‘the best way out is always through’ in his 1915 poem, A Servant to Servants. This is often quoted as ‘the only way out is through.’ I am unsure if he actually said the second version, but it is a more succinct way of sharing an important truth. And is attributed to Frost. Human beings are capable of incredible mental strength. But we have all at times fostered a reluctance to face the truth of our situation head on. Instead, we sometimes use our energy...
7 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I watched a stand up show the other night. It was the latest offering on Netflix from Ricky Gervais. During the show he commented on the likelihood of humanity destroying itself in one of many ways. It disturbed me because it was delivered in a matter of fact way. Like it's inevitable and almost preferable. And that kind of attitude is gaining traction. It's as if we have given up, accepted our inability to affect change, and are just plodding on to oblivion. He went on to say the...
14 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, The impact of all actions can be cumulative. That includes thought. Cumulative actions increase in quantity by successive additions. And the greater the frequency of repetition, the more impactful. We all know this. The more you practice something, the better you get at it, and the greater its impact on you and others. Practice makes perfect. But do you fully acknowledge how this impacts your life? The effects of any mindset we allow to endure become cumulative. Negative mindsets...
21 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I recently qualified as a meditation practitioner and teacher. I’ve instructed meditation to groups on a few occasions, based on the experience of my own practice, and wanted to further my skills. I like to believe I can teach anyone to meditate, with meaningful effect. That being said, it requires an intent to participate regularly by the student. But if the student is willing, there are numerous methods for achieving focus and accessing the benefits of meditation. Several years...
28 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I recently came across another quote from the stoic Epictetus that struck a chord with me. "Never depend upon the admiration of others. There is no strength in it. Personal merit cannot be derived from an external source." And while that may be true, it’s not always easy to live by. We have all at some time sought validation from others. But the gains are impermanent. Even if we do benefit from a word of encouragement, if it’s not backed up by self belief, we begin to doubt the...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I would like to start by apologising for a typo in last week's newsletter. I have edited the published article but for all those who read the original this is the correction. I wrote 'Affiliations un-checked can lead to disabilities.' What I meant was; 'Afflictions un-checked can lead to disabilities.' Ah the joy of autocorrect! That issue put right, this week I want to discuss alignment, and a technique I use to identify mental afflictions. A few years ago my daughter was having...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I have recently learned a name for a concept that you may already be aware of. Shifting Baseline Syndrome The phrase was coined by the marine biologist Daniel Pauly and describes: A gradual change in the accepted norms for the condition of the natural environment. Successive generations of children and adults are simply unaware of past conditions, and so they accept what they know as the norm. For example, I remember needing to wash the dead insects off my car windscreen daily due...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, What is it you want out of life? Many of us have considered what we would do if we won the lottery. While the acquisition of financial wealth alone is not a measure of success, money is unquestionably essential in life at this time. And required to aid some of our aspirations. But do you consider the progression of your spiritual path to be a measure of success? A spiritual path relates to thoughts and beliefs, enabling personal growth and fostering a connection with something...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, A very good friend of mine works in the education sector. She is perfectly suited to the work as she is extremely wise and patient. They are both traits I have associated with her since I first met her, and she embodied them even then, during our misspent youth! One of the wisdoms she shares with her students is that you can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you react to it. I have always loved that counsel. It is attributed to the renowned Stoic, Epictetus....
2 months ago • 1 min read