Hi Reader, I give a lot of thought to the first article of the year. Not everybody enjoys the festive season. It has been described as a magnifying glass, amplifying our feelings. Some find the experience euphoric. For others it brings melancholy. But the new year offers an opportunity for change. And I want to encourage you to embrace it. None of us are on our own. No matter what your beliefs, know that there is something greater than you at work. Given the complexity of life and the...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Sometime ago a friend suggested I read Confucius to help me find the answers I was seeking. I haven’t found it an easy read, some points require consideration, but that’s as it should be. And on some points I disagree. But that is also perhaps ok. Shouldn't we always make our own evaluation? We have been gifted with free will. As long as we beg to differ with respect, no harm is done. But I clearly remember the first statement that struck a chord with me. 'To attack a task from the...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, It has been a very challenging couple of weeks. Watching the events of the world unfold. And escalate beyond comprehension. My energy has been directed elsewhere. As a result I find myself with little to say. Which is most unusual for me. I like to have several articles ready, or in progress pending further consideration. But this week, none seem to be appropriate. Instead I have chosen to share a brief interchange I had on social media. A journalist I follow created a post...
8 months ago • 1 min read
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...
8 months 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...
8 months 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...
9 months 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...
9 months 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...
9 months 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...
9 months ago • 1 min read