Expect the Unexpected
Is this a contradiction in terms? How can we expect something that we don't expect. It's more about being open to what could happen, rather than predicting what 'will' happen.
Want to Stop Doing Something – Smoking, Say?
Stopping an unwanted habit is made easier if we forget all about 'stopping'. Our attempts at changing our behaviour or replacing an old habit with a new one often fail because of the way we frame the instruction to ourselves.
More with Less?
As we are constantly exhorted to do more – both by others and our own expectations – it is worth remembering that our species has been shaped by the natural environment, the ebb and flow of the seasons, and our innate ability to reflect and learn.. Now it seems that there are situations where we benefit from the perception of doing less, while we are actually doing more.
Poll: How often is enough?
How often should I post on this blog? I'd like you opinion so please complete this 5-second poll. My aim is to keep writing and putting out ideas. Most have been inspired by people I've met and others who – like many of you who follow this blog – I'm in touch with but don't know personally. So far I've been posting daily, but I want to make sure I get the right rhythm to suit you.
No Growth Without Change? Phooey!
I don’t know who starts peddling these mantras, probably people like me who write self-help books. But the author may not be at fault, the fault lies with those who uncritically ingest this stuff and then keep repeating it to hoodwink the rest of us.
7 Ways to Spoil Happiness
Everyone everywhere wants to be happy, yet we steadfastly ignore the advice from philosophers, psychologists and spiritual leaders on how to do it. Apparently, we'd rather focus on things that upset us. There are a number of ways people commonly use to increase their misery and unhappiness.
Delusion is Bliss
We are natural deceivers and, whether we like to believe it or not, we all spend a substantial part of our time deceiving and being deceived. Most of the time we are even complicit in this when, for example, we accept an advertisers' promises, or we lie to protect a friend's ego. There is a logic to the kind of easy widespread lies that oil the wheels of commerce or promote social cohesion, and we are not alone; other species do it and primates have even been seen to ...
Solving Problems in Life
Struggle is self-reinforcing, so if you are struggling with something the chances are you are unwittingly maintaining the thing you are trying to get rid of.
Talking About Anxiety
Anxiety affects us all at some time. Mostly we can reason with it, but occasionally we get stuck in a repetitive anxiety cycle that seems just impossible to break. Trying to understand it won't work, we need to do something different.
