Have you ever watched an animated film and found yourself deeply moved by its themes? If not, Spirited Away is a treat. This masterful film by Hayao Miyazaki is not just for children. It is a thoughtful exploration of the human experience that adults can return to again and again, discovering new layers of meaning …
How many of us watched the animated series Life with Louie as children? Have you ever wondered what Louie Anderson’s own childhood was really like? Life with Louie was an animated television series that aired from 1995 to 1998. It was created by the comedian Louie Anderson and based on his childhood in Minnesota. The …
Have you ever caught yourself giving up at the first challenge or setback, convinced that you simply lack the talent or ability to succeed? Or struggled to pursue your goals and dreams because you felt limited by your supposed abilities? If so, you may be operating with a fixed mindset. But there is another way …
The importance of the growth mindset and how to develop it Read More »
A few months ago I had the honour of leading a mindful walking session for a group of people in Armagh, in the south of Northern Ireland. We walked in silence for half an hour, focusing on the present moment. It may seem strange in today’s fast-paced world, where we fill our lives with constant …
My journey has come to an end. My Camino: 113 km on foot in five days. The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St James, is one of the most popular pilgrimage routes in Europe. According to tradition, the relics of the Apostle James are kept in the Spanish city of Santiago …
Pilgrimage as self-discovery. Personal experience. Read More »
Why do we see the world differently? Could it be that each of us has our own “truth”? And how can we communicate better with others when our perceptions differ? Let’s explore these questions through the idea that “the map is not the territory”, a phrase associated with the philosopher Alfred Korzybski. One reason we …
Have you ever caught yourself trying to control every aspect of your life, hoping to avoid feeling vulnerable or insecure? If so, you may be using hypercontrol as a coping strategy: an attempt to control your thoughts, emotions and behaviour as much as possible in order to avoid or soften feelings of vulnerability and insecurity. …
Have you ever felt drained and exhausted after trying to help someone else, only to realise that you had neglected your own needs along the way? Or struggled to give love and support to others because you couldn’t fully love and accept yourself? Self-love is the cornerstone of a healthy, fulfilling life, and the foundation …
Have you ever met someone who seems consumed by hatred of another person? Someone who spends all their energy trying to prove their own righteousness and to take revenge on the person they consider their enemy? Does it remind you of anyone? Perhaps Edmond Dantès, the hero of Alexandre Dumas’s The Count of Monte Cristo, …
Do you struggle with strong emotions, memories or anxiety even after a traumatic experience is over? If so, you may recognise some of the patterns associated with complex post-traumatic stress (C-PTSD), which can develop after prolonged or repeated trauma such as severe abuse or neglect. (Only a qualified professional can say whether this applies to …
