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Teleworking: Your Guide to Boosting Focus and Productivity

In today’s rapidly evolving world, teleworking has become increasingly commonplace, reshaping how individuals approach work. The prevalence of telework has surged due to various factors, starting with the pandemic and including technological advancements, shifting workplace dynamics, and the global embrace of remote collaboration tools. As more organizations recognize the benefits of remote work in fostering flexibility, efficiency, and employee satisfaction, mastering the art of teleworking … Continue reading Teleworking: Your Guide to Boosting Focus and Productivity

The Mystery Behind Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam

When you take a guided tour to explore arts, you discover peculiarities you wouldn’t expect. I learned a lot when listening to the guide’s explanations of the Creation of Adam by Michelangelo. Last year, when we went to Rome for my son’s graduation ceremony, we had the chance to participate in a guided tour of the Vatican City, where lies a treasure that has captivated … Continue reading The Mystery Behind Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam

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The Trees and I

I walk in a humongous forest Among all the trees Each one Dressed in different shades of green and brown Deeply rooted in the ground They seem to be free, spellbound They all stand tall under the sun Seemingly having fun Decorated with their beautiful crown I watch their branches dance, to enhance An orchestral hum Creating the most breathtaking sound Through their tonous choir They … Continue reading The Trees and I

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Question of the Day: What’s one “hack” for maintaining continual mindful awareness in daily life?

Using the breath as an anchor is a classic example. However, the breath can be too subtle a sensation for many of us. One tactic I’ve tried is to set a repeating, silent vibrate alarm on a Fitbit device, which has not been especially successful. Another tactic I’ve heard of (but haven’t tried) is to wear a non-medicated “intra-nasal” menthol inhaler. The idea is that … Continue reading Question of the Day: What’s one “hack” for maintaining continual mindful awareness in daily life?

Are You Feeding the Right Wolf?

For many reasons, I’ve been thinking a lot about values lately. More and more, it feels like my personal values are in conflict with characteristics society looks up to. I suppose I’ve been thinking about this because the world keeps putting reminders in front of me.   It started earlier this month during a weekend retreat. My reflections after returning home prompted me to write … Continue reading Are You Feeding the Right Wolf?

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Embracing Change: Your Journey to Reinvention

Have you ever found yourself yearning for a fresh start, a chance to redefine who you are and what you stand for? Reinventing oneself can be a daunting yet exhilarating endeavor, fraught with challenges and opportunities alike. If you’ve ever felt the pull towards a new beginning, join me as we explore the six steps to successful reinvention. Step One: Ignite Your Passion Embarking on … Continue reading Embracing Change: Your Journey to Reinvention

Skillful Effort: Receptive Aspects of Dealing with Unskillful States

In my previous two posts, I tried to outline the first and second Great Efforts, which form part of the Right Effort path-factor. The first and second great effort are both about dealing with unskillful or “unwholesome” states. They are also both rather active. In this post I’ll talk about more receptive aspects of using skillful effort to deal with unwholesome states. Sayadaw U Tejaniya, … Continue reading Skillful Effort: Receptive Aspects of Dealing with Unskillful States

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The Power of Letting Go: Finding Happiness in the Present

Why dwelling on the past? It’s natural to cherish fond memories and learn from past experiences, but clinging to the weight of the past can hinder your present happiness. Many of us carry the baggage of past mistakes, heartbreaks, and disappointments, draining our energy and robbing us of the joy of living in the moment. I once read that happiness is not just about a … Continue reading The Power of Letting Go: Finding Happiness in the Present

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Bravery, One Publish at a Time

Over the 62 episodes we’ve produced, I’ve been lucky to talk with enough bloggers on the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast that I do with Vicki Atkinson to know it’s a pretty universal experience that we felt that nervous feeling before pushing the “publish” button. Definitely for our first post – and for many subsequent posts as well. It has me thinking about … Continue reading Bravery, One Publish at a Time

The Healing Benefits of Reflexology

On Friday, I went for a reflexology treatment for the first time. I first learned about this natural healing art when a friend and colleague certified as a Reflexologist and opened her own practice after she retired from her primary career. If you’ve never tried reflexology, read on to learn about its origins, health benefits, and what to expect at a visit to a reflexologist. … Continue reading The Healing Benefits of Reflexology

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Why Emotionally Intelligent People Never Seek Revenge

In the heat of anger or hurt, seeking revenge often feels like the most satisfying option. However, the truth is far from that impulse. Emotionally intelligent individuals understand that true satisfaction and closure come from letting karma take its course. In a world where the adage “you reap what you sow” holds, there’s no need to stoop down to seek retribution. Here’s why it’s futile … Continue reading Why Emotionally Intelligent People Never Seek Revenge

The challenges of career transitions

What do you do? Its such a straightforward question, asking about our jobs, our careers. At least it ought to be straightforward right? I’m a lecturer, teaching HR and management at a further and higher education college in Scotland. I’ve been describing this as my new career as I retrained and prior to returning to education at 30, worked as a legal secretary. Its surprising … Continue reading The challenges of career transitions

Santuario de la Verónica

Last time I was in Peru, I visited the Santuario de la Verónica. My friend Jennifer (whom I met during my first trip to Peru in 2018) had a birthday. She wanted to treat herself to a stay at Mount Veronica , and she invited me to join her. I had never heard of it but answered yes without hesitating. Of course, I wanted to celebrate … Continue reading Santuario de la Verónica

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Finding Happiness: Asking the Right Questions to Unlock Fulfillment

In pursuing happiness, we often search for external sources of joy. Yet, true happiness often lies within, waiting to be uncovered through introspection and self-discovery. By asking ourselves the right questions, we can navigate our journey toward fulfillment with clarity and purpose. What is My Purpose? The quest for happiness begins with a fundamental question: What is my purpose? This question prompts us to reflect … Continue reading Finding Happiness: Asking the Right Questions to Unlock Fulfillment

The Cognitive Process Called Hope

I think I’ve been using the word “hope” wrong. I often use it interchangeably with “wish.” As in, “I hope you have a safe trip.” Researcher and author, Brené Brown, describes hope as a cognitive process: “But hope is not what most of us think it is. It’s not a warm, fuzzy emotion that fills us with a sense of possibility. Hope is a way … Continue reading The Cognitive Process Called Hope