Some time ago, Jeff Monnery, interviewed me about what empathy is and why it is so important. Jeff is the founder of Spoken Out Stories, a video series about stories of people who lived a hard experience in their life, and found their way to move forward with courage, determination, and … [Read more...]
Becoming real-working with our trauma
What is trauma? According to Integrated listening Systems 'trauma is the response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event. The event overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, diminishing their sense of self and ability to feel the full range of emotions and … [Read more...]
No more punishment and reward
My brother and I attended a small private school in London in the 1960’s. A punishment and reward system was the underpinning of the school environment. It was a time where the physical punishment of children was commonplace in an attempt to get them to comply. Standing in the corner At primary … [Read more...]
Are you curious?
I was raised with the statement curiosity killed the cat - were you? Are you curious? All humans and many non-human animal species are hard-wired to be curious (Panksepp, 1998). It's can be fun when a problem or a conflict is present, curiosity keeps us open to learning. Curiosity … [Read more...]
Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world
Nelson Mandela showed that it is possible to make a difference in our world. I've had two encounters recently that caused me to reflect on the history of apartheid in South Africa. The first was that I felt moved by the content in some letters I found in my father's memorabilia. He was a Jazz … [Read more...]
Sowing seeds of mindfulness through education
I was initiated into mindfulness from a young age by my parents who meditated every day. Dropping into stillness in our family was as normal as speaking, listening to music, singing and dancing. On Sundays, my younger brother and I attended the children's Philosophy School. We practised … [Read more...]
Cultivating an attitude of thankfulness and gratitude within your school.
How can we create an attitude of gratitude and share this with the children in our schools? A free expression of gratitude is born out of a loving connection. It grows from children feeling understood and appreciating kindness. Genuine thankfulness When I arrived at a friends house earlier … [Read more...]
Through children’s eyes
What kind of world is it my friend that little children see? I wonder if they see God first because they just believe? Do they see strength in caring eyes who watch them as they play - or maybe love through gentle hands that guide them on their way? Do children dream of future times when … [Read more...]
Set for less stress during lunchtime in a pre-school
In this Stockholm Pre-School, the children know when the restaurant is open and when they feel hungry, they sign themselves out of their group area to go and eat. They choose what food they would like, how much they want and where they would like to sit Some of the staff eat lunch in the … [Read more...]
What does empathy have to do with social change?
I was on a travelling from the Greek island of Agistri to Athens. Sitting in the cafeteria, writing my notes in preparation for an online session about the power of empathy. One of my travelling companions asked: Aren't we all empathic? Companion: "What type of people will attend a session … [Read more...]