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 us it's possible to make a difference in the world. He died 4 years ago today. I've had two encounters recently that caused me to reflect on the history of apartheid in South Africa: Sorting through old memorabilia belonging to my father, I came across some letters. My … [Read more...]
Show your true colours – express who you are
Have you ever had that moment, when you flashback to your childhood, and wonder how you became the person you are today? We begin our journey through life, if we are lucky, playing freely with friends and in nature, exploring, imagining, creating and discovering things in the world around us. We … [Read more...]
What’s your greatest gift?
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, the tree is decorated, the turkey has been ordered and my home is ready to receive guests. The children have completed their concerts and nativity plays and the school term has ended and there’s a sense of anticipation and feeling of excitement in our … [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...]
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...]
It’s all about love or the lack of it
“Big realization today — it’s either all about love or the lack thereof it…” This was the written message, I read a few days ago, that inspired me to write. What is Love? Is love an energy that is created by us? Does love exist in its own right? Do animals feel love? Can we love anyone? Is … [Read more...]
Shut up and listen – Parent Connect!
This morning I woke up thinking how wonderful it would be writing about joy. I had such a lovely birthday yesterday. I was reminded of the simple pleasure of hearing my grandson laugh loudly. He played a game with his great uncle. My older sister arrived with food. A knock on the door interrupts us … [Read more...]
Your children are not your children
Parenting "Your just like your father, my mother, your sister etc.," why do we say these things to our children - Do we want them to be just like the people we mention or not to be like them? I invite you and me to be mindful of the way we script our children. To see who they are requires a … [Read more...]
Resolutions and intentions for the new year
The clock is ticking! In just a few days this year will end. How was your year? My year was rich in experience, full of learning and so many opportunities to share my work. In the past I can remember, sometimes feeling relieved as midnight approached: symbolically, ending the year with … [Read more...]