Do you say yes when you really mean no? I've been thinking about this lately, ever since M told me he said yes to his brother moving in with him when he really wanted to say no. He told me he had to say yes because his brother had nowhere else to live. It can be tough when needs are … [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...]
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...]
Enjoying presence this Christmas
I can't believe the end of the year is almost upon us what a year it has been! At times it has been intense, sometimes spacious, always interesting and incredibly enlightening! How was it for you? Did you have experiences this year that caused your heart to sing? Were there some events that … [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. I felt moved by some letters in my father's memorabilia. He was a Jazz musician who … [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. 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...]