Moments of learning Absorbing knowledge. Taking in notions, being aware of their importance. Then returning to unpack the information later in the comfort of one’s own mind. Moments of revelation, moments of growth. I’m casting my mind back to such moments during chemistry lessons with one fine teacher. I will… Read More »On the climate crisis: Facing down disaster moment by moment
A chance encounter Such intricate design. The silver serpents gushing forth fans of smaller snake heads were enticing. I took the steps up to the temple complex in this small city in Northern Laos. As I started taking photos I was approached by a young man in an orange robe.… Read More »Buddhist fashion? How Zen influences the design process
A few days ago it was the summer solstice here in the UK. I love this time of year. The summer lies ahead of us like a vast canvas, ready for us to elevate our experiences into lifelong memories. Friends will be contacted, good times will be had. May is… Read More »On the employment market: How to mindfully embrace uncertainty
Cant catch a break? Try this. Unexpected, unprecedented. Resetting and refocusing. A kind of a break, and a new start of sorts. Three and a half weeks without my young family’s constant needs was just what the doctor ordered. Only, I didn’t know it until the opportunity was thrust upon… Read More »1 Tip to improve everything: Take an actual break
Do you enjoy a good plot twist? Exciting. Enthralling. Entertaining. Most people love a good paradigm shift in their media every once in a while. Like watching the final scene from Planet of the Apes when the destructive potential of humanity is revealed to the protagonist. (Spoiler alert) He finds… Read More »On information overload: Practicing mindfulness in a data driven world
Is the playground a place of innocence? The local playground. A place of fun? A place of good times? Maybe. Yet also a place where children come together to socialize that can become a microcosm of society’s larger issues. I’m going to reflect on three distinct incidents that occurred in… Read More »Navigating the Playground: Bullying, Anti-Social Behaviour and Racism
Thoughts on supporting Ukraine from broken Britain The UK is currently in an economic tailspin, suffering massively due to the fallout of Brexit. There is a cost of living crisis. Nothing seems to work anymore. Councils can’t prepare for adverse weather events. The trains are expensive and barely run. There… Read More »On supporting Ukraine: The UK needs to maintain its influence
Why philosophy books though? I’ve come to realise that the only paper books I hold onto these days are philosophy books. I have never been a voracious reader but for some reason I have accumulated nearly a library on things related to Zen. This includes the topics of Buddhism generally,… Read More »Best Zen philosophy books for beginners
What makes parenting so hard? From a parent in the thick of it (two under five) to any expecting or new parents. The below list is an exploration of ten of the big changes involved. Together they make parenting the challenge that it is. Written to explain what new parents… Read More »Why is parenting hard? What new parents need to know
A nearby temper tantrum Today, I witnessed a horrendous tantrum. I was waiting in a queue to pay for lunch at Thatcham garden centre café. I had my two young children there with me. As I was keeping an eye on them clinging to my legs, I heard an awful… Read More »Learning from children: adopting a playful attitude to life
Apologies for the self-indulgence This is a post about my plans for the year of the rabbit. As of now I am currently living in an economically declining country on the edge of a successful and (mostly) civil continent where it left the main players club. This leaving, commonly known… Read More »Behold the Year of the Rabbit
A corner of the Congo where suffering is rife I recently learned about an affront to human decency which the world is silent on. Beyond the horrors of the conflict in Ukraine and the recent crackdown on rights in Iran there is another ongoing abuse of humanity. It is so… Read More »Happy New Year! Same old suffering world, this time the DRC (aka Congo)