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As you’ve probably guessed, our ability to handle stress depends on both genes and learning–not on just the one or the other. Fortunately, the genetic contribution is easy to understand, and the learned bit can be changed, so in truth, you have lots of control over how well you can handle stress. Let’s start with […]

Mindfulness means paying attention completely to the present moment. It means being fully absorbed in what’s going on right now–without judging or criticising. Just being here, right now, fully awake and aware–that’s mindfulness. And that’s children. The younger the child, the more often he or she is mindful. Children become completely absorbed by whatever they’re […]

Mindfulness is everywhere. There are workshops, seminars, and courses on mindfulness at every turn, not to mention a steadily growing number of self help books on the subject. However, unless you are introduced to mindfulness properly, you may well end up feeling more stressed when you try it, rather than less! Why is this? Mindfulness […]

The Daily Telegraph has published an article today about Cheryl Cole’s engagement, exploring whether it is wise to commit after knowing someone only briefly. This is a great opportunity for me to begin a series of blogs using my favourite book, The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. In this book, villagers pose 26 questions to their […]

Literary festivals offer a great chance to take a break from the digital world and return to reading books. It’s also a wonderful way to meet people and exchange ideas. However, some literary festivals create a more intimate and inviting atmosphere than do others. The Dartington Literary Festival is, in my opinion, the best of […]