STOP Try saying What sort of mood am I observing today? This is more than mere semantics. It is also somatic! Body and mind are entwined to such an extent that they may be thought of as one. A placebo can really make you better. A nocebo can really make you ill. If we can develop the mindful habit of observing, rather than reacting and jumping in, creating a narrative of unbalanced negativity, the benefits will be felt not just in our thinking and problem solving, but also p

Being unhappy requires effort, a lot of thinking, sulking and ruminating. Being happy is what happens when we drop all that effort.

'Always look on the bright side of life'. Really? We are often cajoled, bullied even, to feel happy, be happy, act happy. There are psychologists, counsellors, self-help books, advertisements, diets and tablets to help us on our merry way! The message seems to be that if you are not feeling happy you are doing something wrong, you must need therapy, you are not thinking straight, you have lost your grip on life! This type of positivity is everywhere. Perhaps it is well-meani

Trying to be happy is not being happy. It's just more trying. Trying to relax is not relaxing. It's just more trying. Trying to be peaceful is not being peaceful. It's just more trying. When we start getting out of our own way we notice a change.

If this venue is within distance and you have been wondering about coming along, here is information that answers some of the questions that are asked frequently: You do not have to 'sign up' for anything. There are no forms to fill in. You can turn up for any session whenever you wish. No booking required. You do not have to wear special clothing, or sit in awkward posture. It is not yoga. You will not be asked to engage in any kind of group participation or role play. You

If you are your emotions, who is the one controlling them? Who watches the arising and ceasing of these emotions? Dwell on this and you will eventually loosen ties and discover a beautiful freedom.

The practice of mindfulness is like having a friend beside you as you journey through life. A friend who is wise and constant and wants...

'Tension is who you think you should be, relaxation is who you are.' (old Chinese proverb)

'There was once a man who was frightened by his own shadow and scared of his own footprints, so he tried to escape them by running away....

'Desires do not need to be gratified in order to be resolved. Like everything else, they arise and pass away by themselves.' (Joseph...

The way we do the small things shapes how we experience life. When we pay attention to the small things, the rest begins to fall into place.

When we begin a meditation practice we may sit in stillness and silence. Very soon we may notice something going on; the mind will want...

It depends what you use it for. What does it mean to be mindful? To be mindful you need to be 'right minded' for the task or goal or...

As Spring arrives we look forward to lighter evenings and warmer temperatures. It is a season of growth. It is a time for coming out of...

The poet John Keats (1795-1821) lived for only 25 years. When he knew he was dying he requested the epitaph ' HERE LIES ONE WHOSE NAME IS...

'What happens when you see the impermanence of a freshly picked flower? One reaction might be to vow to never buy a fresh flower again...

Ask any child about learning tables or practicing piano. It takes a bit of hard work. It's not the most exciting thing to do. What's more...

Pause for a moment to reflect on this statement: 'One day, perhaps today, I will be seeing you for the last time' This is true for all of...

John Ratey is associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and a widely acknowledged expert in neuropsychiatry....

Have you ever felt that you didn't want to do something or go somewhere, and discovered that you enjoyed it much more than you thought...