How to be more creative by thinking less
Many of us grow up with the idea that we can make things happen by thinking and working hard. It’s true up to a point. Most activities require some thought and effort. But sometimes a lot more can be accomplished if we think less or even stop thinking for a while. This may strike you as impossible at first, particularly if your mind is hyperactive. However, you may recall times when you...
Read MoreTranscendental Meditation for beginners
I learnt Transcendental Meditation (TM) nine years ago at the Maharishi Centre in London. The official website is at www.tm-org.uk. My teacher, Neil Lukover, is one of those listed at www.mvi.org.uk/tmteachers.htm. (I have no financial interest.) TM is one of the most useful things I’ve ever learnt. It wasn’t cheap, but the benefits have been enormous. At first I found it more...
Read MoreHow to practise mindfulness meditation, even in a suit
A nice, short video by my friend Mark Walsh: Tweet
Read MoreMeditation is the yoga of the mind
Many people are interested in meditation. I imagine it may become as widespread as yoga, maybe more so. In fact, they’re two aspects of the same thing. The physical postures – or asanas – that many of us associate with yoga belong to a tradition going back thousands of years. Yoga is a Sanskrit word whose literal translation is yoke, from the root yuj meaning to join or unite. Yoga is a...
Read MoreHow to start meditating and change your life
There are many types of meditation. Here are two prominent ones: (a) Mindfulness meditation – you place your attention on one or more of your senses. One of the most popular versions is ‘mindfulness of breathing’, in which you place your attention on your breath as it flows in and out. (b) Mantra meditation – you say or ‘hear’ a word or phrase, over and over...
Read MoreFinding your flow is more important than setting goals
At this time of year we tend to think about what we’d like to happen in the year ahead. Many people set goals and make a big effort, only to be frustrated by the lack of progress in their careers, relationships or finances. In some cases their health isn’t too good either. I experienced this for several years. Then, just over six years ago, I started working with David Royston-Lee, who is a...
Read MoreNew Year’s resolutions (downstream)
Some New Year’s resolutions can require lots of willpower. Losing weight is one of them. We may find ourselves fighting against the current instead of paddling downstream and enjoying the journey. Here are some alternatives. This New Year you can resolve to: • Focus on what you like most in each person you encounter. • Discover the talents you love to use, and use them to serve others. •...
Read MoreHow to let go of fear
Many of us are driven by fear. Some of us realise it, some don’t. Fear can lead to illness, broken relationships, conflict and environmental destruction. It’s therefore worth taking a closer look, to see what we can do about it. Fear starts with a repetitive series of thoughts which then lead to emotions that we can feel in our bodies. It’s useful when it helps us avoid a...
Read MoreHow to be charismatic
Charisma plays a vital role in many occupations, including business, politics and the performing arts. It may be hard to pin down, but we know it when we see or feel it. My experience is that anyone can develop charisma. Here’s how: 1) Be present. In her book, Presence, Patsy Rodenburg describes it like this: “… once in a while, a student in one of my classes who initially didn’t...
Read MoreFirst Paddling Downstream workshop
This is to let you know that the first Paddling Downstream workshop will take place on Thursday 19th January, 2012, from 6.30 to 7.30 pm, at Buddha on a Bicycle, 27 Endell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9BA. Here’s the blurb: “We’re all on a journey, facing similar challenges. Both Eastern philosophy and Western psychology offer solutions. John Purkiss argues that everything...
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