Who was it who said be the best version of yourself, because everyone else is taken? It was Oscar Wilde of course. When we are struggling with the hand that is dealt us, that is a time when it is really important to work out where and how to compromise. To ease the pain, but … Read more
The concept of individuation was first brought to my attention when reading the work of Carl Jung. I would have been in my early thirties when I started exploring this idea; that stage in life when I was struggling with new identities like parenthood and trying to figure out what I was here on the planet to … Read more
I came across this from an interview with David Whyte (a poet who has worked extensively in the corporate world). He was being interviewed by Michael Lerner for The New School podcast at Commonweal: “The cure for exhaustion isn’t rest. It’s wholeheartedness. We feel exhaustion when we are not doing what we are in this … Read more
I am just back from a weekend retreat. The retreat was actually a week long retreat, but we could only manage to be there for the weekend. It was still an incredibly valuable experience – and I use the word valuable with mindfulness. Over the last couple of months I have been exploring ways to … Read more
This is a very short post, because I just stumbled across a quote which I captured some months ago (back in April, if you want more accuracy). I’ve kept a journal since I was in my teens. In it I put ideas, notes, thoughts, lists. Anything that will be useful. Sometimes it’s random thoughts that … Read more
It was a business dinner. Senior leaders from across the region had been invited. One of them was standing next to me at the pre-dinner drinks, chatting intently. Then he lowered his voice, “I’m not good at this whole schmoozing thing, Stuart. It makes me feel very out of my depth and uncomfortable.” This was … Read more
In the last few months we have been travelling. Back in March we visited Hungary and spent 5 days in Budapest. It was an impressive experience. The day after we arrived a late dose of snow fell on the city. It created a magical feel for a city that was already filled with stunning Gothic … Read more
I have been away for the last couple of weeks for a holiday in Italy. Now as September gets into full stride, schools are starting up again, universities will be underway soon too. The roads will fill with traffic again and from space we will all look like we are rushing around again. How much … Read more
Another guest post from June Angela, a Tyke in Exile: An old man stood in the shop doorway sheltering from the thunderstorm and downpour of the heavens. His back was bent forward and his stick supported his weight of seventy years. He hadn’t come to buy, just to shelter from the rain. I joined his … Read more
Guest Post from June Angela, a Tyke in Exile Today was a very special Sunday, it was a day that we called to see my oldest sister Pat with special needs, 73 years young and now residing in a private nursing home back in our native Yorkshire. She was much greyer than we last … Read more