The soothing system – Part 1

We hear a lot about the search for happiness, but I find thinking about contentment more useful
The resource-seeking system Part 1

The resource-seeking system is what motivates us to get out of bed each morning, to work hard, to accomplish our tasks, whether small or large, and to strive for excellence
Fight or flight – Part 2

In mindfulness, we are in effect asking – ‘what is really going on right now?’
Fight or flight Part 1

Most of us are pretty familiar with fight or flight, which is the first of Paul Gilbert’s three emotional systems I mentioned in last week’s reflection.
Silent grief

Most of us carry within us some kind of ‘silent grief’ – a disenfranchised grief for something we’ve lost which isn’t publicly recognised, but which may still burden us.
A gentle half smile

The gentle half smile is a way of bringing positive energy into our day, of lifting our spirits without necessarily trying to radically change our underlying feeling state.
A warm and friendly voice

What is the tone of voice we use to communicate with ourselves in our own head?
Cultivating enthusiasm

‘In the realm of ideas everything depends on enthusiasm… in the real world all rests on perseverance.’
Enthusiasm

One of the most endearing, positive qualities we can have in our lives is that of enthusiasm.
Looking at the bright side

‘Always look on the bright side of life…’