Lessons in Love

Yes, I am excited about the Apple ipad launched yesterday, but a piece of news that properly warmed my heart was about a programme at a London primary school - Forestdale in Croydon - that teaches the children through practical exercises all about honesty, love, responsibility, enthusiasm and collaboration. Apparently it's had a very positive effect on behaviour and of course these values are core throughout our lives. It's simple but very clever of the school to create such a programme, where the children are encouraged to demonstrate the values each week and look out for fellow classmates doing the same. I'd love to see something similar as part of a team building course.

Just a Minute

I'm sure I only remember the times that I am right but this year I will voice any ideas I have about health or self-help trends. Let's see in a year whether any of them are on the right track!

I am very interested in meditation right now. As I myself am just a beginner I am finding out more at Inner Space in Covent Garden. This led me to find http://www.just-a-minute.org/experience.htm - a site where you can listen to minute long meditations. A good place to start!

The other day a lady led us through a very quick relaxation meditation where we imagined a garden, and there was water of some sort and it was lovely and peaceful with just the sounds of the water and birdsong. Well, I was transported to a very beautiful place within my mind. It was a wonderfully relaxing few minutes, and I felt the benefits for the rest of the day. It's a long way from meditation where you completely clear your mind, but definitely worthwhile.

On a separate note I'm looking forward to seeing Sally Bee's book The Secret Ingredient, due out in a couple of days. Sally Bee is a fantastic example of someone who has self published with real success and has since been picked up by a major publisher, Collins. Sally's story is well worth checking out http://www.sally-bee.com/ - she has turned the major personal challenge of suffering three heart attacks in her thirties into a brilliant way to help others. 

Appreciation

This time of year is a wonderful opportunity to think about the positive changes we want to make in our lives, but as I was reminded yesterday it's also a time to appreciate what is right in our lives.

Happy New Year!

A walk in the park...