Tag Archives: emotions

Wired to survive?

Posted on October 31, 2019 by Administrator

According to evolutionary neuroscience we’re not wired to be happy or content but simply to survive. It’s a new science, so such judgements are subject to review, but it certainly seems that our bodymind system easily becomes dysfunctional in modern … Continue reading →

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Brexit: Does uncertainty make us irrational?

Posted on May 27, 2019 by Administrator

It’s part of human nature to prefer certainty, so all the Brexit confusion is bound to make us edgy. In or out? Deal or no deal? But does uncertainly have an impact on our ability to make rational choices? Researchers … Continue reading →

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The Connected Self

Posted on January 22, 2019 by Administrator

“No man is an island”, wrote John Donne and his poetic insight is borne out by research. In the West, we think the self is somehow enclosed with the body, separate from other selves. This sense of independence is sometimes … Continue reading →

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How to keep your New Year Resolution

Posted on December 30, 2015 by Administrator

Every year people make New Year resolutions but 92% of them will fail (Journal of Clinical Psychology). Maybe it’s time for a different approach. Forget ‘I should’ and embrace ‘I want!’ New Year resolutions are typically something like “I’m going … Continue reading →

Posted in What works? | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Protest Marches: What’s the point?

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Administrator

I was at the Climate Change March in London on Sunday. I hadn’t planned on going. “What’s the point?” I thought. I’ve been to many protest marches over the years and I’d begun to doubt if they made any difference. … Continue reading →

Posted in Ecopsychology | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

The Endorphin Effect

Posted on December 19, 2014 by Administrator

I’ve recently facilitated a series of workshops on mindfulness and spirituality at a drug and alcohol rehab clinic. The most popular workshop by far was the one where I taught people how to use William Bloom’s Endorphin Effect. Endorphins, which … Continue reading →

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The Stupidity of Rationalism

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Administrator

Last weeks edition of ‘In Our Time’ (BBC Radio 4) discussed game theory and gave a telling account of a scenario called The Prisoners Dilemma. Imagine that Jo and Jack have been arrested for a crime. The police know they’re guilty but can’t prove it, so … Continue reading →

Posted in Cognitive science | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

Sun and ice: The power of weather

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Administrator

The Spring weather is as mad as a March Hare! We’ve had summery sun one day and winter chill the next, so this changeable season is ideal for sensing how the weather influences our sense of self. I was walking to the station during an icy … Continue reading →

Posted in Embodiment | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Nature and health

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Administrator

Back in March I discussed research showing that we’re happier in natural environments than in cities (Happy yet? Naturally!) I’ve now found lots of similar research related to health. Dr Roger Ulrich was interested in whether a natural view from … Continue reading →

Posted in Ecopsychology | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Framing perception

Posted on April 29, 2011 by Administrator

As a friend and I stood gazing at a Renoir, I felt its beauty gently suffuse my body. My friend turned to me and I smiled, expecting to share the moment. “Wow!” He said. “How much do you reckon that’s worth?’ … Continue reading →

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