Clive Bennett’s guest post explores haiku as a mindful practice emphasizing present-moment awareness and nature. Originating from Japanese poetry, haiku captures fleeting experiences through structured form. Modern haiku celebrates simplicity and sensory language, inviting readers to reconnect with the world. The practice encourages observation, reflection, and emotional engagement with life’s beauty. Continue reading Haiku – A Mindful Practice
The Big Black Labrador Sometimes a story appears which gets my attention, and this particular one whether true or not, has an uplifting theme about friendship and belonging. This story starts somewhere in a small college town in the USA… They told me the big black Lab’s name was Reggie, as I looked at him lying in his pen. The shelter was clean, and the people really friendly. I’d only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went, people were welcoming and open. But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new … Continue reading Dogs are Family too!
The post celebrates International Dawn Chorus Day, encouraging mindfulness through birdwatching and listening to birdsong. It highlights the significance of this annual event, where people enjoy the morning symphony of birds worldwide, even suggesting a virtual playlist to recreate the experience for those unable to participate outdoors. Richard Bostock’s art complements the theme. Continue reading Watching Birds – The Dawn Chorus
National Robin Day on December 21 raises awareness for garden birds and wildlife in winter. Initiated by Songbird Survival in 2016, it highlights the robin, Britain’s national bird. With connections to Christmas cards and Victorian postmen, the robin symbolizes companionship and mindfulness, evoking a deeper connection to nature. Continue reading Watching Birds – The Robin
The work I do every day makes a difference to others – mostly, I hope, for the better. Take a break from your routine and practice slowing down during this unique Guided Mindfulness Session. I was the first therapist to offer Mindfulness Walks in this part of the UK and many others continue to follow my lead in this field, which began around the start of the 2003. There is a difference having someone who is a highly qualified Psychotherapist and Counsellor by your side. I have a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honours, in Psychology and Counselling, and I … Continue reading Mindfulness Walks
It feels like such a long time ago, preparing for the Festive period, in December 2023. All the planning of family events and purchasing gifts for loved ones and friends. We went to the theatre and attended outdoor parties where everyone would be in a joyful mood and there was a never-ending supply of festive food on offer wherever we went. December was such a happy month, and expensive, but it was the Festive season after all! We looked forward to a New Year approaching, 2024, wondering what it would bring. After the celebrations of Hogmanay and eating the left-overs … Continue reading February
In December 1997, a little boy and his grandmother came to see Santa at Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, near Milwaukee. The child climbed up on his lap, holding a picture of a little girl. “Who is this?” asked Santa, smiling. “Your friend? Your sister?” “Yes, Santa,” he replied. “My sister, Sarah, who is very sick,” he said sadly. Santa glanced over at the grandmother who was waiting nearby and saw her dabbing her eyes with a tissue. “She wanted to come with me to see you, oh, so very much, Santa!” the child exclaimed. “She misses you,” he added … Continue reading A Christmas Miracle
This is my interpretation of a profound life lesson about giving, protecting your personal strength and being selfless—especially so from negative individuals who can drain your energy if permitted. Buddha travelled for many days before coming to a tiny village to deliver a speech. There was a young man standing in the road, who was the only one nearby who wasn’t thrilled to see the Buddha. Buddha heard the young man yelling at him during his speech. Buddha ignored the situation and went on talking. The young man was even more enraged by this. He walked directly in front of … Continue reading Buddha and the angry man
Every so often I come across an inspirational story, and as such, I would like to share this particular one with you, with the aim to hopefully brighten your day. This is a sweet tale of a senior college student. Her message that “Growing Old is Mandatory, Growing Up is Optional” is unique. Hopefully, we’ll live to a ripe old age as she did. Our professor greeted us on the first day of class and urged us to get to know someone we didn’t previously know. When a soft hand brushed my shoulder, I got to my feet to take … Continue reading Growing Up is Optional
A sign above the pet store, read “PUPPIES FOR SALE”. These signs are designed to grab people’s attention including children, to the possibility of getting their own puppy, perhaps their first pet! Soon a little boy appeared at the sign and asked, “how much are you going to sell those puppies for?” The store owner replied, “Anywhere from £30-£50.” The little boy reached into his pocket and pulled out some change. “I have £2.37, can I look at them?” The store owner smiled and whistled. From the kennels 5 dogs came running out. One puppy was lagging considerably behind. Immediately … Continue reading Puppies for Sale
Every so often I come across a gem of a story or poem that I want to share, in the hope that it will help someone to change their life for the better. This particular poem is timeless, and one that has helped many people that I know over the years. I hope that you enjoy this too. “Autobiography In Five Short Chapters” Chapter One I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost … I am hopeless. It isn’t my fault. It takes forever to find a way out. … Continue reading Autobiography In 5 Short Chapters.
How many of you reading this get distracted? Whether you are reading, talking or listening, many a time you will have experienced being distracted. It can be annoying, frustrating and takes you out of your stride until you can focus again. What about when we are listening to someone speak. It can take a lot of concentration to hear their voice and what subject they are talking about. Listening takes a lot of effort, and sometimes it is hard to shut out other noises. Can you think of times this happens to you? Sometimes it is not just noises that … Continue reading Distractions
A speaker started off his seminar by holding a £20 note in the air. In a room of 200 people, he asked, “Who would like a £20 note?”. Hands started going up. He said, “I am going to give this note to one of you, but first let me do this…” He proceeded to crumple up the twenty pound note. He then asked, “Who still wants it?” Still hands were up in the air. “Well, what if I do this?” He dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it … Continue reading What are you worth?
One of the most influential individuals to me and millions around the world, Thich Nhat Hanh, an Vietnamese Buddhist monk, has died at the age of 95. I thought that it was appropriate that I share a little about who he was and what he achieved throughout his life as his work and studies had a massive influence on my own learning of Mindfulness and how to apply this to everyday life. His Zen teaching organisation, Plum Village, said the monk “passed away peacefully” at the Tu Hieu Temple in Hue, Vietnam on Saturday. A prolific author and peace activist, … Continue reading Thich Nhat Hanh
Gratitude Meditation – (Being Thankful) By taking a couple of minutes first thing in the morning when I wake, and then just before I retire for the night, I read the following gratitude statements. These help me to put life into perspective. Have a try and see for yourself? I am grateful for the air in my lungs. I am grateful for my heart that beats and keeps me alive. I am grateful for my senses that help me perceive the world. I am grateful for my comfortable bed. I am grateful for my clothes that protect me and keep … Continue reading Being Thankful
Fed up with screen freezing or poor Internet connections? No closure at the end of a session? Missing the personal interaction? Eye contact is just not the same on Zoom or Facetime. Consider a socially distanced meet-up with me, and feel free to wear a mask too. Walk-and-talk therapy has also proven to be a stress reliever for people who don’t consider their home a safe space for online therapy — whether they can’t find enough privacy to feel comfortable opening up, or their family or partner disapproves of therapy, or someone they live with is the reason they’re seeking … Continue reading Online Therapy too stressful?
Someone once said, “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” This is solid advice for every one of us to keep in mind at some point in our lives. Simply put, make the best out of a situation; see how it can be turned around and most importantly, learn from it. Life will constantly throw difficult challenges your way that would make you fall hard to the ground, but you should always get back up, dust yourself off, and keep moving forward with a smile on your face. Know that these challenges are a test of your endurance, of how … Continue reading Life, Lemons and Lemonade
If only life came packed, With manuals we could read, A list of clear instructions and All parts guaranteed. But oh, life’s not so simple, No useful hints or tools, We have to muddle through it Without the help of rules. Yet one thing that we do have Are others by our side, To help support and cheer us, In whom we may confide. For as we share our knowledge, So ignorance takes flight, By working close together We’ll surely get it right. Continue reading A Life Journey
I remember reading a story about a woman who goes into a shop and finds God behind the counter. She asks what they are selling and God replies “Whatever you want you can get here.” Proving herself worthy of this opportunity, the woman asks for peace, love and happiness, adding that she wanted this not just for herself, but the whole world. She is expecting great things and can’t help but be rather disappointed when God hands her a small packet. God explains ” We don’t sell fruit or the finished article, only the seeds.” In other words, the whole … Continue reading Sow the seeds
A friend of mine took up a new hobby to help cope with the boredom of being stuck indoors recently, and decided ontaking up landscape painting, something she always fancied doing. She shared with me that she was becoming very frustrated with making so many beginner’s mistakes. This had led her to consider giving up, on more than a few occasions. She confided that she would spend hours trying to capture some glorious view, only to realise that she hadn’t come anywhere near doing it any justice. This quest for perfection was eating away at her. I shared with my … Continue reading Ever Failed – Fail Better
A man had four sons. He wanted them to learn to judge things carefully, so he sent each of them on a quest to look at an apple tree far away. The first son left in the Winter. The second son left in the Spring. The third son left in the Summer. The fourth son left in the Autumn. After they all returned home , he asked his sons to describe what they had experienced. The first son said that the apple tree was ugly and twisted. The second son said the apple tree was covered with buds and full … Continue reading The Complete Picture
Each day is a fresh beginning For yesterday has gone, Another chance to start anew To change things and move on. Another opportunity To love and smile and give, And act with generosity To look up and laugh and live. Each morning is a fresh, clean page As yet unwritten on, The threshold of an unlived day But not yet walked upon. So choose how you will live this day As on your way you go, For through our acts we all leave tracks Like footprints in the snow. (Kathleen Gillum) Continue reading Each Day
Burt Lancaster played a trapeze artist in the film Trapeze in 1956. Most of the stunts, he performed himself. Burt, had trained as an acrobat since the age of 9. Burt and his friend Nicholas Cuccia formed an acrobatic duo and went on to join Kay’s Circus in the 30’s. When Burt auditioned for this particular job in the circus, he had to prove his worth, not relying on being only an acrobat, but by becoming part of the team who performed each night in the show. The boss of the Circus asked a young Burt, to try out the … Continue reading Burt Lancaster inspiration
All around the world, people remain uncertain about the future. I don’t know what the outcome will be, however I have continued to use some strategies to keep myself going. I want to share them with you, in the hope that you may get some benefit from this particular method. A) Do something every day to reduce anxiety; whether it is a relaxation technique, exercising or getting in touch with some friends. This all amounts to finding some calm in your daily existence. B) Stay informed. Decide to allocate yourself 30 minutes each day to check the Local news and … Continue reading Uncertainty
“Time is like a river. You cannot touch the same water twice, because the flow that has passed will never pass again. Enjoy every moment of your life!” “For what it’s worth… it’s never too late, or in my case too early, to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit. Start whenever you want. You can change or stay the same. There are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you … Continue reading Time is like a River
“Life is available only in the present moment.” “No one has ever lived in the past or the future, only the now.” “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” “While you are walking, smile and be in the here and now, and you will transform that place into paradise.” “Yesterday is already gone. Tomorrow is not yet here. Today is the only day available to us; it is the most important day of our lives.” (Courtesy Thich Nhat Hanh) Continue reading Hope
It is easy to become complacent in life and just do enough to get by. Have you taken things for granted? Can you be quite content to let others do the running? We all get like this at one time or another, and it is easy to sit back and watch. I was on the phone to a friend the other day asking how they were, and they said that they were lacking motivation to get up and do anything; preferring to watch some box-sets on Netflix for a few days, eating the remains of the Christmas chocolates and other … Continue reading Finding Meaning – Every Day
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Albert Einstein. I love this quote by Albert Einstein. What do you think when you read it? Sometimes I wish the governments of the world would read the above quote and change the way they approach their problems; it would certainly be refreshing for us all! We can easily get caught up in a cycle of negativity while trying to overcome problems, and before long they seem bigger than before, as the same way of thinking brings about the same results. If you have a … Continue reading Change the way you approach a problem.
Change Therapy 