Ian McEwan, novelist, shadowed Neil Kitchen, Neurosurgeon, at the National Hospital in Queens Square, London and witnessed countless operations at the time he was researching and writing his novel, Saturday. She listened in fascination as the author described his ‘full immersion’ research methods to the radio interviewer: “..Once in the…

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and one of my jobs is Well-being Coach to Students at the local FE College. I am good at my job and believe I make a difference to many of the young people I work with. Today, Sunday afternoon, at about 5pm, I…

So, you know you are going to have to spend time with people who consistently annoy you every time you see them. How do you feel? Your first response to this question might be: “Why would I continue to spend time with people who wind me up?” By far the…

“Whaaat?!” She stared down at the scales in dismay and got dressed disappointed. She counted some grapes into a Tuppaware container for her mid-morning snack at work. Later in the supermarket she made sure to avoid the cheese aisle. To be honest, she might as well avoid the whole supermarket…

There is a Buddhist quote: “we choose our own parents”. The teachings of Buddhism say we choose them (before we are born) to teach us the hardest lessons. Some of us choose old fashioned teachers of hard lessons. They teach by rote, not by encouragement or compassion. Perhaps this choice…

“Don’t worry. Be happy”. The lyrics of Bobby McFerrin’s song are simple. Why then are so many of us sad? In #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, I wrote this definition of what I consider are the two essential kinds of happiness: 1. Relative happiness — relies on external factors. It is when everyday wishes are fulfilled, one by one, such as having a fancy house, a new car, a good job…