This exercise is probably most enjoyable when done lying in the sun-soaked grass of a wildflower meadow, but the great thing about cloud-gazing is that you can do it pretty much anywhere, anytime. The beach, the park and the bus to school provide equal opportunities for mindful contemplation of the sky.
Synaesthesia is a phenomenon that causes sensory crossover or merging. It’s not a medical condition and researchers think it may be caused by extra connections between certain regions of the brain. The result is that the stimulation of one sense triggers an experience relating to another. The word comes from the Greek syn, meaning ‘join’, …
When you’re writing stories, do you ever feel like your characters are coming to life on the page? Do they seem like real people, making decisions you weren’t expecting? Or do you prefer to focus on the things that happen and the challenges they face? The majority of stories have characters – be they human, …
When you head outside and let your senses soak up the sights, sounds, smells and textures of trees, there are many benefits to gain. Apart from the simple joy and wonder you might feel in the presence of these lofty sentinels, time in nature can inspire a sense of contentment. Regular wholesome tree-time can make …
A line from a book or film that sends shivers down the spine. A lyric that captures the intensity of rage or the empty weight of sadness. A message received at just the right moment. Words can become tiny treasures – reminders that someone, somewhere, gets it. The other day, I found my daughter curled …
In a world where the loudest voices and boldest personalities often seem to take centre stage, it’s easy to believe that you have to be an extrovert to be a leader. But being a leader isn’t just about telling people what to do. It’s about setting an example and bringing out the best in those …
There’s no streetlight and the night’s silence is broken only by the hoot of an owl. Your eyes scan the sky, growing accustomed to the dark. Then, gradually, you spot an incredible shimmer. The universe is revealing its magnificence… The night sky has fascinated people for millennia and inspired many age-old myths and stories. The …
In the 1960s, Maltese polymath, doctor and author Edward de Bono invented the concept of ‘lateral thinking’ to describe a way of thinking that boosts creativity and solves problems by approaching them in an inventive or unusual manner. Often referred to as thinking outside the box, lateral thinking expands your perspective by helping you realise …
The human brain has an amazing capacity to remember journeys. Think of a walk, drive or cycle you do often. You know which way to turn and how to get there. The frequent travel has created a memory map in your mind. But what about when you go somewhere you don’t know? A friend or …
Have you ever let your mind wander and suddenly stumbled upon a great idea? Or woken up in the morning with a ‘lightbulb moment’? Dreams are a fascinating way to tap into the creative parts of our brains, offering inspiration that feels like it comes out of nowhere. And did you know that it’s possible …
