On Reflection...

Today, I observed a little girl who was mesmerised by the reflection of the sky in a puddle. I am glad to say that her carer - presumably, her Gran - gave her space to enjoy this long moment of wonder. I exchanged smiles with the woman as we looked kindly upon this beautiful and simple scene.

I treasure moments like this. It astonishes me how we 'grown-ups' get lost in the tick and tock of the clock. There are so many everyday miracles which are lost to us when we don't take notice.

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I blame the fever...

I'm currently laid up in bed with a bad bout of flu, so my physical wellbeing is none too good right now. As I lie here I have a good view of the sky and I've noticed that the clouds resemble pigs; so, either, pigs are flying or it's swine flew... Eeek, I'm sorry about that!

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Wellbeing at Work

I have just been reading some of the excellent New Economic Foundation website. I know that economics has been described as being the 'dismal science' - and with some justification, but don't let that put you off. Folk at the NEF are experimenting with finding policy solutions which are humane, practical and person-centred. Anyway, during my ramble through the site I noticed a link to a Wellbeing at Work survey which I think you might find interesting ->
NEF Wellbeing at Work Survey <*((((><(


PS: Don't forget to check out my 'Give...' and 'Get...' pages on the sidebar of this blog. Here I talk about some of experiments in practicing the Five Ways in daily situations. 

Norwich Wellbeing Network now live on Facebook

I have just set up the "Norwich Wellbeing Network" on Facebook. I would strongly urge you to join us there. It's a dynamic forum where we can exchange ideas through discussion boards, live chat and so on.

You'll find a link to Facebook on the side of this blog. Just click on the photo, and add me as a friend... <*((((><(

Forming good habits of mind...

I have been actively playing with the five ways to wellbeing for about two weeks now. As a practical guide to action, I can see lots of ways in which awareness of these has helped my sense of wellbeing. Each is like a finger on the hand playing a chord on a piano - a sense of harmony becomes apparent when they're all in play. 

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to change the world, to help to make it a better place. As with many people with a drive to fight for social justice, I would give 110% to these efforts, and, oftentimes, leave little time and energy for myself (in fact, one time I nearly died due to the exertions involved in doing this!). However, for me, the wellbeing ways are like finding a missing piece of the puzzle (of me!); they provide a virtuous spiral, linking personal empowerment and good mental health to the wider wellbeing of my community, and ultimately, of society. I am tending to myself and my head, whilst also giving as I go. How cool is that!

That's not to say that it's like a single wave of a magic wand. Of course I have, and will have, bad moments. No, the progress I'm feeling here is more in the nature of positive movement through small, manageable steps. It is also something that you have to work at. Research suggests that it takes 21 days to change a habit. That's not such a long time to form some good habits of mind now is it ;-)

Colin

PS Don't forget to check out my 'Give' and 'Get' pages - links on the front page sidebar, underneath my profile...

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