Radical Self-Care series

Reflections on hope – hope for attaining a better world.

In this episode, I explore deep listening. Too often, listening is an act observed in the breach—people listen less to understand and more to reply, critique, or dismantle. We rush to respond, to showcase our point of view, to close a deal, or to flaunt our knowledge. But Deep listening will make for a better society. It fosters stronger relationships, healthier households, more cohesive communiti...

One of the deep human needs is for significance. Significance relates to that quality of meaningfulness. It appears to come from the outside, but actually, it is a feeling and sense that must be achieved deep within the self. When the person attains it, he or she has a clear sense that they value themselves and are valuable. It relates to a positive self-concept. Some strive for it through externa...

We are so much more than our mistakes. Our flaws are not the totality of who we are. Forgive yourself. Rekindle your confidence, highlighting the parts of you that shine and give light to others. By doing so, you create optimal positive energy to move forward.

Forgiveness is a powerful way of dealing with the friction and hurt that can arise in relationships with others. It is about making life’s load lighter. It revolves around generating positive energy to face the future. Thinking of forgiveness this way means it has less to do with the other person. It has more to do with finding one’s own peace and strength. Forgiveness – when you can and when you...

In working with colleagues, family members or buddies on a project, be aware of different levels of enthusiasm. Be aware of your own level of interest. And be alert enough to detect the others' interest levels. If you are a mover and shaker, instead of merely being frustrated with those who are lukewarm, speak to them. Discuss how they could become more interested and more involved. Clarifying...

What does taking a stand have to do with self-care? Taking a stand is part of a positive outlook. Doing so can anchor you in new ways and positively realign your inner light. We can draw from historical figures who have combined a deeper sense of self with taking a stand. This episode discusses several key points involved in taking a stand.

The idea of a hero's journey was coined by Joseph Campbell. In his concept, the hero hears the call, faces obstacles, perseveres and, in the end, discovers something really meaningful and important. How can this idea inspire you? Can it stir you to take your own life story to new levels?

Work dynamically and consciously with fear, converting your response to a forward movement that is empowering. Fear is a reality, especially in difficult times. It is disempowering and draining. Chronic fear can be ruinous to our health. Fear can also spread and grow at community level, causing collective paralysis or sowing division. But if we work through the fear, we can find new and interestin...

Strengthening your internal locus of control can lead to more positive outcomes. You have a greater sense that what you do matters. Through using an internal local of control, even in times of change an uncertainty, you can be a more positive influence in your life and in the world.

Anger is energy, it is emotion. In its unbridled form, it may not serve you. Can you learn to understand your anger and how can you convert it to positive ends? This episode provides some ideas on a way forward.

At the height of the Covid pandemic, we have seen a worldwide increase in stress levels. At the same time, stress has always been widely present, a part of living in modern society. All of us, everywhere, need to pay attention to more sustainable ways of dealing with stress. 

When you or people around you go through tough times, work with the pain. This is better than applying toxic positivity. Working through your feelings in a genuine way is more sustainable

With turning points on the calendar and new phases of the pandemic, we can nurture new energy to move forward. 

Meditation can be that quiet place of restoration, renewal of strength and finding focus. During Covid-19 many have, to their surprise, found anew the benefits of being alone and quiet. Doing meditation more deliberately – as a regular practice – will help you feel more rooted and centred during these times.

Looking back on the months of Covid-19, have you been able to use reading as one of the ways of getting through? Reading books can form part of self-care. Here I don't mean inspirational books only, but stories that capture experiences, that keep us engrossed, that make us see things in different ways, that take us on a journey ...

With so many people dying as a result of Covid-19, we are either engulfed in grief or grief is close at hand. This is a time to be gentle with yourself. To handle grief with openness, gentleness and self-care. It is also a time to reach out to others who are grieving. 

At a personal and social level, Covid-19 is forcing us to think about what really matters. This is the call to simplicity

During times of great uncertainty, using a routine can work wonders.

Gratitude can be empowering. In these times, we can use gratitude to lift us out of the doldrums, to give us energy and to get a new perspective. It can also be a spur to reach out to others

Covid-19 has had impacts at every level. This episode looks at the effects of Covid-19 on you and me at personal level. How can we process these effects as a way to move forward?

Walking in nature is a great way to charge those batteries. Nature helps us on so many levels - to be grounded, to steady the mood, to be in the moment. As we continue to reach out and connect, let's remember to use walks in nature to regenerate.

We are often rush through the present. Or grappling with the past and worrying about the future. This can get in the way of drawing strength and sharpening one's focus in the present. Find your stillness -- notice, observe -- and move from that base.