tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23317842747486663982024-03-14T08:09:16.834+00:00WellbankedJustin Guy Souter's personal blogJustin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-88809208221919341402020-03-22T18:26:00.000+00:002020-03-22T19:43:53.387+00:00Trauma, attachment, healing–resources from The Relationship School Podcast<h3>
Introduction</h3>
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<td valign="top">In August 2017 I bought ‘The Body Keeps the Score’, a book by <a href="http://besselvanderkolk.net/index.html" target="_blank">Dr Bessel van der Kolk</a>.<br />
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It has had – and still has – a massive impact on how I think of myself, my Self and my place in the world. As a result, I’ve come to understand that whilst talking therapy is very useful, it complements other body-oriented, somatic treatment modalities.<br />
<br />
I may write a future post about with materials I value relating to Dr Bessel. For now, I’m posting links to a series of podcasts I’ve been listening to over the last 5 months or so.</td>
<td valign="top"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Body-Keeps-Score-Transformation-Trauma/dp/0141978619/ref=as_li_ss_il?_encoding=UTF8&dchild=1&keywords=the+body+keeps+the+score&qid=1584896529&sr=8-1&linkCode=li2&tag=souterconsulting-leanstartup-21&linkId=c26f20cb51ed5cb3bddcaf198073913a&language=en_GB" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0141978619&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=GB&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=souterconsulting-leanstartup-21&language=en_GB" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-uk.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=souterconsulting-leanstartup-21&language=en_GB&l=li2&o=2&a=0141978619" style="border: currentcolor; margin: 0px;" width="1" /> </td>
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<h3>
The Relationship School Podcast</h3>
Hosted by Jayson Gaddis, he describes <a href="https://relationshipschool.com/relationship-school-podcast/" target="_blank">the Relationship School Podcast</a> as:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
A trail blazing relationship podcast promoting unconventional monogamy and marriage--where we teach you how to fight well, master communication, and take your marriage to the next level without compromising your business, family, or integrity.</blockquote>
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<br />
<a href="https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/d/b/3/2/db32bdc822af94c9/PodcastCoverRev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/d/b/3/2/db32bdc822af94c9/PodcastCoverRev.jpg" width="200" /></a>I’ve listened to these podcasts more because of the people being interviewed, rather than the subject matter <i>per se</i>. Many of the interviewees make appearances in 'The Body Keeps the Score'.<br />
<br />
Therefore my own study has greatly benefitted from the insights these scientists and practitioners share. Common themes are trauma and its healing; attachment theory; the physiology of emotion; and <a href="https://www.drdansiegel.com/about/interpersonal_neurobiology/" target="_blank">Interpersonal Neurobiology</a><br />
In the sections below, I've used text from the podcast listings to summarise the content.
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<h3>
3 Things Bessel van der Kolk Did To Help Him Through His Recent Trauma – SC 191</h3>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
A new study shows child abuse should be considered the second largest cause of illness in the U.S.. And yet, our diagnostic system ignores trauma completely. Listen to what trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk has to say about that and get his insight into turning traumatic pain into personal power!</blockquote>
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<a href="https://relationshipschool.com/podcast/3-things-bessel-van-der-kolk-did-to-help-him-through-his-recent-trauma-bessel-van-der-kolk-sc-191/">https://relationshipschool.com/podcast/3-things-bessel-van-der-kolk-did-to-help-him-through-his-recent-trauma-bessel-van-der-kolk-sc-191/</a><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="90" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/6467026/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/backward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/87A93A/" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="100%"></iframe><br />
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<h3>
Interpersonal Neurobiology – Dan Siegel – SC 158</h3>
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<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
If you really want to understand interpersonal neurobiology from the man who coined the term, this interview with Dr Dan Siegel is for you.</blockquote>
<br />
<a href="https://relationshipschool.com/podcast/interpersonal-neurobiology-dan-siegel-sc-158/">https://relationshipschool.com/podcast/interpersonal-neurobiology-dan-siegel-sc-158/</a><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="90" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/5738287/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/backward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/87A93A/" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="100%"></iframe><br />
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<h3>
Reversing Disease & Illness Using Your Mind & Relationships – Dan Siegel – SC 193</h3>
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<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Right now, researchers and the public are fascinated with brain science and Dr. Dan Siegel is a legend in that department. Jayson and Dr. Siegel dig in deep in this one, discussing autoimmune disease, rewiring the brain, GMO food, struggles in the therapy field and so much more.</blockquote>
<br />
<a href="https://relationshipschool.com/podcast/reversing-disease-illness-using-your-mind-relationships-dan-siegel-sc-193/">https://relationshipschool.com/podcast/reversing-disease-illness-using-your-mind-relationships-dan-siegel-sc-193/</a><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="90" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/6520897/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/backward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/87A93A/" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="100%"></iframe><br />
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<h3>
The Neuroscience & Power of Safe Relationships – Stephen W. Porges – SC 116</h3>
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<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
In this week’s podcast, the founder of the polyvagal theory explains the neuroscience of safe relationships and how to create them.</blockquote>
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<a href="https://relationshipschool.com/podcast/the-neuroscience-power-of-safe-relationships-stephen-w-porges-sc-116/">https://relationshipschool.com/podcast/the-neuroscience-power-of-safe-relationships-stephen-w-porges-sc-116/</a><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="90" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/5278641/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/backward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/87A93A/" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="100%"></iframe><br />
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<h3>
The 4 Attachment Styles & Not Taking Things Personally – Diane Poole Heller – SC 204</h3>
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<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
A lot of things you take personally in relationship have very little to do with your partner. Those issues are really the result of YOUR past, YOUR triggers and YOUR perspective…So says long-time Boulder, Colorado therapist & expert in the field of Child and Adult Attachment Theory and Models, Dr. Diane Poole Heller.</blockquote>
<br />
<a href="https://relationshipschool.com/podcast/the-4-attachment-styles-not-taking-things-personally-diane-poole-heller-sc-204/">https://relationshipschool.com/podcast/the-4-attachment-styles-not-taking-things-personally-diane-poole-heller-sc-204/</a><iframe allowfullscreen="" height="90" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/6800343/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/backward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/87A93A/" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="100%"></iframe><br />
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<h3>
Dealing With Your Inner Critic and Inner Child – Richard Schwartz – SC 182</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Not a fan of your inner critic? What if that negative voice inside isn’t your enemy but a valuable part of your internal family? Author, psychotherapist and founder of the Internal Family Systems Model (IFS), Richard Schwartz, says our true “Self” exists side by side with the many parts that make us who we are.</blockquote>
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<a href="https://relationshipschool.com/podcast/dealing-with-your-inner-critic-and-inner-child-richard-schwartz-sc-182/">https://relationshipschool.com/podcast/dealing-with-your-inner-critic-and-inner-child-richard-schwartz-sc-182/</a><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="90" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/6207092/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/backward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/87A93A/" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="100%"></iframe><br />
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<br />
<h3>
The Cost Of Stress In Your Primary Relationships with Dr. Gabor Maté – SC 63</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Few of us understand the cost of unmitigated stress in our primary relationships and how damaging this can be to us. In this episode, legendary medical doctor and psycho-phisio-spiritual trail blazer Gabor Mate brings some very grounded, practical examples of how relationship stress can impact our lives and what to do about it.</blockquote>
<br />
<a href="https://relationshipschool.com/podcast/the-cost-of-stress-in-your-primary-relationships-with-dr-gabor-mate-sc-63/">https://relationshipschool.com/podcast/the-cost-of-stress-in-your-primary-relationships-with-dr-gabor-mate-sc-63/</a><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="90" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/4564783/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/backward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/87A93A/" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="100%"></iframe><br />
<hr />
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<h3>
PTSD, Trauma, & Resiliency – 274</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
If you or someone you love suffers from PTSD check this out. According to the American Psychiatric Association, PTSD can be a disabling condition that impacts about 3.5 percent of U.S. adults. And women are twice as likely as men to have PTSD. My friend Dr Arielle Schwartz goes deep in this episode and defines both trauma and PTSD.</blockquote>
<br />
<a href="https://relationshipschool.com/podcast/ptsd-trauma-resiliency/">https://relationshipschool.com/podcast/ptsd-trauma-resiliency/</a><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="90" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/13118285/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/backward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/87A93A/" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="100%"></iframe><br />
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<h3>
The 4 S’s of Attachment-Based Parenting – 276</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
One of my mentors, Dan Siegel, is back on the podcast for his 3rd interview.<br />
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We cover the 4 S’s from his “Power of Showing Up” book. It’s so good.</blockquote>
<br />
<a href="https://relationshipschool.com/podcast/attachment-based-parenting/">https://relationshipschool.com/podcast/attachment-based-parenting/</a><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="90" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/13306253/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/backward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/87A93A/" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="100%"></iframe><br />
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<h3>
Dan Siegel & trauma healing</h3>
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<br /></div>
I'm curating a YouTube playlist containing related resources.<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="169" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLoxZqTEPiKIrdpLHaJBYDtKOfyggYSFtz" width="300"></iframe><br />
<br />
<h3>
Take aways</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
There are some profound wounds which get stuck in talking therapy - i.e. a more holistic understanding is 100% relevant re the seat of trauma and the differing ways to treat it.Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-22112871603985496822018-03-07T08:37:00.000+00:002018-03-07T08:37:03.368+00:00Resources for a Teenager – SoundCloudThe seventh in a <a href="https://wellbanked.blogspot.com/2018/01/resources-for-teenager-blog-series.html" target="_blank">series of posts</a> detailing those resources I’m finding useful on my own particular (life) journey. <br />
<br />
<h3>
Meta</h3>
Living in the sticks, I drive quite a lot. Given that we live in a digital time, I'm therefore fortunate to be able to 'make my own radio'.<br />
In fact, I think I've been doing it since I had a mini-disc player, which was aeons ago! I either connect my device via bluetooth to the car radio, or else I plug the source into the audio-in socket. That source these days is most likely to be my Kindle Keyboard, which means I can listen to books read out loud by its text-to-speech feature.<br />
<h3>
The List</h3>
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This list is from SoundCloud, which means that it's a series of interviews, thought pieces, and excerpts from longer recordings.<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/playlists/399242510&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe><br />
<h3>
<br />
The rationale</h3>
<ol>
<li><em>This is what a good life is</em>: Jonathan Fields interviews Brené Brown in long form - ~50mins. We're the better for it.</li>
<li><em>The Creative Life</em>: I read Elizabeth Gilbert's book "<a href="http://amzn.to/2HYrlxT" target="_blank">Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear</a>". This is Jonathan's interview of Elizabeth.</li>
<li><em>Hoping Others Fail Is Not A Strategy</em>: I have enjoyed many of Jonathan's interviews and GLP Riffs, and <a href="http://www.goodlifeproject.com/podcast/hoping-others-fail-is-not-a-strategy/" target="_blank">this shorter piece asks</a> - "What if you could go about it differently? What if you could reframe winning on both a deeper and larger scale?"</li>
<li><em>The Killer App Is You</em>: this seems pretty much eponymous, and is asking us to believe more in ourselves.</li>
<li><em>Hacking Stereotypes</em>: this is a tremendous story about a female founder moving heaven and earth to assist other women find a life path by giving them opportunities to write software - '<a href="http://www.laboratoria.la/" target="_blank">Talento tech femenino de Latinoamérica para el mundo</a>'.</li>
<li><em>Hearts Broken Open</em>: how do we find the strength and the courage to heal when our hearts have been broken open? How do we let the love fall inside? A tall recounted by Parker Palmer.</li>
<li><em>Hope</em>: this is a lovely poem, and a resonant reading by Parker.</li>
<li><em>Courtney Martin and Parker Palmer</em>: the previous poem is read at the end of this illuminating interview by Krista Tippett. Krista and team are a gift to our world. Courtney articles something really powerful: "So I think even just to feel like you’re showing up as your whole self in different settings is a pretty rebellious act."</li>
<li><em>Ray Chetty</em>: I've included this as it was a privilege listening to someone who has intense attention to detail, who is a rounded and decent human being. Tyler is a great interviewer...</li>
<li><em>Cass Sunstein</em>: being a huge fan of behaviour economics, this was (and is) an enjoyable discourse through Cass's domain.</li>
<li><em>The Woodcarver</em>: fantastic that a Quaker should be relating <a href="http://chowgene.eco-pioneers.org/2012/09/15/the-wood-carver-by-chuang-tzu/" target="_blank">a story from Chinese lore</a></li>
<li><em>The Divided Life and the Quest for True Self</em>: "Parker Palmer reflects on the consequences of living a divided life and the quest for wholeness".</li>
<li><em>Standing In The Tragic Gap</em>: a challenge for us to to stand in the place of uncertainty between how we'd like things to be, and how they really are. How do we stay there, but keep being vulnerable and open?</li>
</ol>
<h3>
The Task</h3>
Too much of what we're told seems not to stand up to scrutiny, if we're able to find our own sacred place to stand.<br />
<br />
How do we outgrow the needs of others, and loop back to them once we have learned to become that which resonates to our deepest selves. This is my snapshot as I posted this, but the challenge is the activity of a lifetime.<br />
<h3>
Feedback</h3>
Any thoughts, additions, amendments – whatever – please add in respectful and constructive comments below. Thank you!
Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-16831666936542012018-02-21T08:30:00.000+00:002018-02-21T08:30:09.299+00:00Resources for a Teenager – YouTube<p>The sixth in a <a href="https://wellbanked.blogspot.com/2018/01/resources-for-teenager-blog-series.html" target="_blank">series of posts</a> detailing those resources I’m finding useful on my own particular (life) journey. </p>
<p>This date of publication is particularly pertinent, which is why I’m publishing today.
<br />
<br /></p>
<h3>Meta</h3>
<p>Thankfully, I haven’t had a TV since 2009. I don’t watch TV shows via Netflix, Amazon Prime etc., and I don’t want to.</p>
<p>However, with an internet connection, I am fortunate to be able to watch-free-to-view content (albeit advertiser supported).
<br />
<br /></p>
<h3>The List</h3>
<p><iframe height="315" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLoxZqTEPiKIoMzskyXxu9VJj9eEosulvs" frameborder="0" width="560" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></p>
<h3>The rationale</h3>
<ol>
<li><em>Listening to Shame</em>: Brené Brown closes out the main TED conference, which (I believe) is the top slot. And she nails it! #goBrené This talk has 8m views on TED.com, and a further 2m on YouTube.</li>
<li><em>The power of vulnerability</em>: this is probably the first talk I watch of Brené. It’s had 33m views on TED.com, and 7m on YouTube. I think these watch numbers means that her work resonates deeply and widely. Her work has given us a great gift, a way to reframe vulnerability and consider it as a superpower [cf IN-Q below].</li>
<li><em>Oscar & Clark</em>: I love this playful scat singing by Clark Terry, which seems to be the best example I can find of his</li>
<li><em>Bach’s Blues</em>: the piece which I can still remember Oscar playing and the first one which ‘broke through for me (and one which still brings tingles)</li>
<li><em>Kendra</em>: Kendra is / was the scrum-half for the Black Ferns team which won the rugby World Cup.</li>
<li><em>Lt Gen Silveria</em>: in amongst all the posturing and double-speak, a leader truly stands up for right action and makes clear the vital importance of treating each other with dignity and respect.</li>
<li><em>TryLife Jacob</em>: a resonant clip which is a trailer for TryLife’s interactive movie. I have had one go at this, which actually was difficult / challenging to experience [probably as it should be]. I need to find time to go again. A fantastic creative endeavour.</li>
<li><em>Huygens’s descent</em>: it’s awe-inspiring that we can send machines to other planets and then watch as they land. Footage like this helps challenge our delusions of grandeur, and reframe how we consider ourselves.</li>
<li><em>Holocaust denial</em>: the Nazis truly are ‘a warning from history’. We can re-learn the lessons through these materials</li>
<li><em>Antisemitism Today</em>: one of my best friends happens to be Jewish. By standing up for him, I believe I am standing up for all of us</li>
<li><em>Building a psychologically safe workplace</em>: the idea of feeling safe enough hardly seems revolutionary, but sadly it is. Amy Edmondson’s work is brilliant and vital.</li>
<li><em>Over the wall</em>: one of my favourite movies. One of my favourite scenes. Articulates CG Jung’s concept of ‘The Middle Passage’ en route to our 'Second Adulthood’, and reminds me of Mary Oliver’s poem, “The Journey” [h/t Parker Palmer].</li>
<li><em>Haka Documentary</em>: I’m fascinating by the sentiments articulated in this piece, which shows Maori culture as being deeply rooted to the land, to nature, and to one ancestors. A powerful groundedness.</li>
<li><em>Legacy</em>: this book is on my wishlist. The video briefly summarises the key points, and the importance of humility in the lore and culture of the All Blacks rugby team [aka the male version of the Black Ferns; the name for the work they do with children is called ‘Small Blacks’…!]</li>
<li><em>Healthy Romantic Relationships</em>: a work in progress for me…</li>
<li><em>オスカー・ピーターソン リユニオン・ブルース</em>: oops, this just sneaked in [couldn’t resist]. Classic line-up (I think) of Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen.</li>
<li><em>The Incredibles</em>: I love Violet’s forcefield (although I love Brené reframe of the need-for-armour more…)</li>
<li><em>Deactivating HAL</em>: how do we do this for ourselves and reach our second adulthood. You may be discerning a pattern here… ;)</li>
<li><em>Living from the Inside</em>: Parker is epic. And he’s speaking at Naropa University. It’s all good.</li>
<li><em>The Growth Mindset</em>: Carol’s work is so important for us all as humans, and as role models for each other and younger generations which we nurture.</li>
<li><em>Life is Good Superpowers</em>: “we have superpowers too”. IN-Q’s poetry is brilliant. This poem is important and suggests we need to rethink our own abilities.</li>
<li><em>Saying yes</em>: clearly I’m projecting with all these clips #whatevs</li>
<li><em>Excited for now</em>: what soulwork do we need to do so we can be fully present?</li>
<li><em>The Navigators</em>: starting with an obituary in The Economist, I became intrigued by the connection of Papa Mau with nature and the ocean in all its forms. I think there is an authenticity which comes from being connected to the land and ocean. All this still lives on in the <a href="http://www.hokulea.com/vision-mission/" target="_blank">Polynesian Voyaging Society</a></li>
<em></em></ol>
<em></em>
<ol></ol>
<h3>The Task</h3>
<p>When folk we say we live in challenging times, or change is a constant, IMHO it was ever thus.</p>
<p>Therefore, how do we discern our path? How do we find courage to voyage alone and with no guidance? How do we self-actualise, when (as ever) all about us are encouraging us to conform.</p>
<p>Here are some clues. It’s like a vision quest. We must journey alone, and create a path – the pathless path – and one which is only discernible once we’ve made it.</p>
<h3>Feedback</h3>
Any thoughts, additions, amendments – whatever – please add in respectful and constructive comments below. Thank you!
Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comUnited Kingdom55.378051 -3.4359729999999912.203021 -86.05316049999999 90 79.18121450000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-2285910744390844232018-01-27T09:30:00.000+00:002018-02-04T11:19:32.854+00:00Resources for a Teenager – 'Natural Sciences'The fifth in a <a href="https://wellbanked.blogspot.com/2018/01/resources-for-teenager-blog-series.html" target="_blank">series of posts</a> detailing those resources I’m finding useful on my own particular (life) journey.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Meta</h3>
I did Biology A Level, back in the mists of time.<br />
<br />
To much of how science is presented seems to be a <em>fait accompli</em>. I prefer to create my own understanding from the evidence that’s out there, and how it evolves over time.<br />
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<h3>
The List</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<h3>
The rationale</h3>
<ol>
<li><em>Chaos</em> – I remember reading this and being inspired, daunted, and made tearful with frustration. Top notch popular science.</li>
<li><em>Genius</em> – Dick Feynman’s life combined tragedy, playfulness, profound insightful and periods when he lost his way. Another powerful account of leaders willing to speak truth to power (i.e. the final chapter).</li>
<li><em>Emergence</em> – seemingly a ‘parallel’ track to Chaos. Another breakthrough and disruptive discipline in the Sciences. You might be spotting a theme here… </li>
<li><em>The Fractalist</em> – part autobiography, part inspirational story of survival, part the midwifery of a new branch of science / maths. Inspirational exposition of success in the face of huge challenges, combining a gentleness of manner with first-class determination and courage. </li>
<li><em>You are the Placebo</em> – important insights into the way we create our identity from within. The challenge is doing something about this, though</li>
<li><em>Mycelium Running</em> – a powerful story of how fungi </li>
</ol>
<h4>
To read:</h4>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<li><em>At Home in the Universe</em> – I’ve started reading, but got side-tracked. More insights, this time from complexity theory (cf <em>Emergence</em> above) </li>
<li><em>Gut</em> – having a dairy intolerance, I have an interest in things relating to my gut, the microbiome, and all things relating</li>
<li><em>Learning from the Octopus</em> – I must get beyond the initial chapters. It’s about how we can learn from the natural world </li>
<li><em>Soft-Wired</em> – there are too many determinists out there. Our brains alter according to how we use them.</li>
<li><em>The Arrow of Time</em> – I need to read this to understand why time only goes one way</li>
<li><em>Relativity</em> – I started this, but got stuck with time going faster and slower depending on where you are #drat</li>
<li><em>Quantum Theory</em> – I want to understand more about entanglement et al.</li>
<li><em>Systems View of Life – </em>how to bring things together as a whole</li>
<li><em>The Storytelling Animal</em> – humans as narrative making and seekers</li>
<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<br />
<h3>
The Task</h3>
The Scientific Method offers powerful ways to understand ourselves and the Cosmos. <br />
<br />
However, scientists are humans – after all – so IMHO we should take responsibility for our own synthesis of whatever insights we have gleaned so far from the natural world, and beyond.<br />
<br />
Actually, my immediate task is to read more of these books – both on my Kindle, and from my bookshelf... #oops<br />
<br />
<h3>
Feedback</h3>
Any thoughts, additions, amendments – whatever – please add in respectful and constructive comments below. Thank you!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Goodreads</h3>
I endeavour to record what I’m reading via <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/justingsouter">my profile on Goodreads</a>.<br />
<ol><em></em></ol>
Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-44430725542765999652018-01-24T08:30:00.000+00:002018-02-04T10:56:21.340+00:00Resources for a Teenager – ‘Economics’The fourth in a <a href="https://wellbanked.blogspot.com/2018/01/resources-for-teenager-blog-series.html" target="_blank">series of posts</a> detailing those resources I’m finding useful on my own particular (life) journey. <br />
<br />
<h3>
Meta</h3>
I did Economics A Level, back in the mists of time.<br />
<br />
Since then I’ve done a Psychology degree and an MBA.<br />
<br />
Humans are not rational actors seeking to maximise their economic utility.<br />
<br />
We’re meat bags, and (too) often meat puppets. Let’s treat each other – and our Selves – on the basis of that insight. I.e. with understanding, compassion, and a pinch of salt!<br />
<br />
<h3>
The List</h3>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_mfw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=GB&ID=V20070822%2FGB%2Fwellpersblogo-21%2F8001%2F58fb8075-8d0c-47f3-9095-c39953908a48" type="text/javascript"> </script><noscript><a href="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_mfw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=GB&ID=V20070822%2FGB%2Fwellpersblogo-21%2F8001%2F58fb8075-8d0c-47f3-9095-c39953908a48&Operation=NoScript" rel="nofollow">Amazon.co.uk Widgets</a></noscript> <br />
<h3>
The rationale</h3>
<ul>
<li><em>Predictably Irrational</em> – i.e. humans are irrational, but in predictable ways</li>
<li><em>The Lean Startup</em> – a business passion of mine, and a means to experiment your way to success. Has turned business failure into something valuable – if in the context of continual learning</li>
<li><em>Business Model Generation</em> – essential complement to The Lean Startup. When I first read it, half way through I thought: “this is McKinsey quality material”. Not sure if McKinsey knows a great deal about this domain though… #discuss</li>
<li>On the basis of reading <em>Moneyball</em>(and watching the film), I am a huge Michael Lewis fan. His lighthearted style turns non-fiction subjects into page-turners. A pleasure and an indulgence to read his work</li>
</ul>
<h4>
To read:</h4>
<ul>
<li><em>Nudge</em> - the book that started the Behavioural Economics movement, and brought groundedness to stale academic debate</li>
<li><em>Liar’s Poker</em> – Wall Street excess and nuttiness</li>
<li><em>Flash Boys</em> – the operations (or not) of high-frequency financial trading</li>
<li><i>The Undoing Project: A Friendship that Changed the World</i> – shining a fond light into the professional collaboration of Amos Tversky & Danny Kahneman. This will be a reward for doing something special ;D</li>
<li><em>The Big Short</em> – Michael’s treatment of one of the pivotal moments of this century so far</li>
<li><em>The English Constitution</em> – Walter Bagehot’s take on the UK’s unwritten constitution</li>
<li><i>Lombard Street</i> - <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lombard_Street:_A_Description_of_the_Money_Market" target="_blank">according to Wikipedia</a>: "Bagehot was one of the first writers to describe and explain the world of international and corporate finance, banking, and money in understandable language"</li>
<li><em>The Madness of Crowds</em> – definitely not rational economics actions, surely undercutting efficient market theory…?</li>
<li><i>The Smartest Guys in the Room</i>: epic folly, cynical pyramid schemes, and still on my shelf. The Enron story and the subsequent collapse. Whistleblowers everywhere - </li>
</ul>
<br />
<h3>
The Task</h3>
Let’s learn how to empower ourselves to make the best decisions possible, and de-mystify the jargon and de-fang the prognosticators – based on our own experiments!<br />
<br />
Students everywhere: take control of your own learning in this domain, bring it to life with stuff more readily intelligible, and become passionate about such as important topic.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Feedback</h3>
Any thoughts, additions, amendments – whatever – please add in respectful and constructive comments below. Thank you!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Goodreads</h3>
I endeavour to record what I’m reading via <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/justingsouter" target="_blank">my profile on Goodreads</a>.<br />
<ol><em></em></ol>
Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-89872932802036522272018-01-13T08:42:00.000+00:002018-02-04T10:58:09.845+00:00Resources for a Teenager – Atul GawandeThe third in a <a href="https://wellbanked.blogspot.com/2018/01/resources-for-teenager-blog-series.html" target="_blank">series of posts</a> detailing those resources I’m finding useful on my own particular (life) journey.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Meta</h3>
I think these lectures – and the thinking behind them – are extraordinary.<br />
<br />
I listened to them in the car on a couple of long journeys.<br />
<br />
I’ve recently started reading Atul’s personal exploration ‘<a href="http://amzn.to/2Azx601" target="_blank">Being Mortal: Illness, Medicine and What Matters in the End</a>’. It’s also excellent, and timely for me to read it.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
The List</h3>
<iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/playlists/408670028&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe> <br />
<h3>
<br />
The rationale</h3>
I read Atul Gawande’s book ‘<a href="http://amzn.to/2m5n4P8" target="_blank">The Checklist Manifesto</a>’ and loved it. <br />
<br />
I thought it common sense but which hasn’t be common practice, until Dr Gawande’s efforts to improve global public health.<br />
<br />
I was therefore delighted to learn that he would be delivering the BBC’s Reith Lectures. <br />
<br />
I’ve copy-pasted <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/6F2X8TpsxrJpnsq82hggHW/dr-atul-gawande-2014-reith-lectures" target="_blank">the following info from the BBC’s website</a> to save time etc.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Dr Atul Gawande - 2014 Reith Lectures</h4>
Atul Gawande, MD, MPH is a practicing surgeon at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Professor at both the Harvard School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School.<br />
<img alt="" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p022kq0y.jpg" /><br />
In his lecture series, <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04bsgqn">The Future of Medicine</a>, Dr Atul Gawande will examine the nature of progress and failure in medicine, a field defined by what he calls 'the messy intersection of science and human fallibility'.<br />
<br />
Known for both his clear analysis and vivid storytelling, he will explore the growing importance of systems in medicine and argue that the future role of the medical profession in our lives should be bigger than simply assuring health and survival.<br />
<br />
<h4>
The 2014 Reith Lectures</h4>
The first lecture, <strong>Why do Doctors Fail?</strong>, will explore the nature of imperfection in medicine. In particular, Gawande will examine how much of failure in medicine remains due to ignorance (lack of knowledge) and how much is due to ineptitude (failure to use existing knowledge) and what that means for where medical progress will come from in the future.<br />
<br />
In the second lecture, <strong>The Century of the System</strong>, Gawande will focus on the impact that the development of systems has had – and should have in the future - on medicine and overcoming failures of ineptitude. He will dissect systems of all kinds, from simple checklists to complex mechanisms of many parts. And he will argue for how they can be better designed to transform care from the richest parts of the world to the poorest.<br />
<br />
The third lecture, <strong>The Problem of Hubris</strong>, will examine the great unfixable problems in life and healthcare - aging and death. Gawande will argue that the reluctance of society and medical institutions to recognise the limits of what professionals can do is producing widespread suffering. But research is revealing how this can change.<br />
<br />
The fourth and final lecture, <strong>The Idea of Wellbeing</strong>, will argue that medicine must shift from a focus on health and survival to a focus on wellbeing - on protecting, insofar as possible, people’s abilities to pursue their highest priorities in life. And, as he will suggest from the story of his father’s life and death from cancer, those priorities are nearly always more complex than simply to live longer.<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Task</h3>
Atul Gawande strikes me as an outstanding role model.<br />
<br />
Our challenge is to rise above our everyday conditioning and aim to be as good as Dr Gawande in the things that we are passionate about, and which bring us to life.<br />
<br />
It’s easy to quote Ralph Waldo Emerson<br />
<blockquote>
"Do not go where the <em>path</em> may lead, go instead where there is no <em>path</em> and leave a trail."</blockquote>
The tricky bit is sailing towards the horizon and not knowing where you're going. It's spectacularly more difficult than you might expect...<br />
<br />
As one of my Mentors said to me:<br />
<blockquote>
"Justin, it's not about leaving A to get to B, it's about leaving A" </blockquote>
<em>Thank you Steve!</em><br />
<br />
<h3>
Goodreads</h3>
I endeavour to record what I’m reading via <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/justingsouter" target="_blank">my profile on Goodreads</a>.Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-19916686233401755812018-01-10T08:30:00.000+00:002018-02-04T11:16:08.391+00:00Resources for a Teenager – ‘Living’The second in a <a href="https://wellbanked.blogspot.com/2018/01/resources-for-teenager-blog-series.html" target="_blank">series of posts</a> detailing those resources I’m finding useful on my own particular (life) journey.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Meta</h3>
I’ve chosen these books to hopefully be an accessible way into cultivating inner knowledge, and valuing our inner teacher [or whatever you would like to call it…].<br />
<br />
IMHO there is no ‘correct’ way to live, only continual experiments in vulnerability and courage.<br />
<br />
I’ve come to believe it’s a life-long practice, with many speed bumps along the way #crikey<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
The List</h3>
To grow, as I come across new materials and / or think of additions.<br />
<br />
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<h3>
The rationale</h3>
<ol>
<li><em>Daring Greatly</em>: Brené is reframing vulnerability so that we can welcome it as a superpower. I’m coming to the belief that vulnerability is a vital stepping stone to presence, and that we are fortunate to live in a time to absorb her wisdom for ourselves.</li>
<li><em>A Hidden Wholeness</em> – Parker’s work powerfully resonates with me. I’ve attended three retreats – and counting – based on the insights of the Centre for Courage and Renewal. Their ‘Clearness Committee’ format is the most respectful and dignified way to hold other people which I have come across.</li>
<li><em>What shall I do with my Life?</em> – I remember reading this and thinking: that’s actually really helpful.</li>
<li><em>Sophie’s World</em> – IMHO we should teach philosophy to Primary Schoolers. A brilliant way to create a coherent understanding of the major schools. These are thinking skills and a mind gym we can all benefit from.</li>
<li><em>Mindset [& Bounce] – </em>a vital contribution from Carol Dweck about the Growth Mindset. Aka all feedback is an opportunity to learn, no matter how difficult it might be at the time.</li>
<li><em>When Things fall apart</em> [and they often do] – Ani Pema’s synthesis of this Buddhist lineage will be something I expect to return to time and again. In fact Ani Pema’s ability to convey profound wisdom is something I greatly value. I plan to return to her work in different formats, in future.</li>
<li><em>Man’s search for meaning</em> – out of some of humanity’s darkest hours emerges some rays of light. <em>Night</em>, by Elie Wiesel, taps into the same elemental forces.</li>
<li><em>Quiet</em> – I came away from reading this by thinking that I could well be an introvert, with extrovert tendencies. Perhaps an ‘ambivert’. A fascinating reframe…</li>
<li><em>The Hero with a Thousand Faces</em> – who would have thought that humanity shares many ways of thinking about our existence, when so often we (collectively) seek to differentiate our wisdom traditions?</li>
<li><em>The Art of Asking</em> – just ‘take the doughnuts’: aka let people help you. Something I’ve found very useful myself!</li>
<li><em>Heart Sutra</em> – something to come back to whenever needed. I understand the preamble better than I do the Sanskrit…!</li>
<li><b>Update</b>: <em>Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness meditation for everyday life</em> - Jon created the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindfulness-based_stress_reduction">mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)</a> class [something I've done, and continue to practice].</li>
</ol>
<h3>
The Task</h3>
It’s been said that there are many ways to live life. Our individual challenge is to figure out a way that works for us, at our deepest levels (and even to discover them in the first place…).<br />
Onwards!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Goodreads</h3>
I endeavour to record what I’m reading via <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/justingsouter" target="_blank">my profile on Goodreads</a>.<br />
<ol><em></em></ol>
Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-33196790782601951912018-01-07T09:30:00.000+00:002018-02-04T10:57:18.591+00:00Resources for a Teenager - blog series<h3>
Intro</h3>
Living can be a challenge. Feeling like you’re connected - a jigsaw puzzle when the pieces fit together – is a challenge for most of us.<br />
<br />
When you love a parent, and lose them before you might reasonably expect to, I can only imagine it’s incredibly difficult.<br />
<br />
I thought it’d be helpful to breathe life back into this blog - after a prolonged quietude – by making a record of those of the resources I’m finding useful on my own particular journey.<br />
<br />
I’m offering them here so that others may refer to them, choose what resonates, and read, watch, mark, and inwardly digest to support a life more fully lived.<br />
<br />
I hope they are useful!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Materials</h3>
I’m planning to coalesce my findings – to begin with – about ‘Living’; Economics; and Fiction.<br />
<br />
These signposts will (probably) be books; videos; blogs & online articles; and podcasts.<br />
<br />
I’ll hopefully have bandwidth to provide a minimalist commentary.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Series</h3>
I plan to embed a number of widgets in these posts. <br />
<br />
It may well be that the order is a bit haphazard (according to the collation of various types of materials), and that the order is the type of material, rather than the theme. I’d apologise, but better to ship than be perfect… ;D<br />
<br />
<h3>
Feedback</h3>
Any thoughts, additions, amendments – whatever – please add in respectful and constructive comments to the posts. Thank you!<br />
<br />Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comNewcastle upon Tyne, UK54.978252 -1.617780000000038954.8325385 -1.9405035000000388 55.1239655 -1.2950565000000389tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-48796227832167583662012-11-22T20:12:00.000+00:002012-11-22T20:12:38.973+00:00Please help me raise Movember £$€ for Men’s cancer charities<h3>
Intro</h3>
Yes, hi folks – it’s <a href="http://mobro.co/justingsouter" target="_blank">Movember</a> time, a time when we aim to raise awareness and funds to support research into Prostate and Testicular cancers.<br />
<br />
This is therefore a quick post to spread the word, encourage you all to give money in support, and tell you what I’m doing to earn your commitment and hard cash!<br />
<h3>
Movember recap</h3>
<blockquote>
During November each year, <a href="http://mobro.co/justingsouter" target="_blank">Movember</a> is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the UK and around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and testicular cancer. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Once registered at <a href="http://uk.movember.com/" target="_blank">movember.com</a> each Mo Bro must begin the 1st of Movember with a clean shaven face. For the entire month each Mo Bro must grow and groom a moustache. There is to be no joining of the mo to the sideburns (that’s considered a beard), there’s to be no joining of the handlebars to the chin (that’s considered a goatee) and each Mo Bro must conduct himself like a true gentleman.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
A Mo Sista is essentially a woman who loves a Mo. An individual that is dedicated to supporting the Mo Bros in her life through their moustache growing journey; whether it be a friend, colleague, family member or partner. These inspirational women are committed to raising awareness of men's health issues and much needed funds for men's health along the way. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November and through their actions and words raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
At the end of the month, Mo Bros and Mo Sistas celebrate their Movember journey throwing their own <a href="http://uk.movember.com/events/mo-parties">Movember parties</a> or attending one of the <a href="http://uk.movember.com/gala-partes">Gala Partés</a> held around the world to stand tall and celebrate the moustache.</blockquote>
<h3>
Sideburns, Burnsides, and Cider</h3>
A quick back-story to this year’s ‘tache.<br />
<h4>
Burnsides</h4>
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambrose_Burnside" target="_blank"><img align="left" height="200" src="http://www.civilwarhome.com/images/burnside.jpg" style="display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px;" width="153" />Ambrose Burnside</a> was an American Civil War general, known for his fantastic pair of burners, which happily joined in the middle under his nose. Oops, there goes rule 1!<br />
<br />
According to that old faithful, Wikipedia:<br />
<blockquote>
Burnside was noted for his unusual <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facial_hair">facial hair</a>, joining strips of hair in front of his ears to his mustache but with chin clean-shaven; the word <i>burnsides</i> was coined to describe this style. The syllables were later reversed to give <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sideburns">sideburns</a></i>.</blockquote>
<h4>
Cotswold Cider Co – Sideburn</h4>
<img align="right" border="0" height="240" src="http://www.cotswoldciderco.com/images/bottle_side-burn-cider.png" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="146" /><br />
In his spare time, my brother makes cider, and he’s actually rather good at it! In particular, he makes <a href="http://www.cotswoldciderco.com/?p=side_burn" target="_blank">Sideburn Cider</a>:<br />
<blockquote>
A lightly sparkling, real good "toffee-apple infusion" - splendid...<br />
<h5>
ABV 6%, 500ml</h5>
Celebrating the Sideburns proudly worn by real cider lovers. "Gracing the bottle is their inventor and our hero, Ambrose Burnside."</blockquote>
<h3>
My own work in progress</h3>
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l4VMuPxQytY/UK6DWBkxPGI/AAAAAAAAAj8/sMLq8HSnfNQ/s1600-h/IMG-20121109-00292%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="IMG-20121109-00292" border="0" height="213" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qQJxHg7yFT4/UKFgd1_AlRI/AAAAAAAAAkE/kLcqhKxGEzY/IMG-20121109-00292_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG-20121109-00292" width="178" /></a>Given that I didn’t totally obey the rules last year with my “monkey’s tail”, I’ve ploughed ahead with my Ambrose Burnside tribute.
<br />
<br />
Here is a week-old version. I’ll post a more up-to-date photo asap.<br />
I think it’s splitting opinions, although I'll admit that a normal ‘tache probably takes a bit more courage and persistance than my own facial fuzz!<br />
<h3>
Please give what you can. Thanks</h3>
Albert has got the ball rolling on <a href="http://mobro.co/justingsouter">http://mobro.co/justingsouter</a>.<br />
I’ve put my money my where my mouth / top lip is. I hope you can do the same!
<br />
<br />
Thank you.Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-813076142695171672012-10-06T13:00:00.000+01:002012-10-06T18:27:50.916+01:00Brené Brown and wholeheartedness<h3>
Introduction</h3>
<br />
A quick post about a recent discovery I made, and grateful for the serendipity that brought me!<br />
<br />
I recently gained a new Twitter follower, <a href="http://twitter.com/kabbenbock">@kabbenbock</a>, over at <a href="http://twitter.com/souterconsults" target="_blank">@souterconsults</a>. I usually find out about new followers through an e-mail alert, and those with bios that resonate with me I check out, and follow back, as appropriate.<br />
<br />
@kabbenbock IRL is Andy Smith, who I was aware of him as one of the authors of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0470614153/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0470614153&linkCode=as2&tag=wellpersblogo-21">The Dragonfly Effect: Quick, Effective, and Powerful Ways to Use Social Media to Drive Social Change</a>.<br />
<br />
I felt flattered to be followed by someone like Andy, and checked out his Twitterstream before tweeting my thanks for the follow. One of his tweets was:<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center">
Great storytellers create a purposeful narrative, sucking us in, forcing us to make it our own <a href="http://t.co/2n1p7o63" title="http://buff.ly/Sy9Php">buff.ly/Sy9Php</a> @<a href="https://twitter.com/kareanderson">kareanderson</a><br />
— Andy Smith (@kabbenbock) <a data-datetime="2012-09-18T23:58:07+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/kabbenbock/status/248209318959251456">September 18, 2012</a></blockquote>
<br />
<a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/kareanderson/2012/09/11/what-vulnerability-looks-like-to-psychopaths-monks-and-the-rest-of-us/">Kare Anderson’s article</a> includes this quote:<br />
<blockquote>
Ironically, the sharing of one’s vulnerability with trusted others is one of the prime gateways to overcoming shame according to the star of one of the ten most watched <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html">TED talks</a>, Brene Brown. In <em><a href="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=grow-your-happiness-and-well-being-21&o=2&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1592407331">Daring Greatly</a></em>, she describes the paradoxical power of embracing our vulnerability and acknowledging our fears as a path towards being more courageous and connected with others. That means letting go of the need for certainty and control.</blockquote>
This intrigued me, and I sought out Brené’s TED talk.<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<br />
<h3>
Brené Brown</h3>
The following is an except from <a href="http://www.brenebrown.com/welcome">Brené Brown’s bio page</a>: <br />
<blockquote>
Brené Brown, Ph.D., LMSW is a research professor at the University of Houston<a href="http://www.sw.uh.edu/main/home.php">Graduate College of Social Work</a>. She has spent the past decade studying vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Brené is a nationally renowned speaker and has won numerous teaching awards, including the College’s Outstanding Faculty Award. Her groundbreaking work has been featured on <a href="http://www.brenebrown.com/watch-video-excerpts/">PBS</a>, <a href="http://archive.kcur.org/kcurViewDirect.asp?PlaylistID=7597">NPR</a>, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/11/01/give.up.perfection/index.html?hpt=C2">CNN</a>, and has appeared in <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-leadership/a-love-note-to-the-workaholic/2012/02/13/gIQAHVNvAR_story.html">The Washington Post</a>,<a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/ordinary-courage/201010/the-cruelty-crisis-bullying-isnt-school-problem-its-national-pastime">Psychology Today</a>, and many other national media outlets.<br />
<br />
Her <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html">2010 TEDxHouston talk on the power of vulnerability </a>is one of most watched talks on TED.com, with approximately 5 million views. She gave the closing talk, <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_listening_to_shame.html">Listening to Shame,</a> at the 2012 TED Conference in Long Beach. </blockquote>
<br />
<h3>
TED Videos</h3>
The videos are below. <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html">The first</a> has now reached 6.1m views; <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_listening_to_shame.html">the second</a> is on its way towards 1.5m. Half a dozen of these combined views are from me! ;-)<br />
<h4>
The Power of Vulnerability</h4>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/iCvmsMzlF7o" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
The blurb for <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html">this TED talk</a> is:<br />
<blockquote>
Brené Brown studies human connection -- our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. A talk to share. (Filmed at TEDxHouston.) </blockquote>
<h4>
Listening to Shame</h4>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/psN1DORYYV0" width="400"></iframe><br />
<br />
Blurb for <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_listening_to_shame.html">this one</a> is:<br />
<blockquote>
Shame is an unspoken epidemic, the secret behind many forms of broken behavior. Brené Brown, whose earlier talk on vulnerability became a viral hit, explores what can happen when people confront their shame head-on. Her own humor, humanity and vulnerability shine through every word. </blockquote>
IMHO even more powerful than the first talk. I love Brené’s admixture of vulnerability, insight, and joy. Thank you, Brené! :-D<br />
<br />
I've put in YouTube versions of these talks as they're easier to tweak to fit in the blog design...<br />
<br />
<h3>
Videos for further context</h3>
I've gone a bit crazy with all these videos, but this for me is extraordinary stuff! Let me know if it takes an age to load...<br />
<h4>
TEDxKC - Brené Brown - The Price of Invulnerability</h4>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_UoMXF73j0c" width="400"></iframe>
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<h4>
Shame & Empathy by Dr. Brené Brown</h4>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qQiFfA7KfF0" width="420"></iframe>
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<h4>
</h4>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/4620966?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="400"></iframe>
<br />
<h3>
Resources</h3>
Check out <a href="http://www.brenebrown.com/videos/">Brené’s resources page</a> for links to videos, podcasts, and online articles.<br />
<h4>
Books</h4>
I’m still in the early stages of exploring Brené’s work, however I’ve cued up Brené’s books on my Amazon wishlist:<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1592403352/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1592403352&linkCode=as2&tag=wellpersblogo-21">I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST ME (BUT IT ISN'T): Telling the Truth About Perfectionism, Inadequacy and Power</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/159285849X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=159285849X&linkCode=as2&tag=grow-your-happiness-and-well-being-21">The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to be and Embrace Who You are</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1592407331/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1592407331&linkCode=as2&tag=grow-your-happiness-and-well-being-21">Daring Greatly</a></li>
</ol>
<h4>
Podcasts</h4>
I’m a big fan of podcasts, and have listened to the <a href="http://www.smartpeoplepodcast.com/2012/01/15/episode-45-brene-brown/">Smart People Podcast interview with Brené</a>. The first 5 minutes or so are context, which I’ve fast-forwarded when I’ve listened to the podcast again! ;-). <a href="http://www.smartpeoplepodcast.com/podpress_trac/web/686/0/Episode%2045%20-%20Brene%20Brown.mp3">Direct link</a><br />
<br />
You may also want to check out <a href="http://howshereallydoesit.com/podcast/2011/09/brene-brown-2/" target="_blank">this interview with Koren Motekaitis</a> with is rather tremendous. <a href="http://www.howshereallydoesit.com/wp-content/uploads/Brene%20Brown%20Sept%202011.mp3" target="_blank">Direct link</a>.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Wholeheartedness</h3>
On of the key outcomes for Brené’s research has been that some people are what she calls “wholehearted” – in summary, they are confident that they are ‘enough’ and worthy of other people’s love.<br />
<br />
I guess that’s the point of her writings, so I plan to read them after <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0712629300/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0712629300&linkCode=as2&tag=grow-your-happiness-and-well-being-21">Loving What Is</a> by Byron Katie, and <a href="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=grow-your-happiness-and-well-being-21&o=2&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0749925884">Coming to Our Senses</a> by Jon Kabat-Zinn. The books-to-read pile is growing! ;-)<br />
<h4>
Graphics</h4>
These are some graphics from Brené’s website which I am posting here to bring to a wider audience. I’m seeking to “be the change I’m trying to create”.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.brenebrown.com/" mce_href="http://www.brenebrown.com/"><img mce_src="http://www.brenebrown.com/storage/authenticitybadge.jpg" source="blank" src="http://www.brenebrown.com/storage/authenticitybadge.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.brenebrown.com/" mce_href="http://www.brenebrown.com/"><img mce_src="http://www.brenebrown.com/storage/wholeheartedbadge.jpg" source="blank" src="http://www.brenebrown.com/storage/wholeheartedbadge.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<img height="287" src="http://www.brenebrown.com/storage/FRSM-ManifestoBlogSize.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1296098586231" width="400" /><br />
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<h3>
Wash up</h3>
I’m sharing these materials as they have resonated strongly with me. Whilst I’m keen to read all three books straight away, I sense that part of me is seeking in them “the answer” which I am coming to realise doesn’t really exist. I am confident that they will, however, be part of the solution!<br />
<br />
I also like the idea that they are something to ‘move towards’, rather than ‘move away from’ – in the words of a buddy of mine. That puts Brené’s work in the same category as the positive psychology movement, in that it is creating new skills, rather than sorting out the past. Time to leave the past and create the future!<br />
<br />
UPDATE 06/10/12: Added link for podcast interview with Koren Motekaitis.Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-88405016131422889742012-10-04T12:29:00.000+01:002012-10-04T12:29:00.817+01:00The Power of TED* - summary presentation to Action for Happiness North East<h3>
Introduction</h3>
<br />
Although I am an avid student of personal development materials in order to become more present and mindful, I am deeply indebted to my learnings from <a href="http://thepowerofted.com/">The Power of TED*</a>. TED, in this instance, refers to the Empowerment Dynamic.<br />
<br />
This post is a reflection on how much I have gained from my (so far) six readings of <a href="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=grow-your-happiness-and-well-being-21&o=2&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0977144119" target="_blank">the book</a>!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Slide deck</h3>
Way back in the Spring I presented this summary slide deck to Action for Happiness North East, a group I help found earlier this year, and about which I’ve already <a href="http://wellbanked.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/join-us-for-north-east-premiere-of-on.html" target="_blank">blogged about here</a>.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="356" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/14522774" style="border-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 0px; margin-bottom: 5px;" width="427"> </iframe><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 5px;">
<strong><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/justingsouter/the-power-of-ted" target="_blank" title="The Power of TED* - summary presentation to Action for Happiness North East">The Power of TED* - summary presentation to Action for Happiness North East</a> </strong>from <strong><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/justingsouter" target="_blank">Justin Souter</a></strong> <br />
</div>
<h3>
TED* Library</h3>
Check out <a href="http://powerofted.com/ted-library" target="_blank">the TED* library</a>, full of podcasts, articles, and videos. Mmm, podcasts! I am still a regular listener to these podcasts, to help embed my learnings.<br />
The following videos are linked through from the <a href="http://powerofted.com/ted-library" target="_blank">library page</a>.<br />
<h4>
Describing TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic)</h4>
David Emerald describes TED*<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="169" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/s-8Ay4OEMOQ" width="300"></iframe><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Master Certified Coach Molly Gordon Talks TED*</span></h4>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="169" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Gh5b6NX9-0o" width="300"></iframe><br />
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<h3>
Reflections</h3>
Key things I have learned from both reading <a href="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=grow-your-happiness-and-well-being-21&o=2&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0977144119" target="_blank">the TED* book</a>, and attending the <a href="http://powerofted.com/education/webinars" target="_blank">TED* for Coaches webinar series</a>:<br />
<ul>
<li>Decide what you’re for <ul>
<li>It was surprisingly challenging to find answers to the question “what do I really want, what am seeking to create” </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Taking quiet time in the mornings <ul>
<li>I benefit from the <a href="http://www.entheos.com/blissitations/DailyMojo" target="_blank">Blissitation soundtrack</a> ‘Daily Mojo’ to get clear for each day </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>See other people as creators <ul>
<li>Everyone has potential – it is up to us to be connected with the creator in other people </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Interpret life situations through the lens of the empowerment dynamic <ul>
<li>Although much of life seems to correspond to the Drama Triangle, I find it more empowering to keep in mind what one wants to create! </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Choose choice <ul>
<li>We’re all at choice, all of the time. It’s empowering to know this, and to consciously choose choice and choose to be a creator. </li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
I could carry on in this vein – however this’ll do for now ;-)<br />
<br />
<h3>
Wash up</h3>
Reading <a href="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=grow-your-happiness-and-well-being-21&o=2&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0977144119" target="_blank">The Power of TED*</a> and working to absorb the lessons has been a watershed moment for me. I feel really grateful to be able to take on the learnings, and happy to share them with others – and answer any questions.<br />
<br />
Definitely worthwhile saying many thanks to both <a href="https://twitter.com/powerofted" target="_blank">David Emerald</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/donnazajonc" target="_blank">Donna Zajonc</a> for their help in my growth!Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-12434727995688255832012-05-27T10:09:00.000+01:002012-05-27T10:10:46.937+01:00How can you learn greater well-being? What is Positive psychology? -- Some insightful concepts<h3>
Introduction</h3>
I was pleased to be able to attend <a href="http://www.webcitation.org/67xDBGbeQ" target="_blank">another showing of the movie ‘Happy’</a> – hosted by <a href="http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/sd/academic/lifesciences/ad/psych/psychstaff/d_jima-otero/" target="_blank">Dr Deborah Jima-Otero</a> at the <a href="http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/sd/academic/lifesciences/buscomm/bus/consultancy/ncpl/" target="_blank">Newcastle Centre for Positive Living</a>, part of <a href="http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Northumbria University</a>.<br />
<br />
I was grateful to do this, as I had become aware of what I believe is some really insightful wording relating to positive psychology, in the context of a <a href="http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/sd/academic/lifesciences/news/positivelivingprogramme" target="_blank">course run from October 2011 to help attendees improve their quality of life, and well-being</a>.<br />
<br />
Deborah kindly assented to me reproducing the wording – with the appropriate attribution.<br />
<h3>
Descriptive text from NCPL’s “Eight week programme in positive living”</h3>
This is verbatim from the <a href="http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/sd/academic/lifesciences/news/positivelivingprogramme" target="_blank">course outline</a>:<br />
<blockquote>
Dr Deborah Jima-Otero and Dr Matthew Lewis from The Newcastle Centre for Positive Living (NCPL) at Northumbria University are pleased to announce their eight week programme in positive living, starting on 20th October 2011 every Thursday 6.30-8.30pm, for members of the general public. </blockquote>
<blockquote>
<img alt="Leading people to positive lives" src="http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/static/images/newsimages/unimages/positive_lives.jpg" /></blockquote>
<blockquote>
Using scientifically validated exercises from the field of positive psychology, the programme aims to introduce participants to techniques which will enable them to experience more positive emotions and flourish in life. It will seek to help the group of participants to assess their personal well-being and satisfaction with life; plan a meaningful and satisfying life for themselves and try out various exercises which are aimed at increasing positive emotions and decreasing negative emotions. These guided exercises will be completed during the weekly sessions and in the participants' own time between these sessions.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<h3>
<i>What are the benefits of positive emotions beyond ‘feeling good’?</i><b> </b><b></b></h3>
<b> </b>Research has shown that positive emotions have a number of beneficial effects, beyond simply ‘feeling good’. <br />
Happier people: <br />
<ul>
<li><em>Are more creative and better at problem solving</em> – Positive emotions broaden people’s outlook, bringing more possibilities into view. Greater openness makes them more creative as they are more likely to let go of preconceived ideas and think outside the box. </li>
<li><em>Are more productive and successful</em> – They are more engaged both at work and play and tend to take less time off work due to sickness. </li>
<li><em>Are more resilient</em> – They tend to bounce back from life’s setbacks more quickly. </li>
<li><em>Experience more fulfilling relationships with others</em> - They are also more likely to help other people and benefit from social support themselves. </li>
<li><em>Are healthier</em> – They tend to lead healthier lifestyles and research has shown that they even live longer! </li>
</ul>
<h3>
<i>What is positive psychology?</i><i> </i></h3>
Positive psychology is at the heart of much of our work at the Newcastle Centre for Positive Living (NCPL). In a nutshell, positive psychology is the scientific study of optimal human functioning and is concerned with positive aspects of human life such as happiness, well-being, flourishing, engagement, meaning, accomplishment, and positive relationships. The aim of the field is to redress the imbalance that has emerged in the field of psychology from emphasising ‘misery and suffering’ (i.e., shortcomings such as depression, anxiety, drug addiction, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder) to understanding factors that make life worth living (i.e., potentials and human strengths). <br />
<h3>
<i>Building ‘psychological immunity’</i> </h3>
Positive psychology is keen to promote the idea that the full range of emotions have their place in human existence and that we need to give ourselves the permission to be human and accept that we all experience life’s ups and downs. So positive psychology is not about being ‘happy clappy’ but about being real. However, it espouses the view that through hard work and practicing scientifically validated interventions (and experiencing setbacks along the way!) individuals can learn resilience and build up their ‘psychological immune system’. The idea is that, like physical immunity, individuals with a strong psychological immune system may still ‘get sick’ but this happens less frequently and when setbacks occur they get over them more quickly. <br />
<h3>
<i>Prevention through cultivating the positive</i><b> </b><b></b></h3>
Positive psychology is not targeted at fixing problems (i.e. remedial) but works on getting people to their upper range of well-being. If you imagine a scale of well-being ranging from -10 to 0 to +10, psychology has traditionally focused on getting people who may be a -8 on the scale up to 0 or 1. Positive psychology, by contrast, also focuses on those who may be at 0 or +1 or +2 and teaches them how to get to +8 or +10. It helps individuals who may be ‘getting by’ in life to truly flourish, find meaning, and build resilience. In this respect it is much more preventative in its approach. For example, Martin Seligman the founder of the field of positive psychology, has found in his research that learning optimism prevents depression and anxiety in ‘at risk’ children and adults, roughly halving their incidence over the next two years.</blockquote>
also<br />
<blockquote>
Finally, we would like to point out that you may find this course personally challenging at times as it may involved changing deeply entrenched habits. We do not advocate the view that there are a few ‘easy steps’ to happiness. Instead, we believe it takes commitment, motivation and hard work. We aim to support and encourage you on this journey but ultimately the main drive and effort needs to come from you. That said, you also need to accept that you will experience challenges and setbacks along the way – these are all part of being human!</blockquote>
<h3>
Take away</h3>
Key points for me:<br />
<ul>
<li>Well-being and meaning is something that can be developed and grown – chiming with my recent reading of ‘<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1780332009/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wellpersblogo-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1780332009" target="_blank">Mindset</a>’ by Carol Dweck, and ‘<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0007350546/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wellpersblogo-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0007350546" target="_blank">Bounce</a>’ by Matthew Syed</li>
<li>Well-being and happiness is about being authentic, and raising one’s “mean” state of experience</li>
<li>Going through the exercises is personally challenging</li>
<li>I really like the idea of a “psychological immune system”</li>
</ul>
Arguably these are incredibly important life skills that many more people would benefit from, and deserve to be part of a wider set of life skills courses that form part of everyone’s basic education. What do you think?Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-54888103979129825512012-04-19T20:04:00.001+01:002012-09-30T11:31:42.830+01:00“What are the skills that build positive emotion, gratitude, optimism, purpose, engagement in life?”<h3>
Intro</h3>
Since last June, I've been working with a start-up called <a href="http://happie.st/">http://happie.st</a>. Our tagline is 'get rewarded for doing the things that make you happy".<br />
<br />
I've come across some awesome personal development materials since then, and have got stuck into a lot of podcasts, DVDs, books, articles etc. ;-). For the eagle-eyed, you probably already know that! lol<br />
<br />
This post records some of my recent discoveries, and the inspiration they provide:<br />
<ul>
<li>Some reflections by Martin Seligman, arguably the moving spirit behind <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Positive_Psychology" target="_blank">Positive Psychology</a>, and someone I first learned about on my Psychology undergraduate degree – as he had convincingly put forward the theory of ‘<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learned_helplessness" target="_blank">learned helplessness</a>’. </li>
<li>A summary from Time magazine about Positive Psychology </li>
<li>Links to some courses on Positive Psychology I have found (in the UK) </li>
<li>Widget showing some of my Goodreads books and account </li>
</ul>
<h3>
Marty Seligman</h3>
I find listening to a podcast of someone gives a fantastic flavour of the person, and whether I’m going to enjoy / like / benefit from their writings.<br />
<h4>
Marty at the RSA</h4>
Martin Seligman at the RSA in London: I've listened to <a href="http://www.thersa.org/events/audio-and-past-events/2011/flourish">his podcast</a>, and it’s highly insightful and enjoyable. Full disclosure: I used to be a Fellow of the <a href="http://thersa.org/" target="_blank">RSA</a>.<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
MAPP programme promotion podcast</h4>
Having searched iTunes for ‘Martin Seligman’, I was also listening to another podcast, and found the early proceedings highly meaningful.<br />
<br />
I’ve listened to a particular section a number of times, and I've (roughly) typed up a couple of minutes the proceedings of the Virtual Information Session (<a href="http://www.sas.upenn.edu/lps/graduate/mapp">http://www.sas.upenn.edu/lps/graduate/mapp</a>) from about 4mins 30secs - involving Marty Seligman:<br />
<ul>
<li>"Back 8 years ago, when I found myself president of 160k psychologists, I asked myself the question "what do psychologists do well?", "what don't we do well?" </li>
<li>I thought what we did pretty well was suffering: depression, trauma, anxiety, anger, victims and the like </li>
<li>But, what psychologists didn't do well, what there was no science, no practice of, was what makes life worth living: positive energy, positive emotion, engagement </li>
<li>So, as I looked around, I decided that my initiative as president of that Association would be to cheer-lead for, raise money, do some of the science, or the possibility of a science of practice, on what makes life what worth living, the positive side of life </li>
<li>I should say that what was behind that was some of my experience as a clinical psychologist, as a therapist for many years </li>
<li>And initially, I had believed that all you needed to work on was suffering; if you got rid of suffering, you automatically got happy </li>
<li>We were astonished to find out in clinical practice that occasionally when things went really well and you were able to alleviate anxiety, depression, anger: you didn't get a happy person, you got an empty person </li>
<li>So the question was, so what are the skills that build purpose and meaning in life, they're different from relieving depression? What are the skills that build positive emotion, gratitude, optimism, purpose, engagement in life? And so that became my mission </li>
<li>[...] </li>
<li>Starting about 4 / 3 years ago, as the science was beginning to develop along, I began to become concerned about application; that is, how can we take the things we're learning about gratitude, about pleasure, about strength and virtue, about creating purpose, and bring them into the real world" </li>
</ul>
I feel the point about an 'Empty person' is incredibly powerful, certainly for my own life. I'd actually bought 'Learned Optimism' (<a href="http://amzn.to/J6djq7">http://amzn.to/J6djq7</a>) a couple of weeks back, and I'm also reading 'Happier' (<a href="http://amzn.to/Jrve7w">http://amzn.to/Jrve7w</a>).<br />
<br />
I feel that this will be a rich vein for investigation and learning for me. I find the description of ‘empty’ a trigger to do practical things to build my own levels of positive emotion, gratitude, optimism, purpose, and engagement in life :-D <br />
<br />
I'd be fascinated to hear any thoughts and feedback you may have. By the way, MAPP stands for ‘Master of Applied Positive Psychology’.<br />
<h3>
Courses</h3>
For now, studying at the University of Pennsylvania, at Martin’s knee, is a bit of a long shot, so here are some closer to home:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/sd/academic/lifesciences/news/positivelivingprogramme">Eight Week Programme in Positive Living</a> at Northumbria Unversity – in Newcastle </li>
<li><a href="http://www.uel.ac.uk/postgraduate/specs/positivepsychology/">Applied Positive Psychology MSc</a> at the University of East London, similar to UoP course </li>
<li><a href="http://www.city.ac.uk/courses/short-courses/positive-psychology">Positive Psychology (Short Courses)</a> at my (other) Alma Mater, City Uni in London </li>
</ul>
<h3>
Time document</h3>
Useful summary of Positive Psychology which puts things into a nutshell:<br />
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/87789077/The-New-Science-of-Happiness" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 14px/normal helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin: 12px auto 6px; text-decoration: underline;" title="View The New Science of Happiness on Scribd">The New Science of Happiness</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.723404255319149" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_31363" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/87789077/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-1wio4dlfjvdzgbabttay" width="100%"></iframe> <br />
<h3>
Goodreads widget</h3>
I’m whacking this in here, as it’s a useful place for me to share what I’m reading :-)<br />
<style media="screen" type="text/css">
<br /><br /><br /> .gr_custom_container_1334859807 {<br /> /* customize your Goodreads widget container here*/<br /> border: 1px solid gray;<br /> -moz-border-radius:10px;<br /> -webkit-border-radius:10px;<br /> padding: 10px 5px 10px 5px;<br /> background-color: #ffffff; <br /> color: #000000; <br /> width: 300px<br /> }<br /> .gr_custom_header_1334859807 {<br /> /* customize your Goodreads header here*/<br /> border-bottom: 1px solid gray;<br /> width: 100%;<br /> margin-bottom: 5px;<br /> text-align: center;<br /> font-size: 120%<br /> }<br /> .gr_custom_each_container_1334859807 {<br /> /* customize each individual book container here */<br /> width: 100%;<br /> clear: both;<br /> margin-bottom: 10px;<br /> overflow: auto;<br /> padding-bottom: 4px;<br /> border-bottom: 1px solid #aaa;<br /> }<br /> .gr_custom_book_container_1334859807 { <br /> /* customize your book covers here */<br /> overflow: hidden;<br /> height: 60px;<br /> float: left;<br /> margin-right: 4px;<br /> width: 39px;<br /> }<br /> .gr_custom_author_1334859807 {<br /> /* customize your author names here */<br /> font-size: 10px;<br /> }<br /> .gr_custom_tags_1334859807 {<br /> /* customize your tags here */<br /> font-size: 10px;<br /> color: gray;<br /> }<br /> .gr_custom_rating_1334859807 {<br /> /* customize your rating stars here */<br /> float: right;<br /> }
</style> <br />
<div id="gr_custom_widget_1334859807">
<div class="gr_custom_container_1334859807">
<h2 class="gr_custom_header_1334859807">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/2361334-justin-souter?shelf=to-read&utm_medium=api&utm_source=custom_widget" style="text-decoration: none;">Justin's bookshelf: to-read</a> </h2>
<div class="gr_custom_each_container_1334859807">
<div class="gr_custom_book_container_1334859807">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/313335756?utm_medium=api&utm_source=custom_widget" title="The Genius In All Of Us: Why Everything You've Been Told About Genes, Talent And Intelligence Is Wrong"><img alt="The Genius In All Of Us: Why Everything You've Been Told About Genes, Talent And Intelligence Is Wrong" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327944767s/7939386.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="gr_custom_rating_1334859807">
<img alt="0 of 5 stars true" height="15" src="http://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/stars/red_star_0_of_5.png" title="0 of 5 stars, " width="75" /> </div>
<div class="gr_custom_title_1334859807">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/313335756?utm_medium=api&utm_source=custom_widget">The Genius In All Of Us: Why Everything You've Been Told About Genes, Talent And Intelligence Is Wrong</a> </div>
<div class="gr_custom_author_1334859807">
by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/590.David_Shenk">David Shenk</a> </div>
</div>
<div class="gr_custom_each_container_1334859807">
<div class="gr_custom_book_container_1334859807">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/302774418?utm_medium=api&utm_source=custom_widget" title="Succeed: How We Can Reach Our Goals"><img alt="Succeed: How We Can Reach Our Goals" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327951639s/11521520.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="gr_custom_rating_1334859807">
<img alt="0 of 5 stars true" height="15" src="http://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/stars/red_star_0_of_5.png" title="0 of 5 stars, " width="75" /> </div>
<div class="gr_custom_title_1334859807">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/302774418?utm_medium=api&utm_source=custom_widget">Succeed: How We Can Reach Our Goals</a> </div>
<div class="gr_custom_author_1334859807">
by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4472747.Heidi_Grant_Halvorson">Heidi Grant Halvorson</a> </div>
</div>
<div class="gr_custom_each_container_1334859807">
<div class="gr_custom_book_container_1334859807">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/302774367?utm_medium=api&utm_source=custom_widget" title="Bounce: The Myth of Talent and the Power of Practice"><img alt="Bounce: The Myth of Talent and the Power of Practice" border="0" src="http://www.goodreads.com/assets/nocover/60x80.png" /></a> </div>
<div class="gr_custom_rating_1334859807">
<img alt="0 of 5 stars true" height="15" src="http://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/stars/red_star_0_of_5.png" title="0 of 5 stars, " width="75" /> </div>
<div class="gr_custom_title_1334859807">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/302774367?utm_medium=api&utm_source=custom_widget">Bounce: The Myth of Talent and the Power of Practice</a> </div>
<div class="gr_custom_author_1334859807">
by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3414480.Matthew_Syed">Matthew Syed</a> </div>
</div>
<div class="gr_custom_each_container_1334859807">
<div class="gr_custom_book_container_1334859807">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/302774263?utm_medium=api&utm_source=custom_widget" title="Gamestorming: A Playbook for Innovators, Rule-breakers, and Changemakers"><img alt="Gamestorming: A Playbook for Innovators, Rule-breakers, and Changemakers" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1328834995s/7641219.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="gr_custom_rating_1334859807">
<img alt="0 of 5 stars true" height="15" src="http://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/stars/red_star_0_of_5.png" title="0 of 5 stars, " width="75" /> </div>
<div class="gr_custom_title_1334859807">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/302774263?utm_medium=api&utm_source=custom_widget">Gamestorming: A Playbook for Innovators, Rule-breakers, and Changemakers</a> </div>
<div class="gr_custom_author_1334859807">
by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4603605.Dave_Gray">Dave Gray</a> </div>
</div>
<div class="gr_custom_each_container_1334859807">
<div class="gr_custom_book_container_1334859807">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/302774169?utm_medium=api&utm_source=custom_widget" title="What Should I Do with My Life?: The True Story of People Who Answered the Ultimate Question"><img alt="What Should I Do with My Life?: The True Story of People Who Answered the Ultimate Question" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1320536965s/163365.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="gr_custom_rating_1334859807">
<img alt="0 of 5 stars true" height="15" src="http://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/stars/red_star_0_of_5.png" title="0 of 5 stars, " width="75" /> </div>
<div class="gr_custom_title_1334859807">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/302774169?utm_medium=api&utm_source=custom_widget">What Should I Do with My Life?: The True Story of People Who Answered the Ultimate Question</a> </div>
<div class="gr_custom_author_1334859807">
by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/69435.Po_Bronson">Po Bronson</a> </div>
</div>
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<h3>
Wash up</h3>
I hope you find these materials useful and insightful. I’d love to get your feedback, and what else you’d suggest. Thanks for reading!Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-8724250163025175482012-02-29T18:10:00.000+00:002012-05-05T10:02:13.052+01:00Well-being materials<h3>
Introduction</h3>
I’m also posting supporting materials to accompany the recent event where I was part of a group which showed The Happy Movie.<br />
I’m also posting some supporting materials, which I will update in a couple of weeks – I want to get this all live before it gathers dust! ;-)<br />
I seem to have got over-excited by embedding stacks of videos in this post, so I hope you like it!<br />
<h3>
Happiness videos from TED.com</h3>
Some of my favourites in this area.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="200" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL1E9E7BF7B95ACB1C&hl=en_GB" width="335"></iframe> <br />
<h3>
Action for Happiness</h3>
Check out Action for Happiness for things happening this realm, in the UK. Their resources are <a href="http://www.actionforhappiness.org/resources">available here</a>.<br />
<h3>
Books</h3>
"The Power of TED*" by David Emerald, "You can have what you want" by Michael Neill, both books in my <a href="http://astore.amazon.co.uk/grow-your-happiness-and-well-being-21">Amazon Store</a>. <br />
<h3>
Wash up</h3>
Super-quick post that I hope to build on in future.Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-5853813650951181522012-02-29T16:07:00.000+00:002012-05-05T09:43:06.342+01:00Philosophers Notes goodness<h3>
Introduction</h3>
I’m also posting supporting materials to accompany the recent event where I was part of a group which showed The Happy Movie.<br />
I’m also posting some supporting materials, which I will update in a couple of weeks – I want to get this all live before it gathers dust! ;-)<br />
<h3>
Philosophers Notes</h3>
I’m a big fan of <a href="http://bit.ly/AzpH8S">PhilosophersNotes</a>, and whose videos I’m embedding below. Masses of powerful ideas for personal development and growth, and inspirational and uplifting when that’s what’s required.<br />
I feel comfortable that Brian Johnson (see videos) is a genuine and authentic guy, and there’s a tremendous amount of learning that he’s sharing.<br />
<h3>
YouTube videos</h3>
Some of my favourites:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="200" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL380FFF7B4FB9212F&hl=en_GB" width="335"></iframe> <br />
<h3>
Books</h3>
<a href="http://astore.amazon.co.uk/grow-your-happiness-and-well-being-21"><img alt="image" border="0" height="640" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-t9Q4T5e_KKA/T04yUc5WoLI/AAAAAAAAAgE/Hn88EqhTdCo/image5.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="image" width="262" /></a> <br />
<h3>
Meditation materials</h3>
A short explanatory video:<br />
<h4>
<a href="http://bit.ly/zEJkbS"></a><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="200" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OIYSUfqik-0" width="335"></iframe></h4>
I’ve been listening to a couple of these for the last several weeks – usually when I woke up, and as I go to bed. Helpful, in a low-key way.<br />
<script language="javascript" src="http://www.entheos.me/affiliates/ad?afc=3288&code=6">
</script> <br />
<h3>
Power of TED*</h3>
When I watched this video, there was a ‘kaboom’ moment. I’ve found this book (and related material, and coaching course) incredibly helpful.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="200" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/t5hSa16FX94" width="335"></iframe> <br />
In Brian’s words, “I hope you dug it”.Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-21859798599631950762012-02-29T14:56:00.000+00:002012-05-05T09:43:34.248+01:00Happy Movie press release<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M5PO115l14w/T04yEADfyLI/AAAAAAAAAf0/ggiSobTzuD0/s1600-h/clip_image0027.jpg"></a><br />
<h3>
Introduction</h3>
I’m also posting supporting materials to accompany the recent event where I was part of a group which showed The Happy Movie. This is the press release we prepared. Links etc. in the final section.<br />
<h3>
PRESS RELEASE</h3>
Issued: 27 January 2012<br />
<h4>
POP-UP CINEMA BRINGS GLOBAL ‘HAPPY’ EVENT TO THE NORTH EAST </h4>
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M5PO115l14w/T04yEADfyLI/AAAAAAAAAf0/ggiSobTzuD0/s1600-h/clip_image0027.jpg"><img align="right" alt="clip_image002" border="0" height="139" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BuGOqnRVMW4/T04yFvldkqI/AAAAAAAAAf8/WCv56oM4W2s/clip_image002_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px;" title="clip_image002" width="240" /></a><br />
A merry band of happiness promoters is bringing the documentary film, Happy, by Oscar nominated Director Roko Belic, to the North East. It will be screened for one day only at a ‘pop-up cinema’ at the Centre for Life, Newcastle on World Happiness Day, February 11th. On the same day the film will be enjoyed in communities across the globe, from Sao Paulo to Singapore as people celebrate what it means to be happy, who is happiest and how we can contribute to the happiness of others. <br />
Despite the credentials of the Director, the film does not currently have a distribution deal through cinemas and can only be seen at special screenings like this one. It is being hosted by a small group of North East based supporters of happiness, wellbeing and positive psychology who hope it will inspire viewers to join them a new movement to promote happiness in the region. <br />
With real-life people and stories, the film brings to life the findings of most happiness and wellbeing research which shows that good family, social and community relationships, rather than wealth and status, are what really make us happy. Roko Belic learned a lot about the nature of happiness and what is important in life while making the film. He said, <br />
“I learned something simple but completely illuminating. Research showed that just about all happy people have strong relationships. They are healthier and have happier children. They are more likely to find a creative solution to a problem and to help a stranger in need. Happy people have fewer conflicts and are less likely to commit crimes, pollute the environment or go to war. In other words, just about everything I cared about, everything I wished I could change in the world, was improved with being happy.”<br />
“The greatest lesson I learned while making this film is that my pursuit of happiness is not about me. It's about our relationships and how we help each other. It's about us.”<br />
Paul Hemphill, one of the organizers of the Centre for Life screening said:<br />
<i>“Our event will be so much more than a typical cinema screening. The doors will open an hour beforehand for the chance to chat and make new friends over a drink. And then afterwards, for those who want to stay, there will be time to discuss the film with a panel of local experts. We hope that the whole event will be an incredibly rewarding and potentially life changing experience for everyone who attends.</i><br />
Tickets to see the film should be bought in advance online and cost £10 or £7.50 (concessions) from Eventbrite.com. The doors open for the matinee screening at 2pm and for the evening screening at 6:30pm. <br />
##Ends## <br />
<h3>
Notes to editors</h3>
1. The organisers of the event in Newcastle are five small business owners with interests in coaching, personal development, training, wellbeing and organisational improvement. They are; Mike Cockburn (Sogno), Paul Hemphill (Horizons Coaching), Jan Etoile (Etoile Enterprises), Justin Souter (Souter Consulting), and Emily Sweetman (Emily Sweetman Limited)<br />
<h4>
<b>Contact details:</b></h4>
Mike Cockburn: @mikesogno <br />Paul Hemphill: @HorizonsLife <br />Jan Etoile: @etoileenterprises <br />Justin Souter: @justingsouter <br />Emily Sweetman: @emzo1968<br />
2. The quote from Director Roko Belic is taken from an article in the Huffington Post: <br /><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/roko-belic/happy-documentary_b_1220111.html">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/roko-belic/happy-documentary_b_1220111.html</a><br />
3. World Happy Day 11 February 2012: “World HAPPY Day inspires action for increasing happiness in our own lives and in the world. A growing body of research shows that happy people are healthier and live longer. They are more likely to care for the environment and less likely to commit crimes or go to war. Happy people help others more often... and are more likely to find creative solutions. Increasing happiness benefits us as individuals and communities in infinite ways and is a goal worth sharing.” See <u><a href="http://www.worldhappyday.com/">http://www.worldhappyday.com/</a></u><br />
4. The film Happy combines cutting-edge science from the new field of positive psychology with real-life stories of people from around the world whose lives illustrate these findings. We see the story of a beautiful woman named Melissa Moody, a mother of three who had a “perfect life” until the day she was run over by a truck. Disabled for nine years and disfigured for life, amazingly she is happier now than before her accident. Manoj Singh, a rickshaw puller from the slums of Kolkata, India who lives in a hut made of plastic bags with his family, is found to be as happy as the average American. Through these and other stories HAPPY leads us toward a deeper understanding of how we can all live more fulfilling, healthy and happy lives. See <a href="http://www.thehappymovie.com/">http://www.thehappymovie.com</a><br />
5. Screenings take place at 3pm (Doors open 2pm) or 7.30pm (Doors open 6:30pm) at Centre for Life conference centre, Newcastle on Saturday 11 February 2012. Tickets cost £10 or £7.50 (concessions). Matinee tickets from <a href="http://happynortheastmatinee.eventbrite.com%20/">http://happynortheastmatinee.eventbrite.com </a>and evening tickets from <u><a href="http://happynortheastevening.eventbrite.com/">http://happynortheastevening.eventbrite.com/</a></u><br />
6. This Happy movie press kit includes biographies and photographs <br /><a href="http://www.thehappymovie.com/files/HAPPY-Press-Kit.pdf">www.thehappymovie.com/files/HAPPY-Press-Kit.pdf</a>Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-36159537706780824042012-02-29T14:12:00.001+00:002012-05-05T09:43:50.555+01:00Happy Movie - reflections<h3>
Intro</h3>
This posts details how we got on at the <a href="http://www.life.org.uk/">Centre for Life</a> with our matinee and evening showings of The Happy Movie.<br />
I’m also posting some supporting materials, which I will update in a couple of weeks – I want to get this all live before it gathers dust! ;-)<br />
<h4>
Centre for Life = fantabulous</h4>
I’d firstly like to say how grateful we are to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centre_for_Life">Centre for Life</a> and their team, led by Owen, who did a tremendous job making everyone feeling welcome and putting on the show without a single glitch – bravo!<br />
<h3>
Photos</h3>
I took these before everyone arrived. We sold 20 tickets for the matinee, and nearly 40 for the evening. Happy times! :-D<br />
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<h3>
Discussion sessions – interesting thoughts / quotes</h3>
<h4>
It’s them what came that made it</h4>
We had a great bunch of people who came, watched the movie, and discussed their thoughts afterwards. We had some really interesting points made, mainly around communities rather than individual happiness. The following sections represent a sample of them.<br />
<h4>
Afternoon</h4>
<ul>
<li>“I’d sacrifice the pawn to save the queen any day” </li>
<li>“There’s no one key to happiness, it’s different for everyone” </li>
<li>Concerns about the lack of community in our Communities; and a related discussion about the Diamond Jubilee – it doesn’t matter what you think of the Monarchy, “the point is to have the <em>party</em>” </li>
<li>Targets / key performance indicators in schools – “measurement kills happiness” </li>
<li>We talked about the concept of ‘<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pay_it_forward">Pay it Forward</a>’ </li>
<li>A passionate point about giving children the chance “to be aware” </li>
<li>It was felt that managers in any organisation could be kept ‘grounded’ by having them rolling up their sleeves and often working with customers and front-line staff </li>
</ul>
<h4>
Evening</h4>
<ul>
<li>A quick discussion about <em>choosing</em> to be happy </li>
<li>We discussed meditation, e.g. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mett%C4%81_bh%C4%81van%C4%81">mettā bhāvanā</a> </li>
<li>“After a week on my own, I craved the company of other people” </li>
<li>Our focus also took in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Random_acts_of_kindness">random acts of kindness</a> [see also <a href="http://youtu.be/6mG0AiDyh_E">The Kindness Offensive</a>] <ul>
<li>There was a great point made – if you’re doing random acts of kindness, then you’re more likely to notice them in other people </li>
<li>Check out this <a href="http://art.tfl.gov.uk/actsofkindness/readstories/">awesome London Underground site</a> which document stories of kindness :-D </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>“If you’re looking for good things, you’re more likely to see them” </li>
<li>We talked through the difference and relative merits of experiential versus existential happiness – i.e. is happiness something that can be built and increased, or is it something that is innate? </li>
<li>“it’s about the acceptance of yourself” </li>
</ul>
<h3>
My thoughts</h3>
<ul>
<li>The movie is quite challenging: in a constructive way <ul>
<li>We all have our preconceived ideas, and it’s healthy to have them compared to other perspectives, and ways of living </li>
<li>Amazing to watch a rickshaw puller, living with his family in a shanty - who is obviously a very happy person, and lives in harmony with his neighbours </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Not everyone is thinking “how can I be happier – or more fulfilled?”; I was instructive to remember that “nobody is broken, and nothing needs fixing” </li>
</ul>
<h3>
Thanks to my colleagues</h3>
Whilst I don’t wish this post to turn into a schmaltzy love-in, however I’m really grateful that we as a group were able to make this happen, and share the movie with the North East. So, credit where it’s due to:<br />
Mike Cockburn: @mikesogno <br />
Paul Hemphill: @HorizonsLife <br />
Jan Etoile: @etoileenterprises <br />
Emily Sweetman: @emzo1968 <br />
Onwards!Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-24013763728028064152012-02-03T15:33:00.000+00:002012-05-05T10:00:49.150+01:00Join us for the North East Premiere of 'HAPPY' on World HAPPY Day<h3>
Background</h3>
You may be aware that I’ve been working at <a href="http://happie.st/" target="_blank">happiest Limited</a> since last June. I feel very fortunate to have learnt a great deal, and discover a treasure trove of resources around the practice of happiness. I.e. that one’s level of happiness and well-being is something that one can grown, through regular practice and habitual behaviour.<br />
This post provides the context to a happiness-related event I’m involved in organising in Newcastle upon Tyne, and <em>invites you to attend</em> and <em>bring your friends</em>!<br />
<h3>
Happiness at Work event</h3>
I was thrilled to attend the recent <a href="http://www.codeworksconnect.net/2011/11/21/november-think-and-drink/" target="_blank">Happiness at Work event</a>, organised by <a href="http://www.codeworksconnect.net/about/" target="_blank">Codeworks</a>: <br />
<blockquote>
This month we’re taking a different approach to our Think and a Drink event with the topic of Positive Psychology and its effects in the workplace. We’ve got speakers and discussions and even a chance of taking part in some of the very first research studies on the subject with our friends at Northumbria University. Here’s a little taster of what you can expect. <br />
Positive Psychology is a new branch of Psychology which focuses on enabling people to grow and fulfil themselves. Professor Martin Seligman, who is generally credited with igniting the interest in positive psychology when he was appointed President of the American Psychological Association in 1998, describes it as enabling people to ‘flourish’. A positive psychological state in which we feel positive emotions, engagement, achievement, positive relationships and a sense of meaning in our lives. <br />
Research also demonstrates that a positive psychological state seems to protect against illness and prolong longevity. It also enhances resilience, very important given the challenging and unpredictable economic climate we are experiencing.</blockquote>
At that event, the seeds of local action were sown, so please read on for details of the event in February. <br />
<h3>
We’re showing a movie, and you’re invited!</h3>
We’re showing a movie on 11th February in Newcastle upon Tyne. <a href="http://happynortheastmatinee.eventbrite.com/?ebtv=C" target="_blank">Once in the afternoon</a>, and for <a href="http://happynortheastevening.eventbrite.com/?ebtv=C" target="_blank">the second time in the evening</a>. Please use these links to book online. <br />
The following is the descriptive blurb: <br />
<blockquote>
<h4>
Happy People = Happy World</h4>
On <a href="http://www.worldhappyday.com/">World HAPPY Day</a>, February 11, 2012, thousands of people will join together in communities across the globe to watch the film <a href="http://www.thehappymovie.com/">HAPPY</a> and begin their journeys toward healthier, and happier lives. We want everyone in the North East and Cumbria to be part of this amazing, worldwide event so we are screening the film twice, at 2.00pm and 6.30pm, at <a href="http://www.life.org.uk/">The Centre for Life</a> in Newcastle.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<a href="http://www.worldhappyday.com/">World HAPPY Day</a> inspires action for increasing happiness in our own lives and in the world. Research suggests that happy people are healthier and live longer, they are more likely to care for the environment and less likely to commit crimes or go to war. Happy people help others more often and are more optimistic and creative. Increasing happiness benefits us as individuals and communities in infinite ways – it is a goal worth sharing.<br />
Roko Belic, director of the Academy Award® nominated “Genghis Blues” now brings us HAPPY, a film that takes us from the bayous of Louisiana to the deserts of Namibia, from the beaches of Brazil to the villages of Okinawa to explore the secrets behind our most valued emotion.<br />
<hr />
<h4>
<strong>Screening Programme</strong></h4>
<h5>
Afternoon</h5>
2.00pm ‘Happy Networking’ – an opportunity to relax over a drink, catch up with friends and meet lots of new, like minded people <br />
3.00pm ‘HAPPY’ – be one of the first in the North to experience the inspiring new film by Roko Belic <br />
4.30pm ‘Happy talk’ – share your feelings about the film, learn more about the psychology and growth of happiness and find out more about forthcoming Happiness events, including the foundation of a Happiness group in the region. <br />
5.30pm Event draws to a close <br />
<div align="center">
« <a href="http://happynortheastmatinee.eventbrite.com/?ebtv=C" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Click here to book the matinee</span></a> »</div>
<h5>
Evening</h5>
6.30pm ‘Happy Networking’ – an opportunity to relax over a drink, catch up with friends and meet lots of new, like minded people <br />
7.30pm ‘HAPPY’ – be one of the first in the North to experience the inspiring new film by Roko Belic <br />
9.00pm ‘Happy talk’ – share your feelings about the film, learn more about the psychology and growth of happiness and find out more about forthcoming Happiness events, including the foundation of a Happiness group in the region. <br />
10.00pm Event draws to a close <br />
<div align="center">
« <a href="http://happynortheastevening.eventbrite.com/?ebtv=C" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Click here to book the evening showing</span></a> »</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<h3>
The Film</h3>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/11335940?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="400"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/11335940">Happy - A Documentary Trailer</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/wadirum">Wadi Rum Films</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>. <br />
For more information about ‘HAPPY’ go to - <a href="http://www.thehappymovie.com/">http://www.thehappymovie.com</a> <br />
<h3>
How you can get involved</h3>
Please come and join us – the links again: <a href="http://happynortheastmatinee.eventbrite.com/?ebtv=C">afternoon</a> and <a href="http://happynortheastevening.eventbrite.com/?ebtv=C">evening</a>. Come to both if you like ;-). Key activities: <br />
<ul>
<li>share your feelings about the film, </li>
<li>learn more about the psychology and growth of happiness and </li>
<li>find out more about forthcoming Happiness events, including the foundation of a Happiness group in the region. </li>
</ul>Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-76623662264384629472011-12-05T15:18:00.000+00:002011-12-05T15:18:00.116+00:00#Movember monkey's tail update, & ‘Mo Down’ - please donate!<h3>
Context</h3>
Previous posts (<a href="http://wellbanked.blogspot.com/2011/10/movember-please-help-raise-money-to.html">Movember: please help raise money to combat men’s cancers</a> & <a href="http://wellbanked.blogspot.com/2011/11/movember-shave-down.html">Movember Shave-down</a>) have explained how I am raising money to combat, and raise awareness about, men’s cancers such as <a href="http://uk.movember.com/mens-health/prostate-cancer/">prostate</a> and <a href="http://uk.movember.com/mens-health/testicular-cancer">testicular</a> ones.<br />
This post is to bring everyone bang up to date, and sign off by encouraging you to <a href="https://www.movember.com/uk/donate/your-details/member_id/1326768/"><em><span style="color: yellow;"><strong>keep giving using this link please</strong></span></em></a>!<br />
<h3>
Becoming Jimmy Hill</h3>
<img align="right" height="203" src="http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00909/Jimmy_Hill_350x475_909221a.jpg" style="display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" width="150" />Those of you with strong constitutions may wish to check out my scary Dr Who-like regeneration into Jimmy Hill below.<br />
There are three sets of photos in this Flickr slideshow – basically the two last weekends in November, and in fact the final shots are before and after the epic trim yesterday. I hadn’t realise quite how long the Movember monkey’s tail had become!<br />
Apologies due to Jimmy – I’ve always thought actually he’s a really decent bloke (as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Hill">his Wikipedia profile</a> attests) :-)<br />
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<h3>
Lady Greys bar Mo Down</h3>
To finish off the Movember movement in style, us <a href="http://www.ladygreys.co.uk/movember2011/">Lady Grey’s bar</a> team members gathered for a drink this past Wednesday. At the bottom of this post, you should find a widget with the results.<br />
Not particularly wanting to see myself without my normal facial hair, I gave myself a two week run-up without trimming my beard, so that I’d have something to talk about from the off! I’d actually opted out of the competition because I chose to start not clean-shaven…<br />
Highlights from these photos include Cameron, who reminded me of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Mael">Ron Mael</a> from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sparks_(band)">Sparks</a>, but I think that’s probably wrong (although any suggestions gratefully received!). Also, Peter – who had to have his fluff enhanced with mascara [not sure where that came from…!].<br />
To cap it all, there’s James with the wrap-around ‘tache, with a roundel at the back reminding me of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teal%27c">that geezer with the thing on his forehead</a>, from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stargate_SG-1">Stargate SG-1</a>.<br />
At the time of writing, our team has raised £458, so I’m hoping to boost this through <a href="https://www.movember.com/uk/donate/your-details/member_id/1326768/">further donations</a>! Thank you :-D<br />
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<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=109615" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fjustingsouter%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fjustingsouter%2F&user_id=19191786@N00&jump_to=" width="400" height="300"></embed></object>Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-25438041584497572272011-11-04T09:12:00.000+00:002011-11-04T09:12:00.562+00:00Movember Shave-down<h3>Intro</h3> <p>As per <a href="http://wellbanked.blogspot.com/2011/10/movember-please-help-raise-money-to.html">my previous post</a>, I promised to report in. You can skip the blurb and go straight to the photos if you’d like…</p> <h3>What it is </h3> <h4>Shave-down</h4> <p><a href="http://www.ladygreys.co.uk/movember2011/">From the Lady Grey's Bar website</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p><strong><a href="https://www.movember.com/uk/donate/your-details/member_id/1326768/"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Click to donate!" border="0" alt="Click to donate!" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wXPBUtizebg/Tq2skSJ5DiI/AAAAAAAAAfU/iuE8jwgbBvw/moustacheseason_download%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="220" /></a>SHAVE DOWN PARTY: <strong>31st of October – 7.00pm</strong></strong></p> <p>Hosted by our Mo Bro’s at <strong><a href="http://www.ladygreys.co.uk/movember2011/www.boilerhousehair.co.uk">The Boiler House Barbers, Jesmond</a></strong>, this party marks the start of Movember. Every member of our team can get a <strong>free shave</strong> from a team of professional barbers and once everyone is clean shaven we’ll be taking photos to capture the ‘before’ shot and you can meet your fellow <strong>Lady Greys Mo Bro’s</strong>.</p> <p><strong>Mo Sista’s</strong> are encouraged to come and we’ll have lots of <strong>Movember Merchandise</strong> for you to wear proudly to show your support for the cause. You can also sign up to the team on the night so bring as many Bro’s as you can find, <strong>the mo’ the merrier.</strong></p> </blockquote> <h4>How I plan to raise more £££ :-D</h4> <p>Ok, so I realise I’m going off-piste with this, and big thanks to <a href="http://uk.movember.com/mospace/1338210/">Nathan</a> of LGB for his willingness to go along with my idea. I’ve been growing my normal stubble into a rather itchy mass. The plan is to go to the Boiler House and have them craft something evil on my face – i.e. I figure I’ll raise more money my wearing something amusing for the whole month!</p> <h3>What happened</h3> <p>The folk at the Boiler House were very helpful when I agreed with Nathan that I would opt out of the competition, and forego any potential end-of-Movember prizes.</p> <h4>The goal</h4> <p>Inspired by Phil Wright and his “<a href="http://twitter.com/#!/philwright1975/status/77740928995037185">are you looking at my monkey’s tail</a>” look – I have set out to recreate the splendour as best I can. </p> <h4><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Iz4JPQQVuZg/TrLqLMJr0QI/AAAAAAAAAfk/Wfn44sG7TEA/s1600-h/My%252520Monkey%252527s%252520Tail%252520for%252520tonight%252527s%252520final%252520show%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="My Monkey's Tail for tonight's final show" border="0" alt="My Monkey's Tail for tonight's final show" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PoaPfi2kJNk/TrLqLreuJ0I/AAAAAAAAAfo/7tzgyZDQDLM/My%252520Monkey%252527s%252520Tail%252520for%252520tonight%252527s%252520final%252520show_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="228" /></a>Lori and the clippers</h4> <p>I was fortunate that Lori (featured in the 3 photos towards the end of the slideshow below) choose to use me as a guinea-pig. Apparently, her rugby-player boyfriend was also thinking of having a monkey’s tail, so she was inspired. And charming, bless her!</p> <p></p> <h3>Flickr photos</h3> <p>Although the smartphone images are pretty blurry, I hope you’ll get an impression of the event. The Boiler House has fantastic decor, and I did get slightly carried away with the snapping…! :$</p> <p> <object width="400" height="300"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true⟨=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fjustingsouter%2Fsets%2F72157628027045240%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fjustingsouter%2Fsets%2F72157628027045240%2F&set_id=72157628027045240&jump_to="></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=109615"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=109615" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fjustingsouter%2Fsets%2F72157628027045240%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fjustingsouter%2Fsets%2F72157628027045240%2F&set_id=72157628027045240&jump_to=" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></p> <h3>Please Donate</h3> <p>I would be very grateful if you could please sponsor me – click on the images on this post, or <a href="https://www.movember.com/uk/donate/your-details/member_id/1326768/">on this link</a>. I’ve led by example :-)</p> <p>My profile is <a title="http://mobro.co/justingsouter" href="http://mobro.co/justingsouter">http://mobro.co/justingsouter</a> – the donate button is at the top right.</p> <p>Many thanks! It’s for a tremendous cause :-D</p> Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-32658499542684052662011-10-31T08:56:00.000+00:002011-11-03T19:39:34.120+00:00Movember: please help raise money to combat men’s cancers<h3>
Intro</h3>
<a href="https://www.movember.com/uk/donate/your-details/member_id/1326768/"><img align="right" alt="Click to donate!" border="0" height="196" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-j7EqrS9svCw/Tq2sjq4sLSI/AAAAAAAAAfM/sYkltWB0OG4/MOVEMBER%252520Sheild2011%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" title="Click to donate!" width="138" /></a> Pretty much a '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Does_exactly_what_it_says_on_the_tin" target="_blank">Ronseal</a>' post - does what it says in the title!<br />
This post gives you some of the background to Movember, explains how things work (and my twist on the theme), and then encourages you to donate your hard-earned cash to a very worthy cause. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vamos_(disambiguation)" target="_blank">Vamos</a>!<br />
<h3>
The Details</h3>
<h4>
About</h4>
From <a href="http://uk.movember.com/?home" target="_blank">the Movember website</a>:<br />
<blockquote>
<h4>
<a href="http://uk.movember.com/about/" target="_blank">ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN</a></h4>
During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the UK and around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.<br />
<a href="https://www.movember.com/uk/donate/your-details/member_id/1326768/"><img alt="Click to donate!" border="0" height="112" src="http://uk.movember.com/uploads/images/Home/About%20Movember/ABOUT_3.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin: 0px;" title="Click to donate!" width="350" /></a> <br />
On Movember 1st, guys register at Movember.com with a clean-shaven face and then for the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. Supported by the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, Movember Mo Bros raise funds by seeking out sponsorship for their Mo-growing efforts.<br />
Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November and through their actions and words raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health.<br />
At the end of the month, Mo Bros and Mo Sistas celebrate their gallantry and valor by either throwing their own Movember party or attending one of the infamous Gala Partés held around the world by Movember, for Movember. </blockquote>
<h4>
Docs for more info</h4>
Fill your metaphorical boots with the docs presented in the widget at the bottom of this post.<br />
<h3>
How it’s going to work</h3>
<h4>
Team</h4>
I have signed up and joined <a href="http://www.ladygreys.co.uk/movember2011/" target="_blank">the team from Lady Grey’s bar</a>. More information about us on the <a href="http://uk.movember.com/mospace/team">Movember website</a> - please join us. Thanks to <a href="http://uk.movember.com/mospace/1404326/">Michael Walsh</a> who I bumped into when he was distributing promo flyers – and I became aware of the team :-)<br />
I thought it’d be more fun and hopefully I can raise more money as a result of doing this other people :-)<br />
<h4>
Shave-down</h4>
<a href="http://www.ladygreys.co.uk/movember2011/">From the LGB website</a>:<br />
<blockquote>
<strong><a href="https://www.movember.com/uk/donate/your-details/member_id/1326768/"><img align="right" alt="Click to donate!" border="0" height="220" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wXPBUtizebg/Tq2skSJ5DiI/AAAAAAAAAfU/iuE8jwgbBvw/moustacheseason_download%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" title="Click to donate!" width="184" /></a>SHAVE DOWN PARTY: <strong>31st of October – 7.00pm</strong></strong><br />
Hosted by our Mo Bro’s at <strong><a href="http://www.ladygreys.co.uk/movember2011/www.boilerhousehair.co.uk">The Boiler House Barbers, Jesmond</a></strong>, this party marks the start of Movember. Every member of our team can get a <strong>free shave</strong> from a team of professional barbers and once everyone is clean shaven we’ll be taking photos to capture the ‘before’ shot and you can meet your fellow <strong>Lady Greys Mo Bro’s</strong>.<br />
<strong>Mo Sista’s</strong> are encouraged to come and we’ll have lots of <strong>Movember Merchandise</strong> for you to wear proudly to show your support for the cause. You can also sign up to the team on the night so bring as many Bro’s as you can find, <strong>the mo’ the merrier.</strong></blockquote>
<h4>
How I plan to raise more £££ :-D</h4>
Ok, so I realise I’m going off-piste with this, and big thanks to <a href="http://uk.movember.com/mospace/1338210/">Nathan</a> of LGB for his willingness to go along with my idea. I’ve been growing my normal stubble into a rather itchy mass. The plan is to go to the Boiler House and have them craft something evil on my face – i.e. I figure I’ll raise more money my wearing something amusing for the whole month!<br />
I will report in this week!<br />
<h3>
Please Donate</h3>
I would be very grateful if you could please sponsor me – click on the images on this post, or <a href="https://www.movember.com/uk/donate/your-details/member_id/1326768/">on this link</a>. I’ve led by example :-)<br />
My profile is <a href="http://mobro.co/justingsouter" title="http://mobro.co/justingsouter">http://mobro.co/justingsouter</a> – the donate button is at the top right.<br />
Many thanks! It’s for a tremendous cause :-D<br />
<a href="https://www.movember.com/uk/donate/your-details/member_id/1326768/"><img alt="Click to donate!" border="0" height="76" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ox0_xtmkRC0/Tq2sk9gFP0I/AAAAAAAAAfc/_aT6ONcBHuI/mo_icon2_med%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Click to donate!" width="240" /></a><br />
<h4>
Docs</h4>
Movember docs if you’d like further details!<br />
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UPDATED: to get <a href="http://www.scribd.com/collections/3315295/Movember">the Scribd widget</a> to work [fingers crossed!]Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-42553606930481845692010-11-26T10:51:00.000+00:002010-11-26T10:51:02.943+00:00NLP Practitioner – first impressions<h3>Introduction</h3>I’m putting this post together after completing the ‘<a href="http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.the-me-group.com%2Findex.php%3Fsectionid%3D37&date=2010-11-25" target="_blank">Practitioner</a>’ course of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), which finished on Monday.<br />
<br />
[I’ve made extensive use of links to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuro-linguistic_programming" target="_blank">NLP-related articles</a> on Wikipedia – which has a suite of pages addressing the gamut of issues in this area.]<br />
<h4>Preconceptions</h4>I must admit that I’m pretty sceptical of people who profess to turn your life around like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQnOC0L8pWc" target="_blank">Tony Bobbins</a> (ok, so it’s a spoof), and I’m not really a big fan of TV hypnotists and Vic Reeves-style “<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0000258F8?ie=UTF8&tag=wellpersblogo-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B0000258F8" target="_blank">I Will Cure You</a>” stuff.<br />
<br />
Loose impressions I’d picked up about NLP included such tropes as ‘<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vulcan_(Star_Trek)" target="_blank">vulcan mind control</a>’ and something to do with the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_side_(Star_Wars)" target="_blank">Dark Side</a>. ;-D<br />
<h4>My background</h4>Perhaps this is all a bit of an amorphous mass of my own preconceptions, but I’m a psychology graduate, and have an interest in self-improvement and have read up about skills like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emotional_intelligence" target="_blank">Emotional Intelligence</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assertiveness" target="_blank">assertiveness</a> (amongst others).<br />
<br />
<h3>The course itself</h3>You should be able to find more information about the course from <a href="http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.the-me-group.com%2Findex.php%3Fsectionid%3D37&date=2010-11-25" target="_blank">this link</a>, but essentially it was about providing a practical introduction to skills that attendees could use for improving self-awareness and communication with other people. <br />
<h4>Tutor and assistants</h4>The course was run by <a href="http://the-me-group.com/index.php?sectionid=18" target="_blank">Kay Cooke</a> of <a href="http://www.the-me-group.com/index.php?sectionid=9" target="_blank">The ME Group</a> in Hexham, Northumberland. Kay is an accredited NLP Trainer, and was assisted by presence of a <a href="http://www.the-me-group.com/index.php?sectionid=39" target="_blank">revolving team</a> of Master Practitioners (i.e. people trained with skills to assist other people [my typology]).<br />
<h4>Structure</h4>The course comprised two 4-day clusters, run from Friday morning through to Monday night (i.e. over the weekend). Hours were 9.30 until 4.30-5 o’clock.<br />
<br />
At times it was quite full-on, and was pretty much a synthesis of best practice tools and techniques for communication (e.g. “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformational_grammar#Deep_structure_and_surface_structure" target="_blank">Deep structure and surface structure</a>” from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noam_Chomsky" target="_blank">Noam Chomsky</a>). There was a combination of theoretical learning, and practical exercises (e.g. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Representational_systems_(NLP)" target="_blank">visualisation</a>) both with Kay and between other members of the group.<br />
<h4>The Group</h4>It was a small group of 5, with 3 men and 2 women. Ages ranged from late teenager to middle-age {I think I can get away with that! ;-)}.<br />
<br />
I think the small group worked well – there is a lot of material to cover, and a larger group might well be more difficult for the trainer to optimally instruct.<br />
<br />
<h3>Impressions</h3>My over-arching feeling was that Kay draws upon a deep well of learning, training and personal insight to deliver a (potentially) tricky subject very adeptly. She made it look ‘simple’ when that’s definitely not the case.<br />
<br />
When I questioned her about the wider context that NLP sits in (i.e. how we all live, in our different ways) she posited that NLP material is ‘simple’, and in many ways I would agree with her. However, NLP material definitely challenges many implicit and unconscious assumptions we all make about living.<br />
<h4>What’s working for you, what would you like to change?</h4>Kay made clear that the NLP framework is just that – a framework. If you’ve got things in your life which are going well, great: but if you’ve got stuff you’d like to work on, then NLP might be able to help.<br />
<br />
There was also an ongoing discussion about process versus content: in that what I might call ‘traditional’ / ‘talking’ therapies, the therapist and client talk through issues; whereas NLP typically keeps content out of the interaction and seeks to come to a different perception of issues and events, in order to influence how the client’s subconscious is dealing with them.<br />
<h4>Importance of ethical dimension</h4>One of the things I struggled with at first was how one might be able to use powerful tools and techniques in such a way which was responsible and ethical. The penny dropped during the second 4-day cluster, in that:<br />
a) I was only training for the Practitioner level, so interventions with other people were probably beyond my skill level, and <br />
b) the ethical context was using NLP is / was absolutely crucial <br />
<br />
I think this boils down to only ‘helping’ people if they ask to be helped, and—even then—closely observing the person to ensure any assistance was appropriate and that the flow of any intervention closely matched the situation. If you take someone on a ‘journey’, you’ve got to be able to bring them back, as it were…<br />
<br />
<h3>Conclusions</h3><h4>Why the controversy?</h4><img align="right" height="141" src="http://www.rezaaa.com/nlp1.jpg" style="display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" width="150" />The two founders of the NLP movement had a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuro-linguistic_programming#Criticism_and_controversy" target="_blank">falling-out</a>, and in compiling this post, I became aware of the extensive controversy surrounding NLP (e.g. vis-a-vis <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NLP_and_science" target="_blank">science</a>).<br />
<br />
Kay’s training is validated by The Society of NLP (logo to the right).<br />
<br />
Whilst I understand that people often have very good reasons to get heated about things, personally I found the material pretty insightful and resonating (although not sure what that says about me! ;-D).<br />
<h4>Part of the toolkit</h4>Viewed in the context of many other ways of seeing the world, I felt it was an entirely legitimate subject area, and useful addition to the canon of self-improvement activity.<br />
<br />
‘Everything in moderation’ is a useful dictum, and I personally gained some useful insights and elements of new self-awareness. What’s so bad about that? I’m still waiting to learn the vulcan mind control techniques <sigh>.<br />
<br />
So, a summary of my first impressions. Doubtless there will be others, and I will do my best to post them here. :-)Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-51013013233497430992010-08-05T18:54:00.001+01:002010-08-05T18:54:51.744+01:00Combat Stress – caring for Veterans' mental health<h3>Introduction</h3> <p>For my undergraduate degree, I studied Psychology, and fascinating it was – it’s related to the human condition, but both the physical and metaphysical perspectives [well, something like that – Ed.].</p> <p>I was also a member of the URNU, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_Royal_Naval_Unit" target="_blank">University Royal Naval Unit</a>, and loved that as well. A little bit of background (i.e. a related post) can be found <a href="http://wellbanked.blogspot.com/2008/01/morpeth-war-memorial.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p>Based on a gut instinct that our servicemen and women could be treated more respectfully and looked after better, I’ve recently donated to <a href="http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/splash_what_we_do.html" target="_blank">Help for Heroes</a>. Based on my background though, I’ve got a closer affinity to <a href="http://www.combatstress.org.uk/" target="_blank">Combat Stress</a>, and this post is designed to help you understand why.</p> <p>I realise that there are a number of quotes from the <a href="http://www.combatstress.org.uk/" target="_blank">Combat Stress</a> website, but I’m guessing you’ll bear with it…!</p> <h3>About Combat Stress</h3> <blockquote> <h4>Why Combat Stress exists </h4> <p>Combat Stress is the UK's <em>leading</em> military charity specialising in the care of Veterans' mental health.</p> <p>We treat conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety disorders.  Our services are free of charge to the Veteran.</p> <p>Since 2005 the number of ex-Service men and women seeking our help has risen by 72%.  And we have a current caseload of more than 4,300 individuals. This already includes 102 Veterans who have served in Afghanistan and 400 who served in Iraq.</p> <p>In March 2010 our Patron HRH The Prince of Wales launched our major fundraising campaign <strong>–</strong> The Enemy Within Appeal. </p> <p>The £30 million, three-year appeal is designed to help us treat the escalating number of psychologically injured Veterans who are turning to us for help, by:</p> <ul> <li>Establishing 14 Community Outreach Teams nationwide </li> <li>Enhancing clinical treatment at our three short-stay treatment centres </li> </ul> </blockquote> <h3>If you need help yourself</h3> <p><a href="http://www.combatstress.org.uk/help-and-advice.php" target="_blank">This link</a> has the map referred to below in the following quote:</p> <blockquote> <p>Combat Stress provides effective treatment and support to Veterans of the British Armed Forces who are suffering from mental ill health. </p> <p>If you or perhaps someone in your family has a problem, then please call us for an informal chat.</p> <p>Our services are free of charge and regardless of War Pension/Armed Forces Compensation Scheme status. </p> <p>We have people in your area ready to take your call –8.30 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday.  <a href="http://www.combatstress.org.uk/help-and-advice.php" target="_blank">Simply click on your region in the map</a> <del>[below]</del> for contact details of your local Support Desk.</p> <p>Veterans do not have to have seen <em>active</em> service in order to qualify for our help – but if you are in any doubt, just ask us.</p> </blockquote> <h3>Some facts re the Falklands War</h3> <p>At a recent Combat Stresss fund-raiser that I attended, Lieut-General <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Brims" target="_blank">Robin Brims</a> addressed us, and mentioned the problems that service personnel faced returning home after fighting in the Falklands War.</p> <p>I don’t really have time to substantiate the following quote which I believe backs him up, but <a href="http://www.ppu.org.uk/falklands/falklands3.html" target="_blank">it’s from here</a> and quotes Guardian and Observer sources:</p> <blockquote> <p>Since the war, hundreds of veterans, both Argentinian and British, have committed suicide. Numbers of suicides are not recorded by the MoD, but the South Atlantic Medal Association claimed in 2002 that more British ex-servicemen from the Falklands have killed themselves since the 1982 conflict than died in action: 264 they estimated (300 is more recently quoted). </p> <p>An example is Lance Corporal Colin Deary who lost three friends in the Falklands, was discharged from the army eight years later with drink problems, and in 1994 stabbed himself to death. Similar reports have been made about the Argentinian troops. </p> <p>[…]</p> <p>As in all wars but still not adequately recognised by the military establishment, the servicemen and women suffer to varying degrees from post traumatic stress disorder. Many soldiers found it hard to return to normal life, ended up getting into trouble and committing crimes. </p> <p>Simon Skinner suffered flashbacks and stumbled from one crisis to another attempting suicide on several occasions, becoming an alcoholic and getting into debt, and finally in 1995 having his final flashback. ‘He got out of bed, stood to attention, marched out of the room as if in a trance and, stumbling, fell down the stairs. He died five days later.’</p> </blockquote> <h3>Video highlighting the issue</h3> <blockquote> <h4><a href="http://www.combatstress.org.uk/pages/cs_tv_advert.html" target="_blank">The Enemy Within Appeal</a> </h4> <h5>Caution: this advert features a simulated flashback some viewers may find disturbing.</h5> <p>On 11 March 2010, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, launched the Combat Stress<em> Enemy Within Appeal </em>at St. James's Palace.  </p> <p>This accompanying advert highlights the emotional  <br />impact of PTSD on the lives of Veterans and their families.</p> <p>The key aims of The Enemy Within Appeal are to:</p> <ul> <li>Raise £30 million to enhance and develop mental health services for Veterans. </li> <li>Raise awareness of the plight of Veterans suffering from psychological injury. </li> <li>Encourage Veterans and their families to seek help earlier. </li> </ul> <p><strong>Please help us in any way you can.</strong></p> </blockquote> <object width="450" height="278"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CK7svcKCAcQ&hl=en_GB&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CK7svcKCAcQ&hl=en_GB&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="450" height="278"></embed></object> <blockquote> <p>N.B. You can now follow us on:</p> </blockquote> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Combat-Stress/324232332108"><img src="http://badge.facebook.com/badge/324232332108.3043.453808164.png" width="120" height="60" /></a> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/CombatStress"><img alt="Follow CombatStress on Twitter" src="http://twitter-badges.s3.amazonaws.com/twitter-a.png" width="100" height="36" /></a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/combatstresscharity"><img title="YouTube Logo" alt="YouTube Logo" src="http://www.combatstress.org.uk/data/images/youtube_logo.jpg" width="108" height="85" /></a></p> <h3>Enemy within appeal leaflet</h3> <p>This gives info on the appeal mentioned above – probably best viewed in Fullscreen mode…</p> <p><a style="margin: 12px auto 6px; display: block; font: 14px helvetica,arial,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none" title="View The Enemy Within appeal leaflet on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/35422102/The-Enemy-Within-appeal-leaflet">The Enemy Within appeal leaflet</a> <object id="doc_11433" name="doc_11433" height="600" width="100%" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf" style="outline:none;" > <param name="movie" value="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf"> <param name="wmode" value="opaque"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"> <param name="FlashVars" value="document_id=35422102&access_key=key-13plom7m1doko4hibfwb&page=1&viewMode=slideshow"> <embed id="doc_11433" name="doc_11433" src="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=35422102&access_key=key-13plom7m1doko4hibfwb&page=1&viewMode=slideshow" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="600" width="100%" wmode="opaque" bgcolor="#ffffff"></embed> </object></p> <h3>Wash up</h3> <p>Hopefully you get the general idea. I’m expecting to do another Byte Night sleep-out in the Autumn, but plan to devote any future fund-raising activities to help this cause. I hope you can support me. :-)</p> Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-8454967720382844242010-08-04T21:43:00.001+01:002010-08-04T21:43:17.327+01:00Crowdsourcing Mycological Response Teams to help with the Gulf #oilspill?<h3>Introduction</h3> <p>In my <a href="http://wellbanked.blogspot.com/2010/05/paul-stamets-ted-on-fungi-also-re-how.html">previous post on this subject</a>, I recapped my personal take on the overall situation.</p> <p>Having drafted this posted a couple of days ago, <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-10867731">I now learn that</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p>Almost three-quarters of the oil spilled in the Gulf of Mexico has been cleaned up or broken down by natural forces, the US government has said.</p> <p>A government <a href="http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/PDFs/OilBudget_description_%2083final.pdf">report</a> says only a quarter of the oil from the BP well remains and that it is "degrading quickly".</p> <p>The majority had been captured, burned off or evaporated, it states. But more clean-up is necessary officials warn.</p> <p>The report was released after BP announced its "static kill" procedure to seal the leak was working.</p> </blockquote> <p>So I thought I’d better post in case something else major happened. Doh!</p> <h3>Challenges</h3> <p>I’m guessing that despite the good news re the oilspill, that there will remain a challenge to clean up that oil which hit the Gulf coast.</p> <p>Having pinged an e-mail to Paul Stamets’ team, their response pointed me to <a href="http://fungiperfecti.com/mycotech/petroleum_problem.html">a page with the following quote</a>:</p> <blockquote> <h4>The Petroleum Problem</h4> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p><i>Thank you for visiting fungi.com, and for your interest in the BP oil spill disaster and the potential for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycoremediation" target="_blank">mycoremediation</a>.</i></p> <p><i>We are being inundated with requests and cannot individually address all of the questions we have received. We are in direct dialogue with the EPA at the highest levels, and are teaming to implement solutions to this huge disaster. Since we are such a small company, we are stretched to our limits. Your support allows us to dedicate as many of our resources as possible, and for this we thank you. Again, please accept our apologies if we cannot individually address your concerns. Our statement at below will be updated periodically as we gather more information.</i></p> <p align="right">[<em>my hyperlink for mycoremediation btw</em>]</p> </blockquote> <p>I am assuming that Paul Stamets and his team are the primary resource in this domain – i.e. to use fungi to break down pollutants in an ‘eco-friendly’ way. What seems clear is that there are problems with scaling, getting the idea to a wider audience and gaining a following & critical mass.</p> <p>The article continues:</p> <blockquote> <h4><b>How can we help?</b></h4> <p><b> <br /></b>Knowing that the extent of this disaster eclipses our mycological resources should not be a reason to not act.</p> <p>I proposed in 1994 that we have Mycological Response Teams (<b>MRT</b>s) in place to react to catastrophic events, from hurricanes to oil spills. We need to preposition composting and mycoremediation centers adjacent to population centers. We should set MRTs into motion, centralized in communities, which are actively involved in recycling, composting and permaculture—utilizing debris from natural or man-made calamities to generate enzymes and rebuild healthy local soils.</p> <p>I see the urgent need to set up webinar-like, Internet-based modules of education to disseminate methods for mycoremediation training so people throughout the world can benefit from the knowledge we have gained through the past decade of research. Such hubs of learning could cross-educate others and build a body of knowledge that would be further perfected over time, benefiting from the successes and failures of those in different bioregions. The cumulative knowledge gained from a centralized data hub could emerge as a robust yet flexible platform that could help generations to come. Scientists, policy makers, and citizens would be empowered with practical mycoremediation tools for addressing environmental disasters.</p> </blockquote> <h3>Going social</h3> <p>My argument here is that a social approach, akin to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katrina_PeopleFinder_Project">PeopleFinder wiki created in response to Hurricane Katrina</a>, might help MRTs self-organise and conduct operations under a loose ‘umbrella’.</p> <p>A similar tool might already have been implemented by <a href="http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/site/2931/">Deepwater Horizon Response</a> website – but apologies – I’ve not had time to check it out (or the follow-up site <a href="http://www.restorethegulf.gov/">RestoreTheGulf.gov</a>).</p> <h4>Tooling</h4> <p>I’m going to kick speculation about what tools to use into touch for now, as my priority is to post – and update this or post separately as appropriate. However, potential requirements could be:</p> <ul> <li>Repository of successful mycoremediation techniques</li> <li>Communications tools</li> <li>Team-based areas where teams can get themselves sorted and manage their activities</li> <li>Connections with mainstream social media tools</li> </ul> <h4>Staci Stoller</h4> <p>I wanted to tip my (Stetson hat) to <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile?viewProfile=&key=10626084&authToken=jUlO&authType=name">Staci Stoller</a>, a former colleague of mine in London, who has offered to help in getting the message out in Texas. Thanks, Stace! :-)</p> <h3>The Wendy Schmidt Oil Cleanup X CHALLENGE?</h3> <p>I saw <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-10810485">an item on the BBC news site</a>, which took me through to the main page on this, which explained thus:</p> <blockquote> <p>It is a $1.4 Million competition designed to inspire a new generation of innovative solutions that will speed the pace of cleaning up seawater surface oil resulting from spillage from ocean platforms, tankers, and other sources.</p> <p>This X CHALLENGE, announced on July 29, 2010, is a one-year competition that begins on August 1, 2010 and culminates in the summer of 2011, with head-to-head competitive demonstrations taking place at the National Oil Spill Response Research & Renewable Energy Test Facility (OHMSETT) in Leonardo, New Jersey, USA (<a href="http://www.ohmsett.com/">www.ohmsett.com</a>).</p> <p>A $1 Million Prize will be awarded to the team that demonstrates the ability to recover oil on the sea surface at the highest oil recovery rate (ORR) and the highest Recovery Efficiency (RE).</p> </blockquote> <p>So, my initial excitement about something fungi-related winning the prize was tempered by the focus on “cleaning up seawater surface oil”. However, on the ‘<a href="http://www.iprizecleanoceans.org/Page/MediaCenter">competition details</a>’ page I also noticed:</p> <blockquote> <p><strong>X PRIZE will be finalizing the details over the next 30 days, and will post final rules in September.  We encourage you to <a href="http://www.iprizecleanoceans.org/User/Register">PRE_REGISTER</a> as a team and we will keep you informed of any changes and when the detailed rules are posted.</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>So maybe the scope of the compo could be widened to include prizes for on-shore cleanup efforts?</p> Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2331784274748666398.post-52523032619586449162010-05-19T18:55:00.001+01:002010-05-19T18:55:46.492+01:00Paul Stamets @ TED on fungi; also re how they can help clean up Gulf oil spill<h3>Introduction</h3> <p>I first discovered <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Stamets">Paul Stamets</a> when reading <a href="http://www.salon.com/technology/feature/2002/11/25/mushrooms">this article</a> on my <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_(PDA)">Palm III</a> via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avantgo">AvantGo</a> (a forerunner of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rss">RSS</a>) – waaay back in 2002.</p> <p>I was particularly struck by the effect of fungi in cleaning up soil contaminated with diesel – as told in this Wikipedia article about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycoremediation">Mycoremediation</a>.</p> <p>Eventually, as per this <a href="http://wellbanked.blogspot.com/2008/04/lions-mane-here-we-come-probably.html">previous post</a> – I bought some wooden dowels, innoculated by fungi from Paul’s company, and set up a large log with them in. Rather embarrassingly, I never moved the stump from one house when Caroline and I moved – it got left my the wayside as it was too heavy / I was too embarrassed to ask the movers… :$</p> <p>I also bought a copy of Paul’s book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1580085792?ie=UTF8&tag=wellpersblogo-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=1580085792">Mycelium Running: A Guide to Healing the Planet through Gardening with Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms</a> but that’s also still on the to-do pile. Ho hum!</p> <h3>Rediscovering Mr Stamets</h3> <p>*Anyway*, I was reading <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0307409503?ie=UTF8&tag=wellpersblogo-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=0307409503">The Whuffie Factor: Using the Power of Social Networks to Build Your Business</a> by <a href="http://twitter.com/missrogue" target="_blank">Tara Hunt</a> last week, and she mentioned being introduced to Paul when she was at <a href="http://www.ted.com/">TED</a>. So I googled Paul’s talk and found it – see below (I think he really nailed it, although there was a cheesy joke at the beginning lol).</p> <p><a href="http://www.ted.com/speakers/paul_stamets.html">The citation from the TED website</a> reads:</p> <blockquote> <p>Entrepreneurial mycologist Paul Stamets seeks to rescue the study of mushrooms from forest gourmets and psychedelic warlords. The focus of Stamets' research is the Northwest's native fungal genome, <em>mycelium</em>, but along the way <strong>he has filed 22 patents for mushroom-related technologies</strong>, including pesticidal fungi that trick insects into eating them, and mushrooms that can break down the neurotoxins used in nerve gas.</p> <p> </p> </blockquote> <h3>Video</h3> <p>He’s obviously a rocket scientist, but what he says is compelling!</p> <p><object width="446" height="326"><param name="movie" value="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="bgColor" value="#ffffff"></param> <param name="flashvars" value="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/PaulStamets_2008-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/PaulStamets-2008.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=258&introDuration=16500&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=2000&adKeys=talk=paul_stamets_on_6_ways_mushrooms_can_save_the_world;year=2008;theme=medicine_without_borders;theme=tales_of_invention;theme=inspired_by_nature;theme=a_greener_future;theme=unconventional_explanations;event=TED2008;&preAdTag=tconf.ted/embed;tile=1;sz=512x288;" /><embed src="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf" pluginspace="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" bgColor="#ffffff" width="446" height="326" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/PaulStamets_2008-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/PaulStamets-2008.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=258&introDuration=16500&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=2000&adKeys=talk=paul_stamets_on_6_ways_mushrooms_can_save_the_world;year=2008;theme=medicine_without_borders;theme=tales_of_invention;theme=inspired_by_nature;theme=a_greener_future;theme=unconventional_explanations;event=TED2008;"></embed></object></p> <h3>Paul Stamets’ statement on Mycoremediation and its applications to oil spills</h3> <p>So, having found Paul’s talk, it got me thinking that his expertise might be helpful in mitigating the effects of the Gulf oil spill. I then got in touch with his company, and they forwarded the statement below:</p> <p><a style="margin: 12px auto 6px; display: block; font: 14px helvetica,arial,sans-serif; text-decoration: underline; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none" title="View Paul Stamets statement on Gulf oil spill on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/31527117/Paul-Stamets-statement-on-Gulf-oil-spill">Paul Stamets statement on Gulf oil spill</a> <object id="doc_75829" name="doc_75829" height="600" width="100%" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf" style="outline:none;" > <param name="movie" value="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf"> <param name="wmode" value="opaque"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"> <param name="FlashVars" value="document_id=31527117&access_key=key-1p4jxf7driph43sa253k&page=1&viewMode=list"> <embed id="doc_75829" name="doc_75829" src="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=31527117&access_key=key-1p4jxf7driph43sa253k&page=1&viewMode=list" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="600" width="100%" wmode="opaque" bgcolor="#ffffff"></embed> </object></p> <p>What Paul is saying is that fungi could provide a natural remedy to break down the oil and mitigate its long-term effects, but there would need to be an army of people on the ground to make it work in practice…</p> <p>I think most people would put this in the “it’s so crazy, it just might work” category – but I’m putting this out there in the hope that it might get some legs. In fact, I might well send the link to the Deepwater Horizon team…</p> <p>Thoughts?</p> Justin Souterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545017601017831444noreply@blogger.com