MindfulPlayUK

@intHRface This week's article is all about what I perceive to be, without a doubt. the most exciting work-related event in my diary every year and I am so looking forward to it. If you are a trained facilitator of the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method, this is certainly something that may be of interest to you. Event: The 8th International LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Conference Dates: Wednesday 2nd - Thursday 3rd October 2024 Location: Hotel Legoland and Conference, Billund, Denmark This conference takes an unconventional approach, using the concept of "the right kind of wrong" to challenge traditional views on mistakes. Through LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® exercises and inspiration from world-class facilitators, you'll explore how to learn from mistakes, embrace innovation, and avoid becoming boring! Traditional View of Mistakes: Typically, mistakes are seen as something negative, leading to failure and needing to be avoided. In our Mindfulness studies and practice, we

@MHFAEngland Over the last week or so I have been listening to the podcast series “ Exploring Mental Health in Coaching ” by the Association for Coaching. I think in I am right in saying that pretty much every single episode mentioned Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). Mental Health First Aid is essentially first aid for mental health concerns. Just like regular first aid equips you to handle physical emergencies, MHFA teaches you to recognise signs of mental health issues, provide initial support, and guide people towards professional help. In June 2019, before I started my coach training and after I had gained my MSc in Mindfulness , I attended the Adult MHFA Two Day course and became a Mental Health First Aider. This equips me with the skills to provide first aid to people experiencing mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and psychosis. As a Mental Health First Aider, I am able to offer support to those in need. Even though I live in Scotland, the course was delive

"themes of coaching, lego serious play, mindfulness and shamanism” powered by DALL-E 3. In this exploration, I want to bring together the four pillars that underpin my approach to personal and professional transformation and development: Coaching, LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, Mindfulness, and Shamanism. These seemingly disparate elements might surprise you, but together they form a powerful framework for self-discovery, growth, and achieving your goals. Let's delve deeper into each pillar and how they could contribute to your journey: 1. Coaching: Your Trusted Guide Coaching forms the foundation of our work together. As your coach, I'll act as your supportive guide, asking thought-provoking questions that help you gain clarity on your goals and challenges. Through active listening and personalized guidance, I'll empower you to tap into your own strengths and resources to navigate your path forward. 2. LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®: Reimagine Your Possibilities Get ready to u

"Thailand, Sala Kaew Ku Sculpture Park" by Nick Kenrick. is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Shamanic Coaching is a unique spiritual method rooted in ancient shamanic principles, distinct from Western psychology or other modern systems. It's not derived from a single culture but draws upon core shamanic practices, thoughtfully adapted for contemporary life and society. Focus on Spiritual Growth, Not Psychopathology Unlike traditional therapy, shamanic coaching doesn't aim to treat mental health conditions. Instead, it serves as a spiritual counselling method with the ultimate goal of life enlightenment. The focus is on helping you discover your inner spiritual power and wellbeing and the wisdom to navigate life's challenges successfully. Key Aspects of Shamanic Coaching: Ancient Shamanic Techniques: Shamanic coaching incorporates practices like drumming, guided meditations (known as journeys), and connecting with spirit guides or animal spirits. These tec

"Spring has Sprung" by Javcon117* is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. As the days lengthen and the world bursts forth in vibrant hues, we find ourselves stepping into the season of spring. This time of year is a potent symbol of renewal, growth, and fresh starts – a sentiment that resonates deeply within the world of coaching. Just as nature awakens from its winter slumber, spring invites us to shed the layers of the past and step into new possibilities. As coaches, we witness this transformation first-hand as our clients embark on journeys of self-discovery, goal setting, and personal growth. Spring Cleaning for the Soul The invigorating energy of spring inspires us to declutter and refresh. This can translate beautifully into the coaching space. We can encourage our clients to: Reflect on their goals and aspirations. Have their priorities shifted? Are there new dreams waiting to be unearthed? Identify limiting beliefs or negative patterns that may be holding t

"Zen Meeting Room, Japan" by stefanx80 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. In my previous post, I surprisingly delved into the world of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) – a world where data analysis and cleanup can be a source of both joy and creativity. But as I found myself wrapped up in the digital realm, it's important to remember: our lives extend far beyond the keyboard. So, where do you find your zen, your place of genuine peace and fulfilment? For me, the answer might (or might not) surprise you. Yes, I find a certain satisfaction in the logic and problem-solving aspects of data analysis. But true zen comes from stepping away from the screen and connecting with the real tangible world. Whether it's spending time in nature, losing myself in the world of LEGO, or simply enjoying quality time with loved ones, these moments of unplugged presence are what truly recharge me. And also this is possibly why I am transitioning away from a being a full-time IT consultan

"Hiking the Tor in the very early morning" by Karen Grayburn. For the vast majority of my working life, I have been living as a digital nomad; going wherever the work is, and for the past two years, I have really owned, embraced and embodied this lifestyle. I have just spent a wonderful ten days in Wales and Glastonbury, connecting with friends, enjoying the sites, and yes, even getting some work done – all while basking in the freedom of the digital nomad lifestyle. And now I am back in Yorkshire for a couple of weeks, but of course, this is always subject to change depending on my diary! This type of lifestyle perfectly complements my own, but is it all fun, scenic backdrops and freedom? Here's my honest take on the pros and cons of this unique way of life: Pros: Location Independence: The biggest perk! My office is wherever I have Wi-Fi. Attend meetings in Cardiff one day, explore legendary sites in Glastonbury the next – all without missing a beat.

The Traitors ©BBC The chilling whispers of suspicion, the adrenaline rush of a well-played bluff, the weight of divided loyalties - these are the hallmarks of a game where choosing between being a Traitor or Faithful becomes a constant internal battle. Whether you're enthralled by the psychological reality tv show "The Traitors" or simply pondering the moral complexities of human interaction, the question remains: who would you be in a game of ultimate betrayal? The Traitor thrives on deception. They navigate a world of fabricated truths and veiled intentions, manipulating trust and exploiting weaknesses for their own gain. It's a high-risk, high-reward path, demanding strategic brilliance and an unflinching ability to compartmentalize. But the thrill of playing everyone like pawns and the potential for a grand victory can be intoxicating. The Faithful, on the other hand, walk a precarious tightrope of vulnerability and vigilance. They believe in cooperation, s

"SKY for New Year's card" by skyseeker is licensed under CC BY 2.0. The bells have come and gone, the party glasses gleam in the fading light, and a brand-new year stretches before us like a blank canvas. It's a time for hope, for fresh starts, for whispered mantras of "New year, New me!" But let's be honest, those shiny expectations often come face-to-face with the messy reality of daily life, leaving us feeling deflated and defeated before February even arrives. Here could be some of mine: Expectation: Waking up energized, sprinting to the gym, fuelled by quinoa (why do I always pronounce this kwi-no-a) power bowls and inspirational podcasts. Reality: Snoozing till the last possible second, fuelled by leftover mince pies and the lingering guilt of last night's pie and mash. Expectation: Cultivating zen-like serenity, radiating gratitude and radiating calmness in response to life's everyday annoyances. Reality: Snapping at the baris

"Merry Christmas!" by Nick-K (Nikos Koutoulas) is licensed under CC BY 2.0. A Christmas Poem In a world of coaching, facilitation, and play, Where mindful coaches help us along the way, LEGO SERIOUS PLAY is the tool we hold, To build our dreams and stories untold. With bricks of every colour, we craft our desires, From castles of happiness to bridges of fires, Our minds expand, our spirits soar, As we create a world that's ours to explore. The mindful coach, with gentle embrace, Guiding our thoughts, with a patient pace, We learn to focus, to breathe, to be still, In the midst of Christmas' hustle and thrill. LEGO SERIOUS PLAY, a magical art, Bringing creativity to life from the start, We build connections, we share our delight, In this Christmas season, oh so bright. So gather your bricks, and let us play, In this mindful and playful ballet, With LEGO SERIOUS PLAY, we'll find our way, To a Christmas filled with joy and light, in every w

"A Mindful Coaching and Facilitation Consultant" by Karen Grayburn. A mindful coaching and facilitation consultant is a professional who helps individuals and organizations achieve their goals by integrating mindfulness practices into their coaching and facilitation work. They are trained in both coaching and facilitation methodologies, as well as mindfulness techniques. Mindful Coaching Mindful coaching is a coaching approach that emphasizes the importance of present-moment awareness and non-judgmental observation. It helps individuals to increase their self-awareness, reduce stress, and make more mindful choices. Mindful Facilitation Mindful facilitation is a facilitation approach that uses mindfulness practices to create a safe and supportive space for participants to learn, grow, and connect. It helps to ensure that meetings are focused, productive, and inclusive. Benefits of Mindful Coaching and Facilitation Mindful coaching and facilitation can offer a num

"Christmas #7 - Charlie Brown is all about inclusion!" by kevin dooley is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Last week I attended a webinar hosted by Business Gateway called “How to Build a Culture of Inclusion”. Now this webinar wasn’t specifically tailored towards executive coaches but for everyone in business. A lot of it I was very aware of to be fair, however there was a concept that I had never heard of, and it really made me stop and think. This needs to be shared I thought. So here I am sharing it with you. Unravelling Prejudice and Embracing Inclusion: Medical vs Social Models of Disability The concept of disability has long been a subject of debate, with various perspectives shaping our understanding of this multifaceted issue. Two dominant models, the social model and the medical model, have emerged as key frameworks for analysing and addressing disability. The Medical Model: A Focus on Impairments The medical model of disability places the primary emphasis on the

"The Windmill in My Studio" by Karen Grayburn. This weekend just gone I was displaying at Oban Winter Bricks as part of the Oban Winter Festival on the West Coast of Scotland. It got me thinking about how I use LEGO® personally and how I use it professionally. Adult fans of LEGO® (AFOLs) are a passionate and diverse group of individuals who have maintained their love of LEGO® bricks well into adulthood. They are often collectors, builders, and creators who enjoy the challenges and rewards of using LEGO® bricks to express their creativity and bring their ideas to life. LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® (LSP) is a unique facilitation methodology that harnesses the power of LEGO bricks to enhance communication, foster creative problem-solving, and unlock innovation. AFOLs have been instrumental in the development and adoption of LSP, bringing their expertise and passion for LEGO® to this innovative approach to problem-solving. AFOLs are drawn to LSP for several reasons: Creati

A Natural Explosion of Light by Karen Grayburn. As a coach, I use a variety of methodologies to help my clients achieve their goals and live their best lives. The more powerful ones for use in business being: Mindfulness, LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, and Coaching. Mindfulness: Anchoring Presence and Awareness Mindfulness is the practice of knowing what is happening while it is happening without preference. By training our attention to focus on the here and now, we can detach from the incessant chatter of our minds and connect with the profound stillness that resides within. This practice fosters a deep sense of self-awareness, allowing us to observe our thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment. As we cultivate mindfulness, we gain the ability to respond to life's challenges with greater clarity, compassion, and resilience. LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®: Unleashing Creativity and Insight LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is a facilitated methodology that utilizes LEGO® bricks as a medium for e

"Life Is A Journey" by Easa Shamih (iZZo) | P.h.o.t.o.g.r.a.p.h.y is licensed under CC BY 2.0. In a world teeming with possibilities, it's easy to feel lost amidst the myriad of choice sand directions. The quest for purpose, both personal and collective, often leads to a winding path filled with introspection and exploration. As an identity coach, I am here to guide and support those seeking clarity and direction, empowering individuals, teams, and organizations to uncover their unique purpose and embrace a fulfilling journey of self-discovery. Unveiling Your Individual Identity Our identity is the foundation of our being, shaping our thoughts, actions, and aspirations. As an identity coach, I help individuals delve into the depths of their values, beliefs, and strengths, fostering a profound understanding of their authentic selves. Together, we embark on a journey of self-reflection, uncovering hidden gems of potential and illuminating the path towards a life align

"crossroads" by Laenulfean is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Identity is a complex and ever-evolving thing. It is made up of our values, beliefs, experiences, and relationships. It is who we are at our core. Purpose is the reason we are here. It is what gives our lives meaning and direction. It is what drives us to do what we do. Identity and purpose are inextricably linked. When we are living in alignment with our identity and purpose, we feel more fulfilled and satisfied with our lives. We are also more likely to be successful in our careers and relationships. As an identity coach, I work with individuals, teams, and organizations to explore and understand their identity and to discover their purpose and to live in alignment with it. With individuals, I help them to: Identify their core values and beliefs Understand their strengths and weaknesses Explore their passions and interests Discover their purpose Develop a plan to live in alignment w