MindfulPlayUK

Karen Grayburn presenting our group work to the floor I have just returned from an incredible week immersed in the world of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® at the Annual International Conference at the LEGOLAND Hotel and Conference in Billund, Denmark. It was a whirlwind of learning, play, community, and connection that I'll cherish for a long time to come. My Key Takeaways from the Conference: Reframing Thinking with LSP: I delved deeper into the power of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® as a tool for reframing thinking. The new LSP application created by intHRface proved invaluable in unlocking new perspectives and problem-solving approaches. Levelling Up Facilitation Skills: The conference provided opportunities to enhance my facilitation skills through hands-on workshops and interactive sessions. I learned valuable lessons and techniques to guide teams effectively and create a collaborative environment. The Power of Playful Learning: One of the highlights was a playful exercise wh...

The Zephyr and The Labyrinth" - Powered by Dall-E 3. I’ve always been a fan of experimenting with new tools and technologies, so when I heard about the capabilities of AI language models, I was intrigued. I decided to give it a try and see if it could be a useful tool in my writing process. The results were fascinating. I started with a simple prompt: "Give me five random nouns." The AI obliged and gave me: Zephyr , Labyrinth , Equinox , Serendipity , and Nebula . From there, I asked the AI to create a story using those nouns, translate it into different languages, and even write it in a specific style. Here are the AI prompts I used: Give me five random nouns Create me a story with only 500 words using these nouns Make it more British Translate it into French Now translate into Spanish Back into English Expand to 500 words AI gave me a story with 538 words and so I looked at all the iterations that the process gave me after eac...

“understand knowledge management, practice mindfulness and play seriously" - Powered by Dall-E 3. We Understand Knowledge Management. We Practice Mindfulness. We Play Seriously. In today’s fast-paced, information-rich world, organizations often grapple with the challenge of transforming vast amounts of data into actionable insights. This is where the expertise of Mindful Coaching and Facilitation Consultants becomes invaluable. We are not merely knowledge managers; we are catalysts for transformation, leveraging the power of mindfulness to unlock the true potential within individuals and teams. Understanding Knowledge Management At the core of our approach lies a deep understanding of knowledge management. We recognize that knowledge is more than just data; it's a dynamic asset that requires careful curation, sharing, and application. Our expertise enables us to: Identify knowledge gaps: We delve into the heart of your organization to pinpoint areas where knowled...

“empowering leaders through mindfulness and lego serious play" - Powered by Dall-E 3. Executive Coaching with Mindfulness and Lego Serious Play (LSP) in Aberdeen, Scotland. At MindfulPlayUK, we believe in the power of combining Executive Coaching with the innovative practices of Mindfulness and LEGO SERIOUS PLAY (LSP). We're a team of mindful coaching and facilitation consultants based in Aberdeen, Scotland, UK, passionate about helping leaders unlock their potential and drive positive change within their organizations. Here's why our coaching approach is unique: Mindfulness: Our coaches are trained in Mindfulness practices, fostering a space for self-awareness and deeper reflection during the coaching process. This allows leaders to connect with their identity and purpose on a deeper level. LEGO SERIOUS PLAY: LSP is a revolutionary facilitation tool that uses LEGO® bricks to spark creativity and problem-solving. By building 3D models, leaders can explor...

“St. Swithin’s Day - 15 July - will it rain?" - Powered by Dall-E 3. Yesterday, Monday 15th July was St. Swithin’s Day, and it is a date firmly embedded in weather-related British folklore. According to tradition if it rains on this day, it’ll be wet for the following forty days. But who was St Swithin, and is there any truth to the old saying, "St Swithin's Day if thou dost rain, for forty days it will remain"? St Swithin was a 9th-century Bishop of Winchester, known for his humble and pious life. Following his death in 862, he requested a simple burial in the churchyard, exposed to the elements. Over a century later, when his remains were to be moved inside the cathedral, it is said that it rained continuously for 40 days, leading to the popular belief that the weather on St Swithin's Day would dictate the pattern for the next 40 days. The Weather Myth While the story is charming, there's no scientific evidence to support the St Swithin's Day w...

“a pictogram of summer" - Powered by Dall-E 3. We are halfway through June! How on Earth did that happen? I can’t quite get my head around that one. It feels like the year has only just begun, and yet here we are halfway through… So, given this time warp, it's a perfect time to take stock of your progress, both personally and professionally. Here's how to conduct a meaningful mid-year review that sets you up for success in the remaining months. Taking Inventory Goals Revisited: Recall the goals you set at the beginning of the year. Did you achieve any? Are some in progress? Be honest about what needs to be adjusted or let go of. Highlight Achievements: It's easy to focus on what hasn't been accomplished. Celebrate your wins, big or small! Did you master a new skill? Take on a challenging project? Publicly acknowledge yourself or discuss it with a trusted friends or colleagues! Addressing Challenges Roadblocks and Obstacles: What...

“international day of play in a work context" - Powered by Dall-E 3. Why Play Matters for Adults on International Day of Play (and Every Day). Today, Tuesday 11th June 2024, marks the first-ever International Day of Play, a celebration championed by the United Nations to recognise the fundamental right – and importance – of play in a child's life. But what about adults? Should we leave building blocks and creativity behind? Absolutely not! Play isn't just for kids. In fact, incorporating playful elements into coaching, mindfulness practices and techniques like LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® can unlock a treasure trove of benefits for adults as well. Here's why: The Power of Play in Coaching Think coaching is all about serious chats and structured exercises? Think again! Playful activities can create a safe space for exploration, fostering trust and open communication between coach and client. Imagine using role-playing games to practice difficult conversations or buildi...

“the business hero’s journey inspired by tarot" - Powered by Dall-E 3. This is an article that I have been cultivating for a while and finally today I feel is the day to post it. Joseph Campbell, a renowned professor of literature and mythologist, identified a universal cross-cultural story structure: the Hero's Journey. This narrative arc takes our hero from their ordinary world, through trials and triumphs, to a transformative return. This storytelling template can be a surprisingly insightful tool when applied to understanding whereabouts you may be in your own business or life process. Now without wanting to come across as overly “woo woo”, the Tarot also provides a rich tapestry of symbolism for this process, and woven together these two powerful tools can help you to guide you on your own quest. This article is not about fortune-telling - far from it - it is about using tools to help understand whereabouts you find yourself along the hero’s cyclical model. As ...

“Rain falls down kissing the crow on the bright green grass, yellow stars falling" - Powered by Dall-E 3. Haiku is the traditional Japanese poetic form which captivates readers with its brevity and evocative imagery. I first created a created a haiku in the 1990’s and I have been mystified by their conciseness and beauty ever since. Yesterday (26.05.2024), I attended a haiku workshop called “Nature’s Meditation”, facilitated by Nora D’Ecclesis and organised by Thane Lawrie , and it was a truly empowering experience of our own individual sensory journeys on a dreich Sunday lunchtime. Surrounded by other members of the Aberdeenshire Soto Zen group that I attend (albeit on Google Meet) who were also interested in this concise art form, I learned about the power of observation and how to condense vivid imagery into a mere 17 syllables. The workshop fuelled my creativity and left me with a newfound sense of poetic achievement. After a great dive into the history of haiku and ...

“A frustrated writer staring at a blank page" - Powered by Dall-E 3. The cursor blinks, a mocking metronome keeping time with the silence in my head. It's that unwelcome visitor again - writer's block. The blank page stretches before me, an impassable desert where inspiration used to flow like a vibrant oasis. I can practically hear the tumbleweeds of self-doubt whistling through my skull. This isn't the first rodeo with this frustrating situation. Every writer faces it, that nagging feeling of being utterly empty, the well of creativity running dry. I've tried the usual tricks: forcing myself to write anything, even nonsensical drivel, hoping a spark will ignite. I've paced the room, brow furrowed in concentration, "pootled about" doing other things willing words to appear. I've even resorted to asking AI (Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot), desperately searching for a shred of an idea. But so far, nothing. This time, however, the frust...

mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw In the UK this week, 13th – 19th May, it is Mental Health Awareness Week. The theme this year, chosen by the Mental Health Foundation, is " Movement: Moving More for Our Mental Health ". Physical activity is a powerful tool that can significantly boost our emotional wellbeing. Whether it's a brisk walk in nature, a dance session in your kitchen, or some tai-chi, getting our bodies moving can have a profound impact on our minds. Why Move for Mental Health? Exercise releases endorphins, natural mood elevators that combat feelings of stress and anxiety. It can also improve sleep quality, a crucial factor for mental wellbeing. Additionally, physical activity can be a form of mindfulness, helping us focus on the present moment and reduce negative thoughts. Finding Your #MomentsForMovement The beauty of this year's theme is that movement isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. There are countless ways to get active and improve your mental...

"A Picture of a Loving Europe" - Powered by Dall-E 3. Remembering the End, Honouring the Fight, and Building a Brighter Future Today is Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day. It commemorates the formal acceptance by the Allied forces of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender on 8th May 1945. This marked the end of the Second World War in Europe, a conflict that ravaged the continent for nearly six years. VE Day and Liberation Day: Two Sides of the Same Coin While VE Day signifies the official surrender of Nazi Germany, many countries also celebrate Liberation Day – a commemoration of the specific moment their own land was freed from Nazi occupation. Both days are deeply significant, representing the culmination of immense struggle and sacrifice. Why is VE Day Important? VE Day is a significant moment in European history, not just for its historical weight, but also for the lessons it offers us as we navigate our own challenges. Let's explore some key takeaways ...

"Beltane 09 - May Queen" by *Debs* is licensed under CC BY 2.0. The sun warms our skin, the days lengthen, and a vibrant hum fills the air – summer is on the horizon! But before we fully embrace the lazy days and sunshine, many cultures around the world celebrate the transition into this season with fire, festivity, and fertility rituals. Today, we delve into the rich traditions of Beltane, a Celtic May Day festival that marks the beginning of which marks the halfway point between spring equinox and summer solstice. It hasn't escaped me that this article comes immediately after my Earth Day article. It truly is a time to think about this beautiful planet of ours and the joy and gratitude of finally bidding farewell to the cold winter and welcoming the lushness and fertility of summer, and those beautiful long Scottish summer nights. A History Steeped in Fire Beltane (pronounced "bel-tain" or "bol-tin-a") has roots stretching far back in Celtic ...

"Celebrating Earth Day" powered by Dall-E 3. That's right, today, Monday 22nd April, is Earth Day! But Earth Day isn't just about planting a tree (although that's a great idea too). It's a global day dedicated to raising awareness about our planet's environment and inspiring action to protect it. Why Earth Day Matters It's a day to celebrate the amazing diversity of life on Earth and to focus on the pressing issues we face – climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, to name a few. Earth Day is a vital reminder that we all have a role to play in ensuring a healthy planet for ourselves and future generations. Here's why Earth Day is important: Our planet sustains us: A healthy Earth provides us with clean air, water, food, and resources. By protecting it, we protect ourselves and future generations. It's a global challenge: Environmental issues don't respect borders. Earth Day unites people worldwide to work toget...