MindfulPlayUK

"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

@intHRface EDIT: 22.04.2024 - Conference Title Updated! 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 avo

"The Whirling Dervish of Life" powered by DALL-E 3. I have known for about ten years that two of my seemingly disparate worlds in two very different timelines had become very close. That well-known phenomena of six degrees of separation had become one and this had filled me with a joyful warmth in the knowing of this connection. However I never expected these two worlds to collide, and I certainly didn’t realise the deeply profound effect it would have on me. I needed to know more about this. I needed to make some sense of it and that is the basis of this week’s article. Life unfolds in compartments. We navigate the world of work, the haven of family, the solace of friendships. These spheres often feel distinct, each with its own rhythm and cast of characters. But then, sometimes, the universe throws us a curveball – a moment of intersection. It's like two planets on vastly different orbits suddenly finding themselves drawn together by an unexpected gravitational pull

@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

"[180/365] Zen Moment" by pasukaru76 is marked with CC0 1.0. Last week, I wasn't building sandcastles on the beach of digital marketing – I was deep-sea diving in the world of Search Engine Optimisation for one of my clients. Instead of turquoise waves, I navigated tangled keyword jungles and uncharted backlinks. But guess what? It wasn't just work, it was joyful, fulfilling, and surprisingly creative. Now, you might be picturing frantic code monkeys lost in a caffeine haze. But the truth is, effective SEO involves a surprising amount of data analysis and clean-up. Imagine a disorganized library with books piled everywhere, covered in dust. Finding anything meaningful is a chore. SEO is like meticulously sorting those books, dusting them off, and arranging them so anyone can find what they need. And that's where the creative spark ignites. As I unearthed buried keywords, identified broken links, and streamlined content, a clear picture emerged. It wasn't

"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

"Wild Legosaurs Spotted" by tico_24 is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. Yesterday, 28th January, the world celebrated the boundless creativity and problem-solving spirit of International LEGO® Day. This day marks the anniversary of the patent filing for the original LEGO® brick in 1958, a humble invention that has sparked the imaginations of generations of builders and dreamers. From the iconic 2x4 brick to the intricate worlds of LEGO® Technic and Harry Potter, these colourful blocks have the power to transport us to realms of endless possibility. And today, 29th January, we shift gears to celebrate Freethinkers Day. This day is dedicated to the unwavering pursuit of independent thought, critical inquiry, and the courage to challenge established beliefs. It's a day to honor the intellectual pioneers who have dared to question the status quo and pave the way for a more open and questioning world. While seemingly disparate, these two days share a deep connection. LEGO

"lego-mini-figure-walker-6571821" by Ralf Ruppert (ralf1403) from Pixabay In today's fast-paced world, it can be difficult to find moments of peace and clarity. However, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that Mindfulness practices can help us to improve our focus, creativity, and well-being. One way to incorporate Mindfulness into your life is through LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, a methodology that uses hands-on learning to improve understanding and problem-solving. As part of my Masters’ research, I explored how the practice of Mindfulness can enhance LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® workshops. What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It involves being aware of our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without getting caught up in them. How can Mindfulness benefit LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® workshops? Mindfulness can benefit LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® workshops in a number of ways. For example, it can help

"LEGO Adults welcome, Oosterflank, Rotterdam (2021)" by Donald Trung Quoc Don (Chữ Hán: 徵國單) is licensed under CC BY 4.0. … and Why Adults Are Obsessed! Remember the simple joy of snapping LEGO® bricks together as a child? Turns out, that pure focus and satisfaction aren't just nostalgia, they are the secret ingredients to a powerful dose of mindfulness in the modern world. If meditation mantras and scented candles are not your thing, LEGO® can become an unexpected (and delightful) gateway to mental well-being for adults seeking stress relief and creative expression. It's not just a trend, either. Research shows that the repetitive, tactile nature of building with LEGO® activates neural pathways associated with calmness and focus, effectively reducing anxiety and improving cognitive function. Here's why LEGO® can be the ultimate adult mindfulness tool: Hands-on focus: Building with LEGO® requires present-moment awareness, directing your attention away fr

"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