MindfulPlayUK

“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

@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 pu