Tangled Webs

You may have heard the saying "what a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive" and this has often been used to illustrate the importance of truth and simple communication. But we don't have to be trying to deceive, our whole lives are a tangled web, often with connections we don't see, aren't aware of. 

Being mindful helps us not necessarily untangle, but certainly see the web, understand that everything in our life is connected whether internally, to our background, experience, family, education and much more, or externally to the people around us, our work, reliance on gadgets, texting, the weather, whatever.

When we learn to look at the web, we see the connections much more clearly, recognise the strong, the tenuous, what is able to support and what needs to be strengthened or disregarded.

Being mindful in and of nature allows us to learn from all other life too, that things change, often aren't perfect but can still be beautiful.

Castles, money, celebrity and health

Lindisfarne Castle, Northumberland

There is an old saying that 'an Englishmen's home is his castle' and while the majority of us don't live in castles - did we ever?! where we live, where we are from, where we'd prefer to be, all play a part in our sense of 'self', our ability to feel comfortable, safe and happy with who and what we are. But our own sense of self also affects the society we are part of. Some complain about trends in society, especially behaviour but then just shut themselves away in their towers and do nothing to bring about change. 

The spirit of the Olympics , the work of volunteers and the support of the crowds reflects the true values we can have as individuals, while the greed of banks, the profiteering, high wage, bonus culture, money above all else attitude (just look at G4S, Banks, the damage caused by 'Big Oil' at the expense of our environment) doesn't. The ideals of a 'Big Society' laudable as they may seem are undermined by the large business interests behind them, such as SERCO taking over services that could be run by smaller charities if they were given the funding direct rather than the corporate 'top slicing' loved by the Government. The only way we will have a true legacy of the Olympics with improved health for all, is if there is grass roots interest in sport. Money should go to local authorities, schools and clubs to improve facilities and make them open to all. We should stop the craze for instant fame 'celebrity' status beloved of the media and focus on the determination and work shown by Olympic athletes. Forget the corporate image of sponsors and look at the dedication of our armed forces who've bailed them out. Forget the surgically modified bodies and look at the fantastic shapes of athletes. Once we start to believe in real people again, we'll be healthier as individuals and as a society and our 'sense of self' we be maintained by the reality around us, real people working for the best motives, helping others and protecting the places in which we live.

Depression and death

Big views can lift your spirits

Although the title of this post may seem depressive in itself, it reflects a growing problem in society that can be overcome by increased awareness, exercise and connecting with nature. A study, published in the British Medical Journal, is the largest so far to show an association between what was regarded as low level psychological distress or depression, and death. The need for increased use of  interventions such as mindfulness and activities in the outdoors is highlighted by the fact that the evidence suggests that treatment of what are regarded as common symptoms faced by 1 in 4 of the population can reduce this increased mortality.

While the medical profession still seem intent on the use of medication, prescribing a wide array of drug treatments for depression, lifestyle choices i.e. to be more active, to get out more, to eat well, to be aware of the day to day issues we face and how our responses affect our wellbeing are a cheaper, easier alternative that promotes self-managemetn of whatever condition we face.