Creative Mindfulness Journals
Below are a selection of previous Creative Mindfulness Journals published by the School of Modern Psychology. To read, click on each one (it will open into a new window for easier reading). Subscribe below to receive regular blog updates and notification of when a new journal is published.
Most big ideas begin with a notion. A simple ‘what-if’. What happens next determines whether their embryonic state matures or gets buried under another to-do list.
… What if you could take that embryonic notion and place it an environment that guarantees its tiny beating heart enough oxygen for it to expand and grow?
These 7 proven steps show you how:
An article about getting out of compliance-thinking and into growth-mastery — the mindset of self-leadership. Inspired by Seth Godin.
Compliance is a costly mistake bred into education systems. It’s where masses of young people first learn group-think, permission-seeking and how to fit-in.
Those who don’t follow the rules are treated harshly, ostracized from the group or ‘managed’ through a process of fear designed to ignite the reptilian brain and destroy individuality.
I’ve studied a lot. 2 Masters degrees. Several post-grad degrees. Learnt from the best in the field in a range of disciplines from marketing and writing to personal growth.
At a ‘head level’ I’ve got a lot tucked into my little brain.
But …
It wasn’t until studying — no, wrong word — experiencing Creative Mindfulnessthat I unlearned what I thought I knew and discovered more about myself, my relationships and how the shield I kept between me and the outside world was holding me back.
Here’s what I discovered:
1. Creative People Put Themselves In Boxes
Only 25% of people believe they’re living up to their potential to be creative.
This means that 75% of creatives aren’t. And most likely are dumbing-down insights, creative intelligence and the chance to be valued more highly — both financially and professionally.
Animals Know What We’ve Forgotten
- How to focus, then let go of disappointment fast
- How to release muscle tension when stress passes
- How to be in the present moment.
Reaching goals can bring out our best and worst. The thrill of leaning into a goal needs weighing against the angst of making slow progress. It can be a stressful business.
And while 75–90% of all visits to doctors are stress related (estimation), it’s time to take onboard these 7 ideas:
Why Learn?
“You are learning how to live. Because you want to be freer, fear less, and achieve a state of peace.” — Ryan Holiday, The Daily Stoic.
That’s what learning is. Opening a door, one leading from an ordinary world to a journey unknown. They’re rarely smooth. I’ve taken them before. It will challenge me. Sometimes drag me through fire. At other times I’ll feel as if drowning.
And every step of the way will open another opportunity. Another view. Yet one closed, if I hadn’t turned the handle.
Without seeking, nothing is found.
If Your Life Sucked Yesterday; It Will Again Today Unless …
“Where then do I look for good and evil? Not to uncontrollable externals, but within myself to the choices that are my own …” — Epictetus.
No one ethically knows the outcome of a game. We cannot make someone love us. We cannot dictate the weather.
Being top of the class used to be a predictor of success. Along with your IQ — a they offered a passport to … anything you wanted.
That was then.
These days your school record and IQ score are as good a predictor of success as your hair colour is.
“Many people are living in an emotional jail without realizing it.” — Virginia Satir
Virginia Satir (1916–88) was a family therapist with an eye for seeing what those she worked with couldn’t.
In her work with families, Satir categorised 5 types of behaviour she noticed people defaulting to. These behavioural defaults emerged in times of discomfort — around arguments or moments of emotional charge.
In this article, we’re looking at one category: the placater. You may see yourself here. Or not.
“Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is.” — German Proverb
Constant worry can become chronic, affecting your relationships, health and finances. It’s unhelpful baggage to carry around when all you want is peace in your life. Mindful Meditation, with its now respected credentials from the medical world could offer you a simple way to make peace with constant worry.