We’ve had our first session of the ‘Exploring What Matters’ course from Action for Happiness that I am running as a volunteer. It was amazing. That night I felt elated, buzzing, euphoric. We have been blessed with 20 participants who are open, positive and willing to make their lives happier. I will be sharing some of the resources we use during the course here. I wanted to start with this famous video by Alan Watts:
Being an introvert is absolutely fine! Focus on your strengths – many historic figures and amazing people were introverts. Feeling different is ok – you will come to realise that you are not so different, everything and everyone is one. Being shy is ok – just don’t cut off yourself from vital energy that is love, be it friends or loved ones. Being told that you should be more of a ‘team player’ at work is fine – one day you will find the right environment to thrive as a lone wolf that you are and if not, you will create it for yourself, at or outside of work. Be yourself. Love yourself. Realise your purpose.
I was reminded of Aaron Freeman’s words (full text here) recently when I wanted to console to a lady on Quora whose husband of many years died suddenly in hospital.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.
We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.
Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me; so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.
This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.
After months of work, I am delighted to share that this fall I am volunteering to organise and co-lead Exploring What Matters, an 8-week course designed by the Dalai Lama endorsed charity Action for Happiness, in the area of England where I live.
We will explore what really matters for a happy and meaningful life, discuss some of the biggest questions in life, explore ways to create happiness for ourselves and others, learn mindfulness and ways to improve mental health in the group of like-minded friends.
If you are around this neck of the woods, do join (click here to sign up or search “Action for happiness Rochester”), if not and you think it’s a great idea, you can join your local AfH course or organise your own. Here is to creating a happier and more caring world!
I am a big sucker for romantic stories. And when it comes to romance, there is nothing like a period drama. When I need a romantic pick-me-up, I watch clips from various screen adaptations of Jane Austen’s novels, movies like Call me by your name (a recent addition) and Amelie. Below are my top go-to romantic video clips dominated by Ms Austen’s work. Do you have any other suggestions? Drop them in the comments.
In this clip from the ‘Pride & Prejudice’ movie, Keira Knightley’s acting aside, Matthew Macfadyen does a good job at portraying the sensual side of Darcy if it ever existed. I love an exhale at 0:11 and his ‘bewitched body and soul’ speech from 2:00. It’s how he says ‘I love you’ that gets a standing ovation from me. I could watch and rewatch this scene. So romantic! 🤩
