Here is a short list of selected stories from this weekend and last week.
Moving on from Danish hygge? – ‘People just do nothing’, is the Dutch concept of Niksen the best way to relax? Niksen is an increasingly popular relaxation technique where you relinquish control and just … stop. When thoughts occur, you don’t interrogate them or imagine them being carried away on balloons, you just let them occur. At a time when meditative practices can feel like yet another thing to do, Niksen is liberatingly simple. Stop doing everything right now….! https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2019/jul/22/people-just-do-nothing-is-the-dutch-concept-of-niksen-the-best-way-to-relax
A little London-centric this piece, but am keen to share news regarding the unexpected and very sad closure of the House of St Barnabas Club and Charity, in Soho Square, London. Having been a member since 2019, and supporting through Covid, the club closed its doors on 31st January, 10 years after inception. Loved the way they branded themselves – ‘the club that never joined the club’. This from their final email – Our journey has been epic: businesses formed, relationships started, marriages sealed, friendships made, deals done, negronis drank, espressos sipped, chips shared, dance floors filled, art adored, DJs delighted. And so much laughter. And most importantly 307 remarkable people who have experienced homelessness have graduated from our programmes and have been supported to achieve good work, a secure home, and a supportive network.
I’m a big fan (and subscriber) of theThe Book Of Man and the work they are doing to support men, in the area of mind, body and skills. Some great content being hosted at the moment, including – interviews with Paul Mescal and Stephen Moyer. Https://thebookofman.com . This recent post from the editor Martin Robinson also caught my eye – Why singing is a miracle for your mental health. ‘Vocal coach Mark De-Lisser is a legend in the industry and a man spreading the word of the confidence-giving power of singing.’ https://thebookofman.com/mind/culture/can-singing-help-your-mental-health/
An early shout out for the 4th edition of the Mindfulness Manchester Festival. Created and curated by colleague and friend Christoph Spiessens (He/Him) on the 18th and 19th October. Great line-up of partners and speakers already in place, including – Mindfulness Initiative, BAMBA, Mindfulness Network and Breathworks. https://www.manchestermindfulnessfestival.com
From HBR – The Restorative Power of Small Habits – Over the last few years, there’s been a renewed focus on burnout, a serious physical and psychological condition that requires attention and care. But a narrow focus on burnout ignores another key part of wellbeing — the more subtle but equally important ongoing maintenance of one’s energy, especially through the daily challenges of leadership. The author identifies five key energy batteries: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social. Once you identify which batteries are depleting and why, you can implement mini habits to help you recharge. https://hbr.org/2024/02/the-restorative-power-of-small-habits
Finally, promoting ticket release for the International Conference on Mindfulness at Bangor, this August (ICM:2024). Arranged and hosted by The Mindfulness Network (of which I am a trustee) and Bangor University. https://www.internationalmindfulnessconference.com
Mindfulnessmatterstoday1@gmail.com
Nick (a wellbeing and mindfulness speaker & teacher)