What do the Martial Arts have to offer?
“Martial arts” is a very broad category, with various aims—some incompatible with each other! Sport martial arts operate under specific rules, and offer excellent recreation and exercise for the reasonably fit. Self-defense is a claim often made, but there is a lot of...
Core concepts of Bodymind Training
I would like to explain as clearly as I can the core ideas of the system I call Bodymind Training (BmT). These concepts also apply to many other forms of Somatic education and therapy. Bodymind Training shows you simple and easy ways to feel better and be more...
Bullying: Anatomy of the Bully
Recently I’ve been on a deep dive into expert opinions on bullying, its causes, effects and methods. Fortunately there is consensus on a number of points, irrespective if the bullying is associated with schools, work place or larger social groups.
Psychedelics, drug effects, and psychotherapy
A psychedelic trip is … better described as a process triggered by the drug rather than an “effect” of the drug.
Neuroscience: The Good, the Bad, and the Transcendent. Part 2: Dualism and Non-dualism
The more awake you are, the more connected the brain is.
NEUROSCIENCE—The Bad, the Good, & the Transcendent. Part II As neuroscience has turned its attention to feelings, consciousness, the self, it has become clear that a lot of simple everyday concepts that we all (scientists too!) assumed were valid— —are not good...
NEUROSCIENCE-The Bad, the Good, & the Transcendent. Part I: The limitations of the dualistic world-view
Neuroscience—the word itself carries an air of authenticity an esoteric & authoritative flavour which (seems to) legitimise any cultural dish to which it is added. Science, the arbiter of truth & reality, focused on the brain itself, the organ of...
Remembering Women Veterans
I recall being focused on a butterfly that had just landed on a nearby plant. The butterfly paused revealing crisp black and yellow stripes and spots. Its wings slowly opened and closed as it tested a flower for nectar. Overhead, the drone of a prop...
After the National Qigong Association conference
Just back from the National Qigong Association East Coast conference. Overall, an enjoyable and productive time! Mardi and I gave a presentation, early in the conference, based on the sequence of our published papers; you can see the Power Point here. We were...
Resilient First Responders: Flourishing Under Challenge
Why do some people flourish in the face stress? I’d like to share some insights from our studies of flight attendant health. One study’s objective was to determine if a ‘meditative movement’ training could change the health of our study volunteers. This training involved teaching awareness of internal bodily sensations …