by Chris Barker | Jul 16, 2024 | Uncategorised
A self-critical mind? “Wasted day, didn’t get anything done…” “Taking forever, still got 101 things to do…” “I just want to sit down but I cannot stop…” The left-pre frontal cortex, the part for the brain responsible for planning, problem solving and judging can keep...
by Chris Barker | Feb 6, 2023 | Uncategorised
For me as a child it was Polzeath in Cornwall: the opportunity to take off shoes and socks, roll up trousers and splash about in the rock pools or small inland seas we had created with our buckets and spades… paddling at its best! As time progresses, we are encouraged...
by Chris Barker | Nov 7, 2022 | Uncategorised
A participant in a session once shared that when her self-critical voice appeared in her mind it had the qualities of a drill sergeant: short, sharp and very loud! This made me think of my brother who was a drill sergeant in the military: I could picture him barking...
by Chris Barker | Jun 20, 2022 | Uncategorised
‘Turn it up to eleven’, coined in the 1984 movie This Is Spinal Tap, where guitarist Nigel Tufnel proudly demonstrates an amplifier whose volume knobs are marked from zero to eleven, instead of the usual zero to ten. Nature has a wonderful way of turning its volume up...
by Chris Barker | Mar 28, 2022 | Uncategorised
‘Pay attention, Jenkins!’ often followed by the board rubber flying across the classroom was a regular occurrence during my English lessons as a child. Playing with attention has a very different feel: it is light and fun. It can bring a sense of curiosity, perhaps...
by Chris Barker | Nov 4, 2021 | Uncategorised
A country walk in the crisp autumnal air, kicking through fallen leaves of auburn, gold and amber, complete with a flask of hot chocolate. Sitting on a bench watching the curls of steam arising from the shiny silver cup, the aroma awakening the taste buds, rich,...
by Chris Barker | Apr 12, 2021 | Uncategorised
To stick with what you have or to twist and take a new card – a question from our endless games of Pontoon as a child. As lockdown restrictions ease, the possibility of returning to my old habits and routines arises, so this is a question that I have been asking...
by Chris Barker | Dec 29, 2020 | Uncategorised
If 2020 has demonstrated anything, it is that the only certainty in life is uncertainty.So, what are the practical tools that could help deal with this?This morning I listened to the news on the radio which left me feeling anxious and a little overwhelmed. Later,...
by Chris Barker | Dec 29, 2020 | Uncategorised
Dexter, Benji, Dolly and Acorn – puppies bringing untold joys every day to my friends and neighbours at this festive time of year. In contrast the top 5 unwanted Christmas presents are: 1. Clothing & Accessories; 2. Cosmetics and Fragrances; 3. Household...
by Chris Barker | Dec 15, 2020 | Uncategorised
‘It would have been simpler for me if the government hadn’t changed the regulations for Christmas, I am really conflicted now…’ commented one of my colleagues. The discussions have been circulating at work for at least a couple of weeks, maybe longer. There is a...
