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The Surprising Healing Power of Swearing: A Joyous Rebellion of Words

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The Surprising Healing Power of Swearing: A Joyous Rebellion of Words Inspired by Bill Bailey’s “Remarkable Guide to Happiness” I recently read Bill Bailey’s Remarkable Guide to Happiness and was particularly struck by the unexpected joy in his chapter on swearing. Bill, ever the witty observer of life, writes about swearing not with shame or censorship, but with celebration. He reminds us that swearing — when done right — is not just a verbal release, but a deeply human, almost poetic act. It’s cathartic. It’s visceral. And, as it turns out, it might even be good for us . This got me thinking. Could there really be healing benefits to a well-timed expletive? Swearing as a Pain Reliever It turns out, there’s robust scientific evidence to support what many of us instinctively know: swearing can actually help us cope with pain. In a now-famous study from Keele University, psychologist Richard Stephens asked participants to submerge their hands in ice-cold water. Those who were al...

Moving from the Inside Out: Understanding Motivation in Tai Chi & Qigong for Chronic Conditions

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Title: Moving from the Inside Out: Understanding Motivation in Tai Chi & Qigong for Chronic Conditions By Mark Peters When supporting people with chronic medical conditions to begin or maintain an active lifestyle, one of the most important—yet often overlooked—factors is motivation . Not just whether someone is motivated, but why they are. In the world of health behaviour change, we often distinguish between two types of motivation: extrinsic and intrinsic . Both can play a role in encouraging participation in activities like Tai Chi and Qigong , but the balance between them often determines long-term success, especially for those managing ongoing health challenges. Extrinsic Motivation: Starting from the Outside Extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards or pressures . For example: A doctor recommends more exercise. A physiotherapist sets a rehab goal. A family member signs someone up for a class. There's a certificate or prize at the end. Soc...
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  Title: Polycontextural Logic and Its Application in Christina Hall’s NLP Model In the evolving field of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) , the way we think about language, perception, and meaning is constantly expanding. One concept that adds remarkable depth to this process is polycontextural logic —a framework that challenges traditional binary logic in favour of multiple, co-existing truths . While this idea comes from philosophical cybernetics, it has profound application in NLP—particularly within the model advanced by Christina Hall , co-developer of NLP and former president of The Society of NLP. With Christina Hall’s succession management , the new leadership of The Society of NLP continues to foster innovation and preserve the integrity of this multidimensional approach to human experience. (Visit thesocietyofnlp.org to learn more.)  NB - This is seperate to the work of  Richard Bandler and John Lavelle who co-own SNLP What is Polycontextural Logic? Origi...

Hypno-Zempic - change your mind to change your life

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  🌀 Hypno-Zempic: The Imaginary Jab That Might Actually Work? We live in an age where weight loss trends are as common as TikTok dances—and just as fleeting. Enter Ozempic , the diabetes drug turned "fat jab" phenomenon, hailed by many as a miracle weight-loss injection. But what if there was a needle-free way to get results? What if the real power was already in your mind? Say hello to Hypno-Zempic —our completely imagination based, side-effect-free, mind-powered alternative to injectable weight loss solutions. 🌀✨ 🧠 The Power of Suggestion (and Humour) Let’s be clear: Hypno-Zempic isn’t real (yet 😉). But the power of the mind ? That’s legit. Hypnotherapy has been used for decades to help people quit smoking, conquer fears, reduce stress, and yes—even address eating behaviors and weight loss. Instead of poking yourself with a pricey pen, imagine being gently guided into a relaxed state where your subconscious starts craving... salads . Where you say no to sugar not b...

The Hidden Cost of Kindness: Has Gentle Parenting Gone Too Far?

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  The Hidden Cost of Kindness: Has Gentle Parenting Gone Too Far? Over the last two decades, gentle parenting has grown in popularity, praised for its compassionate, child-centred approach. Rooted in empathy, respect, and open communication, the philosophy aims to nurture emotionally intelligent and confident children. On the surface, it seems like a positive evolution from the more authoritarian methods of previous generations. But as today’s young adults and adolescents face rising levels of anxiety, depression, and emotional fragility, it is worth asking: has gentle parenting, in its modern application, gone too far? The Rise of Gentle Parenting Emerging in the early 2000s, gentle parenting sought to create a supportive environment in which children could thrive emotionally. It discouraged punishment, encouraged negotiation, and focused heavily on understanding the child's perspective. At its best, this approach builds strong, trusting relationships. At its worst, it has i...

How Children Can Benefit from Tai Chi and Qigong

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  The Gentle Power: How Children Can Benefit from Tai Chi and Qigong In today’s fast-paced, tech-saturated world, children are often bombarded with constant stimulation, academic pressures, and a myriad of extracurricular commitments. Amid this whirlwind, practices like Tai Chi and Qigong offer a refreshing, grounding alternative that can significantly support a child’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. While often associated with older adults, these ancient Chinese practices are remarkably beneficial for children too. Their gentle, flowing movements, deep breathing, and focus on inner calm make them ideal for young minds and bodies navigating the demands of growing up. What Are Tai Chi and Qigong? Tai Chi is a form of martial art that focuses on slow, controlled movements and balance, often described as “meditation in motion.” Qigong , on the other hand, is an even older practice that combines movement, breathing techniques, and visualisation to cultivate and balance ...

Working with the three states of mind of DBT

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In Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) , the three states of mind refer to different ways people process thoughts, emotions, and decisions. These are: 1. Reasonable Mind (Rational Mind) This is when a person thinks logically and analytically , relying on facts, logic, and reason. It is useful for problem-solving, planning, and making objective decisions. However, being in this state alone can make a person seem cold, detached, or overly rigid in their thinking. 2. Emotion Mind This state is dominated by emotions , leading to impulsive and reactive behaviours. Thoughts and actions are driven by how a person feels in the moment , rather than by logic or facts. While emotions are important for passion and intuition, relying only on this state can lead to irrational decisions, emotional outbursts, or self-destructive behaviours . 3. Wise Mind This is the balanced state between Reasonable Mind and Emotion Mind. It integrates both logic and emotions, allowing a person to make decisions t...