Words: Fuschia SIROIS Do you tend to see the glass as half-full, rather than half-empty? Are you always looking on the bright side of life? If so, you may be surprised to learn that this tendency could actually be good for your health. A number of studies have shown that optimists enjoy higher levels of well-being, better

Words: Dr Rachel Goldsmith TUROW Mindfulness and self-compassion are now buzzwords for self-improvement. But, in fact, a growing body of research shows these practices can lead to real mental health benefits. This research — ongoing, voluminous and worldwide — clearly shows how and why these two practices work. One effective way to cultivate mindfulness and self-compassion is through

Words: Dr Ryan N HARRISON Have you ever considered the power of your imagination? Some believe it is a person’s least utilised health resource. Dr Martin L Rossman, Co-Founder of the Academy for Guided Imagery, US, states that imagination “can be used to remember and recreate the past, develop insight into the present, influence physical

Words: Dr Rajgopal NIDAMBOOR We all go through life like waves over matter, or slow, measured upsurges — a form of precise, or inventive, transformation. This is part of our time and space continuum. It defines us and contextualises our existence — of who we are, as self-regulating, independent entities, with each of us being

Words: Dr Rajgopal NIDAMBOOR Your feelings divulge as to what is going on in your life more accurately than your favourite astrological column. Our feelings and emotions form the vibrant, or resonant tapestry, a ‘multiclued’ synthesis and universal correlation between us and our fellow beings. You just can’t think of life without them; because, if

Words: Dr Evita MARCH Almost half the population of the planet now has access to the Internet, with about one in three of those people regularly active on social media. But this increased opportunity to socialise and communicate in a virtual environment has offered new avenues for antisocial behaviour. The problem of cyberbullying has received considerable research attention. However,

Words: Dr Rajgopal NIDAMBOOR                       It does not matter whether you are 65, or 75+. Falling or a risk of some injury is imminent, especially when you are alone at home. The question uppermost in one’s mind is — what if you are not able

Words: Dr Rajgopal NIDAMBOOR When we think of awareness, or conscious receptiveness, most of us go through a state of perplexity. As we become attentive to our emotions, we also think as if we are subject to a plethora of warped emotional feelings. It takes time to understand such feelings — more so, to figure

Words: Dr Rajgopal NIDAMBOOR It is sometimes all right to play ‘god’ with oneself. It not only lifts one’s fortitude and confidence, it also makes inspirational perception of truth possible. It needs ‘practice’ to do so on a regular basis — without showing your ‘trick’ on the surface. Once this happens, you can become what

Words: Nelressa STALLINGS-FAYE Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel. — Morrie Shwartz What is the greatest value you can achieve in your lifetime? Depending on one’s perspective, some of us might look to the question in different ways — what is the meaning of value, or success,