Crash Course in Canadiana
I know that working your way through the latest tome from Lonely Planet isn’t for everyone, that’s why I’m bringing you this…
The truth about Islam
As someone who became a muslim by choice I look around sometimes and think “What have I done?” So much of what I researched and felt a connection with is misrepresented in the world. Did I misunderstand? Was there something I missed?
The science behind Mindfulness
For those who remain unconvinced or sceptical of the benefits of mindfulness, here’s Professor Mark Williams, director of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre, explaining the scientific studies that prove unequivocally how it can help with depression. Quite why they interviewed him in a storage-cupboard is unclear, but it’s great to be part of research that results in such positive findings and can potentially take the treatment of mental illness in a new direction. Visit these posts on my participation in the Toronto study: Mindfulness in Depression Relapse Prevention, for more information. Research into the prevention of depression relapse Mindfulness in depression relapse prevention – Autopilot & raisins Mindfulness in depression relapse prevention…
Do you live to write or write to live?
Whatever made me think I’d be immune? I’d read the blog posts about pressure sapping creativity and the danger of writing for your audience instead of yourself and shrugged it off with nonchalant naivety - that didn't sound like me at all...
Drive-Thrus Done to Death
Today at school pick-up, as I described the goldfish experience of being scrutinised by the drive-thru queue while having coffee at Tim Hortons, a friend happened to mention drive-thru wakes in the US. Yes, you heard me right - drive-thru wakes...
Five Books to Boost your Writing
Sometimes, when the very act of writing has become painful drudgery and you think "I can't be any good - surely it's not meant to be like this...", all you need to get going again is a little inspiration and a reminder of why you love doing what you do...
Choking on the memory
When the kids to wrap their fingers around my neck in play I’m transported back in time to the day a man strangled his daughter on the stairs of their home while her mother and siblings watched...
