‘I did not see them; I saw their soul’: retreats are more about magical encounters than self-exploration

James Hodgson, University of Manchester Going on a retreat seems like the very definition of a solitary experience. You leave behind your friends, family, and colleagues, giving up everyday life, responsibilities, cares and frustrations, for some quality time on your … Continue reading ‘I did not see them; I saw their soul’: retreats are more about magical encounters than self-exploration

Trauma and transformation – a psychologist on why difficult experiences can radically change us

Steve Taylor, Leeds Beckett University It’s human instinct to avoid suffering and try to make life as comfortable and easy as possible. But paradoxically, a great deal of research has shown that suffering and trauma can have positive long-term effects. … Continue reading Trauma and transformation – a psychologist on why difficult experiences can radically change us

It’s not stress that’s killing us, it’s hate: Maybe mindfulness can help

Igor Grossmann, University of Waterloo and Ellen Choi, Ryerson University There is no shortage of divisive social issues today, all competing in an increasingly crowded outrage marketplace for our attention. With algorithms curating increasingly hateful content under the guise of … Continue reading It’s not stress that’s killing us, it’s hate: Maybe mindfulness can help

The 10 Habits of Highly Unflabby People @JeffVrabel

The 10 Habits of Highly Unflabby People So you want to keep an eye on the old waistline, but you hate diets. Join the club. Rather than give you recipes for “yummy” quinoa-kelp granola, we suggest following these simple rules, rituals, and metabolic sleights of hand. You’ll eat better, eat less, and burn calories all day long, even while checking your e-mail BY JEFF VRABEL ILLUSTRATION BY RAMI NIEMI         Your Eating Habits 1. Grease your pans with olive-oil cooking spray. This is twenty-nine calories less than a pat of butter. One time, no big deal. But if you cook … Continue reading The 10 Habits of Highly Unflabby People @JeffVrabel