I used to write this section in our monthly Inspired Minds newsletter, but we figured it would be easier to read online, and all our blog subscribers would enjoy reading it too. At least I hope you do Read September’s Inspired Minds newsletter here.

Mark

What does it mean to say sorry?

Remember as a kid being forced to say sorry when you didn’t really mean it? If you find it really hard to say sorry or apologize for anything, this reluctance could well stem from those uncomfortable childhood experiences. We somehow get (and keep right into adulthood) the idea that showing any sign of contrition means loss of face, dignity or status. In our litigious times ‘admitting liability’ is seen as an admission of ‘guilt’. Yet in our personal lives being able to say sorry – genuinely and unconditionally – actually means a greater likelihood of fulfilment for us as well as those around us. Research shows that people who can apologize are much more likely to be married and stay happily married. (2) Being able to admit mistakes makes you a bigger person. The new Saying Sorry download  encourages development of social and emotional intelligence. Ego, pride, and arrogance all need to disappear in the moment of a heartfelt apology. No one should be apologizing all the time, of course, but never being able to say you’re sorry is a huge relationship handicap.

Having fun is seriously important

Ever noticed how some people just don’t seem able to relax, lighten up or see the funny side? We all grow older (if we’re lucky) but do we have to grow stale? Do we have to lose creativity and spontaneity and run our lives along dull predictable lines? Have More Fun is focused on how to enjoy the moment for its own sake. Sometimes the ‘bottom line’ is that there is no ‘bottom line’. Enjoying life for its own sake sometimes is not only great, but also vital to staying happy and healthy.

Do you know that Bob Dylan song? The one that goes

“May you always be courageous,
stand upright and be strong
may you stay forever young…”

A tree gets more inflexible as it ages, but we don’t have to – and playfulness, sheer unbridled fun, produces ‘feel good chemicals’ which keep you feeling and looking younger.

Life can get very serious at times but having fun does not necessarily trivialise the profundity of life – in fact, it can enhance that profundity. And having fun, while not expecting everything to be fun (that’s just silly!), can enhance our lives with the zest and energy it brings, making us more productive in our endeavors. But these are happy side effects; the main purpose of having fun is to… have fun! Being totally focussed in the moment lets us experience life with freshness again.

Improving your archery could have unexpected other benefits

And talking of being ‘in the moment’, Improve your archery download comprises a deep hypnotic experience to encourage an ‘in the zone’-like state of singular focus when practicing archery. The idea is that only the target exists and all awareness of past or future, success or failure completely vanishes as you aim and fire. This session should be great for archers who want to improve their game, but you don’t have to be an archer to benefit – anyone who’d like to engender greater levels of focus in their lives generally can use this download to help them. After all, improvement in one area so often ripples out to other areas.

Mark’s Tip for the Top

The end of the summer? September? Oh, come on! Still full of Vitamin D (not all gleaned from sunny England, it must be said), it has to be Have more fun. I love the thought of injecting more sparkle and energy into everyday living, so this is the one I’ll be listening to the most from the latest batch. Join me!