A couple of days ago, I was reading a blog post in which the author described how he chose the tasks that were most important for him to focus on each day. His core guideline for this was to prioritize the activities that had the most positive impact on his life “as a writer.” It probably seems like … [Read more...] about So Just Tell Me, Who Are You Really?
So Spinach Does Make You Stronger…
With an increasing number of athletes posting top-level results on plant-based diets, there is growing interest in just how they are able to maintain and even improve strength. The list is long but it’s hard to argue with the achievements of elite triathletes like Richard Roll and Brendan Brazier or … [Read more...] about So Spinach Does Make You Stronger…
What Went Right in 2017, Pt. 3 Learning
This is the final section in my review of things that went well for me in 2017. Part 1 covers health and part 2 focus, and here I plan to look at my efforts to bring a little more direction to my learning practices. Despite various attempts over the years, I’ve only started to make real progress in … [Read more...] about What Went Right in 2017, Pt. 3 Learning
What Went Right in 2017, Pt. 2 Focus
This is the second installment in my review of things that went well for me in 2017 and mostly looks at my efforts to become more focused. Part 1 covers health and part 3 learning. Together they make for a fairly long read but if you have time, and a cup of something brewed, I would suggest starting … [Read more...] about What Went Right in 2017, Pt. 2 Focus
What Went Right in 2017, Pt. 1 Health
With the end of 2017 approaching fast, I’ve been trying to reflect on what went well this year and understand how to build on it in 2018. My plan was to take a long walk, allow my thoughts to bubble and ferment and then bottle the results for future use. It didn’t go so well – way too much bubbling … [Read more...] about What Went Right in 2017, Pt. 1 Health
Spring Water: Straight from the Source
Over the last couple of decades, there has been a major shift in the way we see water from a health perspective. With the exception of those living in major cities, most of us just tended to trust the stuff that came out of the kitchen tap. These days, we are more concerned about substances added by … [Read more...] about Spring Water: Straight from the Source
Urban Foraging: Free Organic Food
A few days ago, the first big typhoon of the year blew through and the only thing I could think about was saving the biwa (loquats) from a tree I had just discovered. It did occur to me that maybe my priorities were a bit different to other folks as I stood in the wind and rain picking up fruit but … [Read more...] about Urban Foraging: Free Organic Food
Simple Technique for Quick Relaxation
Everyone has heard some variation on the saying “it’s the stress that’ll get you.” It is an old idea but one that is still true today, despite – or more likely because of – our modern lifestyle. Many people will tell you they thrive under pressure, and if they mean, for example, using deadlines to … [Read more...] about Simple Technique for Quick Relaxation
Kopurererua Valley Track 2: The Lakes
I completed the second part of my exploration of the Kopurererua Valley walkway, from Wylie Street out to the Lakes, last week. It was a little shorter than expected but still a pleasant ramble through farmland that is gradually being returned to its natural wetland state. If you’re a fan of … [Read more...] about Kopurererua Valley Track 2: The Lakes
Kopurererua Valley 1: Marshall Avenue
I had my first look at the Kopurererua Valley walkway today, completing the section from Wylie Street out to Marshall Avenue (and back). It is a pleasant amble that takes you through mostly lush farmland past various wetland areas, including the Kopurererua Stream for some of the way. Apart from a … [Read more...] about Kopurererua Valley 1: Marshall Avenue