The quest for happiness and joy is as old as humanity itself, or possibly far, far older, depending on how much self-awareness you believe is needed to appreciate these things. Either way, it’s been kind of a long time. Which makes you wonder why we don’t already have a huge world surplus of both of … [Read more...] about The Search for Happiness and Joy 1
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
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
Time Visualization: Counting the Clock
I think a lot of us often ask ourselves where did the day go, where did the week go, where for the love of Mary is my life going? I surely do. And if you’re anything like me, your response at such times is to try to wring more “value” from each day by doing more things, more quickly. Unfortunately, … [Read more...] about Time Visualization: Counting the Clock
Indoor Gardens: You Do Have Space
With concerns over food safety and nutrition increasing, more people are trying their hand at home gardens. Something that was actually pretty common until a generation ago. Growing up in New Zealand, I remember my parents had a lot of the area behind our home planted with vegetable gardens and … [Read more...] about Indoor Gardens: You Do Have Space
The Many Joys of Veggie Gardening
I’ve just harvested another batch of produce from my new vegetable garden and it tasted awesome, even with my limited cooking skills. Actually, this wondrous bounty was only a few leaves trimmed from some bok choy plants and much of the credit for preparing and putting things in the ground must go … [Read more...] about The Many Joys of Veggie Gardening
Beginning Right at the Beginning…
It has been difficult to choose a topic for this first post. I had intended to write a little about Oku no Hosomichi, which is, as you may know, a travelogue by poet Matsuo Basho. Even if you’re less familiar with classical Japanese literature, you will probably understand why from its English … [Read more...] about Beginning Right at the Beginning…
