“If there is the slightest chance that someone can be educated in the methods that enable them to reduce their own pain and suffering using understanding and resources, they should receive that education. Everyone is entitled to the information, and every therapist should be obliged to provide it.”
Robin McKenzie
I have 40 years of experience and knowledge gained from working in the Arts, Education, Business and Health and my aim here is to provide anyone who is interested with a wide range of useful resources that will enable them to access materials that will help in their development physically, mentally, emotionally and psychologically. Below you’ll find information on Mindfulness, Physical Therapies, Self-Development, Recommended Books, Films and information from various, trusted sources, on Covid-19. It is not an exhaustive list and I will be adding to it as time goes by. Most of the materials are provided FREE online. The books you will have to buy or borrow from a library. If you have any queries about any of the materials provided here or on this site then please contact me.
I am a great believer in self-directed learning but also recognise there are times when a qualified professional, like myself, is needed and so would recommend seeking the help of a trusted and qualified professional to help you or your organisation on your own journey.
Disclaimer
All of the information contained in these resources is for information purposes only. Anything shared or used by the user including all articles, videos, photos, audio recordings, and documents of any kind available is not a substitute for professional help or medical treatment. Nothing in these resources is intended to diagnose or treat any pathology or disease of any kind. This website, all media files found on it and the creator of any and all of these files, and anyone featured on these files, cannot be held responsible for any injuries or discomfort that occur. Before using any of the resources contained, described or portrayed, be sure to consult your medical practitioner.
Mindfulness
“The purpose of Mindfulness is……. Mindfulness.”
A Deikman – ‘The Observing Self’
Many people get very confused as to what Mindfulness practice is and what it involves. Click on this link Meditation Basics and you will find some basic guidelines to help you in your practice. It is also useful to remember that the benefits of Mindfulness Practice occur over time so, if you are expecting instant results you’ll probably be disappointed. It’s important to approach Mindfulness practice the way you’d approach any form of exercise. The skill and effectiveness of the practice develops over time and just like any ‘muscle’ the more frequently you exercise it the stronger it gets… Start slowly and follow the guidelines given for Mindfulness Practice. Nothing is to be gained by doing too much too soon.
Below you’ll find some meditation practices you can use to help you develop your mindfulness skills:
Podcasts
I’m in the process of creating a series of podcasts for people who prefer to have something to listen to. I’ll be covering a wide range of subjects and providing the listener with information and ‘tools’ they can use to help them make the best of themselves in both their personal and professional lives.
When you listen to the meditations I suggest you listen to one of them each day for at least 6 days before moving onto the next one. This way you develop stronger neural pathways in the brain and will get more benefit from each meditation.
- An Introduction to Mindfulness
- Awareness of Breathing
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation
- Three Minute Breathing Space
- Sounds, Thoughts and Feelings
- Exploring Difficulties
- Care and Compassion
- Your Brain Has a Delete Button
Personal Development Resources
The world of personal development is filled with so many books it is difficult to know where to start. Personally, I think the books in self-development should come with a health warning…. To help anyone interested in self-development I’ve listed a few books below which, in my opinion, are well worth reading and offer good, practical advice.
Follow this link for a range of self-development tests which will help you learn more about yourself and others. The two tests I strongly recommend are the VIA Survey of Character Strengths Test and The Optimism Test. I recommend that working with me or another coach your comfortable with will help you get the most out of these materials from the Authentic Happiness Test Centre
Recommended Books
“The Art of Living” – Ross Brittleton
Art of Living – Introduction – Ross Brittleton
“The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” – Stephen Covey
“To Have or To Be” – Erich Fromm
“Authentic Happiness” – Martin Seligmann
“The Relationship Cure” – John Gottman
“The Commanding Self” – Idries Shah
“Influence” – Cialdini
“The Observing Self” – Deikman
“The Evolution of Consciousness” – Robert Ornstein
“Rewire Your Anxious Brain” – Pittman & Karle
“Maverick” – Ricardo Semler
“The Skilled Helper” – Gerard Egan
“The Deadliest Enemy” – Michael Osterholm
Physical Therapy & Exercise Resources
The aim here is to give the reader some general information on resources that may be of use. In all cases it is better to seek help from a qualified professional who can guide you through all the exercises you might see in the links below. Remember exercise is like medicine. If used incorrectly it can cause harm so always consider seeking the help of a trusted therapist when performing any exercise.
- General Low Back Pain – Look at this link for general guidelines when you have low back pain.
- Acute Low Back Pain – Here are some guidelines if you are experiencing acute back pain
- Mckenzie Exercises – Click on the link if you’d like a summary of the Mckenzie Back Exercises which will help you manage your back pain. I recommend that you speak to me or another therapist to make sure you are doing the exercises correctly
- Rehab Ladders Calf and Achilles Rehab Ladder– Hamstring Top Ladder
- A useful resource for stretching guidelines can be found on this site: https://www.stretching-exercises-guide.com/
- Upper back stretches Useful stretches but I recommend a little supervision from a qualified professional.
- Awareness Through Movement – A series of FREE Feldenkrais audio sessions that help to develop physical awareness, focused attention and general relaxation.
Recommended Websites
- The World Economic Forum
- The World Health Organisation
- CIDRAP – Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy
- The Gottman Institute – Relationship advice based on 40 years of research at the Gottman Institute.
- Authentic Happiness Test Centre A series of Tests created by psychologist Martin Seligman and his team that will help you discover your Core Values, your Thinking Style and many other things about yourself and all are provided FREE
Recommended Films / Documentaries
All of the documentaries and films listed below are available FREE on YouTube. I have no hesitation in recommending them as I found them educational and informative.
- The Century of the Self Part 1 – Adam Curtis
- The Century of the Self Part 2 – Adam Curtis
- The Century of the Self Part 3 – Adam Curtis
- The Century of the Self Part 4 – Adam Curtis
- Shock Doctrine Naomi Klein.
- Event 201 – World Economic Forum – Simulation exercise for Global Pandemic carried out in October 2019
- Fidel, The Untold Story – story of Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution
Coronavirus – Information & Lockdown Resources
- The World Economic Forum provides a wealth of materials FREE that can help you understand Covid-19 and global economics more easily.
- The World Health Organisation – Get your questions about Covid-19 answered by using the WhatsApp service available FREE on this site. It also provides advice, guidance, news and details of upcoming events for the general public and the professional.
- Mindset Health Michael Yapko Phd FREE app available providing free hypnosis sessions in April. (only for apple at the moment)
- 1 – “How We Got Here” CIDRAP – Covid-19 (24/3/20)
- 2 – “Global Coronavirus Response” CIDRAP – Covid-19 (31/3/20)
- 3 -“Preparing For What’s To Come” CIDRAP – Covid-19 (8/4/20)
- 4 – “The Reality of Testing” CIDRAP – Covid-19 (14/4/20)
- 5 – “Living With The Virus” CIDRAP – Covid-19 (21/4/20)
- 6 – “Question of Immunity” CIDRAP – Covid-19 (28/4/20)
- Data does not support the use of cloth masks In an article published on CIDRAP news April 9 2020 experts say that cloth masks do not provide protection against aerosol infection implicated in the transmission of Covid-19
Here’s information regarding a wide range of FREE resources for adults and children that you can use during the lockdown period or after. Just click on the links
Educational Resources
- Free Learning List – The best FREE EDU-THINGS on the internet
- Future Learn – online courses in various subjects.
- Covid-19 Advice – Provided by UK Gov
- How To Keep Fit – Money Saving Experts Team
- Maintaining Health & Wellbeing
- Coping with stress and anxiety
- Radio 1 Podcasts
- Wiener Staatsoper
- The Berliner Philharmoniker’s Digital Concert Hall
- Tasty – Food videos and recipes
- Free entertainment from CNET
- Metropolitan Opera | Met launches “Nightly Met Opera Streams,”Free series of live operas
- Where to find a virtual pub quiz while you’re stuck at home
- Anxiety Self-Help Resources – Information Sheets, Worksheets & Workbooks
- New symptom tracking app aims to slow spread of coronavirus
- Depression Self-Help Resources – Information Sheets & Workbooks
- Chair-yoga-2.pdf
- 10+ FREE ways to learn something new at home
- OS map puzzles to challenge your map reading skills
- 60-MINUTE SPECIAL | Cirque du Soleil | March 27 – YouTube
- National Theatre at Home while we’re closed
Resources for Young People
- 101+ Ideas To Keep Your Kids Busy During Coronavirus Closures
- Stream dozens of kids audiobooks for free (e.g Winnie-the-Pooh/Beatrix Potter) during the school closures (No membership required) @ Audible – hotukdeals
- Outdoors inspired origami to decorate your home
- #DrawWithRob — Rob Biddulph
- Fun Activities – British Athletics
- 10 kids’ cooking projects | BBC Good Food
- Bookbug – Scottish Book Trust
- Bringing Hogwarts to You
- Nightfall explained – a new online multiplayer game – CBBC – BBC
- Free virtual globe-trotting, tours & experiences
- Free virtual globe-trotting, tours & experiences
- Free virtual globe-trotting, tours & experiences
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