ARTICLES & BLOG
End Of Year Review 2023
Review 2023
At various points in the year I take a moment to review the preceding time period and what is forthcoming. This is often at the end of the year with the Looking Back, Looking Forward workshop, the middle of the year and sometimes ad hoc too.
Like journaling, writing and sharing the review helps me celebrate the wins, learn from the challenges, see growth and gratefully acknowledge the opportunities.
My chosen highlights for 2023
Here are the themes for my chosen personal and professional highlights for 2023 with a brief example. Details on these continue in the blog article.
Commitments, Learning & Habits-
The projects and roles I have committed to I have delivered on. What has helped is consistency, focus, intention & creativity. I have worked from my strengths, stretched, stepped out of my comfort zone, attempted new ideas, used a growth mindset, been resourceful and drawn upon my various past experiences.
Social Connection and Celebration - Various birthdays and anniversaries are celebrated including milestone ones.
Rest & Renewal - much needed overdue holiday break in Kenya with Masai Mara Balloon Safari, forest walks and relaxation at the beach
Community Service & Volunteering - Mental Health Awareness Week digital support and masterclass on Anxiety
Achievements & Creative Innovation - Becoming a certified Heroic Performance Coach from 300 Day coaching program
Review 2023
At various points in the year I take a moment to review the preceding time period and what is forthcoming. This is often at the end of the year with the Looking Back, Looking Forward workshop, the middle of the year and sometimes ad hoc too.
Like journaling, writing and sharing the review helps me celebrate the wins, learn from the challenges, see growth and gratefully acknowledge the opportunities.
Here is review from 2021, 2022 and mid year 2023.
My chosen highlights for 2023
Here are my chosen personal and professional highlights for 2023. Details on these continue in the article.
Commitments, Learning & Habits -
The projects and roles I have committed to I have delivered on. What has helped is consistency, focus, intention & creativity. I have worked from my strengths, stretched, stepped out of my comfort zone, attempted new ideas, used a growth mindset, been resourceful and drawn upon my various past experiences.
A daily focus on learning, self care / renewal, mission statement review, setting intentions, gratitude, journaling, meditation, exercise, nutrition, virtue cultivation, planning, reflection, developing new positive habits have been the bedrock to allow the successes, opportunities, deal with the challenges and be resilient.
Social Connection and Celebration
Various birthdays and anniversaries celebrated including milestone ones.
Happy Life Habits lunches to celebrate 3 years of 30 Day Gratitude & Journaling Habit Immersion Training Course and second annual Thanksgiving Lunch.
Catch up and get togethers.
Rest & Renewal - much needed overdue holiday break in Kenya with Masai Mara Balloon Safari (Bucket List), forest walks and relaxation at the beach
Community Service & Volunteering
Pure Soul exhibition
Young Jains NEC
Focus on Forgiveness digital offering
Mental Health Awareness Week digital support and masterclass on Anxiety
Workshops for World Values Day - What Values would you die for?
Achievements & Creative Innovation
Becoming a certified Heroic Performance Coach from 300 Day coaching program
Being a Heroic Ambassador
Join the SoulBrite Winning Wellbeing team - taking part in LinkedIn Lives
Launch of Inner Compass - Program for deeper clarity on your life, time, energy and focus
Move to Happy Life Habits WhatsApp Community with various subgroups
Dedicated Mental Health group with Master Class on Anxiety and daily support / sharing for Mental Health Awareness Week
Daily sharing of Positive quote in Daily Quote group - to start the day with a positive
Publishing Every Day Happiness Book
Mind In Enfield & Barnet asking us to design and deliver a 10 week course on Happiness in addition to the Gratitude for Wellbeing Workshop.
Happy Life Habits Community Facebook Group - Each week on various days sharing of a question that promotes happiness and wellbeing
Purely digital/online daily offering for Jain Festival of Forgiveness
This was shared at the 6 month review blog in June https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/news/2023/08/01/work-ethic-e585y
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The year started with a key note presentation for an HR conference in Athens.
We launched a new program Inner Compass and continued with the Master Mind Program.
Took part in 2 podcasts : People on Purpose and Estrella of Happiness - Within You.
Delivered two 3 hour workshops on Gratitude for Wellbeing for the charity Mind in Enfield and Barnet and supported Mental Health Awareness Week on the theme of anxiety sharing resources daily in a dedicated WhatsApp group and Master Class on Anxiety.
Our flag ship 30 Day Gratitude and Journaling Habit Immersion Training Course celebrated it’s 3rd year. We positively impacted trainees when we ran the course in March and a last minute decision for June. June was opened as free gifted refresher to previous attendees.
We celebrated completion of the June course and three year anniversary for the first time with an in person celebration dinner (which was open invite for all Happy Life Habits Community members) at the restaurant Little Resham. We shared delicious, vegan food, conversations and connected deeper with the use of the gratitude cards.
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In addition to those shared above here are some more Happy Life Habits and personal highlights
Got Oshwal Connect New Years Honours List Award for the Mental Health and Wellbeing work
Organised a virtual surprise for my friend Priti who was celebrating her 50th Birthday. We had an Inner Compass/Master Mind session scheduled on her birthday. At the end of the session she was surprised on return from break out room when many of her friends and family had joined. We all shared memories and qualities that we saw in her. Awesome part was that in addition it to being a complete surprise we recorded the sharing and she now has that a gift to look upon and savour the memories.
We celebrated my wife Harshna’s 50th too with various get togethers. There were various milestone birthdays and anniversaries we were able to take part in celebrating, connection and creating memories.
Met up with a few university friends from 30 years ago
Ran Daily Facebook part of 30 Day course in November for past course attendees and also had annual Thanksgiving Lunch
My son finished his first year at University, passed his driving test and I’m just beaming with pride at his maturity and cultivation of virtues. The first time we went for driving practice in the family car after he had already been having lessons I was a little cautious. Watching him do all the safety checks and drive diligently the cautiousness went away and I feel really safe when he is driving.
Rest & Renewal
We had an awesome Summer break in Kenya, our first since Covid and lockdowns. Time spent with different family members for parts such as trip to Nanyuki near the foothills for Mount Kenya where the Equator is. A memorable experience was a trek to swim in waterfall lagoon at Ngare Ndare Forest. This was followed with a Masai Mara safari and ended with a whole family trip to the Mombasa including the South coast beach.
Many memories and wonderful experiences created. In particular the Masai Mara trip where on one particular day we set off before sunrise to watch the sunrise from a Balloon Safari (Bucket List) over the Masai Mara plains. An amazing experience followed by a bush breakfast. We did safari the whole day with a delicious picnic lunch inside the Mara where zebras were our backdrop. in In that one day we saw all of the Big Five : Elephants, Rhino (rare), Leopard (rare), Lions and Buffalo. More than 12 hours later we ended the day after the afternoon safari with a sunset sundowners.
Community Service & volunteering
As Happy Life Habits we supported for free Mental Health Awareness Week in May. The theme was anxiety. We shared daily videos, articles and quotes on a dedicated HLH Mental Health WhatsApp Group. An anxiety masterclass was shared.
Late February I was invited to join the Pure Soul team that was delivering 2 weekends of community events as SOAS university as part of the Pure Soul exhibition related to the Jain faith. I joined the team to assist with this project and draw upon my experiences for projects and leadership roles in Young Jains and SCVP as well as those gained from Happy Life Habits. I helped provide support, guidance, communication, create and coordinate a volunteer team. As Young Jains we delivered a workshop on Radical Forgiveness. Priti and I played the MC roles of the Sunday afternoon.
I rejoined the Young Jains NEC (non executive committee) at the end of July to aid the organisation which is facing various challenges.
Within the first few days against the odds I proposed an idea to deliver an digital offering for the Jain forgiveness festival of Paryushan at the start of September. Leading up to the festival, during and after we had a dedicated Focus on Forgiveness WhatsApp group. Each day we shared in English articles, quotes, songs, poems and awareness actions. For four evenings we delivered live online reflection sessions.
On World Values Day in October we offered 2 workshops: What Values would you die for? . One had no attendees despite registrations. This was disappointing. The second session was well received by those who attended. A strong reminder that our role is to show up, do our duty and understand that the results/outcomes are not in our hand.
List of articles shared in 2023
Here are links to articles shared this year.
INNER CHEERLEADER INSTEAD OF INNER CRITIC
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK 2023 : 15TH - 21ST MAY: THEME ANXIETY
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK: ANXIETY RESOURCES
A STRONG WORK ETHIC - WORKING 9 TO ...
Many thanks for your support, encouragement and engagement during the last year. We look forward to continuing to serve you in the new year.
Shaileen Shah - Happy Life Habits Coach, Speaker & Trainer
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list and join the Happy Life Habits Community WhatsApp Group
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Mental Health Awareness Week: Anxiety Resources
The Week of Mental Health Awareness is ending. Mental Health is ongoing. We need to put in effort and practice to maintain good Mental Health and Mental Fitness.
Included in this blog article is the recording of the Anxiety Master Class sharing a concept from the Bollywood film The 3 Idiots, suggestions on dealing with exam/test anxiety/stress and actual scientific backed practices to help cope with anxiety. We are also sharing the resources such as videos, articles and pdfs shared during Mental Health Awareness Week.
To live life fully, develop skills and habits for positivity, happiness, resilience and productivity
Happy Life Habits provides 1 to 1 coaching, group coaching, workshops, training and regular learning sessions and programs such as Master Mind Group, Inner Compass the 30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course. All with science, practices and information to help you go from Theory to Practice to Mastery.
The Week of Mental Health Awareness is ending. Mental Health is ongoing. We need to put in effort and practice to maintain good Mental Health and Mental Fitness.
Included in this blog article is the recording of the Anxiety Master Class sharing a concept from the Bollywood film The 3 Idiots, suggestions on dealing with exam/test anxiety/stress and actual scientific backed practices to help cope with anxiety. We are also sharing the resources such as videos, articles and pdfs shared during Mental Health Awareness Week.
To live life fully, develop skills and habits for positivity, happiness, resilience and productivity
Happy Life Habits provides 1 to 1 coaching, group coaching, workshops, training and regular learning sessions and programs such as Master Mind Group, Inner Compass the 30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course. All with science, practices and information to help you go from Theory to Practice to Mastery.
Here is the Happy Life Habits Anxiety Master Class
Happy Life Habits Daily Mental Health Video Series
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Back to the Future: Creating memories to Savour
The word savour (savor in American English) is an interesting word, it is a verb. It has at least 2 meanings in the dictionary:
To fully enjoy the taste or smell of something
To fully enjoy a time or experience
Back to the Future The Musical
The word savour (savor in American English) is an interesting word, it is a verb. It has at least 2 meanings in the dictionary:
To fully enjoy the taste or smell of something
To fully enjoy a time or experience
I feel the first definition is limited to taste and smell when I feel it should be all the senses. Another definition I feel encompasses the sentiment better :
to enjoy food or an experience slowly, in order to enjoy it as much as possible
This extends to one more which is the one we will use in this article:
attempt to fully feel, enjoy, and extend our positive experiences
The practice of savouring leads to more happiness. We can savour all three tenses of time: Past, Present and Future. I have enjoyed this practice. I share a few examples here.
Savouring the Past
Recently I enjoyed reminiscing about a convention that I co-led 20 years ago for Young Jains, a faith organisation I volunteer for. The experience 20 years ago was amazing, creative, high energy and innovative with wonderful team work. Individually I enjoyed seeing some photos, reading a souvenir magazine and listening to music from the event. We hosted a 20 Year catch up and some people who had attended 20 years ago joined sharing their experiences and memories. This led to a feel good energy, re-living the positive experiences and memories and a sense of community and connection. A benefit of savouring the past positive experiences is you get to live them again and create new memories.
Another example is Facebook popping up a memory from 2018 when we took part in a volunteering programme in India with the Jain school that we are part of. It brought back many good memories and associated with it good feelings.
What is a past experience that you savour?
Savouring the Future
I enjoy planning for the future, having events and activities scheduled in the diary to look forward to. These may be a holiday, trip away, catch-up with family/friends, visit to theatre etc. The anticipation and looking forward to generating positive emotions and good feelings as much as the actual event. An example of this is booking tickets for the Back To the Future musical months in advance of chosen visit date. Back To the Future is a classic film I grew up with so we are already onto a winner. Again looking forward to the actual day with much enthusiasm was wonderful. The musical did not disappoint; great sets, acting, humour, music and a De Lorean. It was a shared experience with my family. We created a memory that we can relish and savour in the future.
What is a future experience you can schedule to later savour?
Savouring in the Present
A key to savouring the past or the future is to be fully present in the present. To be mindful, engaged in the moment, aware and enjoy it. Some examples I have experienced are:
A few years ago I took part in a retreat where the meal at lunch time was in silence. I ate mindfully, chewing slowly, observing and enjoying each bite and chew. Savouring the taste, experience and textures.
During a full packed day with my wife visiting London we enjoyed St Paul’s Cathedral with a tour, boat trip on the Thames, lovely vegan meal, Mama Mia the Musical with a walk across Waterloo bridge at night time. Each of those moments I experienced being in the moment, enjoying it and not thinking about the experience before or coming after. This led to deeper enjoyment of each moment.
Ways to Savour
Journaling
The Happiness Journal (the 5 minute journal) we supply and use in the Happy Life Habits 30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course helps capture some savouring across the past, present and future with sections on gratitude, what would make today great and what was amazing about today.
Facebook memories
Capture memories in Facebook on your timeline and enjoy savouring when Facebook pops up the memory on it’s anniversary
Google Photos
Capture your digital photos and store them in google photos letting it pop up the memories on your phone. I enjoyed seeing memories from 14 years ago.
Create memories to savour
Book, schedule experiences and activities. Even better if you can book them with someone else to create shared memories.
Take photos / videos. My son recently turned 18. A great idea would have been to take a photo of him on each birthday and capture it in an album. Likewise for anniversaries.
Happy Life Habits events, talks, workshops and training are a great opportunity to create positive memories and emotions. The waiting list for the 30 Day Gratitude and Journal Habit Immersion Training Course is open.
We enjoy celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and World Days… see below.
Happy Life Habits us supporting World Values Day 20th October
Have a Great Day
There goes another day of your life. How did you live it?
What did you choose?
Happy Life Habits is celebrating the following upcoming World Days.
World Mindfulness Day : Monday 12th September
World Gratitude Day (Also International Day of Peace) : Wednesday 21st September
Shaileen Shah's Birthday : Monday 26th September
World Values Day : Thursday 20th October
World Kindness Day : Sunday 13th November
We hold dear Mindfulness, Gratitude, Kindness, Values and Birthdays as reminders of the things important in our life and essential for our happiness, wellbeing and a good life. An opportunity to celebrate, reflect, re-enforce and connect.
If you would like a passionate, enthusiastic, inspiring and encouraging talk or workshop on these topics during the World Day or the week the World Day falls in then look no further than Happy Life Habits. This is what we believe in and live by : Positively Impacting Happiness and Wellbeing Levels (every day)!
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day.
We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
These include the 30 Day Gratitude and Journaling Habit Immersion Training Course and the monthly MasterMind Group sessions
Great investments that produce outstanding results - guaranteed!
The Happiness Journal used by Tim Ferris, Emma Watson and Shaileen Shah (pretty much every day for the last 6.5 years) is a great starter tool to shift your mood and develop morning routines. For a DIY option the journal is available for £27 (£30 inc p&p in UK, international please enquire. Order 2 or more journals at £25 each).
This is a perfect, unique and life changing gift that can be gifted for:
teachers at the end of the year as a thank you
Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings
graduations, new job
staff / employees
In fact it has been well received as a corporate gift by staff, clients and suppliers when given by my clients. (Enquire for bulk orders and add value workshops). A journal workshop and 30 Day gratitude & journal habit immersion training course (running for the last 2 years) are also available.
Contact Shaileen@HappyLifeHabits.co.uk for any enquiries.
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
The 7+ Highly Effective Morning Habits of a Happiness Coach
Recently I had the opportunity to contribute to a feature in the Metro on Tips for better/happier/mentally healthier mornings. I submitted my morning Happy Life Habits and was very pleased that they used a few of them. I hope you find them useful and take action to apply them. We have trained many on Gratitude and Journaling. If you need support you know who to call (Not Ghostbusters but Shaileen at Happy Life Habits!).
Recently I had the opportunity to contribute to a feature in the Metro on Tips for better/happier/mentally healthier mornings. I submitted my morning Happy Life Habits and was very pleased that they used a few of them. I hope you find them useful and take action to apply them. We have trained many on Gratitude and Journaling. If you need support you know who to call (Not Ghostbusters but Shaileen at Happy Life Habits!).
The 7+ Highly Effective Morning Habits of a Happiness Coach
Shaileen Shah a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer with Happy Life Habits loves morning routines to help kick start the day energised, focused, positive, happier and healthier. He has various daily routines that support his physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing - each only taking a few minutes to do before breakfast but the effects lasting throughout the day. Here they are:
Drinking water by keeping a water bottle by the bedside to rehydrate (we can dehydrate during the night) and activate the stomach
Opening the curtains and letting the morning sun into the room - helps the circadian rhythm
5 minutes of mindfulness/meditation using an app which has a few minutes of learning and then the meditation - helps develop focus, centredness and resilience (from my subscription to mindfulness.com, each month I have some 30 day trial passes I can share. Get in touch if you are interested).
A few minutes of stretching and exercise : 3 Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar yoga), 10 press ups and 5 push ups
A short prayer - humbles and grounds
Recommit to personal mission statement - sense of purpose and meaning
An element of learning - reading a few pages from a book, listening to a podcast or going through material of a year long coaching programme he is on
Tackling a challenge, activating the brain, applying strategy by doing Wordle - a sense of accomplishment. Making the bed can give a sense of accomplishment too.
Using a Happiness Journal (which he has used for more than 7 years; now runs workshops on and trains people to develop a habit in over 30 Days) has these 3 morning activities done in 5-10mins
A daily practice of practising gratitude / counting blessings. This causes an immediate positive shift in mood, activates the learning centres in the brain and feel connected by releasing the happy chemicals dopamine and oxytocin.
Asking and answering “What would make today great?” helps focus on intentions for the day.
Reflecting on Positive Affirmations to help cultivate virtues and remind of strengths.
These habits are kept easy and quick to do so they actually get done. They prime his Mind, Body and Soul to bring his best to the day by being energised, positive, happy, healthy and focused for the challenges and opportunities that unfold.
Here is the Metro article with a great selection of tips from various coaches and experts, including me :). https://metro.co.uk/2022/06/04/27-expert-backed-tips-to-make-your-mornings-better-16757102/
2 Things you can help us with…
We are asking for your help on 2 activities for Happy Life Habits to grow and sustain positively impacting Happiness & Wellbeing Levels
(1) Help on renaming Happy Life Habits YoutTube channel
I'll be sharing some videos on YouTube which won't necessarily be immediately shared on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
Asking for a favour, if you subscribe to the Happy Life Habits YouTube Channel you will get the videos first and not miss any. Plus if we get 100 subscribers I can rename the channel from a random link name to Happy Life Habits. Really appreciate if you are able to subscribe to the YouTube channel and help us rename the link. After we have renamed, if the find the content not useful feel free to unsubscribe.
Here is the current link https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCxIVX_KsPU_1i_7GXZg1uBQ
(2) Opportunities to take part in podcasts, webinars, lives etc
If you know any podcasters please share this with them.
If you host a podcast, webinar or lives I'm currently available as a podcast guest.
I'm a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer trained in the Science of Happiness rewiring hearts and minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day.
See the poster for topics and here for past recordings of podcasts/webinars.
Been in corporate world experiencing work related stress, grief, mental health, work life balance challenges and have developed habits for positivity, happiness, resilience and productivity.
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day.
We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
These include the 30 Day Gratitude and Journaling Habit Immersion Training Course and the monthly MasterMind Group sessions
Great investments that produce outstanding results - guaranteed!
The Happiness Journal used by Tim Ferris, Emma Watson and Shaileen Shah (pretty much every day for the last 6.5 years) is a great starter tool to shift your mood and develop morning routines. For a DIY option the journal is available for £27 (£30 inc p&p in UK, international please enquire. Order 2 or more journals at £25 each).
This is a perfect, unique and life changing gift that can be gifted for:
teachers at the end of the year as a thank you
Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings
graduations, new job
staff / employees
In fact it has been well received as a corporate gift by staff, clients and suppliers when given by my clients. (Enquire for bulk orders and add value workshops). A journal workshop and 30 Day gratitude & journal habit immersion training course (running for the last 2 years) are also available.
Contact Shaileen@HappyLifeHabits.co.uk for any enquiries.
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
What strategies do you use to keep calm through challenging situations?
On the Happy Life Habits Community Facebook Group we regularly share quotes, reflective / thought provoking questions, articles and events. We recently asked “What strategies do you use to keep calm through challenging situations?” and have a good response to it.
May prove to be useful this month as students get their “A” Level and “GCSE” results.
On the Happy Life Habits Community Facebook Group we regularly share quotes, reflective / thought provoking questions, articles and events. The below we asked recently and have a good response to it.
May prove to be useful this month as students get their “A” Level and “GCSE” results.
My friend Deepa shared a whole series of useful ideas many of which resonate with the Self care ideas we have shared in the past:
Wow, so many strategies to help re-set:
1. Movement - walk, workout, trampoline, yogasanas, garba!
2. Sing - usually devotional music, raises my vibrational frequency!
3. Talk to friends, seek guidance, especially if it's new challenges.
4. Rest, give my nervous system a chance to feel, heal. Guided yoga nidra is great.
5. Go out into nature, tap into the natural healing components of the sun, the greenery, water, earth, air.
6. Listen to relevant podcasts/clips which help inform so can take the next steps with more awareness.
7. Just be, take time to pause, to just be. It's not as easy if the mind is on overdrive. But needs to be trained, cultivated so that you have access to do this.
8. Give myself a chance to process the heightened emotions. Often in times of stillness, usually first thing in the morning or last thing at night - poetry comes out! Sometimes in the middle of the night too, when I wake up! (Journalling and gratitude also effective)
9. Continuous practice of meditation and prayer. So much inner power there.
10. Connect - find what works best for you to connect back to your real truth/soul centre, any of the above may help.
11. Sometimes watching funny shows, just gives you a light-hearted needed distraction!
12. Pranic healing.
13. Reminding myself of certain quotes, eg 'life happens for us not to us'. For our growth and evolution.
Oh I should write, I do a lot of venting out too I find that helpful, rather than bottling up.
Oh and also crying if your system allows, so healthy and releasing.
2 Things you can help us with…
We are asking for your help on 2 activities for Happy Life Habits to grow and sustain positively impacting Happiness & Wellbeing Levels
(1) Help on renaming Happy Life Habits YoutTube channel
I'll be sharing some videos on YouTube which won't necessarily be immediately shared on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
Asking for a favour, if you subscribe to the Happy Life Habits YouTube Channel you will get the videos first and not miss any. Plus if we get 100 subscribers I can rename the channel from a random link name to Happy Life Habits. Really appreciate if you are able to subscribe to the YouTube channel and help us rename the link. After we have renamed, if the find the content not useful feel free to unsubscribe.
Here is the current link https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCxIVX_KsPU_1i_7GXZg1uBQ
(2) Opportunities to take part in podcasts, webinars, lives etc
If you know any podcasters please share this with them.
If you host a podcast, webinar or lives I'm currently available as a podcast guest.
I'm a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer trained in the Science of Happiness rewiring hearts and minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day.
See the poster for topics and here for past recordings of podcasts/webinars.
Been in corporate world experiencing work related stress, grief, mental health, work life balance challenges and have developed habits for positivity, happiness, resilience and productivity.
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day.
We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
These include the 30 Day Gratitude and Journaling Habit Immersion Training Course and the monthly MasterMind Group sessions
Great investments that produce outstanding results - guaranteed!
The Happiness Journal used by Tim Ferris, Emma Watson and Shaileen Shah (pretty much every day for the last 6.5 years) is a great starter tool to shift your mood and develop morning routines. For a DIY option the journal is available for £27 (£30 inc p&p in UK, international please enquire. Order 2 or more journals at £25 each).
This is a perfect, unique and life changing gift that can be gifted for:
teachers at the end of the year as a thank you
Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings
graduations, new job
staff / employees
In fact it has been well received as a corporate gift by staff, clients and suppliers when given by my clients. (Enquire for bulk orders and add value workshops). A journal workshop and 30 Day gratitude & journal habit immersion training course (running for the last 2 years) are also available.
Contact Shaileen@HappyLifeHabits.co.uk for any enquiries.
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Self Care for Blue Monday
The 3rd Monday in January is known as Blue Monday when many people feel at their lowest, depressed and unhappy.
This is supposedly due to some factors occurring at a similar time which include Christmas being a fading memory, payday still a week away, January bills coming through, rest of the year still to go through, high hoped resolutions broken, cold, gloomy weather, pandemics, working in office/ from home, world crisis’ and such factors.
Monday Blues on Blue Monday
The 3rd Monday in January is known as Blue Monday when many people feel at their lowest, depressed and unhappy.
This is supposedly due to some factors occurring at a similar time which include Christmas being a fading memory, payday still a week away, January bills coming through, rest of the year still to go through, high hoped resolutions broken, cold, gloomy weather, pandemics, working in office/ from home, world crisis’ and such factors.
Ways to combat Blue Monday…
Seeing the beauty of nature ( I saw a gaggle of geese fly in V formation overhead)
Write down 3 things that your are grateful for
Take a moment to enjoy mindfulness and focus on your breathing, do a short body scan, a mindful walk or mindful eating
Read and share an inspiring quote e.g “Every day may not be a good day, but there is good in every day”
Tell a joke
Laugh out loud for no reason
Call a friend, have chat
Get together for a coffee or meal with a friend or family member
Happy Life Habits has created this useful Self Care infographic to help remind of self care practises for Blue Monday, working from home or working in the office and remind them that you are there for them.
You can share this with :
Employees
Clients
Customers
Suppliers
Prospective clients
Family and friends
By distributing via
Email
Website
WhatsApp/Messenger/Facebook
Intranet
Newsletter
Printing and putting on desks or office walls
To order an infographic with your logo and website : email us. Many thanks to the various companies/individuals who have ordered an infographic supporting the work we do.
The Self Care Infographic is based on material from this article Together in Isolation.
Click image to download a printable version
Future events being planned - opportunity to be involved
Last year we hosted a International Day of Happiness event in March using the Wonder platform and having multiple workshops happening at the same time. This year we are planning something similar for International Day of Happiness in March and for Mental Health Awareness in May.
If you would like to have a “stall” and host a workshop or talk or two then get in touch. It could be linked the self care infographic such as laughter workshop, Stress/Anxiety talk, yoga, meditation, confidence, self esteem, tapping, visioning, mindfulness, breathwork, tai chi, qui gong, art, poetry or such like. Ideally it needs to be positive, add value, sharing knowledge and practice.
All current events are in the events page
Company and Corporate Opportunities
We have a range of offerings for small, medium, large companies and corporates including talks, workshops, training and infographics that help with productivity, resilience, resourcefulness, positivity and mental wellbeing.
Get in touch if you think it would be of interest to your workplace for teams, network groups, well being programmes etc.
Feel Good Friday (Financial Wellbeing and consistent good money habits are good for our happiness)
I've learnt from studying the science of happiness that acts of kindness are good for us. We should do them regularly (even daily). One study additionally found that now and them by stacking acts of kindness together in a time slot such as a few hours or a particular day give a more longer lasting feel good factor then one a day.
Today I had the pleasure of stacking some acts of kindness together and getting this boost when I delivered books I had to local primary schools.
Recently my friend Will Rainey author of Grandpa's Fortune Fables ran a competition in which I won 5 copies of his book. 1 for me and 4 to give to a local primary school. I asked If instead I could give split the copies to give to 4 primary schools and Will happily obliged.
The 4 chosen schools are:
Dollis Primary School - My Primary
Whitchurch First School - where a friend works and where I did my first happiness / gratitude workshop for schools
Krishna Avanti Primary School, Harrow ( part of Avanti Schools Trust) - the first state-funded Hindu faith school in the United Kingdom (my son is at the secondary)
Millbrook Park School- a Church of England school where my nephew attends.
Here is a short note for the schools which Will wrote.
______________________________________________
Letter from the author of Grandpa’s Fortune Fables:
I wrote Grandpa's Fortune Fables to help children learn about money in a way which is fun and memorable. I strongly believe that children who learn about money grow up more confident, have higher self-esteem and less money worries as adults.
Learning about money shouldn't be boring and hence why I put the important lessons into fables. I still remember learning from Aesop's fables as they were read during the headmaster's assembly when I was at school many years ago.
Grandpa's Fortune Fables covers different money topics so that children learn to earn, save and grow their money whilst avoiding debt, scams and gambling. Empowering every child, regardless of their background, to take control of their financial future.
To help teachers (and parents), there is a discussion point, at the end of each chapter, to start a conversation with children about what they have just heard or read.
I hope you believe this book will be a great resource to the school.
If you would like to order more copies of the book, I am more than happy to arrange a discount for your school. Please contact me at will@bluetreesavings.com.
Enjoy!
Will
30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training course
The January course has started well and we have incorporated some new improvements to the course including new content for the habits section of the Journal Workshop.
Waiting list is open for future training. Upon request we can do dedicated training for small teams, groups, family and friends.
One of the benefits shared from the course
The Gratitude Journaling for Happiness workshops with Mind in Enfield and Barnet are free and scheduled for February and March. See events page for details.
Last chance to join the MMG 2022
We have a bonus kick off meeting on Wednesday 19th January, last chance to join the MMG
Take a moment to reflect on the last year. Also look forward to where you want to be, what you want to have experienced and learnt by this time next year. Take control and supercharge your development in 2022 so when you look back you have grown and developed from where you are now. MasterMind Group is open for registration, you can register here
Here are some free opportunities shared to the MMG members that may interest you for your learning, development and growth, I will incorporate learning from them in HLH activities and the What I Learnt Today page :
What I learned today… #WhatILearnedToday
Learning, education and growth is important to me, helps us be happy, reduces chances of various ailments in older age As the year goes by I am collating some of my learnings and sharing here. Updates will be on an adhoc basis maybe weekly, maybe monthly, maybe longer. Some are posted on Social Media and they are collated here.
Looking Back, Looking Forward workshop attendees, now is a good time to review what you captured in the workbook and to do so on a regularly basis.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
LOOKING FORWARD
The 3rd Monday in January is known as Blue Monday, a day when many people feel low or more depressed due to various factors. This year is falls on Monday 18th January 2021. Previously, I wrote about Blue Monday and some ideas to combat it.
Blue Monday
The 3rd Monday in January is known as Blue Monday, a day when many people feel low or more depressed due to various factors. This year is falls on Monday 18th January 2021. Previously, I wrote about Blue Monday and some ideas to combat it.
On Friday I learnt that an ex-work colleague passed away. We worked in the same department and had been in India together briefly. This along with my own recent grieving as well as hearing on a daily basis of friend and family losing close ones is tough. Another friend recently lost his father, I shared the articles I had written about death and loss with him and also offered to host prayers over zoom. To be of help and service lifted spirits.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
On New Years Eve we shared the previous postponed Looking Back, Looking Forward workshop where a year compass workbook had been shared as well as various ideas on finding focus for the year. A particular idea shared was to look at 3 areas :
Self
Relationships
Career/business
and have a goal/intention in each of these. For my self this has helped to have clarity on what I am focusing on for 2021 in each of these areas and has let to actions/habits/goals in them.
A slide shared at the workshop
Corporate Services
For Business - the key this year is more impact in Corporate/company sector.
I can do with your help. If you have your own business, work for company or used to work for a company please do share the Happy Life Habits website and services with Directors, Owners, HR departments, Network groups , well being officers, event organisers, training teams etc.
Some of the services are at https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/services
In short it improves well being, productivity, effectiveness, confidence, resilience and resourcefulness and has an impact on the bottom line. This is through talks, workshops, coaching or training. Some of the areas are:
Happiness at Work
Work Life Harmony
Stress Management
Time Management
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Productivity and Effectiveness
Resilience and Positivity
Developing Habits
Mindfulness
Bespoke Training - just ask
Many thanks in advance. The Corporate work allows Happy Life Habits to offer free and low cost services to the community.
Current Happy Life Habits Projects
The 30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course
We are having successful impact on the January intake of the 30 HLH Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course with the trainees half way through the course. The course is running during UKs national lockdown and supporting the participants.
Each iteration of the course has some improvements added from feedback and experience. It is a very powerful course and experience for building positive habits and deepening your gratitude, positivity and happiness. The waiting list is open for future courses.
Here is a link to a pretty good Robin Sharma video on The Winning Habits. Much of this we also share in the course and in particular the first live session The 90 minute Journal Workshop.
https://www.robinsharmanation.com/the-winning-habits-masterclass-free1610190944909
Inspiration Point Podcast Series 2
I have enjoyed many wonderful conversions recently as we prepared the schedule for Inspiration Point Podcast Series 2. We in fact have enough episode potential for half of series 3 too. If you know of anyone who may want to take part and share their story of inspiration, positivity and turning points please ask them to have a look at : https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/inspiration-point and fill out the simple 10 question form to be considered for an episode.
Series 1 recordings are also available on the same link as is the schedule for Series 2.
We have sharing about:
a stand up comedian performing at the Edinburgh Fringe,
a mother who for her 40th ran the London Marathon and on crossing the finish line felt empty, unfulfilled and trapped leading to leaving her marriage.
Recovery from a sudden, serious brain injury at just 30 years old;
Exalted mediator with a firm focus on faith and family;
A doctor who is a senior partner in an innovative surgery who was told he would not get into medical school;
a lifewalla going from being a loner introvert to outgoing extrovert when needed.
The registration is open for booking the live session episodes.
We have a new VIP PASS For Whole Series: One registration for all 6 Live Episodes £20
+ 1 Gift invite to share to next episode
for details Email Shaileen@HappyLifeHabits.co.uk
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
To Be or Not to Be? – That is the question or is it a choice? Be a Caterpillar, Become a Butterfly
This article is about learning, change growth, development and transformation.
This article is about learning, change growth, development and transformation.
“Until you value yourself you will not value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it. ”
The Success People Vs Unsuccessful people graphic I remember seeing many years ago, I loved it the moment I saw it and printed a few colour copies and had put up in bedroom and books. Does not need any more comment. Have a read and see what resonates and where gaps are for you.
Not sure of source - had seen many years ago
“We know what we are, but know not what we may be.”
This fabulous video from Master Shi Heng Yi sharing about Self Mastery is steeped with so much wisdom and insight. I have watched a few times and each time gained something. It really resonates with me and I see connection to my faith and spiritual path.
“To Be or Not to Be? – That is a question or is it a choice?
Be a Caterpillar, Become a Butterfly
By a Wanna Be Butterfly Shaileen Shah 26 Sep 2017
Dedicated to all the teachers and inspirers past, present and future; who have guided us to make this world better by making ourselves better. Lessons, values, guidelines, way of living learnt through family, friends, films, books, seminars, workshops, talks, teachers, TED talks, newsletters, articles, blogs, conversations and ponderings.
Behind you lies the past
Before you awaits the future
Be present, be here, now
Be blissful, joyful, happy and peaceful
Be conscious, conscientious, insightful and natural
Be energetic, be moving, be moved and be still
Be a seeker, aspirer, Divine, graceful and of service
Be wholesome, authentic, an observer and a witness
Be grateful, humble, generous and giving
Be charitable, donor, giver and receiver
Be compassionate, kind, caring and loving
Be forgiving, honest, straightforward and content
Be awake, alive, awesome, extraordinary and wonderful
Be careful, respectful, carefree and tolerant
Be a follower, leader, trailblazer and a guide
Be on The Path, be off the beaten track
Be the light, beacon, role model and mentor
Be a teacher, student, learning, teachable and sharer
Be growing, nurturing, developing and blossoming
Be listening, consoling, be consultative, and approachable
Be flexible, adaptable, open and perspective shifting
Be encouraging, supportive, dependable and helpful
Be proactive, responsible, accountable and resourceful
Be cooperative, patient, synergistic and part of the solution
Be going the extra mile, adding value, not giving up and keep moving forward
Be positive, enthusiastic, insightful and optimistic
Be focussed, steadfast, persistent, grounded and centred
Be brave, courageous, bold and fearless
Be creative, imaginative, visionary, daring and clear
Be connected, a team player, performer and game changer
Be prepared, planned, ready, organised and spontaneous
Be engaging, gregarious, humorous and funny
Be hospitable, welcoming, warm and big hearted
Be trustworthy, trusting, loyal, complete and full of integrity
Be mindful, aware, attentive, tuned in and be there
Be inquisitive, curious, and adventurous
Be healthy, wealthy and wise
Be better today than you were yesterday
Believe in yourself, have faith and move mountains
Be reflective, contemplative, introspective and meditative
Be the change, be transformative, evolving and a catalyst
Be the best that you can be, a masterpiece, unique and special
Be yourself, realise your potential and be free
Be a caterpillar, become a butterfly
Too busy to just be?
Be reminded it is a choice to be or not to be
Just Be.
”
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
Happy Life Habits WhatsApp Group
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
LOCK DOWN LAB: LIFE BY DESIGN - YOU THE ARCHITECT
This and the few related articles are about the golden opportunity we have for learning, change growth, development and transformation. Moving from a caterpillar to being in a cocoon to become a butterfly. They blend ideas and snippets on needs, mindsets, zones and actions from Stephen Covey, Tony Robbins, Abraham Maslow, Carol Dweck, Nelson Mandela, Robin Sharma, Forrest Gump and a few others.
This one looks at the idea of a Lockdown Lab and moving from a zone of fear to learning to growth and to contribution.
This and the few related articles are about the golden opportunity we have for learning, change growth, development and transformation. Moving from a caterpillar to being in a cocoon to become a butterfly. They blend ideas and snippets on needs, mindsets, zones and actions from Stephen Covey, Tony Robbins, Abraham Maslow, Carol Dweck, Nelson Mandela, Robin Sharma, Forrest Gump and a few others.
IT TAKES 21 DAYS TO CREATE A HABIT,90 DAYS TO CREATE A LIFESTYLE
LOCKDOWN LAB
Many of us have we have already had 21 days of lock down and another few weeks are in progress and there could be many more weeks. This is a golden opportunity to step out of our comfort zone and grow. This is the cocoon phase of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. An incubation/transformation period. We have an explorative lab where we are both the subject of that lab as well as the experimenter. We are both the architect and the product of the design. We can come out at the other end, when ever that will be, as a better, improved, more resilience, capable, productive, effective, compassionate version of ourselves or we can choose to maintain the status quo and stay as just it. We can choose to improve areas of our physical, mental, social/emotional and spiritual dimensions. This great little video by Jean-Pierre De Villers (JPDV) is about Being Like Nelson Mandela shares how Nelson Mandela was in prison for 27 years (we are in lock down for a few weeks or months, hopefully not years!). He shares
“I wasn’t in prison, I was preparing” - Nelson Mandela
What can you prepare for during the time in lock down? JPDV also shares a focus on Contribution Vs Consumption and about showing up in love, gratitude and service.
The graphic shows some of the potential zones we can operate from and spend time in during a crisis/challenge such as COVID-19. As I was writing about comfort zones I found some more graphics which this one is based upon and adapted from where the far left circle “Who do I want to be during COVID-19” actually says “Comfort Zone”.
We can choose to be in the fear zone and express the behaviours that are fed by fear including complaining and victim mode. This is a very reactive zone. We all probably spent some time in that zone when the pandemic broke out where we were. How long we spend there is our choice and some will spend most of the pandemic time / lock down period there while others will choose to transition to the learning zone. In the learning zone we observe, reflect, think contemplate, seek reliable information and make choices on how we want to respond. In continuing to do this we step into the growth zone where we have expanded our knowledge, skills, attitude, capabilities and impact. We have expanded our comfort zone, we have made it grow. The learning and growth zones are where we are choosing our response. We are becoming more. Personally, I would split the growth zone and move some of the items from there to the zone of contribution/service.
I don’t have any medical qualifications, not even a scouts badge for first aid (might be to do with the fact I never went to the scouts!) or any training in neuroscience. However, how the brain works, the potential we have and how we learn has fascinated me for a long time hence my interest in Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), accelerated learning, habits, emotions, behaviour, psychology and such like areas. Here I share what I have understood, caveat, it may not be medically accurate! What I have understood is that the theory about different parts of the brain have different functions. Brain functions are complex and some of the models describe that we have the left (logic, reasoning, intelligence etc) and right (creative, emotion, intuition etc) sides as well as another model about the 3 brains: (1) The Reptilian (housekeeping) , (2) Mammalian/Limbic (Emotion) and (3) the NeoCortex (thinking/reasoning). The Amygdala, a part of the brain in the Limbic brain has a key role in fear response, our survival mechanism / threat /stress system to instigate our fight, flight or freeze response to a situation. It sends a distress signal to the hypthalamus in a chain of reactions that result in the release of hormones cortisol and adrenaline. These are part of our stress response. What happens is that anything such as a loud noise, an unfamiliar object or situation can activate the threat system and release these stress hormones getting us ready at a perceived threat which may not actually be a threat. We keep doing this and not dissipate the stress chemicals we will suffer prolonged stress and all associated with it such as anxiety, worry, sleep disorder, food disorder, chronic pain, depression, lack of connectivity etc. What we want to do is learn practices that help shift control to the neocortex the thinking /reasoning brain to actually assess and decide if it is a real threat. If it is a threat the neocortex can give control to the limbic brain and the Amygdala and let them do their stuff. If it is not a real immediate threat no need to be anxious, fearful or releasing the stress hormones. Instead it can focus on a response as opposed to a reaction.
Source Swissotel Hotel and Resorts
With learning and practices such as mindfulness, meditation, gratitude and such what we are doing is move control to the neocortex to choose a response. We are moving from the Fear Zone to Learning, Growth and Contribution Zones. In short we are using the higher capacities of the evolved brain. Moving from reflex reaction to choosing response. Taking more control of our circumstances as opposed to the circumstances controlling us.
Robin Sharma in Winning in Hard Times shares lots of great ideas for both personal and business. He shares:
Heroes are built in times of storm
The old must fall away for something better to be created
Enjoy the world but don’t be of the world
He cites that Churchill became Churchill, Nelson Mandela become Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks become Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King become Martin Luther King and Gandhi became Gandhi when they dealt with and overcame an adversity or challenge. That challenge gave them the opportunity to grow and become who they became. They did not act as victims but instead saw opportunity. The Lock Down is an opportunity, it is a reset a reboot. Focus on developing character, skills, qualities and habits. It is the Quadrant II (QII) area of Habit 3 First Things First from the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The stuff that is important but not urgent; what we often struggle to create time to do as we are so busy on urgent (but maybe not important things); the QII space for reflection, planning, values review and asking and contemplating the big questions.
"Unlike your fingerprints that you are born with and can’t change, character is something that you create within yourself and must take responsibility for changing." - Jim Rohn
“Making space for growth.
I was sitting on my balcony one recent morning, enjoying a cup of tea, when I looked over at our jasmine plant and realized that it hadn’t yet flowered this season.
The leaves had been reddish brown since the winter, but they hadn’t fallen. I don’t have much of a green thumb, but something felt off. So last week I decided to prune the plant, carefully removing all the non-green leaves.
The next day I came outside and there were already a dozen new sprouting leaves. The day after that, I glimpsed a handful of teeny-tiny flower buds.
This whole time I was waiting for the jasmine plant to flower, I was wondering what more it needed — more fertilizer, more water, or perhaps more sun. Turns out, the only thing holding it back from growing was its past self.
It made me wonder — how much of our growth relies on first trimming what no longer serves us?
What do we need to release so that we can flourish in the next season?
What if we were to prune all the preconceived notions of who we are?
All the regrets of the past and the anxieties about the future.
All the outside influences telling us who we should be.
The pride, the ego, the baggage — snipping and letting these things fall away.
What new season of life can we step into after we make space for our own growth?”
WHAT WILL YOU CHOOSE TO DESIGN & CREATE?
RESOURCES
Great article by Greater Good Science Centre on daily checklist questions to ask yourself during quarantine. The questions we ask help us focus, and decisions determine our destiny.
How To Not Go Crazy Under Quarantine Charles Duhigg Podcast (The Power of Habit).
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
Happy Life Habits WhatsApp Group
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU
A long time ago, in galaxy far, far away …actually it’s about here and now.
I couldn’t resist using Star Wars one of my favourite films and franchises.I have wanted to write about some of the observations and reflections I have about people’s behaviour during the pandemic. I wasn’t sure what to title it or how to actual phrase some of the ideas as they were forming but I think a thread has developed so here goes.
I am currently reading The 8th Habit by Stephen Covey. It’s a book that I have had for over 15 years (as you know I am a Covey and Habits fan), but had not been able to get traction into this books till now. A quote near of the beginning of the book worth contemplating is:
ALL THAT IS NECESSARY FOR THE TRIUMPH OF EVIL IS THAT GOOD MEN DO NOTHING - Edmund Burke
A long time ago, in galaxy far, far away …actually it’s about here and now.
Happy Star Wars Day - May the 4th Be With You.
I couldn’t resist using Star Wars one of my favourite films and franchises.
I have wanted to write about some of the observations and reflections I have about people’s behaviour during the pandemic. I wasn’t sure what to title it or how to actually phrase some of the ideas as they were forming but I think a thread has developed, so here goes.
I am currently reading -The 8th Habit by Stephen Covey. It’s a book that I have had for over 15 years (as you know I am a Covey and Habits fan), but had not been able to get traction into this book till now. A quote near of the beginning of the book worth contemplating on is:
“ALL THAT IS NECESSARY FOR THE TRIUMPH OF EVIL IS THAT GOOD MEN DO NOTHING”
In this wonderful video and song by Nimo Patel and Daniel Nahmod from Empty Hands music captures the above quote quite well. Very uplifting song and video.
Before you read any further watch this A pale blue dot - humbling video. It is awesome, out of this world and less than 3.5 minutes long, watch in full screen with full attention and contemplation.
I have made judgements, I know we are not supposed to judge, but still I have made judgements based on my observations of behaviour how they either align to or break my perceptions/beliefs of values, universal principles and moral laws.
In the Together in Isolation I shared a Shantaram book concept, which I reshare here.
What is an objective, universally acceptable definition of good and evil?
„In order to know about any act or intention or consequence, we must first ask two questions. One, what would happen if everyone did this thing? Two, would this help or hinder the movement toward complexity?” – Khaderbhai
(Complexity meaning God)
What I found more relevant in everyday life: there are no good or bad people. There are only “good deeds” and “bad deeds” and the sum of those deeds – the actions we perform – are what make us into someone good or bad— Gregory David Edwards - Shantaram
Evil or Bad behaviour stems from a centre of Fear while Good Behaviour flows from a centre of Love.
STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES - FORREST GUMP
BAD OR EVIL BEHAVIOUR
started with the motto
“Don’t be evil”
which has now been changed to
“do the right thing”
Using that concept is how I am defining good or evil/bad. I read about, watched or was told of the following bad behaviours:
Stockpiling of food and toilet paper which meant health care people were not able to get. Tearful plea from Nurse Dawn
Stockpiled food being thrown away weeks later unused
People packing into tube trains, supermarkets, pubs, clubs, parks and beaches when social distancing and staying at home has been requested. Dr Jack on LBC radio making emotional please for people to stay at home
People ignoring the social distancing guidelines
Blind forward of messages and information creating fear (see previous article)
Idiots out and about when they should be at home, who cough on the police as the police try to do their job and keep people safe
People including celebrities going out and about when they are showing symptoms thereby infecting others
Price hikes on popular items
Scams emerging to take advantage of people
Coronavirus: Arrests after men lick hands and wipe supermarket food
In my opinion these stem from fear, ignorance, selfishness, other lower emotions and energies.
An article by Miranda Birch has captured an interview with my cousin Sanjay Shah, an Emotional Intelligence Coach. It covers the 3 things that drive us: Security, Approval and Control and sheds light on why some behave from a base of fear and others from higher energy emotions such as peace, acceptance and courage. Love is not listed but I would say it is synonymous with peace which is at the top of the list. Very useful insights and thoughts for individuals and businesses especially in current pandemic circumstances. Sanjay was the one who in 1994 introduced me to Tony Robbins and Personal Development, an area that has been a major impact in my life.
“The moment you accept a situation energetically – if you accept it rather than pretend to accept it – you are already above the line. You respond in a better way. You make different decisions and take different actions, which will then create better results for you, your company and your clients.”
“IS THE STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS DRIED UP, A TRICKLE OR OVERFLOWING?”
GOOD BEHAVIOUR & INTENTIONS
Many good behaviours stem from good intentions and a centre of love, compassion and a common humanity.
Variety of roles and professions doing their jobs while putting themselves at risk to save the lives of others. Key workers including but not exclusive to : doctors, nurses, hospital staff (cleaners, suppliers, reception etc), pharmacists, teachers, carers, care home staff, supermarket staff, garbage collection teams, transport providers (bus, tube,taxi drivers), supply chain delivery teams and drivers
Companies focused on making and supplying safety equipment
People working or treatments, vaccines and medicines
Companies redeploying staff or making changes to their working methods e.g. John Lewis closing retail stores and deploying staff to Waitrose food supermarkets, Fast food and coffee shops being only take away not sit in restaurant, Santander Bank making Santander bikes available free to hospital staff
People sensibly applying social distancing, stay at home, self isolation and hand washing
Transport For London telling people not to travel!
The Excel Exhibition Centre in London being re-purposed as the Nightingale Hospital in less than 10 days
Airline staff who can not fly due to grounded planes being giving opportunity to put their first aid and customer caring skills to use as volunteers in the Nightingale Hospital
Over 700K people signing up to be NHS Volunteers
Many caterers and food outlets producing and delivering meals for free to hospital staff
Countless acts of kindness, generosity and good will for elderly, vulnerable, those self isolating and those in need
From The Science of Happiness we know that contribution, service, compassion, kindness, love, empathy, cooperation, meaning, purpose, learning, love, care giving and common humanity all are components for our happiness and well being. These are exhibited in the good behaviour actions.
“When the history of the world and of institutions, societies, communities and families is finally written, the dominant theme will be the degree to which people have lived not by their socialised conscience but by their divine conscience. That is the innate, intuitive wisdom contained in the principles during philosophies of the world. It won’t be geopolitics, economics, government, wars, social culture, art, education or churches. The moral or spiritual dimension - how true people and institutions are to universal, timeless principles of right and wrong - will be the overarching and underlying supreme governing force”
Stephen Covey - The 8th Habit from Effectiveness to Greatness
A pale blue dot - humbling video well worth watching. It is awesome, out of this world and less than 3.5 minutes long, watch in full screen with full attention and contemplation (repeated here in case you missed it near beginning of article).
THE UNIVERSAL FORCE : THE POWER OF LOVE
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU
Some videos on the Power of Love and very informative and powerful. The first is an Interview with Sister Jayanti from the Brahma Kumaris discussing the situation of the coronavirus, the power of love, meditation and Soul consciousness.
The Brandon Bays video on The Power of Love, a supposedly letter from Albert Einstein. On the internet there is debate as to if this letter was actually written by Albert Einstein. Irrespective of that, the message is awesome and worth listening to and contemplating.
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU
On 6th May 2020 Young Jains as part of Enriching Conversations are having a session on “Conquer Your Darkside -May the ForceBe With You” about overcoming Anger, Greed, Ego and Deceit in all their flavours.
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can work a win-win result.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
Happy Life Habits WhatsApp Group
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
THE UPS & DOWNS OF A HAPPINESS COACH: CRAVING CONNECTION
As an experiment, for my own happiness and a way to serve I am going to chronicle as a diary some of my thoughts (ups and downs) and actions during this pandemic. Things that I am doing and finding beneficial to my all round happiness and well being many based on the themes shared in Together in Isolation .
The CounsellingTeacher.com Clipart Stephens Art
As an experiment, for my own happiness and a way to serve I am going to chronicle as a diary some of my thoughts (ups and downs) and actions during this pandemic. Things that I am doing and finding beneficial to my all round happiness and well being many based on the themes shared in Together in Isolation .
During this pandemic I have been craving for connection both people to people and grateful for the technology connections, I guess with the previous articles on Happier Relationships and what I have learnt over time I understand the importance of this to our happiness, well being and mental health. I have also been through the turbulence of insecurities and validation issues.
So, a request dear friend and reader
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) While doing (1) if you would be interested in free 30 min video conference calls for Happiness Boosters - connection and sharing, during these times let me know if morning, afternoon or evening preference and weekday and/or weekend. I will endeavour to serve.
(4) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
More will become clear as you read the rest of the article.
Week Commencing 16 March 2020
We are in the early stages of the pandemic and lots of fear and confusion is prevalent. Many things getting postponed, cancelled or closed - life is changing day by day. During the start of that week I was focused on the task of writing the Together in Isolation article to capture some for the sentiments and share how I and others are coping with it. What is helping us find certainty in uncertain times. For 2.5 days I was fully engrossed and in a flow state with this task being creative, resourceful, reflective and connecting with my communities. I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt I had produced a good quality, useful article especially as I am one of the most optimistic, positive and happy person I know and if I was feeling fear, uncertainty and unhappy during these times others must also be. During which I got the idea to have some online sessions to connect and share ideas. As is my nature, I wanted to share far and wide ,so I posted in WhatsApp groups, Facebook and LinkedIn.
I got some feedback from some people that they found the article useful. However seeing other articles/videos/posts being widely shared on the various mediums and mine not so much I felt it was not valued so much, including articles I had written previously which I felt were rich in content.
This compounded with seeing messages over time of peers getting various speaking slots, book launches or acknowledgement was having a knock on my self esteem.
Add to this where I set up 3 free online sessions on The International Day of Happiness (20 March) to have happiness boosters, connect, share content and conversation hoping to positively impact as many as possible and having 1 or 2 people only join each call made me wonder if what I am doing has any value. If I can’t give it away for free how am I going to make a living out of it later on?
I was grateful for the people who did take the opportunity and join the call. Some were friends and family, one was a complete stranger. Even if it was one person, I had a lovely time connecting with them, each sharing responses to a few questions and getting a better insight on life. I felt connected, I learnt and developed skills and felt I was able to positively impact Happiness and Well Being Levels. I felt energised and uplifted after the sessions. While helping others I was helping myself. This gave me validation that there is value in what I am doing. I am fulfilling Happy Life Habits mission of Positively Impacting Happiness & Well Being Levels and I am living my personal mission statement. Using the graphic of what I can control and what I can not control has reminded me to focus on what I do, keep improving and adding value. Not to get distracted by what others think or what others are doing.
Hence I intend to offer more such sessions - I don’t know the timing or frequency therefore the request at the start of the article. For now I will share details on website and Happy Life Habits WhatsApp Group.
What I’m doing
I am keeping a focus on what I can control - the image for this article being related to the Covey 7 Habits of Highly Effective People .
I am observing my thoughts, feelings and actions.
I am rebuilding and installing new routines and behaviours
I am reducing the noise and distractions
I am staying connected
I am keeping a flexible structure
I am prudent with how I am using my time
I am learning , growing and serving
I am applying the 7 Habits as well as other learning from Personal Development, The Science of Happiness and Spirituality
With our whole household now at home or working from home we need to actively build new routines, plans and be organised.
What is helping me is
Continuing my happiness practice of using my Happiness Journal each day and every day
Regularly meditating or being mindful
Going for walks during the day to get some fresh air, exercise and activity
Making sure we have some fresh foods (fruit and veg in the diet) along with good hydration
Making plans, to do lists, shopping lists and potential menus
I am not watching or following news actively - a little in the morning and then the UK Government Boris Johnson 5 pm live conference
I am keeping my phone on silent for much of day, have many notifications switched off and not looking at everything I receive on WhatsApp or email. Each day clearing out the messages.
From 21 Day Simple Living Challenge, a challenge early on was to tackle your inbox. Across my various email accounts I filed some useful emails and then mass selected, some of which had been parked for 3 years or more to be read and just zapped them. It felt good and had inboxes that I could see on the screen without scrolling! I need to redo that exercise again after receiving Covid 19 emails from all accounts where I am subscribed.
I am finding great benefit in taking part in 21 day challenge that I hosted on Simply Living. Some wonderful ideas and shared insights. The challenge was from start of March as pandemic unfolded in Europe to 21st March. It helped me focus on things I could do, positivity, gave a routine and via the platform website reading and commenting others insights made me feel connected
Due to the benefit I have gained from the 21 day Challenge I have set up more challenged back to back on Reverence, Kindness, Mindfulness and Gratitude to see me though the next few months of the pandemic.
KarunaVirus reponding with compassion is an initiative by ServiceSpace the same organisation behind the 21 Day Challenge Project. This website is a collection of positivity and compassion shown during the pandemic from around the world.
I am reducing my time on Facebook and LinkedIn - they are useful but easier to get stuck in noise and lose time
In terms of connection the online video conference is what I am finding works for me best. As mentioned in Together in Isolation
“The communities that I am a part of; being for me a source of faith, learning, growth, health, service and social activity were all stopping events and activity - badminton clubs, youth clubs, Jain Faith School, Jain Faith Convention, meditation circles, etc. This was impacting my sense of connection, community, clarity and meaning.”
The Jain School, Shree Chadana Vidhya Peeth (SCVP) started zoom video online adults classes so we took part in that.
The Museum of Happiness have online sessions.
The Awakin meditation circles I enjoy are now a online offering.
For Young Jains we discussed at the weekend and developed a set of sessions called “Enriching Conversations” : Online conversations by Young Jains, to help stay connected, share insights and remain centred. The first theme being “Finding Calm in the Chaos”.
Over the weekend we set up some video conference calls with some from my side of the family and a separate one with my wife’s. These were incredibly beneficial to see, talk with and share with family from all around the UK as well as outside of UK. We shared the impact the pandemic was having on us, what we were doing and what we found useful. It also was so beautiful to have the elder generation (self isolating - vulnerable, high risk) able to take part. I found this to be very nourishing and grateful that technology is available to allow this.
Based on all these experiences and my craving to connect as mentioned at the start I am going to hold Happy Life Habit Booster sessions. Just get in touch if interested.
I am continuing to find opportunities to learn and grow. The above are some as well as choosing some online training to partake in as well as reading (which was part of my routine prior to pandemic anyway). I have just finished the awesome 933 page Shantaram which I started at the start of the month after having been lent the book 4 years or so ago.
Until the next instalment of “The Ups & Downs of a Happy Coach”, stay safe, stay connected, be happy, help others, wash your hand and follow the guidelines.
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) While doing (1) if you would be interested in free 30 min video conference calls for Happiness Boosters - connection and sharing, during these times let me know if morning, afternoon or evening preference and weekday and/or weekend. I will endeavour to serve.
(4) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
Happy Life Habits WhatsApp Group
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
“SUCCESS IS THE PROGRESSIVE REALISATION OF A WORTHY GOAL OR IDEAL”
TOGETHER IN ISOLATION
Together in Isolation
Finding Certainty in Uncertain Times :
Living during Coronavirus pandemic
Dedicated to every beings happiness on the UNs International Day of Happiness March 20th.
Shaileen Shah - Happiness Coach - Happy Life Habits
I started this blog article as a refreshing relish from the recent weeks of brain fog clouded by confusion, worry, uncertainty, anxiety, fear, helplessness and distraction. Anyone else felt the same?
Finding Certainty in Uncertain Times :
Living during Coronavirus pandemic
Dedicated to every being’s happiness for the UNs International Day of Happiness March 20th.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”
Together in Isolation - I replaced with We - illness becomes Wellness
“In the future the history that will be written & remembered will be about how we thought, spoke & acted in the present through this crisis.”
Next bit
Wow what a fabulous title, image quote, opening to this article - if I say so myself. The opening quote is not mine but from Charles Dickens in the opening of a Tale of Two Cities - captures the present moment well. Likewise the Viktor Frankl quote happened to be the one in my Happiness Journal as I started this blog. The title is borne fruit from creative, inspired and motivated moments that I have recently had (quite humbly proud so I am going to savour it and affirm the positive, in fact I’ll share a clever quote that I came up with - though could be a paraphrase of someone else’s!). I started this blog article as a refreshing relish from the recent weeks of brain fog clouded by confusion, worry, uncertainty, anxiety, fear, helplessness and distraction. Anyone else felt the same?
I am worried about:
my elderly parents who have underlying health conditions so are high risk to the virus
my son due to sit his GCSEs in a few months
my finances
my developing happiness business
my own, my families and friends health
our communities, our nation, our world
our future
Quite surreal the times we are living in. Impacting everything and I mean everything. Stockmarkets imploding on a daily basis - savaging our investments, pensions and futures, country by country, nation by nation, community by community, person by person filling with uncertainty and forced changed - that we can do nothing about. The news being only on one topic, people going into Chicken Little mode “the sky is falling, the sky is falling”, rumours, conspiracy theories and misinformation perpetuating the fear and stock piling. On a daily basis and sometimes hourly radical changes occurring. Industries, nations, leaders brought to their knees. How do we cope? How do we survive?
“The Universal Constant is Change”
The communities that I am a part of; being for me a source of faith, learning, growth, health, service and social activity were all stopping events and activity - badminton clubs, youth clubs, Jain Faith School, Jain Faith Convention, meditation circles, etc. This was impacting my sense of connection, community, clarity and meaning.
I’m a Happiness Coach, trained in Science of Happiness, Personal Development and Spirituality and during this period of worry, zombie mode, lack of direction & action, helplessness as things unfolded impacting everything, I struggled. The nudge from my wise wife and a couple of conversations with a few people led to this action. Change the focus from doom and gloom to positivity, kindness and happiness - tap into what you know that helps and tap into others. I reached out to my communities via various means to ask how they were dealing and coping. The response and contributions were fabulous : quotes, actions, tips, meditations, poetry, humour, special voice recorded message. Around the same time I got some emails/newsletters with wonderful content. Funny how the Universe delivers what we focus on and how the Law of Attraction works. All the contributions are gems that can positively impact and uplift. I personally got direction, connection, insights, energy and inspiration. Thankful for it all.
I am currently hosting a 21 Day Simple Living Challenge that on day 16 when I started this article had the theme: Day 16: Practice Single-tasking - so using that I have focused onto research and content for this article.
Together in Isolation - has a few meanings, it means if we do have to go into isolation or social distancing we are not alone, we are in this together, it is a shared humanity. The forced changes break our existing routines, reality and isolation can lead to a sense of disconnection, loneliness and depression. See the previous 2 articles on Happier Relationships. By being selfish, self centred we will not get through this. Every human (and other living beings also) is being impacted.
“The coronavirus is apolitical. It doesn’t discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. There is an opportunity here to transcend the individualism that has led to an atomized and polarized society. In our collective hands, we have tremendous power to stop the spread of this pathogen and forge a new story of connection instead of separation.
If we can get through this together, it may bring us together.
Mantra: Stay Centred, Follow the Science, Don’t succumb to Fear, Spread Information not the Virus
”
This quote is from an informative, sensible action packed podcast is really worth listening to. I love the Mantra: Stay Centred, Follow the Science, Don't succumb to Fear, Spread Information not the Virus. Here is the link Coronavirus and Our Common Humanity Commune with Jeff Krasno
The Universe, Mother Nature, Earth the greatest innovator and disrupter has decided that humanity as a collective needed a moment to standstill, break the pattern, take stock (not stock pile!), reflect on what matters, be present and mindful, escape from the every day business and take a look around and be reminded of the higher power - the power of love, kindness, compassion and peace.
I remember Wayne Dyer sharing an example of squeezing (not sneezing!) an orange and asking what will come out? Will it be apple juice? No. Grapefruit juice? No. Orange Juice? Yes. Why? Because that is what is inside. The Universe from time to time will test us and squeeze. What will come out? Whatever is on the inside will come out. If inside is selfish, self centred, greedy, inconsiderate, angry, fearful then that is what will be expressed. If inside is love, peace, kindness, gratitude, happiness, certainty then that is what will show up. We are currently being squeezed. We see this with the stories of people going nuts and stockpiling out of fear and selfishness, being xenophobic and spreading misinformation. I read a story of a many who picked up the last packet of pasta in a store when he already had plenty more packets and an elderly lady requesting if she could have it as she had none and him saying no. Or the photos of people who stockpiled items that will last well into next year. These stories play heavy on the heart and bring a dark cloud in the mind. Fortunately I am reading and hearing more positives such as the Sikh person who helps feed the homeless extending to give cleaning materials, maps of public washrooms and information on how to wash hands, or the Italians singing as a community in the evening while in lock down, or the coordinated clapping by Spanish for the gratitude to the front line health care professionals dealing with this crisis. This BBC link shares kindness stories including the creative idea of a postcard for options to help for those self isolating.
Received via WhatsApp - Transport for London Quote
I am currently reading the incredible, gripping book Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. It is a 933 page novel biography peppered with wonderful ideas. This is the perfect book to read if self isolating. One question in it is: What is an objective, universally acceptable definition of good and evil?
“What is an objective, universally acceptable definition of good and evil?
„In order to know about any act or intention or consequence, we must first ask two questions. One, what would happen if everyone did this thing? Two, would this help or hinder the movement toward complexity?” – Khaderbhai
(Complexity meaning God)
What I found more relevant in everyday life: there are no good or bad people. There are only “good deeds” and “bad deeds” and the sum of those deeds – the actions we perform – are what make us into someone good or bad”
I love the answer “What would happens if everyone did this?”. What would happen if everyone stockpiled? What would happen if everyone passed on the mis-information and fear? What would happen if everyone followed the guidelines on hand washing? What would happen if everyone looked out for and helped each other? Food for thought - stock pile that!
Together in Isolation
Finding Certainty in Uncertain Times :
Living during Coronavirus pandemic
Dedicated to every beings happiness on the UNs International Day of Happiness March 20th.
Shaileen Shah - Happiness Coach - Happy Life Habits
I reached out to my communities to ask what tips, practices, ways where they dealing with and coping with the pandemic. These are ordinary people like you and me - Humans. They are also extraordinary as you will see when you read, contemplate or hear their contributions. They are from a mix of faiths, nations, ages, genders, experiences, vocations including retired, pharmacists, dentists, finance/investment people, change makers, consultants, coaches, facilitators, trainers, teachers, volunteers, accountants, journalists, technologists, yoga teachers, healers, carers and home makers. I have compiled some of the overall themes that have been shared as well as my own thoughts and then some of the detailed sharing all of which help finding certainty in uncertain times. They all relate to the 4 human dimensions of Physical, Mental, Social/Emotion and Spiritual (see previous articles) and some are the basics we all know we should do.
CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLES
Focus on the things that you can control - all of the below suggestions
Control your energy; focus on higher energies
Finances - review income and expenses (see note later)
Remember the Serenity Prayer
“God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.”
ROUTINE
Our routines, plans and structures are likely to have been disrupted. Creatively develop empowering happy life habits that supplement new ways to do old things or replace old routines
Replace the routines of checking email, watching the news, refreshing the news or stock market webpages, social media, whatsapp messages etc every 5 mins. Switch off notifications and schedule and limit time when you will do these activities
Plan , organise and also be like a yoga teacher in your approach - be flexible
Do not forward everything you receive about the virus. Except of course awesome articles/ emails like this one.
Join the 21 Day Challenge
HEALTH
Eat sensibly - fresh fruit/veg
Hydrate well
Sleep well - get adequate rest and sleep to rejuvenate
Avoid toxins
Keep exercising
Keep breathing deeply
Keep washing hands as per advice
CONNECTION
Find ways to stay connected, in touch as alternative to the physical face to face. Use technology - Facetime, video conferencing, messaging apps, phone call, email (do remember the schedule/limit time aspect)
Really deeply listen
MINDFULNESS & PRESENT MOMENT
Be aware of your feelings, emotions, thoughts - don’t dwell on the dis-empowering, low energy ones - feel, observe, acknowledge and choose to change to more empowering high energy ones
Be present
LEARNING
Adapt, grow, develop, experiment and learn
Follow the science, be informed
Take opportunity to learn a new skill, revive and old one
Watch videos (TED etc), listen to podcasts, join courses, read books, enjoy poetry
REFLECTION, GRATITUDE AND JOURNALLING
Reflect
Practice gratitude - like make of the other practices mentioned it helps well being and resilience
Do some journalling - great to express, capture and learn from
KINDNESS
Be kind
Do kind, thoughtful acts
Be kind to yourself, be kind to your nearest and dearest, be kind to others
Viruses are contagious; so is panic, fear, hysteria; love, kindness, joy; choose wisely
NATURE
Spend time in nature - walk in park, down the road, garden
Get some fresh air and sunshine
See some greenery, hear some birds singing
Look at the sly, clouds, stars, moon
Observe the changing of the seasons
SPIRITUALITY & FAITH
Dive deeper into your spirituality or faith
Sing songs, Bhakti & Jaap (devotional songs)
Recite Prayers, Mantras and contemplate the meaning
Meditate
Keep Faith
Help and Serve others
Stay aware
HUMOUR & FEEL GOOD
Smile - it increases your face value!
This poem was chosen and read out by a young student at the last Jain School assembly we had before the school classes were cancelled due to the Virus. Some attribute it to Spike Milligan and some to Jez Alborough. Either way it is a lovely poem.
Smiling is infectious
You can catch it like the flu
When someone smiled at me today
I started smiling too
I walked around the corner
And someone saw me grin
When he smiled I realised
I had passed it on to him
I thought about the smile
And then realised its worth
A single smile like mine
Could travel round the earth
So if you feel a smile begin
Don’t leave it undetected
Start an epidemic
And get the world infected.
Read a good book, listen to your favourite music, watch your favourite film
Practice Laughter Yoga
Share a joke such as this one that I saw on Facebook …
They drove us mad with Corona...
We have become crazy.
I went to the bathroom at a restaurant.
I washed my hands, opened the door with my elbow,
I raised the toilet seat with my foot,
I switched on the water faucet with a tissue then opened the bathroom door to leave with my elbowand when I returned to my table I realized....
I forgot to pull up my pants!!!
“Stay centred, be compassionate, be in touch with people around you”
My friend Vicky Johnson, Co-Founder of The Museum of Happiness has recorded these thoughts and advice especially for this article. Really a great recording of some science and practical tools to use. It covers surfing the waves, no mud no lotus, 3 systems - Drive, Threat and Soothe - really useful, Energy management, self care and a gem (pun intended) of an idea about diamonds. Vicky hosts a weekly Facebook live on Happiness and Self Care.
Summarised tips contributed by volunteer teachers from Shree Chandana Vidhya Peeth Jain School (SCVP):
Prayers : Navkar Mantra, Uvaasagaharam (Healing Prayer)
Singing/Chanting: Stavans, Bhakti, Mantras
Help Others
Positivity
Pranayam - Breathing
Acceptance
Keep Calm
Read and follow the evidence based information
Do not stockpile
Thanks to contributions from our SCVP volunteer teachers : Rita Shah, Sandip Shah, Ketan Varia, Tejas Udani, Rajeev Shah, Manjri Shah, Rasila Shah, Sonal Dadia, Vaishali Mehta, Hina Vora and Kajal Sheth
“Three Thoughts for these times
*Universal Friendship • Truth • Inner Peace*
*Universal Friendship*
Awareness of the timeless idea that all living beings are equal to us and capable of the same spiritual heights generates the attitude of universal friendship. This compels us to care for all, to be considerate, to avoid selfish behaviour. As we live through these times, let’s ground ourselves in this ideal, knows as Maitri, Miti, or Metta. Let’s serve the vulnerable in our communities. Let’s be considerate when shopping. Let’s be loving and kind despite any fear or pain, wishing that all are well, happy and wise, in these times and at alk times.
*Truth*
Truth must be kind, otherwise it fails a deeper test. Today we are seeking to blame and judge. We lazily let our prejudices rise up and unwillingly spread hate, such as language which blames the Chinese or the Meat eaters. If there is an action to blame, let us become awake and aware, but let’s also practice kindness and hygiene in our thoughts and words. Many are using the opportunity to speak of the superiority of Hindu, Jain or Vegan lifestyles. Let’s celebrate the nobility, yes, but let’s keep away the unkindness, superiority, judgement and othering of souls who are on journeys just as we are.
Truth must also be discriminating and judicious. With modern social media, we are often sharing hoaxes or untested ideas about the Corona Virus, Covid 19. We are also unwittingly sharing unkind messages of judgement and othering. How can we separate and divide ourselves from souls just like us?
*Inner Peace*
Within us, innately, we are peace, bliss and love. Let’s connect within so we can face the challenges of today with fortitude, equanimity, truth and universal friendship. Self-care is also very important. Our daily spiritual practice will ensure we remain maintain inner balance, and manifest virtues grounded in deep truths which ensure we live in harmony with all other souls.
”
“I wasn’t planning on sending this email.
In fact, I wasn’t planning on writing anything about the coronavirus. The truth is, I am finding it hard to focus on anything in this present moment.
The uncertainty has me unsettled.
The present is constantly overshadowed by thoughts of the future. What if my friends or family get the virus? What if our city goes into full lockdown mode? How is the world going to recover?
Feeling overwhelmed, I turned to my journal and reflected on past moments of uncertainty.
I started making a list of things to remember, things that could ground me, bring perspective and return me to the present.
I wanted to send these to you in an email in case there is something in here that resonates with you — but also because I’d love to hear how you are coping.
Here are a few items from the list:
Meditation. Impermanence, or anicca as it is called in the Buddhist tradition, is the idea that things are constantly changing. And that we can observe that change without becoming consumed by it. A core concept behind Vipassana meditation and mindfulness is to experience the feeling of anicca in your own body by becoming aware of your bodily sensations without reacting to them with desire or aversion. Practicing this during meditation helps prepare us so that when we are met with unexpected sensations or experiences in our everyday lives, we are better prepared to experience them with a healthy level of perspective and equanimity. I have been returning to meditation regularly these past few weeks to help recenter me.
Practice gratitude. This may sound counter-intuitive when it seems like there’s more to be scared, angry or anxious about. But I come back to these words from Brother David Steindl-Rast: “I didn’t say we can be grateful for everything. I said we can be grateful in every given moment…” It is not that we need to be grateful for the virus or the school closings or the delayed travel plans. But every single moment has something that we can give thanks for, if we open ourselves up to it. Our breath — which reminds us that we have the opportunity to be here and be present — is a perfect example.
Journaling. Just writing things down does wonders to help me sort through and get to the bottom of how I am actually feeling. This email is a perfect example. It started with a rant answering the seemingly simple question I am prompted with every time I open my journaling app: “Hey Dave, how are you feeling today?” Getting these thoughts out of my head and onto the page is a way of acknowledging the thoughts that are racing around my head. And as I acknowledge the thoughts, I notice that they begin to quiet.
Support each other. In difficult times, it’s easy to think we are alone, especially with the currently prescribed “social distancing”. Reach out to those you care about — but instead of just trading fears and anxieties, try bringing a positive element to the conversation. Let your loved ones know you are thinking about them and tell them something you appreciate about them. Spreading the love is a great way to feel the love. Support others and you will feel supported.
”
“Finances
People are worried about their finances - especially because they may be forced to take unpaid leave, go into voluntary isolation, quarantine. People’s financial position varies significantly. Everyone has been impacted financially, whether this is your pension value reduced by 20 - 30%, income reduced, etc. There is no one size fits all approach but any number of the following steps may help you towards staving off anxiety:
(1) Work out monthly expenditure and identify areas where you can reduce your expenses.
(2) Look at your savings so you can plan for expenditure if income is compromised
(3) If you have credit card debt, contact the lender to ask for a payment holiday with interest frozen
(4) If you need extra money in the short term ask your bank to increase your overdraft limit and reduce charges
(5) If you will struggle with your mortgage due to loss of income talk to your lender. The key thing is not to worry about things, reach out for support and advice. You are not alone.”
From friends linked on Face Book
Vikrant Jain: It shall pass
Or
It shall pass and Hopefully we as humanity n individual will come out stronger by end of itDeepa Shah: If you are 'having' downtime, reframe it as a positive!
So many things to replenish, rejuvenate and restore your body, mind and spirit:
1. Read inspiring and uplifting books, articles or listen to podcasts.
2. Practicing relaxation either tapping, guided relaxation or meditation.
3. Practice some yogasana slowly with breath awareness and pranayama.Beejal Coulson: It’s important to have neutrality in the mind and generate peace rather than attempt to generate a positive mind in uncertain times. The practice of meditation is vital in these challenging times. Self care is vital. Where your attention goes is where your energy and focus goes so be mindful where you place your attention.
Kevin Gosling:
1 Don't panic and remain reasoned and sensible
2 Enjoy life to the full as don't know what tomorrow will bring
3 Family , friends and loved ones should always come firstTamzin Doggart: Even dark times are a possibility. Someone else has just posted: Just a reminder that when Shakespeare was quarantined because of the plague, he wrote King Lear.
Nilesh Tarpo Shah: Be positive for negativity is all taken
Minal Shah: I am self isolating.
So already had some time to do things I never get round to doing... Although limited somewhat by symptoms.
Wash hands with alertness, paying attention to how you do it rather than a regular ritual.
You can still go for a walk as long as you don't make contact with others to get fresh air, exercise and to keep calm and carry on.
Be thankful for each opportunity.Jyoti Mehta: Keep a routine of sorts. Still set your alarm clock for a certain time. And go for a walk!
Bindi Shah: Remain in equanimity
“Cultivating an Inner Resource - Meditation
Creating a safe space within you where you feel a sense of ease, well-being, resiliency, wholeness, balance, peace, groundedness…
It’s a felt sense within your body that may be evoked by a memory of a person, place or thing or something that you have imagined or a visualisation. Maybe a place in nature, a sacred object, sounds, activities etc. It doesn’t matter what it is, just choose something that brings you a sense of peace, security and well-being.
As you form your Inner Resource, reflect on people, animals, objects and phrases that help you embed and recall in your mind your Inner Resource. Conjure up sounds, taste, smells and other qualities that help you to access your inner resource.
Take time to embody your Inner Resource throughout the day. It builds your capacity to welcome every experience as a flow of changing movements within your unchanging Being. It enables you to experience a sense of well-being no matter your circumstance.
”
“1. Be mindful of all your feelings – I think it is important not to suppress or deny your feelings, and its equally important to remember that feelings aren’t facts. Make friends with your feelings and then decide which ones to act on and how you want to act on them
2. Keep a sense of humour – there is always lots to laugh about, and finding the comedic in what is going on is often one of the most powerful ways to lift your spirits and actually stay well. Laughter can be the best medicine
3. Stay in the here and now – right now you are probably fine and most likely will be. Simply deal with what is in front of you in this moment and try not to be too anxious for the future that may not happen
4. Follow the practical advice – don’t take unnecessary risks and also recognise reality of the limits to your ability to protect yourself. Accept that there are many things you simply cannot control”
“1) you can reduce the risk, you can’t remove it
2) you being in fear will help no one because you will make bad, irrational decisions from your fear
3) look after yourself, look after others, keep your compassion and humanity”
“ Anitya (everything other than the soul is temporary)
and asuchi ( the body is a host to many diseases, etc)
and maitri (universal friendship towards the virus as it is also a soul, just like us)
Contemplations on bhavnas (reflections on reality)”
“How to reduce fear, anxiety and paranoia over the CV
There are two simple things I’d like to share.
1. Fear weakens the immune system
2. Love and happiness boosts it.
So how can you find your way from Fear to Love?
And find your way back to feeling balanced and calm.
One of the things that works well for me and my clients is to stimulate two acupressure points at the same time as taking deep calming breaths.
Take the first two fingers of one hand and press them firmly in between your eyebrows.
At the same time take the first two fingers of the other hand and press firmly in the middle of your chest.
And then breathe.
Take some deep calming breaths and feel yourself start to relax.
From this place of relaxation tune into your inner wisdom to make wise judgements from peace and calm and not from fear.
Feel into the truth of what is being said.
”
“Given I’ve chosen to self-isolate I am focusing on self-care practices:
Allow myself to sleep lots
Stay connected to good friends
Challenge myself neither to judge others behaviours nor fall into the herd mindset”
“ It is perfectly normal to feel anxious at this time. Try making inner space to allow the feeling to come and and go, with as much love and compassion and acceptance you can. And holding that feeling, focus on taking meaningful action that can support you and others at this time. Compassion for all, including yourself, is very much called for at this time. We are all in this together.”
“It has been an interesting to observe the processing of this inner landscape over these past couple of weeks . Feelings of helplessness, fear, perplexity, anxiousness and more. Most interesting has been how these emotions arrive and pass. For many years now, I stopped reading /listening to news.. in any format... whatever needs to get known will come my way, was the philosophy. Naturally, the enormity of these changing tunes has drawn me, almost involuntarily , into the news stream, and i have quickly realised the inward psychological effect this was having. One can certainly not live in ignorance during these times, but I’m trying hard, to limit reading every message, article, story. Instead, am Being selective in what I absorb and reading the main news on BBC/Sky at the beginning and evening of every day. This has enormously been supportive in maintaining a balanced calm response to all that is unfolding.
Staying positive isn’t easy, yet, I’ve found the numerous stories of love and kindness taking place across the globe has been deeply reassuring and healing. It restores the faith in humanity and that we are whole as one. Of course, on a day to day practical level when we see people hoarding and accumulating for their own greed, I need to dig deep and let go of judgement , instead keep my heart open to hold compassion for their fear of scarcity. My responsibility remains in taking full responsibility for my own actions.
This leads on to the other practice, of actively praying and seeking forgiveness from Mother Earth, for myself and on behalf of others, for failing to respect everything she’s offered. The biggest learning has been how this is a powerful reminder for us as humans to be humble and to hold humility. For us to remember we are one and are not superior to each other or as a species. Ultimately I see this Pandemic as Nature’s way to remind us of this and bring rebalance.”
Trishna Shah a friend who is a Service Space volunteer and hosts Awakin Circles in London has shared a few poems that she has received that have been penned during this pandemic.
Lockdown
Yes there is fear.
Yes there is isolation.
Yes there is panic buying.
Yes there is sickness.
Yes there is even death.
But,
They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise
You can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes
But blue and grey and clear.
They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other
across the empty squares,
keeping their windows open
so that those who are alone
may hear the sounds of family around them.
They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland
Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.
Today a young woman I know
is busy spreading fliers with her number
through the neighbourhood
So that the elders may have someone to call on.
Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples
are preparing to welcome
and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary
All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love.
So we pray and we remember that
Yes there is fear.
But there does not have to be hate.
Yes there is isolation.
But there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes there is panic buying.
But there does not have to be meanness.
Yes there is sickness.
But there does not have to be disease of the soul
Yes there is even death.
But there can always be a rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming,
And we are always encompassed by Love.
Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able
to touch across the empty square,
Sing.
— Fr. Richard Hendrick, OFM
March 13th 2020”
Pandemic
What if you thought of it
as the Jews consider the Sabbath—
the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel.
Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now,
on trying to make the world
different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Touch only those
to whom you commit your life.
Center down.
And when your body has become still,
reach out with your heart.
Know that we are connected
in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.
(You could hardly deny it now.)
Know that our lives
are in one another’s hands.
(Surely, that has come clear.)
Do not reach out your hands.
Reach out your heart.
Reach out your words.
Reach out all the tendrils
of compassion that move, invisibly,
where we cannot touch.
Promise this world your love--
for better or for worse,
in sickness and in health,
so long as we all shall live."
--Lynn Ungar
Together in Isolation
Finding Certainty in Uncertain Times :
Living during Coronavirus pandemic
Dedicated to every beings happiness on the UNs International Day of Happiness March 20th.
Shaileen Shah - Happiness Coach - Happy Life Habits
Received over social media
In conclusion I hope this collection of thoughts, insights, ideas, meditations, poems, audio, quotes, sharings, actions, tips, habits, reflections that have graciously contributed to give an feeling of Togetherness in Isolation, help you find certainty in uncertain times. I have enjoyed the 2.5 full on days it has taken to collect, compile and structure this article. It has helped me focus, stay inspired and motivated. I have learnt new things, enjoyed feeling connected and have the certainty that we are in this together.
Any positive comments please share immediately, any negative please wait till after pandemic - got enough to deal with at the moment.
Have a Happy UN International Day of Happiness on March 20th.
I am grateful to all the people from my communities who responded to my request of tips on how they are dealing with the pandemic. Many contributions have been included in the article but I have not included all. In no particular order my thanks go out to :
Harshna Shah, Rita Shah, Sandip Shah, Ketan Varia, Tejas Udani, Rajeev Shah, Manjri Shah, Rasila Shah, Sonal Dadia, Vaishali Mehta, Hina Vora, Kajal Sheth, Jigna Deepesh Shah, Priti Shah, Seetal Popat, Vikrant Jain, Deepa Shah, Ravi Khanna, Beejal Coulson, Kevin Gosling, Tamzin Doggart, Nilesh Tarpo Shah, Minal Shah, Jyoti Mehta, Bindi Shah, Vishal Shah, Devi Savla, Sanjay Shah, Priya Ramesh Shah, Sidharth Shah, Niraj Shah, Mita Shah, Trishna Shah, Vicky Johnson, Shamash Alidina, Jane Jackson, Ashik Shah, Ani Devlia, Jeff Krasno, Dave Radparvar.
Apologies if I have missed anyone - it happens - I’m human ( well actual a spiritual being having a human experience).
I am holding free virtual group happiness coaching circles during the pandemic where we focus on happy practices like ones mentioned in this article and also include some of the contributors.. If interested get in touch. See also https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/events-and-workshops
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Resources
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
Happy Life Habits WhatsApp Group
Coronavirus and Our Common Humanity Commune with Jeff Krasno
BBC Coronavirus: How to protect your mental health
Action for Happiness: Covid 19 how to respond
Vicky Johnson Museum of Happiness Weekly Happiness and Self care Facebook Live
Instagram on CoronaVirus Niraj Shah - co-founder Mind: Unlocked
Shamash Alidina, Co-Founder of The Museum Of Happiness and Mindfulness Teacher
Nick Wiiliams offering thought leader on Inspired Leadership and author of 18 books
Jane Jackson, Soul Coach and Emotional Healer
Sanjay Shah, Emotional Intelligence Speaker, Coach, Trainer
Mita Shah, Yoga teacher and Awakin Circle Host
Beejal Shah, Rapid Transformation Therapist and Creator of Quantum Life Technique
Priti Shah, Regional Director LightSide Financial - Debt Solutions
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
About the Author
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Happy New Year! See the year starts with Happy so be happy. I have recently gone through a year end review using a wonderful tool called the year end compass. I wrote about it last year when I first discovered it. This year I was able to spend a bit more time going through it more thoroughly to reflect on last year and to consider themes for this year. I found the process really enjoyable, useful and contemplative. I spread it over a few days as opposed to doing in one sitting. It allowed me to remember and savour the happy moments, absorb and accept the sadder moments, consider the things learnt and really appreciate the opportunities and moments of joy experienced. With that I gratefully thank all who have supported me on this journey; be it words of encouragement, coming to or sharing about workshops, investing in a happiness journal or two and encouraging others to do so also; creating opportunities for me to share at groups, communities and companies or reading this blog . Thank You.
A few questions from the year end compass:
What is the wisest decision I have made…?
The biggest risk I took …?
The biggest surprise of the year…?
The most important thing I did for others…?
Who are the three people who influenced you the most?
What are the the people you influenced the most?
Plus many more.
Then there are sections to look forward to this this year which included:
This year I will no longer procrastinate any more on…
This year I will be bravest when…
This year will be special for me because…
Take a moment to consider your answers to the questions .
I created a worksheet with some of these questions for the class I teach of 14-15 year olds at Veerayatan SCVP Jain School. It is part of work we are doing in sharing life skills with Habits and The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teenagers being the focus. Will be interesting to see how it goes. Really enjoying researching, think about and developing the content to share.
The 3rd Monday in January is known as Blue Monday, a day when many people feel low or more depressed due to various factors. Last year I wrote about Blue Monday. Again my friends at the Museum of Happiness are hosting a Winter Happiness Festival on Sunday 19th January 2020 to coincide with Blue Monday. I am volunteering there, I have enjoyed the previous 2 festivals.
Speakers include:
Clinical psychologist Dr Shelley Kerr of Balanced Minds, who will share the science of self-compassion and offer practical tools and techniques to give you full permission to be kinder to yourself
Best-selling author and behavioural change expert Shahroo Izadi will share how self-kindness is the key to changing unwanted habits, and how to make meaningful sustained changes in any area of your life
Former contributing editor of Ethical Performance Magazine Adam Woodhall of Extinction Rebellion will motivate and inspire us on how to be kinder to animals and the planet
Founder of I am Circle Nina Bubamara will conclude with a reflective session to connect and reflect more deeply, champion our creative expression and individuality, and set strong intentions to take action for a happier, kinder world.
We’ll close with a loving kindness meditation for the world and some ecstatic dance to shake off what no longer serves you.
This is a fundraiser to help the museum continue to do the fantastic work it does. Details here if you want to get tickets.
On February 14th (Valentines Day) and February 28th, both Fridays I will be sharing workshops on Happier Relationships at Veerayatan SCVP Jain School in NW London. These sessions are free and open to all.
Resources
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
About the Author
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.