Turn your 'gnawing rats' into docile 'sheep'
Well hello there,
I was lucky enough to be given tea blending workshop as an Xmas pressie and am sipping the result! (Redbush, cinnamon, cloves and stuff). Yum.
“What do I already know? ...How can I get started?”
Befriend your ‘gnawing rats’*
How is January treating you?
Are you into New Year Resolutions?
Me...? Not so much.
They seem like a prime target for failure (as they lack any implantation plan) and don't allow space for us to approach those things we are putting off with compassion.
So...we just put them off some more. (tax return, anyone?)
Instead - how about approaching those tasks we dislike with more understanding?
There's usually an underlying reason we are avoiding them.
It may be a very good reason.
If we approach this with kindness we are better placed to gently look the task in the face and ... then, stepwise, get it done.
In his wonderful book Time Surfing Paul Looman calls these tasks 'gnawing rats' which sit under your bed at night keeping you awake.
If we approach them with kindness they gradually turn into docile 'sheep' which are far easier to lead.
His trick is to take it gradually. First - just look the task in the face.
Get acquainted with it.
What's really troubling you about it? Are there barriers you need to overcome before it can be completed?
Resolve these one by one; then the task becomes more manageable. Sometimes the barriers are emotional, sometimes practical - he suggests we approach all with equal equanimity.
Then, gently, complete the task.
What are your 'gnawing rats'?
Could to turn towards them with more kindness?
Sometimes we just need at bit more headspace to approach these 'rats'. If that's you then join us on Feb 23rd for Your Spring Recharge Retreat. All the deets below.
Do you need more headspace?
Your Spring Recharge Retreat is Booking Now.
Places are filling up so book by Jan 31st to get your Early Bird Discount.
Join a wonderful space with like minded folk to share -
A day to lean in, pause and think purposefully about your needs
A carefully designed mix of
Guided workshops
A fresh look at mindfulness
Creative Writing
Crafting your future
Nature connection
A supportive space with experienced facilitators (I run these with Jo - we are both doctors turned coaches and wellbeing consultants)
23rd Feb - In Oxfordshire
26th June - In Berkshire
9am-5pm
Lunch and refreshments included
Full price £175 - but £140 with your Early Bird Discount!
Hit reply with the word RECHARGE20 to claim your 20% Early Bird Discount - You get the entire retreat for £140 if you book by Jan 31st.
This is for you if:
You are you a Healthcare professional feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
You find existing “wellbeing” offerings don’t actually serve you, are too generic or superficial, or you just don’t know where to begin.
You are considering a longer retreat but don’t feel ready to commit to more than 1 day.
If you have been on a longer retreat previously and want a “top up”.
Contact me with the word RECHARGE20 - You get the entire retreat for £140 if you book by Jan 31st.
What others are saying…..
“The day gave me some much needed peace and nature/creative writing were especially useful”
“Thank you - really excellent. More one day retreats please”
Redbush, cinnamon & clove tea :)
Interesting Nuggets for You
Read more about 'gnawing rats' here.
Also a whole raft of good news from 2023 which is really heart-warming to read.
Feeling the need to hunker down and regroup at this time of year? Katherine May explores this in her wonderful book Wintering.
*OK, I know this isn't a photo of an actual rat :) - 'befriending your rat' photos proved elusive! Hopefully the visual metaphor holds!
What People Are Saying After Training With Me
If you'd like me to run your next Workplace Wellbeing Training - I'd love to help! click here to book a chat!
