I had a conversation with a tree one day and this is what it said :).
A Lesson from a Tree
- Post author By Ramsey Bond
- Post date
- Categories In Choices, Context - Being Human, Curiosity, Mindfulness
Author: Ramsey Bond
A Lesson from a Tree
What is Forgiveness?
Have you ever struggled to forgive someone? Maybe you first need to ponder what forgiveness really is; I know I hadn’t before now…
Overcoming Stagnation
This is a little personal share around the internal actions I took to kick myself back in to action when I felt stuck.
Thinking about Thinking
An exploration of unconscious and cognitive bias, exploring how we can develop an awareness of these and leverage them to our advantage.
Moving Beyond the Mind
Now the first iteration of the Introspection Toolkit is complete, it is time for some final reflections.
Finding Your Cape – Digging Deeper
This post is a deep dive in to my reflections when writing the Finding Your Cape tool – Do you agree? Do you disagree? Have you considered this stuff before?
Finding Your Cape – Purpose and Reflections
In this final post in the core of the Finding Your Cape series we will explore your purpose and authentic self.
Who are you?
Finding Your Cape – Superpowers
This post is the core of the Finding Your Cape tool. Discovering your superpower… let’s take flight together!
Finding Your Cape – Values
In the finding your cape series, it is now time for us to establish our values. This is what really drives our behaviour and emotions.
Are you ready?
Finding Your Cape – Meditations
In order to be alive, we must embrace death. The meditations shared in this post are designed to help you do just that.
Finding Your Cape – Principles
In this second post in the Finding Your Cape Series, we will explore how our principles underpin who we are.
Lets uncover your foundations.
Finding Your Cape – Introduction
This is the first post in the finding your cape series.
Are you ready to discover your super power?
Jumping off the Ladder of Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are things that all humans experience and learn to deal with. Here is how I have faced in to this challenge.
Hunting Fear – Part 2
This is the second part of the hunting fear series where we will take a look at how reframing techniques can be used to you advantage.
Hunting Fear
In the second tool of the Mindset toolkit, we explore how we can identify then face in to our fears so we can embrace growth in pursuit of our potential.
The Trap of Duality
In this short post I explore a very common error in human thinking patterns that once you are aware of, can change your perception of everything.
Acceptance
Acceptance is the first tool of the mindset tool kit. It is a simple an obvious one… do you already have the measure of it?
An Introduction to the Mindset Toolkit
A look back to what we have explored on the mountain pathway, and a look forward to what is to come.
Reflections
Mindfulness, vitality, your inner world and your connection to the universe… healthy things to ponder.
A Window to the Higher Self
A diagrammatic introspection toolkit to the Oneself.
Reaching for the Stars – Benefits and Practical Applications
In this concluding post of the Reaching for the Stars Series, I will share the profound impact these insights have had on my own life.
Reflections of Reality
Being free to think is truly a blessing. Who is blessing me, I do not know. Maybe it is me?
Come join me and ponder…
Reaching for the Stars – Monitoring this Skill
This is the penultimate post in the reaching for the stars series where will will look at what changes you may experience in your life through the application of this tool.
Is Sin Good or Bad?
A short reflection about Sin. I’ll let you decide if it is good or bad….
Reaching for the Stars – Accommodating this Skill
Accommodation is the act of integrating something in to your schemata for understanding the world.
Time to accommodate the Oneself…
The Giver and the Receiver
A little thought experiment to stimulate your perception.
Reaching for the Stars – Maintaining this Skill
Cultivation and maintenance go hand in hand. Use these practices to deepen your connection with the Oneself on your journey of introspection in to the universe.
Reaching for the Stars – How Does it work?
Now we start to get on to reaching for the stars in action. How to cultivate this skill. Are you ready to begin your practice?
Reaching for the Stars – My Experience of the Oneself
Sharing my rational perspective and personal experience of the Oneself.
Laying the Foundation for Change – Adaptability vs Agility
What does it mean to be agile and adaptable? How does this concept apply to your every day life?
Reaching for the Stars – Going Back to Move Forwards
A short post to help reenforce the solid foundation needed to reach for the stars.
Teaching and Learning
There are two sides to every coin, and both are needed to make the whole.
Reaching for the Stars
Once your forest has grown to the highest heights, the only way left is out in to the stars… our higher self.
Mantras for 2024
What do you stand for in 2024?
The Introspection Toolkit – Revisited
In this post we revisit the tools of the introspection toolkit I have released so far, and re-examine the foundation for the final two tools which will be released this year.
We see what we choose to focus on
It has been a while so I thought I would end the year by sharing a personal post I wrote for work as part of our International Men’s Day celebrations.
5 Principles for Success
5 Principles for Success Throughout my life, I have learned and experienced quite a bit. The thing that drives and motivates me from day to day is the excitement that I am going to learn and experience even more. When the thirst of a curious mind is quenched, it feels good. I have found that […]
The Pragmatic Optimist
You don’t need everything to go right, all you need is you.
It all Starts at Home
We all (well most of us!) like people that are kind to us, are you kind to you though?
A Shoulder to Lean On
We all need help and support sometimes, it is never quite as far away as we think though…
Learning While Flowing
Guilt and response can be our greatest teachers or our greatest torturers.
What are they to you?
The Finger
Sometimes it can be hard to find some peace and tranquillity… who knew that you had the power right in your hands.
Parenthood and the Higher self
Even when we are surrounded by the best teachers, we need to be ready to learn if we want to understand their teachings.
Why Logical Causation is Non-essential
Growth is a constantly emergent process. One that requires action.
To this end, done is better than perfect, as next time you can make done mean a little more perfect than last time.
Why Not to Do Something
The action we choose to take, and the action of choosing not to take action are both equally important.
But how do you decide?
Sometimes I forget who I am
Knowing who we are is the key to authentic living… It is often easy to forget though. Such is the nature of being human.
Rejecting Fear by Choosing to Play the Game you Want
Fear is only natural, it is how we deal with it that makes all the difference in life.
Broadening Horizons
Growth can be uncomfortable for the old must die for the new to be born. Achieving a new perspective on things can be uncomfortable, but it is worth it…
Pliable Perception – Benefits and Practical Applications
This is the final and concluding post in the pliable perception series…
choices, responsibility, awareness, acceptance, perception, and action…
what do these mean to you?
Pliable Perception – Overcoming Challenges Part 3
This is the final instalment of insights which will enable you to user the power of your perception to overcome challenges.
Pliable Perception – Overcoming Challenges Part 2
Now we will look at how some of the other tool in the introspection toolkit have helped lay the foundations for you to master your perception…
The Indian Head Waggle
It is only once we become aware of the choices that we are making, that we can choose to make different ones.
Pliable Perception – Overcoming Challenges Part 1
Mastering our perception will give us the power to overcome any challenge in life. Here is the first set of insights on how to do just that.
Pliable Perception – Making Effective Decisions Part 2
Here is part 2 of the tactical tools you can use to help you shift perception in the moment and take decisive action.
Unlocking Your True Potential
Positive affirmation, manifestation and mindfulness… all sides of the same coin which have a catalytic effect on each other.
Pliable Perception – Making Effective Decisions Part 1
While completing the real work of restructuring your belief system, these tools will come in handy to help you shift and expand your perception in the moment.
This is just the start and there will be more to come.
Pliable Perception – Uprooting Limiting Beliefs
This insight offers the key to creating a pliable perception, all that will follow are tactics to keep you moving in the right direction while you complete the real work shared here.
Pliable Perception
Now is the time for you to take ownership on the way you view the world… to become the master of your own perception so that you can create the life you truly deserve.
To Give a Shit or Not…
Before you can take advice from others, you first need to appreciate the life choices that you are making…
The Systemic Perspective
Systemic coaching offers a fresh perspective on life and living, in this post we explore some of the fundamental principles behind it.
Prioritising Prioritisation
As humans we are all trying our best to do our best… sometimes we just need to zoom out a little to realise this.
Balance vs Harmony
Quality over quantity… unless quantity is what you really need…
Time Check
This insight offers and essential little tool that you can use to recentre yourself and focus.
Focus on what is, in the moment you have right now.
A Reflection on Free Thinking
Only when we are non attached to everything we know can we truly consider ourselves free to live as we choose.
Congruence – Benefits and Practical Applications
Once you are able to create congruence within yourself, you are able to set yourself free to become the most authentic version of you.
A Bridge has a Purpose
What should you do when you get to the other side? Turn around and go back again, or keep moving forwards?
A Helping Hand
Sometimes, the best way to support yourself, is to create the right support structures around you.
Congruence – Integrating your Shadow
It is only if we can accept both the yin and yang in us that we can become whole. Are you aware of your shadow?
The Art of Non-Attachment
When you want less, you get more…
Creating Congruence – Accepting Perfection
What would you do if you were already perfect?
An Evolution of Thought
Do you know what to think, or how to think?
Creating Congruence – The Balancing Game
Powerful tools need to be used wisely. This insight is about using what you know to achieve real growth, not delusional stagnation.
Enjoy Every Moment
A tip for living born out of birth.
Santiago
Mini me! The universe has evolved.
Creating Congruence – Redefining Perfection
Your definition of the perfect human is comprised of your goals and ambitions. It serves as the rules to your game of life.
Have you set yourself up to win?
Selfishly Selfless
Are you selfish? Are you selfish enough?
If we do not look after ourselves, how can we ever look after anyone else.
Creating Congruence – Should I Say Should?
This is a simple yet powerful choice about the language we choose to use.
Taking responsibility for this particular choice is one the most powerful things you could ever do.
Shooting Down the Middle
People often struggle to identify their weaknesses and growth areas. This simple insight will expand your perception to help you do just that.
Creating Congruence
The is the first post in the Creating Congruence series.
This tool is all about creating harmony in your inner world to unlock a life of contentment.
The Constant Illusion
Our mind plays tricks on us, and sometimes we choose to go along with it.
Making a different choice can set you free!
Have we been here before?
A little thought exercise exploring how the cycle of life and death could work.
Who Creates Life?
Where does life come from, and where is it going to?
Maybe I just have baby brain!
The One Hundredth Post
The one hundredth post is here!
Happy Birthday to us!
Breaking the Triangle – Benefits and Practical Applications
In the concluding post of the Drama Triangle series, we step back and look at how this tool forms an integral part of the introspection toolkit.
A Beauty Spot, or a Pimple?
A little reflection about humans and mother earth.
How to Break the Triangle
Once you are aware of the triangle, you unlock the power of choice to break it… freedom is here.
Bend Like a Tree… Explored
Bend like a tree… flow like water… what does it really mean?
Breaking the Triangle – Examples in Action
Worked examples are often the best way to learn more… Can you spot the triangles you are part of?
How to Do You at Work – Part 2
This is how I do me at work… do you know how you do you?
Breaking the Triangle – The Main Actors
Adopt a new perspective…
Understanding more about the roles in the drama triangle will help you learn more about your own behavioural patterns.
How to Do You at Work
Why would you choose to approach work with a different mindset to home life? What really is the difference?
Breaking the Triangle
This tool is all about developing awareness of our interaction patterns with other humans. Once we are aware of the games that we play, we can make a conscious choice about playing them.
Emotional Checkpoint – Benefits and Practical Applications
This is the final post in the emotional checkpoint series.
Have you unlocked your own limitless fuel supply?
A Game of Make your own Belief
There is always a choice – you just need to find it.
Using Our Emotions to Our Advantage – Anger
Taming your anger is like learning to ride the fastest wild horse you can find.
Free energy for life anyone??? Well, you already have it!
When Trying is Not Enough
This is a little reflection around the concept of working smart not hard… doing, not trying.
Using Our Emotions to Our Advantage – Fear
Mastering our emotions is to humans like magnetisation is to steel. Lets explore how we can use fear to our advantage.
Pride Comes Before…
If you are not proud, does it mean that you are being ungrateful? Or maybe you are choosing being grateful for something else?
An Emotional Checkpoint – Challenging Beliefs
The beliefs we hold about our emotions are the source of the fear attached to our emotions. Fix the belief and you are free to embrace your emotions…
This is not a Post
A little reflection on the process of writing…
An Emotional Checkpoint – Developing Awareness
Developing awareness of our emotional habits it the first step to unlocking the power of choice.
A Forest of Sunlight
A little reflection I had a while ago… one that means I now see the world with a bit more sparkle.
An Emotional Checkpoint
Emotions are the fuel that drive all human interactions… but who is driving your emotions?
Picking Positive Universal Language
This is a great little tactic to give yourself a much needed boost. You never know, you might actually start to believe your own hype with this one!
Rewriting the Script – Benefits and Practical Applications
Your scripts sit at the centre of your habits, behaviours and personality. Learning about them and taking ownership of them is the key to embodying the authentic version of you.
A Light Bulb Moment
It is only when energy flows that the light bulb can be lit. Are you prioritising the the right things in your life?
Rewriting the Script – Breaking the Script (Part 2)
This is my story of how I broke the most self limiting script in my life.
If I can do it, you can too.
Shaping Perception: Dualism
You must have your cake and it eat!
The cake of life contains a slice of every flavour imaginable. Accepting the whole lets you appreciate a slice for what it is… or is not.
Rewriting the Script – Breaking the Script (Part 1)
Our scripts are our emotional habits and patterns. Only when they are consciously written by our own hand can we live and an authentic version of ourselves.
Solitude and Self-Honesty
When is the last time you spent sometime alone with the man in the mirror?
Rewriting the Script – Understanding the Script
It is time to learn more about our scripted behaviour patterns.
We need to first become aware before we can accept and take action to change…
How to Create Long Lasting Change
When things are changing, it is a good time to change. Keeping things changing is an art form and as artists, we all need to brush up on our skills from time to time…
Rewriting the Script
We all experience repeating behaviour patterns. Some of these patterns constrain us and hold us back.
Are you ready to remove the shackles that are constraining you?
The Moth and the Flame
Every reward has its risk, and this is a risk that I am always going to take.
I and Me – Benefits and Practical Applications
This is the concluding post in the I and Me series.
Do honestly know who you really are?
Life: Consistently Inconsistent
Learning how to breakdown the walls in our mind is the way that we become free. Even better, why not stop the person that is building them…
I and Me – The Lead Actor
We all love a good movie… well you are the writer, creative director and lead actor of the one you call your life!
Or so you think you are…
Who Created God?
One of the eternal questions that we ponder… Does god exist… well, you might be pleasantly surprised at my take on it.
I and Me – Understanding your Ego
Have you ever stopped to consider the different collections of information (energy) that enable you to construct your perception of the world?
Well, it is time to take a look…
Push, Pull and Do
Do you know why you do what you do? Are you in control of your actions and choices?
In this post, we explore how we can become aware of our own source of motivation.
I and Me – Agents at Play
To lay the foundation for a new perspective on consciousness, we are delving deeper into the different facets of the human psyche – the agents at play.
I Think Therefore I Am; Not
It is important to live skilfully, and skill requires some thought. Living is done through action though, not just by thinking about it!
I and Me
If you are I, then who is me?
This is the first article covering a collection of five tools which will help develop awareness of our internal worlds.
Momentary Time
Time… the past, the present, the future…
Is it all real or did I just imagine it?
Your OWL – Benefits and Practical Applications
Learning how to learn and learning how to live. Why bother?
Find out in this post!
Intuitive Vison
Evaluating our present actions based on our perceived future then using our vision of the future to manifest the right actions in the present moment.
Chicken and Egg anyone?
Your OWL – Optimum Way of Living
Understanding our personality and behaviour enables us to track the effect of the changes we make in our lives.
Think of it like capturing before and after photos.
Without knowing who you are, how could you ever be able to work out what changes are having the right positive effect that you are looking for?
Life: Bricks or Pressed Concrete?
The way we choose to perceive the world influences the way that we interact with the world. The way we interact with the world is a reflection of how we interact with ourselves.
Your OWL – Optimum Way of Learning
Learning how we each individually learn is the precursor to learning how to live our own authentic lives.
Awareness vs Consciousness
Knowing the difference between these two processes will enable you to better understand and observe your inner world.
The Introspection Toolkit
This is the introduction to the introspection toolkit:
An internal inspection of your mental and emotional processes.
Laying the foundations for what is to come…
The Mountain Pathway – Tools and Toolkits
Laying the foundations of what is to come over the next few weeks, months and years…
The Mountain Pathway – Growth Pathway
Checking we are traveling in the right direction, can only be done by knowing where we have come from and where are are going to.
Think of this as a map of personal growth.
The Meaning of Meaning
Once you realise this is a choice, your life will never be the same again… that is, if you choose for it not to be!
A Meditation on Being Human
It is a wonderful trick of the universe that everything which is the same can be perceived as so different.
It all depends how you choose to observe.
The Blue Sky Behind the Clouds
Time is the great healer. Why?
Natural processes can unfold and when we choose to look back, from far away we can see the broader context.
What we thought was a constant, turned out to just be a process…
Compassion – Challenges Leading to Growth
Developing a compassionate mindset is not easy, but it is that challenges that we will face that make the journey worthwhile.
Life is Like a Game of…
The more we want something, the harder is can be to achieve. It depends how much we choose to try…
How to Develop Compassion
Developing compassion is like peeling a never ending onion.
If you managed to get to the centre, all that would be left is the universe.
In this post, we look at some of the steps you could take on your journey to a compassionate mindset.
Why Be Honest?
Some things are obvious but do not have an obvious explanation.
Choosing to Embody Compassion
Compassion is the glue that holds humanity together. It is a skill that has aided humans to evolve and be what we are today.
Embracing it is your choice.
Flower Arranging for Humans
A little reflection on universal principles.
Is it you that arranges the flowers, or the flowers that arrgane you?
Using Equilibria to Our Advantage
It is easy for humans to focus on a single aspect of life and to forget the interconnected nature of our existence.
Developing awareness of the micro equilibria at play is the way to keep the system as a whole in balance.
Should I Say Should?
This is a simple yet powerful choice about the language we choose to use.
Taking responsibility for this particular choice is one the most powerful things you could ever do.
Choosing to Establish Equilibrium
The principle of establish equilibrium speaks to the dualistic nature of the universe.
You cannot have Yin without Yang.
When we know and accept this, we can learn to use it to our advantage.
Why You Can Always Expect Your Best
We all like to do “our best”. Here is how I do mine.
Choosing to Speak Sincerely
Speaking sincerely is a behavioural choice that we can all make.
It is a core principle of The Mountain Pathway.
If chosen by you, it will help you thrive, not just survive.
Intermittent Fasting for the Mind
Ever heard the saying less is more? Well it is very often true!
Taking Action for Change
Change only happens when we take action. Action simultaneously bring both the risk of failure and opportunity to grow.
Are you ready to embrace the principle of Be the Change?
The Candle of Vitality
My take on a little story that we all know and love.
Taking Responsibility for Change
Accepting your responsibility pours fuel on the fire of your vitality.
It gives you a reason; it gives you a purpose of thought and action.
What Makes You, You?
The Zen mindset is one of simplicity. One of the ultimate Zen questions is… who are you?
When is the last time you asked?
Choosing to Be the Change
Be the change… now that is a mantra to live your life by!
The Good Wolf and the Bad Wolf
This little insight has helped me to change my habits by keeping my energy circularity high.
We need energy to grow, use this insight to keep your energy flowing.
Purposefully Shaping Perception
Learning how to shape and manage our own perception, is one of the most powerful tools we can use to make our way up the mountain path.
A Warning Shot of Change
This is a little fun challenge that will help you grease the wheels of change.
Vitality – Spirituality and Action
This is the final post in the principle of prioritising increasing vitality series.
Spirituality is the handle to the doorway of vitality.
Childhood Imagination
When you find the real you it is possible to live life without restraints… giggling the whole time.
Vitality – The External World
Prioritising increasing vitality means prioritising building meaningful social connections, and choosing a nourishing environment to surround ourselves with.
In this post, we explore these concepts further.
The Biggest Lie about Strength
Strength is something that we are all conditioned to strive for.
How do you define what it is to be strong?
Vitality – Physical Health
Your fitness and health are the tools you need to apply yourself to life fully. Use this post to evaluate your choices.
Where to Look to Not See Nerves
This is a simple little tip I use to keep calm and perform at my best in pressured situations.
Vitality – Psychological Health
The health of our psyche is just as important as the health of our bodies. A sustainable approach to life looks after both
The Default Dream of Happiness
Have you every wondered where the vision of happiness you dream of comes from?
Choosing to Prioritise Increasing Vitality
What does it really mean to prioritise increasing vitality?
Max Payne – Pain and Pleasure
Pain, pleasure and emotions… They are the fuel that can drive us to great success and the fire that can consume our whole world.
Doing More To Do Less
Habits form the foundation of who we are and how we behave. Taking conscious ownership of our habits is key to any effective lasting change. Here is a tactic for how you can do that.
An Island of Honesty
A little reflection based on a compliment I was once given.
A Cynical Comfort Blanket
Shining the the spotlight on cynicism to help you see the truth.
Does Matter, Really Matter?
A reflection on the interconnected relationships between everything.
Some thinking to expand the mind.
Mrs Gren
A little reflection on what it means to be alive.
Why Are We Here?
A big one!
The meaning of life… what do you think it is?
Being Competent at Confident Conversation
A little mantra that will see you go far.
Vitality – Literally Buzzing
Some food for thought and one to ponder.
What does Vitality mean to you?
Short Story – The Old Man in the Castle
This is a short story that I keep very close to my heart.
I hope it brings some positive energy to your day.
7 Tips to Cultivate Curiosity
7 little tips to awaken your inner child.
How to find the answer you are looking for…
A small reflection on self talk.
Getting Ready for Action
A reflection on the skills that promote taking effective action.
The Common Denominator
The most useful skill to have.
A Steppingstone to Happiness
The remedy to a common misunderstanding that most humans have about happiness.
A Simple Tip for Tranquillity
A tactic for creating stillness in the mind.