How has cooperation shaped the world? This is something that Nichola Raihani, professor of evolution and behaviour at University College London, addresses in her 2021 book The Social Instinct: How Cooperation Shaped the World. She begins by looking at the way molecules team up to form cells, before widening her scope to the animal kingdom. …
Read moreWhy is cooperation the secret to humanity’s success?
Why are ghost tours so appealing? For some, it’s curiosity about the unknown or a morbid fascination with ghastly histories and life beyond the grave. Being fully immersed in a ghost tour’s experience brings the past and all its phantoms to life in vivid colour. It’s possible to feel the creeping dread, the quickening pulse …
What to consider when booking wildlife tourism The Responsible Traveller: A Practical Guide to Reducing Your Environmental and Social Impact, by Karen Edwards, includes tips to help you choose an ethical wildlife experience. Aim to tick off at least five of these points before booking: Experiences led by wildlife experts who have studied a specific …
Far from being the languid, dreamy figure of myth, Sophie concludes that muses are deeply creative, active and influential. ‘A muse is the spark that lights the match of creativity,’ she says. ‘They are not passive in my opinion, they’re someone who not only inspires greatness but actively contributes towards it. It’s a very symbiotic …
Top tips for planning a Yes Day Focus on feelings. Thinking about how you’d most like to feel is a good place to start. Do you long for real relaxation or are you pining for adventure? Mulling over what’s been missing from your average day could provide clues about the most fulfilling way to spend …
The holidays are almost here, you might be looking forward to time off, precious moments with loved ones, great food and post-feasting naps. Then come those post-celebration days, where you eat all the leftovers and have no idea what time it is, let alone what the date might be. It’s somewhere during this twilight period …
This meditative exercise connects mind and body. It takes between 15 and 20 minutes, so make yourself comfortable in a room where you won’t be disturbed. Lie on your back on a mat or rug on the floor, or on your bed. Legs can be flat on the floor or knees raised, whichever is most …
Read moreMindful body scan – how to nurture a healthy relationship between mind and body
Breathe Staying Home is a special edition to help people feel happy and calm while staying at home. The title is a collection of Breathe articles, filled with mindful ideas and activities, from stretches to start the day to writing exercises, from ways to rearrange art to puzzles and games. Not available in US, Canada, …
The humble Tadasana – also known as mountain pose – helps to create awareness of the body’s position and encourages healthy posture. Although it might look like simply standing still, there’s more to it than meets the eye. The foundation of all standing yoga postures, Tadasana should feel easy and comfortable to hold for some …
The ancient yogic practice of Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutation as it’s more commonly known, serves as a great sequence to energise the body of a morning or to warm up the muscles and mind ahead of a yoga session. Slowed down, it can also be used to centre awareness and find calm. More recently, this …
