by Alan Heeks | Aug 26, 2021 | Blogs
Yes, it’s a paradox, but our ways of thinking, our habitual responses, are so deeply set that a deliberate effort of unlearning is needed if we want to see things as they are, and be able to find a fresh response. I’ve been exploring Sufi teachings for over thirty...
by Alan Heeks | Aug 26, 2021 | Blogs
The literal meaning of inspire is to draw in spirit, from the Latin spiritus, signifying both breath and a bigger connection. I know the word spiritual is hard for some people, so replace it with inspirational if you prefer. I’m using it because I believe that...
by Alan Heeks | Aug 26, 2021 | Blogs
Back in 2018, the sense of urgency about the climate crisis rose sharply, helped by several key voices, including Greta Thunberg, and Jem Bendell. Jem uses the term Deep Adaptation as a focus for facing and adapting to the major climate and related challenges of the...
by Alan Heeks | Aug 26, 2021 | Blogs
Life is getting more changeable for most of us. Many of us these days have to face mortality more directly: perhaps because of our own health, or the passing of a friend or family member. Sufi teachings and other traditions urge us to face our dying to...
by Alan Heeks | Aug 26, 2021 | Blogs
In my exploration of resilience, I’ve become interested in what we can learn where this quality is tested to an extreme. Death is a pretty severe test of resilience, not only for the person dying, but for family and professionals, and my research with hospices has...
by Alan Heeks | Aug 26, 2021 | Blogs
Although I’ve led many groups and retreats, a recent weekend was one of the edgiest: on the theme Exploring the Soul’s Journey. My co-leader Cordelia and I both felt nervous about helping people to contact their souls for guidance about good living, good dying, and...