happiness – Page 2 – Notes from Ben

Being Solid in the Storm

With regards to how to move through life, how to deal with difficult times, how to be with others, how to be with my children and my family, with myself, I am very fond of this text from Thich Nhat Hanh, taken from a talk around 20 years ago (hence the reference to Vietnamese boatContinue reading “Being Solid in the Storm”

A Personal Board of Directors

Every summer we go up to the mountains for a few weeks. It’s idyllic. Everything about it is perfect for de-stressing and relaxing. For several summers in a row I accompanied my time there with great books and podcasts. Three years ago it was Trappist monk Thomas Merton’s autobiography, two years ago it was manyContinue reading “A Personal Board of Directors”

Photography for the Soul

I’ve heard that if you look after your passions you look after your soul. The other day I saw a black-and-white photograph of some telegraph poles disappearing into the mist, and I ached to go and take pictures like that again… So today I took my camera up to El Escorial, an hour from Madrid.Continue reading “Photography for the Soul”

Favourite Books…

I had a very nice email from a reader of this blog: “Could you share some of your all-time favorite books? I had to think hard about this; you might have to do the same. These are books that have moved you, ones you tell others about, ones that sadden you when you finish becauseContinue reading “Favourite Books…”

The Joy of Rain

Reasons why rain is wonderful… 1. Song It’s raining, it’s pouring,The old man is snoring,He went to bed and bumped his head,And couldn’t get up in the morning. I love singing that to my kids whenever it rains. It takes me back to being a child, and I suppose singing always makes little children happy. Adults too. 2.Continue reading “The Joy of Rain”