This book is about the importance of 'Deep Work', what it is, and how to implement it. Three to four hours a day of uninterrupted, thoughtfully directed, concentrated effort is productive, rare, and valuable in today's economy. Deep Work is fully concentrating on specific tasks, without distraction, whilst pushing cognitive abilities to their limit. AContinue reading "Deep Work – Cal Newport"
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People -Stephen Covey
This book is about people - and it's a guide for personal growth. Covey suggests there are Seven Habits effective people do. He suggests a habit is the intersection of knowledge, desire, and skill. Learning what to do, discovering the deep want to do something, and practising how to do each habit results in effectivenessContinue reading "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People -Stephen Covey"
The Body Keeps The Score – Bessel van der Kolk
This book is about how trauma affects the body - and how it can be healed. "The number of people treated for depression has tripled over the past two decades, and one in ten Americans now take antidepressants"*. Trauma is an unbearable experience that happened in the past, that is relived constantly in the present,Continue reading "The Body Keeps The Score – Bessel van der Kolk"
A Return To Love – Marianne Williamson
This book invites us to re-examine our relationship with God. Across two parts 'Principles' and 'Practice' the book covers areas as varied as 'miracles' and 'work'. The book defines love as what we are born with, and fear as what we have learned. We are encouraged to our engage in the spiritual journey of acceptingContinue reading "A Return To Love – Marianne Williamson"
Compassion – S01E03 – SAIYSW
I used to think compassion was weakness. But there is so much more. I explore the meaning of compassion - and self-compassion. And ways to start practising it - mentioning two sources: 1_A book: "The Charisma Myth" by Olivia Fox Cabane, and 2_An article: from The Guardian "Silence your inner critic: a guide to self-compassionContinue reading "Compassion – S01E03 – SAIYSW"
Three: Ninety-Something Percent Certain
What the guy in the ultrasound department gave me on Wednesday 16 September, 2020 Welcome to Part Three [updated for Movember!] Somewhat delayed. Writing this more than six months cancer-free (yay!) is a sobering experience (boo!) It's also a deeper reminder of: 1) How grateful I am for all the people in my life -Continue reading "Three: Ninety-Something Percent Certain"
The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
This is a tale about following your dream. Santiago is a shepherd boy only four days away from seeing a girl he thinks he has fallen in love with - except he has a dream. Learning to listen to our own hearts and the wisdom within is a universal human challenge. Santiago's adventures, magically told,Continue reading "The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho"
Two: Smooth Egg Intact
These trousers will be forever associated with an enlarged scrotum. Welcome to Part Two [updated for Movember!] I'm discovering that writing this down is more of a therapeutic release that anticipated. Reminder: ladies - get the gentlemen in your life to check their testicles regularly. Getting a testicular cancer diagnosis is one of my twoContinue reading "Two: Smooth Egg Intact"
One: I'm Not In Any Pain
My Mask Has Been My Constant Companion This is the first in a series of posts writing down what I've told a large number of times [now updated for Movember]. So much so my wife has started to roll her eyes when I tell the story. Hence me writing it. It's pretty real. And somewhatContinue reading "One: I'm Not In Any Pain"
About ‘Book Summaries’
As a teacher, coach, and voracious reader I regularly get asked for book recommendations. I’m also always on the hunt for good books too (my mum is a great source).Some of my greatest learning and joy has happened when engaged in a book.As I tell my students READ A BOOK!In 2018 I started putting ‘currentlyContinue reading "About ‘Book Summaries’"
James D'Souza 