Fun With Stress 1.1

First article in a study on stress, how it arises, what physical effects it causes, and when it is healthy and when it is not.

be curious, readErik StoutMarch 2, 2024stress, buttons, labeling

The Healing Power of Expression (2)

The ways in which we express ourselves are endless. Yet a distinction can be made between possible injurious or healing ways of expression. In Part 2 of this diptych: Healing ways of self-expression.

be self-wise, readErik StoutFebruary 24, 2024expression, self inquiry, healingComment

The Healing Power of Expression (1)

The ways in which we express ourselves are endless. Yet a distinction can be made between possible injurious or healing ways of expression. In Part 1 of this diptych: Injurious ways of self-expression.

be self-wise, readErik StoutFebruary 17, 2024expression, self inquiry, healingComment

A New Challenge (7)

Personal account of the trip to China to learn Tai Chi. Part 7: Experiences of a month offline and a question for you.

learning, readErik StoutFebruary 10, 2024self inquiry, offline, tai chi

The Magician, The Jester and The Accountant

Fairy tale about a great magician who refuses to acknowledge his intuitive mind, and trusts his intellect exclusively.

be magical, readErik StoutFebruary 3, 2024fairy tale, buddhism, dualismComment

Everyone's Path is the Right One

We become joyous when we walk our own path. But what does that actually mean? We discuss the phenomenon of ‘calling,’ the difference between anxiety and joyousness as a basic-state-of-being and offer options to (re)discover our calling as an adult.

be joyous, readErik StoutJanuary 27, 2024calling, vocation, framework of reference, self inquiryComment

Five Questions: A Method for Journaling

Learn to recognize your emotional buttons and associated feelings and behaviours through the Five Questions For Self-Inquiry, and become a free and happy human being.

be self-wise, read, selfreflectiontoolErik StoutJanuary 20, 2024self inquiry, stress, stress physiologyComment

The Sense of Nonsense

In the world of paradox G.K. Chesterton takes a prominent place. His sharp mind combined with a genuine sense of wonder takes us places where we can actually learn something about ourselves. In an age where utilitarian thought and values threaten to strangle us, his essay ‘the sense of nonsense’ feels like a much needed antidote.

be magical, readErik StoutJanuary 13, 2024nonsense, literature, chestertonComment

A New Challenge (6)

Personal account of the trip to China to learn Tai Chi. Part 6: Offline for a month and a couple profound learning moments.

learning, readErik StoutJanuary 6, 2024self inquiry, self-knowledge, psychologyComment

Welcome Message For A New-Born

To introduce the new year, a concept welcome message that gives each child the opportunity to discover, develop and cultivate her or his full potential.

be open, read, featuredErik StoutDecember 31, 2023baby, enlightenment, welcomeComment

Light in the darkness

After the shortest day our hemisphere will move towards the sun for yet another six months. But if we could, we’d surely influence the tilting motion of our planet. This blog post is about our convulsive and ineffective way of controlling, and the relaxation we experience when that form of control is let go.

be open, readErik StoutDecember 23, 2023Shengjing Shan, Xiyu Villagephilosophy, balancingComment

A New Challenge (5)

Personal account of the trip to China to learn Tai Chi. Part 5: Heating heating heating!

learning, readErik StoutDecember 17, 2023Comment

The Healing Power of Changing Perspective

Where rigid convictions make us scared, stressed, or sick, changing our perspective harbours magical and healing powers.

be self-wise, readErik StoutDecember 9, 2023self inquiry, self-knowledge, perceptionComment

Repress Your Stress!

Body and mind communicate continuously with each other. The phenomenon of stress bears no exception. In this article, we investigate the effect of a stress response in our body, why we currently view those effects as negative, and how a change in perception actually reduces stress.

be curious, readErik StoutDecember 2, 2023stress, physiology, psychologyComment

A New Challenge (4)

Personal account of the trip to China to learn Tai Chi. Part 4: Gradually letting go.

learning, readErik StoutNovember 26, 2023self inquiry, BuddhaComment

Laughing ourselves to health

The healing power of humor and genuine belly laughter with chronic, incomprehensible and often stress related health problems.

be curious, readErik StoutNovember 12, 2023laughter, physiology, stressComment

A new challenge (3)

Personal account of the trip to China to learn Tai Chi. Part 3: Surroundings, eating and drinking, tai chi progress, clothing and…..drrrrums!

learning, read, watchErik StoutNovember 8, 2023Erik in China, tai chi, drumsComment

The Two Chefs

Fairy tale about how two excessively rival chefs are ordered by the king of the country to hold a cooking contest to determine who is the best.

be magical, readErik StoutNovember 2, 2023fairy taleComment

A new challenge (2)

Personal account of the trip to China to learn Tai Chi. Part 2: Learning balance.

To learn a skill, we need examples. However, once we identify with the example, we will never find our own way. Knowing when an example needs to be let go is also part of learning balance.

learning, read, watchErik StoutOctober 28, 2023tai chi, balanceComment

Burnt up? Get Out!

Take a break to (re)discover your calling.

be self-wise, readErik StoutOctober 21, 2023self inquiry, physiology, philosophyComment