How Much Does “Self Help” Help?
Happy 2011 everyone! Yesterday I happened to catch the tail end of a fascinating discussion on BBC Radio 4 about the self-help industry. In one corner was Oliver Burkeman, Guardian columnist on mental well-being, sceptic, and author of a new book entitled Help! How to Become Slightly Happier and Get a Bit More Done. Looks like a must read. And in the other corner, Geoff Thompson, author,...
Read MoreFight or Flight? This Time It’s Fight!
Guest Blog Post by Matthew Arrell The confrontation has got to a point beyond fleeing. There is not a moment to think or even a second to spare; this is the millisecond in which the outcome of the altercation will turn. Everything depends on how you next react. We’ll assume that you are in a situation where only the fight option is available. I won’t go through all the various levels...
Read MoreWho Is Geoff Thompson?
The last time I mentioned the name of Geoff Thompson in this blog was in relation to a workshop I was running called Streetwise: How to Protect Yourself Against Aggression. Geoff is a former bouncer and self-defence expert whose autobiography Watch My Back has enjoyed tremendous success. He has now branched out into other areas of writing. I mention him because I’ve spent the last...
Read MoreSex and Self-Defence
Indian sex workers learn karate says the title of the article. I am unimpressed. Prostitutes in an Indian state have started taking karate lessons to help protect themselves against violent pimps and ‘customers’. If you go to the article, there is a short film of them in training. Natural feelings of sympathy for their plight are compounded. The training will serve them...
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