Some time ago, I had an interesting online encounter with a phobia coach. I shared an article about a supermarket customer who burst out in tears feeling intimidated by an ‘aggressive’ supermarket employee who was scanning items ‘too fast’. While my comment was mostly meant to highlight the absurdity of the situation (it is quiteContinue reading “It’s OK to Laugh at Pain and Suffering”
Author Archives: Kostas Panagiotou-The Freedom Composer
Are You a Ghost in the Machine?
In his classic book ‘The Concept of Mind’ philosopher Gilbert Ryle argues against the concept of the ‘Ghost in the Machine’: the idea that our mental and physical worlds are two distinct realities which we vainly try to reconcile in illogical ways. Ryle argues that there is no such thing as a ‘ghost in theContinue reading “Are You a Ghost in the Machine?”
Being Judgmental is Stressful
I recently spent a week on the Greek island Ikaria. The island is best known as one of the so-called Blue Zones: one of the five regions in the world with an unusually high number of people who live up to the age of hundred- and stay in good health. A number of theories haveContinue reading “Being Judgmental is Stressful”
Don’t Fear Your Anger
At some point during our formative years, most of us are taught that expressing anger is a bad thing. The world, we are taught, is not always a just and fair place and therefore we have to accept that we can’t have it all. There is no point expressing out anger and frustration when thingsContinue reading “Don’t Fear Your Anger”
Avoiding Pain Leads to Disease
In our 21st century western societies, we have been conditioned to ‘think positively at all times’. Tons of self-help books have been written about the magical powers of positive thinking, ‘mind-over-matter’ and the dangers of not getting what we want, because of our ‘negative’ thoughts or vibrations. Our total devotion to positive thinking leads usContinue reading “Avoiding Pain Leads to Disease”
Whom Do You Serve?
Almost invariably, when talking to beginning solopreneurs about their ideal client base, I will always hear something along the lines: I can help anyone who needs a beauty treatment Everyone needs therapy, so I shouldn’t limit myself to a particular group I want to reach as many fans as possible, therefore I’m not limiting myselfContinue reading “Whom Do You Serve?”
On the Importance of a Supportive Network
Last weekend I went to a gig in London where I met many of my old friends. In between the (admittedly loud) tones of the performing bands, we caught up with stories about the past, discussed the present and made plans for the future. Some of these discussions are likely to give birth to futureContinue reading “On the Importance of a Supportive Network”
How I Turned Disaster Into a Win
Last Saturday I performed a solo gig at a local annual festival. That festival is a quite big affair in my town, with a number of performances of various artists spread over several venues. The events celebrated the versatility and talent of local artists who have made of this town a cultural powerhouse over theContinue reading “How I Turned Disaster Into a Win”
Stick to the Plan
I have to confess that I am a bit of a football fan (soccer for my American readers). I find the complexity of a fast-paced game where 11 players compete against another 11, following well-defined, but often ‘loosely’ interpreted rules, an interesting miniature experiment of life itself. What casual observers who are not remotely interestedContinue reading “Stick to the Plan”
There Is No ‘Real’ You
In the good old pre-modern times, our ideas about human behaviour were quite straightforward. It was believed that what you can observe of one’s behaviour, is the ‘real’ you. If someone behaved in a pro-social, good natured or altruistic way, they were considered a good person. If someone was egotistical, greedy and inconsiderate, this wasContinue reading “There Is No ‘Real’ You”
KostasTheCoach-The Freedom Composer 