#weekend read

Sunday tomes and tea: Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafa

Congratulations, Gentlemen

In the ‘60s, four charismatic kids took Britain by storm. At Hogwarts in the ‘70s, another Fab Four starts their first steps toward infamy — if, of course, they can actually manage to make friends with each other.

Extending compassion to yourself.

Have you ever noticed that we're often kinder to others than we are to ourselves? Think about how you would react to a friend going through a tough situation. You would probably be encouraging, truthful and try to remind them of all the ways they're going to succeed. You would be there for them.

Alternatively, we tend to push ourselves too hard, give ourselves less of a break and don't let ourselves believe we can do better. Why is that? Why do we often resort to self-compassion after life gives us little other choice? What can happen when we don't pressure ourselves to be perfect?

At any given moment, we're given the opportunity to do something kind for someone else. It doesn't even have to be someone we know. But how often do we let those moments pass us by? How many times do we actually make the move towards compassion instead of continuing on with our lives? 

The Grand Mughal of Islam was from holy Mecca bound,

And all on board, a treasure hoard, worth two hundred million pounds,

So Avery and comrades the Portsmouth and the Pearl,

With stripped down masts, their ships were fast,

And they chased them ‘round the world,

A bounder, rake, a cad, a knave was he,