Did you watch the TV program about Uri Geller?

In the UK yesterday, the BBC screened a program about Uri Geller.

Uri Geller (Wikipedia picture)

For people in the UK who remember the early 1970's, Uri Geller was a sensation. He bent spoons using telekinesis, he restarted broken watches (from a distance) and used remote viewing skills to 'see' the picture drawn by another person in a sealed envelope. At least he did if you took these things at face value. There are plenty of skeptics out there say he is nothing more than a savvy showman. Those skeptics include James Randi (http://www.randi.org/site/) who specialises in debunking paranormal events.

So I watched the program as an interested skeptic. I could recall his appearances on TV in my childhood and the number of people in the UK who tried to bend spoons with the power of the mind. It was quite an event whenever Geller was on TV.

I settled down to watch the program (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b037k0c5) and discovered lots that I had not known about the man; for example about his being a paratrooper in the Israeli 6Day War in 1967, nor that he now lived in the UK.

Nor was I aware of his work with US Government agencies in the realm of remote viewing. He certainly seems to have convinced some scientists and researchers that he had some unusual abilities. (see more detail here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uri_Geller)  Geller himself chose on several occasions during the program to self censor saying he could not talk about that event or situation.

So is he a fraudster or a man gifted with telekinesis? A trickster or a man with most unusual powers? I'm not sure, it was certainly intriguing and worth a hour of your time to watch the program. (The BBC link may not work if you are outside the UK)

Does hot weather = a short temper?

Warm weather is generally welcomed by most people, it seems to lift the mood and bring a feeling of well being to all.

But hot weather? That may be different. There have been attempts to make the direct connection between the temperature and increased crime levels but the correlation is not always clear.

 Some articles that consider this point:
http://weakonomics.com/2009/07/30/why-crime-is-higher-when-its-hot-why-economics-fails-us/

and


http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/07/hot-weather-violence/

But even as the true nature of links between violence and hot weather remain uncertain, one 1976 study stands out in its simplicity and practicality: Angry people can be soothed with a cold drink.

 However I think there is enough evidence to suggest that when very hot our tolerance to annoying outside factors is reduced compared to when we are at more usual temperatures. It may not be that you are annoyed but perhaps just feel a little uncomfortable.



So what can you do if you don't have an air conditioned car or building to slip into and cool off?


Use the power of your imagination. Imagine you are some where cooler, perhaps recall a time when you walked through the chilled goods section of the supermarket. Allow yourself to fully engage in the imagination of the moment to quote Paul McKenna "See what you saw, hear what you heard, feel what you felt".


Your mind and the autonomic nervous system will do the rest so that for a long as you stay in that imaginery cool spot, things will feel a little more comfortable.



Alternatively, take a deep breathe in, breathe out slow and then sip the chilled drink of your choice in a shady spot.

3 simple (free) ways to reduce anxiety

I see many clients who have anxiety, it is a very common condition in our society today.

If you see your GP about this it's likely that they will prescribe some form of anti-depressant or beta blocker. If you are fortunate perhaps you will be offered some form of counselling.

Some what simple steps can you take to reduce anxiety?

1) It is far more useful to consider that you are 'doing anxiety' rather than feeling anxious. It's a simple but important distinction as it opens up the possibility of change. If you are 'doing anxiety' right now perhaps you can do calmness later.

2) Cut out sources of caffeine; tea coffee, coke, Red Bull etc. If you are feeling anxious the last thing you need is extra stimulation.

3) Make sure you have as well a balanced diet as you can. Fresh fruit and vegetables provide you with B vitamins and magnesium that tend to reduce anxiety.

One extra; drink plenty of water. Being even a little dehydrated will raise your anxiety.