Personal Development News at news.timlebon.com

Philosophical Life Coaching Course

Tim — Mon, 05 May 2008 10:43:00 +0000

Philosophical Life Coaching
One Day Course
London Saturday 24th January 2008 1030am- 1630am

Below is programme for 2008 course -2009 course may vary

Contents and Programme for Day

Contents	1
Philosophical Life Coaching- Introduction	2
The Stoics on gaining emotional control	3
Frankl can help creating more meaning in your life	5
Nietzsche’s Eternal Recurrence to create your own Groundhog Day	7
Critical Thinking to help with tricky decisions	9
Setting SMART Goals	10
Putting it into all into together and workshop review	11
Resources	12

To book, contact City Lit

City Lit courses from Tim LeBon 2008-9

Tim — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:49:00 +0000

Course	Date(s)	Day	Time	sessions
NEW – Positive psychology and happiness	10 Oct 08	Fri	10.30 – 17.30	1
PG646 – Personal development through philosophy	8 Nov 08	Sat	10.30 – 17.30	1
PC401 – Intro to CBT	13 Dec 08	Sat	10.30 – 17.30	1
PG614 – Habits for effective living	16 Jan 09	Fri	10.30 – 17.30	1
PC404 – Intro to existential counselling	6 June 09	Sat	10.30 – 17.30	1
PG636 – Frankl	23 – 30 Jun 09	Tues	18.00 – 21.00	2
NEW – Intro to CBT (2)	3 Jul 09	Fri	10.30 – 17.30	1

To book, contact City Lit

If there's a God, why are there so many wars

Tim — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 23:52:00 +0000

Ask your father: Kids’ questions you dread

(The Times, Saturday January 19th 2008)

EMMA COOK gets expert advice on what to do when your child turns to you and asks...

Mummy, if there’s a God, why are there so many wars?

Charlotte, 9

After marvelling at your child’s sparkling intellectual curiosity, you may well feel a bit daunted by a question that, after several centuries, still baffles theologians and philosophers.

So where to start? Remember that not being able to offer your child concrete answers isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it’s pretty integral to the question. As the philosopher Julian Baggini says: “There really aren’t any clear-cut answers to this one. I might begin by asking the child what they think; using it as a way of starting a discussion. If parents can’t give clear-cut answers, they feel they’re failing their kids, but it’s a great mistake to assume children can’t cope with uncertainties. It’s important that they learn that there aren’t clear-cut answers to everything and not feel paralysed by that.”

Of course, your response will depend ultimately upon your religious values. If you’re an atheist, like the philosopher A. C. Grayling, you’ll have no problem pointing out, as he did to his children: “There are no gods, only people; people are a mix of good and bad, though most people are mostly good. Wars come from the bad things that people think and do, which makes the leaders of their countries quarrel with one another – and sometimes those sorts of grown-up quarrels use guns and bombs, and that’s very destructive and bad.”

If, however, you have a faith and hope your child will, too, you would do better to follow the Catholic broadcaster and author Peter Stanford who patiently explains to his children: “Good religion is what stops us having wars. The golden rule is never do unto others what you wouldn’t want done unto yourself. If we followed that rule, there would be no wars based on religion. I would also say that if you’re looking for one thing throughout history that has encouraged us to put people first, and not ourselves, it’s religion.”

You may also want to point out that God gave people free will – and so it’s their choice to go to war. If your child is smart, he may well ask why God didn’t make people nicer in the first place, so they didn’t want to fight one another. You could counter this by saying that if everyone was capable only of being good, they wouldn’t be so free. The philosophical counsellor Tim Le Bon suggests: “The debate may not end there, but a timely ‘What’s on telly’, may do the trick or you could quote Woody Allen who says: “If there is a God, I don’t think he’s evil. The worst you can say about him is that he’s an underachiever.” For Emma’s previous columns, go to

timesonline.co.uk/families

If you would like answers to tricky questions, just e-mail body&soul@thetimes.co.uk

http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/body_and_soul/article3209856.ece

4 courses in practical philosophy and psychology starting in early January

Tim — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:45:00 +0000

If learning, personal development or well-being are amongst your new year's goals, then you might like to sign up for one of 4 courses I'm running in the next couple of weeks.
They are:
Frankl and the Search for Meaning
Friday 18th Jan 2008 1030-1730 Location: City Lit, Central London
Viktor Frankl's ideas can inspire everyone aiming to find more meaning and purpose in their life.
This lively and highly-rated workshop will help you start the New Year focusing on this important issue.
Call 020 7831 7831 to enrol or visit the City Lit website

Philosophical Life Coaching
Saturday 19th Jan 2008 1030-1630 Location: City Lit, Central London
" “Move over Carole Caplin. The new gurus of self-help are philosophical counsellors from beyond the grave” proclaimed the Independent recently.
Lead a more satisfying and meaningful life by using insights and methods from the great thinkers. This introduction will show you some of the most interesting ways it can be of help.
No previous experience required
Call 020 7831 7831 to enrol or visit the City Lit website

Personal Development through Philosophy

This 10 week course will show how studying philosophy can help you discover how they can be true to themselves, make wiser decisions and develop more enlightened values.

Course Information
Course Code:	CE1944
Course Fee:	£100
Start date:	Tuesday 15 January 2008
Class Time:	6.30pm – 8.30pm
Number of Classes:	10 weekly classes
Accreditation:	10 credits at level 1

Venue : City University, London

To enrol call 020 7040 8268 between 9.30am and 5.00pm.or visit the City Uni website

Positive Psychology

Positive psychology is the growing branch of psychology that focuses on the positive, including strengths, positive states and well-being. This course will have a particular emphasis on how positive psychology can make you more effective in your working life in terms of your strengths, emotional intelligence, creativity, decision making, meaning and purpose.

Course Code:	CE1941
Course Fee:	£180
Start date:	Thursday 17 January 2008
Class Time:	6.30pm – 8.30pm
Number of Classes:	10 weekly classes
Accreditation:	10 credits at level 1

Venue : City University, London

To enrol call 020 7040 8268 between 9.30am and 5.00pm.or visit the City Uni website

Free talk on Philosophy in Schools, London Friday, Dec 14th 630pm

Tim — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 17:16:00 +0000

Talk on Philosophy in Schools

Peter Worley is giving a free talk on "Philosophy in Schools" at 630pm on Friday December 14th in Central London

Peter studied philosophy at University College London and Birbeck College, London. He is a philosophical practitioner who for the last four years has been developing his own approach to teaching philosophy to London primary school children.

Venue: David Wynter Room 2nd floor Swedenborg House 20-21 Bloomsbury Way London WC1A 2TH

The entrance to Swedenborg House is in Barter Street and doors are open from 6.00 p.m.

The nearest underground stations are Holborn and Tottenham Court Road

Please e-mail spp@timlebon.com in advance if you would like to come.

Stand-up Philosophy in California, 30th November

Tim — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 11:28:00 +0000

Jeff Mason

Professor of Philosophy, California State University, Fullerton

Invites you to an evening of Stand-Up Philosophy

The theme is Skepticism.

The title of the talk is:

Peace of Mind in an Uncertain World:
The Virtues of Non-Dogmatic Skepticism

Do not let the ferocious subtitle turn you off. The whole subject is actually very funny for all those with a suitably warped sense of humor.

Date: November 30, Friday.

Time: 7-9 PM

Venue: SANGHA, Center for Spiritual Living:

7641 Talbert Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

714-469-4843

Matthieu Ricard in India

Tim — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 06:34:00 +0000

Meditation is the secret to stress free life: Monk

Delhi Newsline - Delhi,India

New Delhi, October 26 Meditation leads to a healthy and happy life, says Matthieu Ricard, a 61-year-old French monk. ...Ricard, who is a member of a monastery in Kathmandu, says

"The search for happiness is not selfish. When you reach this state of mind, you can help others in a better way. It's just like a prisoner who has to be free himself before acting for the freedom of the others."

Philosophy in Schools course with Peter Worley, London , Oct 2007

Tim — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 06:19:00 +0000

SPP member Peter Worley's work with children in schools has recently attracted positive publicity on the BBC web site

Philosophy for seven-year-olds

The seven-year-olds sit cross-legged on the carpet scratching their chins philosophically.

These bright, young pupils have been asked to consider "whether it is possible to step in the same river twice?".

Peter is now offering a training course for those with a philosophical background to become a Consultant Philosopher

in Schools. If you would like know more about the course which is on October 24/25 please email
emma@thephilosophyshop.co.uk or visit www.thephilosophyshop.co.uk

Depression recognised as most disabling condition

Tim — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 08:22:00 +0000

A Word Health OrganisationSurvey involving more than 245000 people, concludes that depression is the most disabling condition.

" Depression does greater damage to a person's overall health than long-term physical diseases, according to scientific research." Read more at Press Association

"On a scale of 0 to 100, with 0 indicating worst health and 100 indicating best health, sufferers of depression had an average score of 72.9 in Dr Moussavi's study. This compared with 80.3 for asthmatics, 79.6 for angina sufferers, 79.3 for arthritis sufferers and 78.9 for those with diabetes. "Our main findings show that depression impairs health state to a substantially greater degree than the other diseases," Dr Moussavi said. " Read more at Guardian

"The need for timely diagnosis and treatment of depressive disorders is imperative for health-care systems worldwide, the researchers said." Read more at MedPageToday

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy

Tim — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 08:58:00 +0000

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is an exciting combination of eastern wisdom and western science. It's also starting to be taken very seriously by the scientific community in the UK, as shown by its featuring in a recent CBT conference where Melanie Fennell, author of the CBT classic Overcoming Low Self-Esteem, gave a workshop on MBCT

There's an article in today's London Times specifically about MBCT and beating alcoholism

"Stephen found himself with a new and perhaps surprising ally in his fight against the bottle – Buddha. Or, more accurately, a combination of cognitive behaviour therapy and Buddhist meditation, known as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). "

Here are a selection of other articles and resources on MBCT

Official MBCT site

Mindfulness Meditation: A New Treatment For Fibromyalgia?

Mindfulness reduces stress

Interview with Jon Kabat-Zinn

City Lit workshop dates , 2007-8

Tim — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 20:35:00 +0000

Tim LeBon Workshops at City Lit - dates now available for 2007/8

To book, please contact the City Lit direct.on 020 7831 7831

2007

NOVEMBER

Philosophical Counselling for you November 10th Saturday City Lit

DECEMBER

Introduction to CBT Dec 15th Saturday City Lit

2008

Frankl & the search for meaning	18^th January 2008	FRI	DAY	1
Introduction to existential counselling	2^nd Feb 2008	SAT	SAT	1
7 Habits of highly effective living	1^st & 8^th July 2008	TUES	18.00 – 21.30	2

Philosophy for Children in The Times

Tim — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 09:37:00 +0000

There's been a lot of interest recently in Philosophy for Children recently, particularly after a research study demonstrating its benefits.
It even reached the pages of The Times where I am four therefore I think gives journalist Emma Cook's own experiences with her child and a review of the findings and Clackmannanshire Council's initiative.
I was asked to give my views for the article. I've written elsewhere about my favourable impressions of philosophy for children - especially if combined with teaching logic and also emotional intelligence more generally - so was happy to contribute.
If you are interested in finding out more, you can order the Socrates for 6 year olds DVD from Sapere.

Positive Psychology in New York Times

Tim — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 09:11:00 +0000

There's a really good article on Positive Psychology in New York Times this month.
Thanks Stokes for telling me about it - I'd be very happy to get links to other good news articles if you want to send them to me

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/07/magazine/07happiness.t.html?ex=157680000&en=96151621bb5cb186&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Paul McKenna article in The Times today

Tim — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 19:32:00 +0000

Click here to read Paul McKenna article

(Its http://women.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,27870-2531698.html)

SPP Talk from the Chair and AGM tuesday Central London free

Tim — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 14:32:00 +0000

SPP Talk from the Chair and Annual General Meeting 2006

Tuesday 19 December at 6.00 pm for 6.30 pm – 900pm

Venue: Swedenborg House (click for map)

David Wynter Room 2nd floor
20-21 Bloomsbury Way
London
WC1A 2TH

How to get there

The entrance to Swedenborg House is in Barter Street and doors are open from 6.00 p.m.

The nearest underground stations are Holborn and Tottenham Court Road

Programme

6.00 pm Doors Open

6.30 pm Talk from the Chair - Tim LeBon on The Wise Life

8.00 pm AGM

Please RSVP if you wish to come

Positive Psychology - Jan 2007, Wed pm, London

Tim — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 19:04:00 +0000

Positive Psychology
City University Wednesday evenings,
1830-2030 Jan 17th – Mar 21st 2007
Tutor - Tim LeBon

Practical Philosophy, January 2007 London

Tim — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 18:59:00 +0000

Personal Development through Philosophy
City University
Tuesday evenings,
1830-2030
Jan 16th - Mar 20th 2007
Tutor - Tim LeBon

From todays Guardian

Tim — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 12:21:00 +0000

From today’s Guardian

Philosopher puts religion on the stage
Mark Brown, arts correspondentMonday November 6, 2006The Guardian
December in many theatres is a time for panto and children's plays. But not at one London space which is staging a play exploring religion co-written by a leading philosopher with contributions from theologians, faith leaders and atheists.
AC Grayling is best known for his newspaper and blog columns as well as many books on philosophy and his highly regarded biography of William Hazlitt.

Read more …

Observer Article on The Meaning of Life

Tim — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 20:19:00 +0000

Observer Article on the Meaning of Life – 17/09/06
Discusses Scientist Richard Dawkins, cosmologist Paul Davies and playwright Michael Frayn recent books. Shame no philosophers mentioned (save Douglas Adams …)
Favourite quotes from article:-
Mark Twain: "I do not fear death, in view of the fact that I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience from it."'

Practical Philosophy in London 2007 (City Lit)

Tim — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 12:38:00 +0000

I now have the dates for the Practical Philosophy course at the City Lit
They are on Monday evenings, 1940-2140
The first class in 23rd April, the last 9th July. There are no classes on the weeks of Bank Holidays
This is a very popular course, so please enrol early

There is also a one-day Philosophical Life Coaching workshop on 3rd Feb 2007, 1030-1630

All classes are at Keeley St, London WC2b 4BA

To enrol, please contact the City Lit, not me
Phone 020 7492 2684
http://www.citylit.ac.uk

Zen & the art of MotorCycle Maintenance Robert Pirsig Feature: Lila reissed

Tim — Sat, 05 Aug 2006 12:36:00 +0000

There's an interesting article in The Times today on Robert Pirsig. Lila - an inquiry into morals - has been reissued, so we can expect more such material.
To mark the occasion, I've created my own page on Pirsig and Zen and the Art of MotorCycle Maintenance

Personal Development workshops in London

Tim — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 13:04:00 +0000

Announcing one day personal development workshops in London. Open to all.

All are at City Lit - book now

7 Oct 2006 (Saturday) 10.30 -17.30) Introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT workshop)

11 Nov (Saturday) 10.30 -17.30 7 habits of Highly Effective Living (Covey)

8 Dec 2006 Friday 10.30 - 17.30 Existential Counselling - Introduction

30 Jun 2007 Saturday 10.30 -17.30 Frankl and the Search for Meaning

3 -10 July 2007 (2 sessions) Tuesday 18.00 -21.00 Seven Habits of Highly Effective Living

All the above at www.citylit.ac.uk

Looking forward to seeing you there
Tim LeBon

The Independent on Happiness

Tim — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 21:41:00 +0000

US guru who can teach us the 'good life' by Jonathan Owen

Published on 09 July 2006

As the guru of positive thinking, Professor Martin E P Seligman is one of the most influential psychologists of his generation.

Let joy be unconfined (The Times on Happiness books)

Tim — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 19:12:00 +0000

Article by Bel Mooney featuring a discussion of the following 4 books

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS by Darrin McMahon
THE SECRETS OF HAPPINESS by Richard Schoch
STUMBLING ON HAPPINESS by Daniel Gilbert
H+: A NEW RELIGION? by Edward de Bono

Happy Birthday John Stuart Mill!

Tim — Sun, 21 May 2006 07:49:00 +0000

May 20th was the bicentenary of the birth of
John Stuart Mill, arguably the most important British philosopher of the 19th century. With an estimated IQ of 192, he was way ahead of his time in his advocacy of women's rights and his principle that we should be free to do what we like as long as it harms no-one else is still often quoted in many a modern debate. My thoughts on his contribution to practical philosophy can be found here.
There's lots of good articles and even a BBC podcast on Mill on-line.
Here are some of the best

Radio 4 "In our Times" on John Stuart Mill
Prospect article for Mill bicentenary by Richard Reeves
Article in The Times to celebrate Mill bicentenary

See also
Full text of Utilitarianism and Autobiography at www.utilitarianism.com
Wiki article on J.S. Mill