Taking the edge off dying
Have you given the circumstances of your death – which cannot be avoided - any thought? Doctor of gerontology and death doula Rayne Stroebel offers practical guidance, describing the role of a death doula and how he helped his father transition after a stroke. Creating an advanced directive may give your more control regarding medical intervention at the end of your life, and increase your chances of dying a “good death”.
Happy with the reward and recognition you get at work?
Do you love your job – or not? Master life coach Judy Klipin discusses her new book on making work work for you. It targets 8 areas from the world of work and offers practical tools for either changing unsatisfactory circumstances or improving the way you view and manage them. Learn how to get and receive feedback, or ask for a promotion or a raise.
Strengthening self-love: understand your sensory preferences
Is your natural inclination visual, auditory, or kinaesthetic? How can you apply this knowledge to deepen your connection with others – and, most importantly, with yourself? Human development specialist Dr Melodie de Jager explores our sensory systems and preferences, offering practical tips on increasing our awareness, enhancing self-care, and even choosing spot-on gifts.
Is dementia a disease of the brain - and not the soul?
How can you communicate with someone living with cognitive impairment in a way that benefits both you and them? Dr. Rayne Stroebel clarifies the World Health Organisation’s view that the consciousness of individuals with dementia is never lost. He offers practical pointers for being deeply present and caring in a relational way, suited to family members as well as caregivers.
How to help your animals deal with crime issues
Should you task you dog with protecting your home? Pets, like humans, are traumatised by crime incidents and may experience guilt, or develop behavioural issues. Animal communicator Jenny Shone offers real-life case studies and practical advice on how to help your animal companions clear blockages following crime.
My son has Tourette’s: a parent’s journey
Since there’s no cure for Tourette Syndrome, where does one find hope? Transformational coach Cherona Dannhauser shares valuable insights from journeying with Luke (17), such as addressing co-occurring conditions, identifying internal and external triggers, and exploring strategies to navigate motor and vocal tics. Understanding this neurodevelopmental disorder is key to emotional balance and constructive self-advocacy.
Help your little one learn about identity, belonging and consent
Learning about identity, belonging and consent - and knowing which adults are “safe” - can help young children deal with life challenges more easily. Early childhood development specialist Mariy Payne explains how the edutainment television show ‘Takalani Sesame’ equips littles ones in a playful way. She suggests fun activities for parents, teachers and caregivers. Sponsored content.
The Enneagram for couples: understand yourself and your beloved
In an intimate relationship, different viewpoints create stress and conflict. By illuminating each partner’s key motivational drive, the Enneagram provides clarity which – used mindfully – supports self-awareness and liberates one’s partner from unrealistic expectations. Transformation coach Renier Cronje explains how accepting and normalising each partner’s survival fears can strengthen a relationship and provide a gateway to love.
How I experienced my mother’s death
Have you lost your mom, or do you dread her passing? Angel whisperer Belinda Bras-Nel shares her own experience, highlighting the complexity of some mother-daugher relationships, our need to be loved and nurtured, what soul contracts involve, and the importance of allowing feminine or mother energy to flow through us - no matter who we are.
Three moms: “This helps me stay sane”
While we love our children deeply, parenting is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Three moms share their views of the challenges and joys of motherhood and offer practical insights, coping ideas and strategies.
Effective communication: Can your parenting style help prevent narcissism?
The causes contributing to the development of narcissism are complex and include genetics, neurobiology, and environmental factors such as culture and parenting. Body language expert Tania Steyn discusses parenting style as one possible contributor to the development of narcissistic traits and explains how effective nonverbal communication - including eye contact, mirroring and fronting - can foster bonding and help children build empathy.
Better sex: understanding the brain-body connection
Clinical sexologist Catriona Boffard discusses the most important sex organ, the brain: its role in arousal, why the mind and the body aren’t always on the same page, common misconceptions regarding sexual intimacy, and the importance of feeling safe. She clarifies the dual control model, false versus realistic expectations, and using your mind to heighten your sexual enjoyment. Sensitive content: intended for adult listeners.
Starting a family? Crucial questions on parenting, pregnancy and birth
Prospective parents often find decisions regarding birth route, birth care provider, caring for a newborn, etc. daunting. BabyGym Institute programme director and childbirth educator Cozette Laubser offers guidance on being ready for parenthood, financial concerns, choosing experts wisely, babies’ brain development, skin-to-skin contact, practical decision making, and reducing the stress parenthood brings.
Postnatal depression: when to get help
South Africa is one of the 5 countries with the highest postpartum depression rates worldwide. The stigma attached to this condition makes it hard for new moms to admit they’re not coping. Counselling psychologist Luricka Fick discusses the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of postnatal depression, the question of “fantasy versus reality”, and sensible steps a mom or her loved ones should take.
Discovering your power in the dark: load shedding & other challenges
South Africans are daily plunged into the dark by intermittent electricity supply – but have we been robbed of our inner energy? Rudi Swanepoel explains how we can channel our personal power in a solution-focused way, the benefits of harnessing group energy, and how parents can use their energy to empower their children - in particular the parents of teens and young adults.
Inside information: the way men view relationships
Men and women are wired differently. Psychologist and former serial killer profiler Dr. Micki Pistorius’ insights into the male psyche are arresting. She describes men as heroes and warriors. How do men view emotions, dating, female friends and marriage? What are their strongest drives and deepest fear? How does one best communicate with a man? Dr. Pistorius’ book, “Heroes”, offers answers that every woman should note.
Micro-mastermind groups: the how and why
Have you discovered the potency and growth potential of mastermind groups? Business development specialist Di-Di Hoffman explains what masterminding is, its objectives and benefits, and how you can start and run a micro-mastermind group successfully. He emphasises mistakes to avoid, the importance of accountability, and the “magic” that happens when a group gels.
Non-verbal communication: secrets women should know
Understanding the differences in the way men and women communicate, can ease life at work and at home. Through her science-backed work, body language expert Tania Steyn reconnects people with their “primary language” by increasing self-awareness. She points out dissimilarities between the sexes’ communication styles, and non-verbal behaviour traps women can avoid to develop leadership presence. Learn more about lunch chasers, fire gazers and nest builders, and why you shouldn’t cross your arms in the workplace.
Help your little one deal with big feelings
Many parents, caregivers and young children are feeling stressed out, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. Mari Payne, involved in Takalani Sesame, explains how adults can recognise overwhelming feelings in kids and support them; what is necessary for children to thrive; and why self-care for adults is so important. She offers easy and practical tips for calming down a child – and yourself!
Nurture your child’s emotional growth – and your mutual bond
Young kids’ and tweens’ emotional health seldom gets the attention it deserves. Actress Milan Murray, collaborating with mental health experts, has created journals for 6-to-13-year-olds prompting reflection and self-understanding. Exploring their identity in an age-appropriate way – and being part of The My Story Tribe - helps them stand stronger, set healthy boundaries, overcome challenges, and have fun!