Ayahuasca ceremonies have been getting a lot of press around the world recently for their potential beneficial impact on mental health, addiction, and a variety of other health matters, but what is Ayahuasca? and why has this ancient hallucinogenic South American plant been generating interest from the modern world of science and medicine?  What can be learned from this plant? and how might it play a role in the treatment of mental health conditions in the future? In this episode, David speaks with a friend (called "Sue" for the purposes of protecting her identity) to learn about her very personal and spiritual journey with Ayahuasca.   Links:Michael Pollan (Author) - "How To Change Your Mind"  (Amazon)Film - "The Last Shaman" IMDbFilm - "The Spirit Molecule" IMDbDMT - Dimethyltryptamine (Healthline.com)Get access to all of The Quiet Mind podcast episodes by subscribing to our podcast hereVisit us on all our social media platforms:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTube

In this episode, David gives a short introduction to the benefits and importance of being emotionally intelligent and highlights some of the ways in which we can help ourselves grow to become more emotionally intelligent.  Check out some of the links below for some worthwhile content and reading.  An introduction to Emotional Intelligence | Daniel Goleman - WATCH HERE Strategies to become more emotionally intelligent | Daniel Goleman - WATCH HEREEmotional Intelligence - From Theory to Everyday Practice | Yale - WATCH HERE6 Steps to Improve Your Emotional Intelligence | Ramona Hacker - WATCH HEREGet the book by Daniel Goleman hereGet access to all of The Quiet Mind podcast episodes by subscribing to our podcast hereVisit us on all our social media platforms:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTube

In this episode, David speaks to Consultant Clinical Psychologist Colin Howard about the causes and effects of trauma and the many ways in which our minds can play tricks on us to keep us reliving past anxieties.  Colin provides insight and coping strategies to deal with trauma and anxiety and discusses recognised and emerging therapeutic practices in this important field.  Visit Colin at Howard Psychology hereGet a copy of "The Body Keeps The Score" By Bessel Van Der Kolk on Amazon books hereUseful links:Information on Emotional and Psychological TraumaPTSD UKNHS Mental health charities and organisationsGet access to all of The Quiet Mind podcast episodes by subscribing to our podcast hereVisit us on all our social media platforms:FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTube

In this episode, David talks to Sophie Shaw, a hypnotherapist, Reiki Master teacher, and Author of "The Hare and the Moon" - (A calming, magical bedtime story for children, which gently introduces the practice of mindfulness). This episodefocuses on overcoming anxiety through mindfulness. Sophie discusses whatanxiety is, how we can recognise it, and how we can fit mindfulness practiceinto our busy lives. Links - Visit Sophie's website at: www.sophieshaw.co.uk Sophie's Facebook / Instagram / Twitter: @sophieshawheals Sophie's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVASietfN30ry0JaFL58I3AGet a free preview of the first chapter ofSophie's book "The Hare and the Moon" here: www.sophieshaw.co.uk/booksHeadspace (For guided meditation):   https://www.headspace.comGet access to all of The Quiet Mindpodcast episodes by subscribing to our podcast at: https://thequietmind.buzzsprout.com/Visit our social media – Facebook: @MisterMindfulness Instagram: mister_mindfulness Twitter: @TheQuietMind4

In this first-ever episode of The Quiet Mind, David speaks about some of his own experiences of trauma and anxiety and discusses our bodies primal Fight or Flight response to perceived danger.  Instagram:  @mister_mindfulnessFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MisterMindfulnessTwitter:   @TheQuietMind4Youtube channel:    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVeriT07GGUClG2-BzaDaJA?view_as=subscriber