We are facing big challenges in the world, domestically and globally. Conflict, ecological destruction, overconsumption, inequality, and the rise of chronic disease and illness continue to plague us, as a human race. These problems are not new, however, and have been around for a very long time.

There’s a saying — a timeless piece of wisdom — that has long stuck with me. Attributed to the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus who lived more than 2500 years ago, it goes something like this: “The only constant is change.”

As we move into the new reality of living with COVID in Western Australia, more people are worried about their health. For the vast majority, contracting the bug will result in mild to moderate illness, similar to a cold or flu. But for people who are medically vulnerable, there are some additional things to think about.

There’s a deep sense of belonging that comes from being connected to a place. The environment and landscape we grew up and reside in, the architecture and surroundings, all inform who we are. Places root us to the earth — they live in us, as we live in them.

Have you ever had a weird vibe about something at work, or more generally in life? Several years ago, I was contacted by a developer to undertake a specialist consulting project. As I sat through the briefing, surrounded by males, a niggling feeling crept in…

The back-to-school nerves have well and truly kicked in for many students, from the little tykes to senior schoolers. Like young birds learning to fly, the fear of leaving the nest at the beginning of the year — the familiarity and comfort of the home environment — and stepping into the unknown, is a natural point of worry. Young people have a lot to contend with.

There’s something remarkable about elite athletes. Their physical strength and prowess is obviously impressive. They play at the top of their game and know what it takes to win. But what makes sporting greats truly exceptional is their mind. They have an unrelenting quest for greatness, a sense of mental fortitude that helps to power their performance.

Western Australia remains one of the last areas on Earth with a relatively COVID-free lifestyle. The hardline border stance and stringent public health measures have so far prevented population-wide exposure. The pandemic is a highly dynamic and complex situation. But moving goalposts and shifting policy agendas have added to the instability. West Australians have been demanding certainty and it’s now time.

The world is changing, and fast. Some of it has been for the better. Amid the chaos, fear and uncertainty there have been many positive developments in health and wellbeing. For one, mental health is no longer considered the poor, exiled counterpart to physical health. The pandemic has placed it firmly on the agenda.

I love the energy of a new year for the promises of fresh beginnings the dawn brings. Filled with an air of optimism and potential, the change of date stirs many to craft resolutions. Though, admittedly, I’m not one of them. I ditched new year’s resolutions long ago in favour of something more meaningful: vision planning. Why? Because most resolutions fail.

As we inch closer to what now feels like a challenging end to the year, it’s the perfect time to take stock and count our blessings. A great way to do this is through reflective practice and practising gratitude.

The festive season is under way, and we’re wading through the booziest time of the year. Office parties, end of year drinks, banquets and big nights out see liquor sales skyrocket over the Christmas and New Year period. For me, December means one thing — rum balls. Made strong with real rum, not essence. It’s never Christmas without them.

Health is a human right and in Australia the right to access equal and quality health care is universal and inalienable — it applies to everyone and should not be taken away or refused. Australia is party to seven of the United Nations human rights treaties. One of these is the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights, which outlines the right to health.

When I was young, my mother taught me that plants need love. My mum learnt this from her grandmother, my great-gran, when she was a little, too. According to my elders, love is the key element that animates our living world, including the plant kingdom.

I remember the day so clearly, it was nearly five years ago. A black curtain moved its way across my field of vision — I went blind. Then, all of a sudden, a lightning bolt of pain ripped through my skull. It moved from the base of my head up, and out the top in the centre, striking towards the sky.

We all have cringe-worthy moments. You know the ones. Maybe you’ve fallen face-first on the dance floor at your high school ball — it’s every teenager’s nightmare (yep, I did that)? Or you’ve been violently propelled off the back of a high-speed treadmill at the gym (been there, too)?

I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted. This kind of exhaustion, it reaches all the way in, right to the core. It’s certainly physical. Though the roots also feel intangible — mental, perhaps. But more than anything, this weariness is soul-deep exhaustion. We’re coming to the end of yet another long year and there is one thing that I’m most worried about right now.

As humans, we are hardwired to help others. It feels good, and these good vibes have a name — the “helper high” or “generosity glow”. Maybe you’ve felt it? It’s the satisfaction you get when you willingly help a mate or stranger. That sense of fulfilment from volunteering, or donating to a charity.

With Halloween on our doorstep tomorrow, the spooky season will officially draw to a close. This year I discovered a whole new trend thanks to my work colleagues — ghost cats. And it got me thinking about the power of the mind and manifestations of spirit beings. Have you ever come face-to-face with a ghost?

As a former archaeologist, I have a penchant for traditional cultures and healing practices. One of my favourites is a Maori form of healing called RomiRomi and MiriMiri.