JUNE 2026 BLOG - FEAR

 June 2 BLOG

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reflecting on FEAR,

 

"Fear would have us respond from the depths of our own self and soul where the core pattern of our life continually tries to grow and open the way before us," Michael states:

 

We are all aware of this inner feeling as we perceive danger. This behaviour was probably part of early Man in caves protecting families and tribes. From there, we developed the “WARRIOR” aspect of our self, and due to that fear, we destroyed many cities, countries and people. Michel Meade is very wise in his writing on fear, and I suggest you read his essay and reflect on your own fears.

I want to describe a scene in which I learned a whole lot about fear, including the sense that fear is an intimate emotion, and that what we fear the most is connected to who we already are at the core of our lives.

The moment in which fear becomes almost overwhelming begins backstage in a theatre where over 500 people are waiting for an event to begin. I am one of several presenters. And I’m expecting to be the last one to speak. And therefore, imagining that I have plenty of time to decide what I’m going to present. What I really want to do is tell a story that I had only recently found and had not really prepared to tell. The truth is that I don’t rehearse stories before I tell them, I read them or listen to them, and let them inhabit me, usually for quite a while before I ever tell them. While I was still casually considering what story I should tell, the host of the event suddenly came up and said, “something has happened, I’m going out and I’m going to introduce you first.”

 

I was suddenly flooded with fear, almost paralysed by it, not simply because I felt unprepared in the moment, but also because something in me insisted that I tell the story I also felt I had not yet fully learned. In what seemed like barely a moment I was on stage, still feeling deeply fearful, still feeling unprepared, and definitely feeling that I might not measure up to the occasion. And then something in me that I now realise knew more about me and what I should be doing than I did, began telling the story regardless of my fears and insecurities.

 

"A common fear is that we will be unable to deal with the issues in the circumstances that confront us. And of course, the voice saying that comes from our ever-fearful ego or little self."

Strangely or maybe not strangely at all, the story has a key scene in which the youngest of three brothers has to find his way through a set of iron gates that can suddenly close and crush you, and on either side of which there is a huge lion with a gaping maw that could swallow you in one gulp. In other words, I found myself describing a scene which was very similar to the fears I had when I learned that I had suddenly gone on stage and began a story.

 

Looking back, I can see how the stage was set for me to trust the presence of the story and the spontaneous style of storytelling that turns out to be natural to me. And it wasn’t simply that fear was in the way, it’s more actually that fear was part of the way, because it turns out that our greatest fears are connected to our deepest sense of self. A common fear is that we will be unable to deal with the issues in the circumstances that confront us. And of course, the voice saying that comes from our ever-fearful ego or little self. In my case, it was the ego voice inside me saying, if you try to be spontaneous, you’re going to mess everything up. You’re going to fail miserably. And you’re going to do it in front of a large audience. And yet, you can say that the hidden purpose of fear involves bringing us close to the deep resources of our own self and soul.

In other words, the question was not whether I could spontaneously tell a story and trust the images and the symbols in the story, and the dynamic of the story to connect to the lives of the people in the audience, and if those same images and symbols could give me guidance about how to interpret the story, and even direct knowledge in terms of the kind of wisdom that can come directly from a story. That was not the issue. The problem was, would my terrified little self allow this greater sense of self and soul to pronounce itself, to appear, to be present. Would my little self risk that so that I might grow and learn something about who I already was inside myself?

There’s an old Spanish proverb that says, “to live in fear is to live a life half-lived.” In other words, the life that is driven, restricted and controlled by the ego or the little self turns out to be a half-life and turns out to be the thing that is keeping us from living more fully and finding the healing and guiding moments of wholeness that we are intended to experience here on earth.

MY BUCKET LIST - 2026

                                                                        

                  

                                                 

Regretting the Earth

Some day we will be saying, „That was the time of the sun,

Do you remember its light fell on the slightest twig,

The elderly woman or young astonished girl,

As soon as it touched it gave their color to things,

Kept pace with the galloping horse and stopped when he did,

That unforgettable time when we were still on Earth

Where if we dropped something it made a noise,

We would look around us with our knowing eyes,

Ans our ears would catch the slightest nuance in the air,

Wehn the footsteps of a friend approached, we knew,

We used to gather flowers or smooth pebbles,

At that time we never could take hold of smoke,

Ah! What else can our hands do for us now?“

Jules Supervielle

Tanslated by Patricia Terry

My Bucket List

Many people have dreams, goals, and experiences they hope to achieve before they die. A list of these wishes is often called a "bucket list." The idea is simple: write down the things you want to do, see, learn, or experience during your lifetime.

A bucket list can include travelling to beautiful places, learning a new language, skydiving, writing a book, seeing the Northern Lights, helping others, or spending more time with family and friends. For some people, it may be about adventure and excitement. For others, it may be about personal growth, meaningful relationships, or making a positive difference in the world.

Creating a bucket list can inspire people to live with purpose and make the most of their time. It encourages us to step outside our comfort zones, explore new opportunities, and focus on what truly matters. Whether the goals are big or small, a bucket list reminds us that life is precious and that our dreams are worth pursuing.

My Bucket List

1. Visit Rome, Venice and the Amalfi Coast in Italy.

2. Explore Paris, Normandy and the French Riviera in France.

3. Visit Santorini, Athens and Crete in Greece.

4. Travel to Kyiv, Lviv and Odesa in Ukraine.

5. See the Northern Lights.

6. Attend a football match at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid.

7. Watch a UEFA Champions League final live.

8. Continue developing Gestalt Art Therapy training around the world.

9. Publish more books and resources for counsellors, therapists and helping professionals.

10. Visit the places where my family originated in Spain.

11. Create and curate international art exhibitions.

12. Support my son in achieving his football and study goals.

13. Travel with my family and create lasting memories together.

14. Learn more about different cultures, traditions and ways of life.

15. Continue helping people through counselling, education and Gestalt Art Therapy.

A bucket list is not just a list of destinations and achievements. It is a reminder of what gives meaning to our lives. Every step taken towards these goals becomes part of a unique and rewarding journey.

MAY BLOG - SOLITUDE

                                                                                             

Dear reader,

Have you ever been alone or felt lonely? 

We all need solitude at times, and it can even be healthy. 

Yet many people begin to feel nervous and seek company to close that gap. 

This short reflection may help you become a friend of solitude, rather than fear it.

 

Embracing Solitude and Resilience

Solitude as an Invitation

This May, as my family travels away, I find myself entering a space of solitude, not as isolation, but as an invitation. Solitude has always been a teacher in my life, guiding me through moments of loss, transformation, and renewal.

I have lived through war, broken marriages, and the quiet ache of starting again. Each time, solitude became the ground where resilience could grow. It taught me that being alone does not mean being incomplete. It means meeting yourself fully, without distraction, without masks, and without the noise of other people’s expectations.

From a Gestalt perspective, solitude can become a moment of awareness: an opportunity to be present with what is. When we stop running from silence, we begin to hear the voice of our own truth. We notice the sensations in the body, the emotions that rise and fall, and the thoughts that are asking to be seen. This awareness is not always comfortable, but it can be deeply healing.

As I sit in this quiet May, I remind myself not to take anything for granted: the laughter of family, the warmth of shared meals, the simple act of waking up beside someone. These are gifts, not guarantees. Life has shown me that everything can change in an instant. And yet, even within change, there can be beauty.

Solitude invites gratitude. It reminds us that wholeness is not found only through others, but also within ourselves. It asks us to slow down, to breathe, and to reconnect with the parts of us that have been waiting patiently to be heard.

If you find yourself alone this month, let it become a time of discovery. Listen to your heart. Feel your strength. Remember that resilience is not about never breaking. It is about learning how to rebuild, again and again.

You are whole. You are enough. You are resilient.

APRIL REFLECTIONS YARO

AGE AND AGEING IN MODERN SOCIETY

 Age and Ageing in Modern Society 

Ageing has always been a universal human experience, but the way we understand and navigate it has changed dramatically in the 21st century. Longer lifespans, shifting cultural values, and rapid technological change have reshaped what it means to grow older — and what society expects from people at every stage of life.

 

The Changing Demographics of Ageing 

Modern societies are ageing faster than at any other point in history. Improvements in healthcare, nutrition, and living standards have extended life expectancy, while declining birth rates have reduced the proportion of younger people.

 

 Key demographic shifts 

- Longer lifespans: Many countries now see average life expectancies well into the 80s. 

- Ageing populations: Nations like Japan, Italy, and Australia face rapidly growing senior populations. 

- Multi‑generational societies: It’s increasingly common to have four living generations within a single family.

These shifts create both opportunities and challenges — from a more experienced workforce to increased pressure on healthcare and pension systems.

 

 Rethinking Age: From Decline to Potential 

Historically, ageing was associated with decline, dependency, and withdrawal from public life. Today, that narrative is being rewritten.

 

 Modern perspectives emphasise: 

- Active ageing: Staying physically, socially, and mentally engaged. 

- Lifelong learning: Older adults returning to education or mastering new technologies. 

- Extended careers: Many people work well past traditional retirement ages, by choice or necessity. 

- Healthy ageing: A focus on prevention, wellness, and quality of life rather than simply longevity.

 

The shift reflects a broader cultural recognition that ageing is not a single, uniform experience but a diverse and dynamic one.

 

 Ageing and the Workplace 

Workplaces are becoming more age‑diverse than ever before. This brings benefits — such as experience, stability, and mentorship — but also exposes persistent biases.

 

 Challenges 

- Age discrimination: Older workers may be perceived as less adaptable or technologically capable. 

- Hiring bias: Younger applicants may be favoured for roles requiring digital fluency. 

- Retirement pressures: Some industries still push workers out early, despite their capability.

 

 Opportunities 

- Intergenerational collaboration: Teams combining experience with innovation often outperform homogeneous groups. 

- Knowledge transfer: Older workers play a crucial role in mentoring and training. 

- Flexible work models: Remote work and part‑time roles support longer, healthier careers.

 

 Social Attitudes and Ageism 

Ageism remains one of the most socially accepted forms of discrimination. It affects both older and younger people.

 

 Common stereotypes 

- Older adults: “frail,” “out of touch,” “resistant to change” 

- Younger adults: “entitled,” “inexperienced,” “unreliable”

 

These stereotypes oversimplify complex realities and can limit opportunities across the lifespan. Modern society is slowly challenging these assumptions through media representation, policy reform, and public awareness campaigns.

 

 Health, Technology, and the Future of Ageing 

Technology is transforming the experience of ageing in ways previous generations could not have imagined.

 

Innovations shaping the future 

- Telehealth and remote monitoring improve access to care. 

- Smart homes support independent living for longer. 

- Assistive robotics helps with mobility and daily tasks. 

- AI‑driven diagnostics enhance early detection of age‑related diseases.

 

At the same time, digital divides persist. Ensuring older adults have access to — and confidence with — technology is essential for equitable ageing.

 

 Community, Connection, and Purpose 

Ageing well is not just about physical health; it’s deeply tied to social connection and meaning.

 

 What supports positive ageing 

- Strong social networks 

- Intergenerational relationships 

- Community involvement 

- Creative and intellectual engagement

- A sense of purpose

 

Loneliness and isolation, by contrast, are major risk factors for poor health outcomes among older adults.

 

 Towards an Age‑Inclusive Society 

To build a society that values people at every stage of life, we need to rethink how we design our institutions, communities, and cultural narratives.

 

 Steps toward inclusivity 

- Promote age‑friendly cities and public spaces 

- Encourage flexible work and lifelong learning 

- Challenge ageist language and stereotypes 

- Support policies that ensure dignity, autonomy, and care 

- Foster intergenerational collaboration and understanding

 

Ageing is not a problem to be solved but a natural, meaningful part of the human journey.

 

 Conclusion 

Age and ageing in modern society are undergoing a profound transformation. As we live longer and more varied lives, the boundaries between “young” and “old” are becoming increasingly fluid. The challenge, and opportunity, lies in creating a world where people of all ages can thrive, contribute, and feel valued.

A POEM ABOUT AGEING

As I grow older, I can wear purple

As I grow old, I shall wear the bottom 

Of my trousers rolled up

Should I turn my ear around?

Do I dare to eat a peach?

I shall wear white flower shorts

And walk along the beach.

I have heard the river maidens singing

But they will not sing to me

I am living and am not among the dead

Though I am getting more forgetful

And more mixed in my head

Sometimes I don’t remember when I stand 

At the foot of my stairs, if I must come up

For something, or I'm going down from there

And standing before the fridge, I often

I often forget if I put something in

Or just am to take it out.

There are times when, in the evening, standing with a cup in my hand

I do not know if I am retiring or just got out of bed

If this is my turn to write to you, there is no need to get sore

As I do not remember if I have written before

And do not want to be a bore

Remember, dear, I do love you, and I wish you were here

It is nearly mailing time, so I'll say “goodbye”, dear

There I stood before the mailbox, with my face so very red…

That, instead of mailing you the letter, I opened it and read

I love my new bi-focals, my hearing is perfect, my dentures fit me fine, 

 BUT  LORD,  I LOST MY MIND!

 

 

 

 

MARCH 2026 - CHANGE

 

Dear Reader,

This month, I invite you to pause and reflect on Change.

In my work as a counsellor with couples, the theme of change is often at the centre of our conversations. One partner hopes for something different, the other resists, and many find themselves repeating the same patterns for years. The desire for change is present, yet the movement towards it can feel incredibly difficult.

I would like to share some reflections from my mentor, Michael Meade, and encourage you to sit with your partner and consider what these words might mean for your own relationship and life journey.

“When it comes to change, the point is not self-improvement or simply a change in status. Changing one’s fate means awakening to another way of seeing and being. Not simply doing things differently, but becoming a different person, both more aware within and more alert to the mystery of life. The point of change is to become as another, to become the other that was hidden inside all along.

For such a thorough change to happen, people must let go of who they think they are. Letting go of one’s habitual self turns out to be one of the greatest difficulties in life. If that were not so, many more people would escape the common traps that keep life small and self-confining.”

Meade illustrates this idea through a story once observed by sages in ancient India.

Hunters discovered a simple way to trap monkeys. They hollowed out a coconut, cut a hole just large enough for a monkey’s paw, fixed the coconut to the ground, and placed fruit inside. The monkey would reach in and grasp the food, but once its hand was closed into a fist, it could not pull it back out. Freedom was possible at any moment. All the monkey had to do was release what it was holding. Yet most would not let go.

The trap was not the coconut.

The trap was the refusal to release.

How often do we do the same?

We may cling to old roles, familiar conflicts, outdated expectations, or even long-held resentments. Sometimes we hold onto ways of being that no longer nourish us simply because they are known. It can feel safer to remain in a familiar discomfort than to risk the uncertainty of true transformation.

“Any meaningful change must begin with recognising and letting go of what entraps us… Often it seems better to cling to a familiar pain than suffer a genuine change of state.”

In Gestalt work, we speak of awareness as the first movement toward transformation. Change does not happen through pressure, blame, or forcing the other to be different. It begins when we notice what we are holding, and gently allow ourselves the courage to loosen our grip.

So this month, perhaps the question is not

“How do I make things change?”

but rather

“What am I holding onto that I might be ready to release?”

We always have a choice.

To remain caught in the habitual mind, or to surrender, let go, and allow something new to emerge.

 

FEBRUARY 2026 BLOG

                                                                                                                   Irish festival in February

Dear reader,

We are entering the second month of 2026, and here is a reflection about the current events that are creating much chaos in the world and especially in the USA. I am following the teachings of Michael Meade, the mythologist with much wisdom.

“While often being considered the leading nation in the world, the United States increasingly finds itself on the cutting edge of cultural upheaval, political polarization and increasing violence that includes mass shootings and politically motivated killings. The recent tragedy of a political activist being shot and killed by a radicalised young man, while appearing distinct in the sense of being a political assassination, can also be seen as part of the larger tragedy of young men acting out cultural violence.

Whether we like it or not, young people tend to manifest, express and even act out the psychological and emotional symptoms of the culture in which they must grow. If young men are not fully invited into social life and given a genuine sense of meaning and purpose, something volatile and potentially destructive inside them can drift towards the darker areas of the psyche and in the modern world, can pull them into the darkest parts of the World Wide Web.

While specific causes and motivations for shootings by young men are complex, there are familiar patterns to the trajectory that leads to acting out violently. Research indicates that there is often a strong sense of grievance that comes from a disconnect between the lives they lead and the lives they think they should have. This inner disconnect can lead to fantasies of having unlimited power along with intense desires for recognition and admiration. Aided by the extremes of social media, their sense of grievance and their violent visions take up more and more of their mental and emotional lives.

While modern societies lack clarity, understanding and wisdom when it comes to issues of men and violence, traditional cultures developed rites of passage in order to directly engage and temper the wild energies of youth and the reckless urge to battle with both life and death. For there is an inner volatility that cannot be denied or be ignored without consequences that can turn inward as depression and self-harm or erupt outwardly in violence and destruction aimed at the society that failed to recognise, accept and include them.

It seems to me that in this group, we also have to include those who appear to be grown men, but who demonstrate untampered emotions, reckless, immature attitudes about violence that contribute to the tearing apart of society. In many ways, we are all during a collective rite of passage that requires that we awaken to the deeper issues that can turn a society against itself, while leaving young people in growing gaps of isolation, alienation and despair.”

 

The author is also a very positive person and gives us all the HOPE we are looking for:

” Each personal crisis and life transition can evoke the esoteric pattern of the soul and the deep Self waiting to awaken within us. The presence of the greater self is what shifts the ground of trauma and heals the aching soul. As things fall apart all around us, the deep self seeks to awaken our primary impulses towards creativity and the essential urge to become who and what we are at our core.”

 

2026 January Reflections Yaro

 

2026: A Year of Shifts, Tensions, and Conscious Choice

As we move into 2026, the world feels both accelerated and fragile. Alongside innovation and economic growth, we are witnessing humanitarian crises, environmental pressure, and geopolitical tensions that demand more than passive observation.

The ongoing situation in Venezuela continues to expose deep humanitarian, political, and economic fractures, reminding us of the long-term cost of instability and inequality. At the same time, growing tensions around Greenland highlight a different but equally significant reality: how climate change, access to resources, and geopolitical interests are increasingly intersecting. What once felt distant or symbolic is now central to global power dynamics.

Against this backdrop, 2026 is expected to bring significant changes across multiple sectors.

From a political perspective, the United Kingdom faces a critical moment. Local and devolved elections in May may prove pivotal for Keir Starmer and the Labour Party, with serious consequences if control of the Welsh heartland is lost. In the United States, the midterm elections are expected to be challenging for incumbent Republicans, with current projections indicating a strong, potentially double-digit lead in voting intention for Democrats. These shifts may reshape domestic agendas and international alliances.

Economically and culturally, global trade patterns continue to evolve. The Middle East travel sector is projected to grow by around 40 per cent, while Southeast Asia and India are expected to become the most valuable luxury and beauty markets in the Asia Pacific region. These changes reflect broader shifts in consumer behaviour, wealth distribution, and cultural influence.

Environmental challenges remain one of the most pressing issues of our time. Without decisive action, environmental supply chain risks could cost companies worldwide up to USD 120 billion. This is not only an economic warning, but an ethical one, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable, responsible practices that respect both people and planet.

At the same time, technology and innovation continue to advance rapidly. Global production of low-emissions hydrogen is expected to increase by approximately 25 per cent, signalling momentum toward cleaner energy systems. Institutional investors are also likely to allocate around 5.6 per cent of their portfolios to tokenised assets, reflecting changing concepts of value, trust, and ownership in a digital world.

Taken together, these projections point to a year of profound global transformation. Political uncertainty, economic realignment, environmental urgency, and technological innovation are not separate stories, but interconnected threads shaping our collective future.

And yet, we are not alone in navigating these times.

Ancient Andean prophecies speak of a moment when humanity would be invited to step into a new way of being. A way rooted in awareness, responsibility, and respect for the intelligence of the body, the Earth, and one another. Many people feel this call today. Not because a calendar tells us it is time to change, but because our bodies, our communities, and our planet are asking us to remember how we were designed to heal, to connect, and to live with consciousness.

Perhaps 2026 is not only about prediction, but about presence. About staying informed without becoming numb, thinking critically about the future, and speaking out within our communities with clarity and care. The choices we make now, individually and collectively, will shape far more than a single year.

Happy reading.

Yaro Starak