Dear Reader,

WOMAD (World of Music and Dance) festival was wonderful. Hard to put into words but it was mind-expanding and heart-opening. The variety, talent and creativity was amazing: 20-somethings mashing Chinese jazz with Lesotho hiphop; an 85 year-old benju player from Balochistan (a benju is a cross between a zither and type-writer - and this guy could type!); harmonies from ancient Europe; and microtonal melodies from the subcontinent that stirred my soul.

In my own session "A World of Calm: Music, the mind and modern hypnosis" I touched on how music is more ancient than agriculture, and even language, and how the auditory cortex is one of the earliest brain parts to develop, with the result that babies in utero can already start learning their (literal) mother tongue, and enjoying their sonic soundscapes, weeks before they are born.

Music moves the body, soothes the mind, and stirs the soul. And, like life, it is at its most potent when it combines tension and release. A world of calm is not a world without tension. It's how we balance them both that makes life really zing.

There was a strong culture throughout the festival of audience interaction. This married well with my message that hypnosis, music and health are things that we can all do. And we did! And the good news is, these are infinite, although underestimated resources.

This is even more so when we are in community. During the festival I forged closer bonds with both friends and strangers.

I am very grateful to Anna Hayward, who invited me to WOMAD and organised the wellness area. Part of Anna's genius is bringing people together, like the group of swimmers she established in Cornwall called the PIG Dippers, who are still buddies to this day.

Where am I to?

(A Cornish turn of phrase for those who aren't aware).

A quick update on my general whereabouts. I am no longer spending time in London. That was thrilling chapter, but not to be. It has been very nurturing to spend the last six months at home in Newquay, with time to reflect and learn and to experience that life is not all roses, but we can emerge stronger, if we choose.

I am very happy to now be spending all my time here, except for monthly visits to see my dad who is in Hampshire. Incidentally, he's also in his eighties and getting pretty good at the piano, having started lessons only a year or so ago, after we lost my mum.

Inspiration abounds.

I'm taking some time off here and there in August but have appointments at the hypnotherapy practice throughout the month. You can see my calendar here and book in. Even if it's just for a chat - I'd love to hear from you. Or drop by.

I'm also playing weekly gigs with The Harbour Buoys if anyone wants to come and experience some upbeat, singalong, dance-along, eat-along, trumpet-fuelled party tunes!

Finally, I'm chairing a panel discussion at Boardmasters on 6th August, 1pm, at the Headland site, talking to some deep experts in blue and green health, adaptive surfing and surf therapy, for The Wave Project. It's going to be brilliant so please get in touch for more details.

Wishing you a very happy Summer, and chat soon.

Best wishes

Adam