Shows
SNI Digital PodcastSub-Saharan Africa International Neurosurgery Grand Rounds; Professors Mwang'wombe (Kenya) and Epstein (USA)SUMMARY: Sub-Saharan African International Neurosurgery Grand Rounds; Professors N. Mwang'ombe (Kenya) presents two interesting cases of penetrating injuries of the skull and brain. He and the International audience comment on how these cases are treated in different places around the world. Questions & Answers from the global audience cover the spectrum of challenges faced by neurosurgeons in this on this topic. Should the Projectile or Bullet be removed; How?; leaving the bullet; removing the bullet with Neuro-navigation and ultra-sound guided surgery; What tests are needed before surgery?; time, cost, geographical location, location in brain or spinal canal, age of patient; co...2023-08-031h 40
Harmony Deconstructed PodcastPosture and HarmonyThe way we poise ourselves can have an effect on whether or not we enhance harmony within or around us. It also reflects and affects our health.“A good stance and posture reflects a proper state of mind” - Morihei UeshibaOur posture reveals the status of our physical and emotional health. If you have pain somewhere in your body, your posture shifts to accommodate the pain, to ensure that there is less pressure exerted in the painful part of the body so that there is less pain. Apparently, this is also true when it come...2021-10-1508 min
Harmony DeconstructedThoughts and the BodyThe thoughts we harbour affect our bodies in significant ways. Depending on the nature of the thoughts, it could promote our health or affect our health in negative ways which manifests in diseases or maladies of some form. “Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.” –Charles […]2021-10-0900 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastThoughts and the BodyThe thoughts we harbour affect our bodies in significant ways. Depending on the nature of the thoughts, it could promote our health or affect our health in negative ways which manifests in diseases or maladies of some form. “Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.” –Charles SwindollThere is a Chinese proverb that says “That the birds of worry fly above your head, this you cannot change. But that they build nests in your hair, this you can prevent.” Indeed we may not have control over things that will come our way...2021-10-0909 minHarmony DeconstructedHumor and HarmonyIt is said, laughter is the best medicine. It is free of charge, also scriptures, philosophers and medical research agree that humor or laughter has immense benefits for us human beings. “What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul” Yiddish Proverb It is interesting that we only laugh with those with whom […]2021-10-0400 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastHumor and HarmonyIt is said, laughter is the best medicine. It is free of charge, also scriptures, philosophers and medical research agree that humor or laughter has immense benefits for us human beings. What soap is to the body, laughter is to the soul. ~ Yiddish ProverbIt is interesting that we only laugh with those with whom we are in harmony. Indeed to get a joke, you have to be in harmony with the one telling it. It is a show of empathy to laugh at another person’s joke. In a deeper way, we are in harmo...2021-10-0412 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastDiscipline Precedes HarmonyDiscipline is inevitable if one is to achieve harmony. Wherever you see harmony and inspiration, the underlying story is one that consists of discipline.“Everything in the world is conducted by a gradual process. This seems to be the great principle of harmony in the universe.” William GodwinI suppose there are two kinds of discipline, self-discipline and discipline enforced by an outside force, examples being parents, the State or authorities, God. Discipline is observable in nature. Observing nature in light of discipline you can see the best portrayal of what Elbert Hubbard said...2021-09-2511 minHarmony DeconstructedSelf-Respect and HarmonySelf-respect and the ability to see our worth, is the aspect that enables us to cultivate harmony within ourselves. Having self-respect sets us up to have cordial and harmonious interactions with others. Without self-respect, chances are, we adopt a chaotic lifestyle. “Character — the willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life — is the […]2021-09-2111 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastSelf-Respect and HarmonySelf-respect and the ability to see our worth, is the aspect that enables us to cultivate harmony within ourselves. Having self-respect sets us up to have cordial and harmonious interactions with others. Without self-respect, chances are, we adopt a chaotic lifestyle. “Character — the willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life — is the source from which self-respect springs.” Joan DidionIt occurred to me the other day that the reason I sometimes struggle to do the things I plan to do could be because I do not respect myself sufficiently. I am too familiar with myself...2021-09-1811 minHarmony DeconstructedThe Elegance of TrustThere is a tension that exists in trust. When one trusts blindly, they stand a chance of getting hurt, when one gets hurt, trusting again becomes difficult. Yet we cannot live without trusting ourselves, others and the systems that have been put in place to make life much easier and possible. 2021-09-1400 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastThe Elegance of TrustThere is a tension that exists in trust. When one trusts blindly, they stand a chance of getting hurt, when one gets hurt, trusting again becomes difficult. Yet we cannot live without trusting ourselves, others and the systems that have been put in place to make life much easier and possible. “There are indeed times when one should trust blindly, just as there are times when one should not. Wisdom consists in being able to tell one from the other.” Daniel QuinnWe exercise trust often. We trust systems that have been put in place for th...2021-09-1308 minHarmony DeconstructedLiving Above the Law“I want to live perfectly above the law, and make it my servant instead of my master. “ Brigham Young The law is a set of rules that govern human interaction and behaviour. Broadly speaking, it sets the standards by which everyone in society is to be judged. In fact there is a maxim or […]2021-09-0400 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastLiving Above the Law“I want to live perfectly above the law, and make it my servant instead of my master" Brigham Young.The law is a set of rules that govern human interaction and behaviour. Broadly speaking, it sets the standards by which everyone in society is to be judged. In fact there is a maxim or a legal principle which states that one cannot be punished for doing something that is not prohibited by law. The Scriptures have this concept of operating in such a way that one is living above the law. Paul teaches that if we...2021-09-0410 minHarmony DeconstructedThe Kindness FactorKindness is an enabler of harmony. It perpetuates harmony within a person and harmony with others. It is the lubricant of harmony, it keeps things going smoothly and pleasantly. “A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives roses.” Chinese Proverb Kindness is defined in Oxford Dictionary as the quality of being friendly, […]2021-08-2800 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastThe Kindness FactorKindness is an enabler of harmony. It perpetuates harmony within a person and harmony with others. It is the lubricant of harmony, it keeps things going smoothly and pleasantly. “A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives roses.” Chinese ProverbKindness is defined in Oxford Dictionary as the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate. This quality as we’ll explore in this episode has immense benefits for both the doer and the receiver of a kind act. For us to live an inspired harmonious life, we should be kind, kind to ourse...2021-08-2708 minHarmony DeconstructedA Mindset of HarmonyA mindset of harmony is important in that it determines whether we achieve harmony in our lives or not. We can only rise to the level of the degree in which our minds are set on harmony, that is a working together of things to achieve a certain goal or end. “Your mindset matters. It […]2021-08-2213 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastA Mindset of HarmonyA mindset of harmony is important in that it determines whether we achieve harmony in our lives or not. We can only rise to the level of the degree in which our minds are set on harmony, that is a working together of things to achieve a certain goal or end."Your mindset matters. It affects everything - from the business and investment decisions you make, to the way you raise your children, to your stress levels and overall well-being." Peter DiamandisAccording to Dr Alia Crum, mindset is defined as a lens or frame...2021-08-2013 minHarmony DeconstructedEmbracing HumilityHumility is the virtue that we should possess but not lay claim to or boast about. As soon as you boast about it, you lose it. “Be mindful of humility: the gale that breaks the pine does not bruise the violet.” Austin O’Malley Humility has been described by some scholars as the bedrock of all […]2021-08-1400 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastEmbracing HumilityHumility is the virtue that we should possess but not lay claim to or boast about. As soon as you boast about it, you lose it. “Be mindful of humility: the gale that breaks the pine does not bruise the violet.” Austin O’MalleyHumility has been described by some scholars as the bedrock of all the other virtues. It is Augustine of Hippo who said “Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues: hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearanc...2021-08-1412 minHarmony DeconstructedSleepSleep is a cardinal requirement for us as human beings to function optimally. If we are sleep deprived, then many if not all of our bodily functions suffer. We become irritable, we make many errors and in the long run our health gets affected negatively. “A good laugh and a long sleep are the best […]2021-08-0710 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastSleepSleep is a cardinal requirement for us as human beings to function optimally. If we are sleep deprived, then many if not all of our bodily functions suffer. We become irritable, we make many errors and in the long run our health gets affected negatively.“A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.” ~ Irish proverbIn various circles, sleep can easily be associated with laziness. I think this is so if it is overdone. Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer said “Sleep is not a waste of time. During sleep, a variety...2021-08-0710 minHarmony DeconstructedRestRest is crucial for us to function optimally as human beings. In modern society, there exists that feeling of wanting to keep going, to keep working and to be busy every hour of the day when we are awake. “Take rest; a field that has rested gives a beautiful crop.” Ovid, Roman Poet I recently […]2021-07-3130 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastRestRest is crucial for us to function optimally as human beings. In modern society, there exists that feeling of wanting to keep going, to keep working and to be busy every hour of the day when we are awake. “Take rest; a field that has rested gives a beautiful crop.” Ovid, Roman PoetI recently learnt that there are seven types of rest. Oftentimes we may focus on one kind of rest, however, we may end up still tired after resting. That is an indication that we may be neglecting several of the other kinds of re...2021-07-3113 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastRegretRegret is part of the human condition, however with appropriate action, discipline and fortitude, we can reduce the effects of its sting. “Nembe ngamanya yadadua nanyuma” “The statement ‘I wish I knew’ always comes at the tail end of an occurrence” Taita proverb.For us to live an inspired harmonious life, we need to take action now to avoid the pain of regret later in life. We should take action in important areas of our lives such as our health, family, friends, love of God and others, and enhancing the things we are passionate about like our tale...2021-07-2415 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastDiscernment“True discernment means not only distinguishing the right from the wrong; it means distinguishing the primary from the secondary, the essential from the indifferent, and the permanent from the transient. And, yes, it means distinguishing between the good and the better, and even between the better and the best.” Sinclair B. FergusonDiscernment is important for proper decision making and especially when we get to crossroads. You need to make a choice at that point. Do you go right, do you go left or do you stand and wait a while at the same spot...2021-07-1709 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastGritPapo kwa papo kamba hukata jiwe - Swahili proverb (The constant rubbing of a rope will cut the stone)Grit is defined in Oxford Learners Dictionary as “the courage and strength of mind that makes it possible for somebody to continue doing something difficult or unpleasant.”It is the sustained application of effort towards achieving a long term goal. This is the ability to persevere and keep going in the face of challenges or obstacles. It does not matter how many times one gets down, as long as you pick yourself up and keep movi...2021-07-1013 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastGratitude“Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.” Aesop, Greek storytellerThe Oxford dictionary defines gratitude as “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” The Greater Good Science Center in their paper entitled The Science of Gratitude, wrote the following about definition of gratitude:“Most people have an instinctive understanding of what gratitude is, but it can be surprisingly difficult to define. Is it an emotion? A virtue? A behavior? Indeed, gratitude can mean different things to different people in different contexts. However, researchers have developed some frameworks...2021-07-0312 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastThe Present “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” Alice Morse Earle, American HistorianAt any one point our minds are usually moving to three points in time, the past, present and the future. One could be attending to some matter but at that very moment, their mind could be far off considering something from the past or in the future. The success of each action we take depends on whether we are present, both in body and mind, and focused on the action. For us to live...2021-06-2510 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastAccountability“Ukimficha jogoo kwenye pakacha kuna wakati atawika” Swahili proverb “If you hide a rooster in a basket, he will crow at some point.”Accountability is an important, if not crucial quality we should embrace if we are to succeed in achieving our goals. I think in one way or another, accountability is inescapable. We can either choose to be accountable of our own volition, or circumstances may and will arise that will cause us to account for our actions or inaction. Accountability keeps us in check and ensures that we attain an inspired harmonious life.I think it is a...2021-06-1814 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastResponsibility“I must do something' always solves more problems than Something must be done.” unknownI think taking responsibility has an empowering effect on us. On the other hand, looking to someone else to act, dis-empowers us, it takes the wind out of our sails if you may. It causes us to resign to our circumstances, environment or fate. The mantra becomes ‘things never change or things will remain the same’. Yet the opposite is true. As it has been said, the only constant thing is change.”For us to live an inspired harmonious life, we should tak...2021-06-1214 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastA Heart at War“A heart at war needs enemies to justify its warring. It needs enemies and mistreatment more than it wants peace.” The Arbinger InstituteIt is apparent that at any one point, we are either operating with a heart at war or a heart at peace. The outcome of our actions will be quite different depending on the heart behind the actions we take. When we act with a heart at war, our actions tend towards chaos, on the other hand, when we act with a heart at peace, our actions tend towards harmony. In the b...2021-06-0516 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastConquest of Fear“He who everyday is not conquering some fear, has not learnt the secret of life” Ralph Waldo EmersonAs human beings, we face fear on a daily basis, whether that be real or imaginary fear. It is part of the human condition. So for us to make progress, we must learn to deal with fear correctly and master it. If fear is left unchecked, it can have a debilitating effect on us, hampering us from making progress towards our goals. However, if we learn to deal with it correctly, it can enable us not only...2021-05-2913 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastThe Illusion of failure“Smooth seas make no skillful sailors” African proverbFailure is an illusion because we make a big deal out of it. It is a natural thing that happens to all human beings. No one born of a woman has never failed. Yet we make failure more than it should be, it is a way of learning how not to do something, yet we turn it into a labeling venture. “He is a failure” “I am a failure” “She is a failure”. This should not be. We also look at people who are successful in life and label t...2021-05-2210 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastImagination“Imagination is the soil that brings dreams to life.” AnonymousImagination is a crucial part of the human experience. Our Creator endowed us with the capability to imagine. Some authors like Dr. Maxwell Maltz have made assertions that imagination is the quality that differentiates human beings from animals. He wrote the following in the book Psycho Cybernetics:“We often overlook the fact that man too has a success instinct, much more marvelous and much more complex than that of any animal. Our Creator did not short-change man. On the other hand...2021-05-1511 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastSelf-image“When a tree’s shadow is bent, straighten the tree, not the shadow” African proverbThis proverb shows that when seeking to change something, the better strategy is to go at the core of the problem or issue. In human beings, to deal with issues visible on the outside, the best strategy is to change from within. When the inside is changed, the outside will follow suit. One of the internal components we can seek to change within is the self-image. Self-image is the internal view we hold about ourselves and it...2021-05-0810 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastGoals and Balance“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” Zig ZiglarLearning or sharpening the skill of having goals and achieving them will enable us to lead an inspired harmonious life. We can set goals that are of two general categories. We can set goals in the competitive plane and goals in the creative plane. Having goals of a competitive nature means, in most cases, by you winning, someone else losses or gets vanquished. Setting goals in the creative nature means that when you...2021-05-0110 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastSelf-knowledge“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo EmersonBy pursuing self-knowledge, we can begin to scratch the surface of that which lies within us. Cambridge Dictionary defines self-knowledge as an understanding of yourself and your abilities. It is crucial to have self-knowledge for us to foster harmony in our lives. If we lack self-knowledge, we will operate mindlessly, being tossed about aimlessly by the circumstances we encounter or we end up groping around for clues as though in the dark of night...2021-04-2415 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastSelf Conquest“Self conquest is the greatest of victories” Plato, Greek Philosopher. I define self conquest as the ability to control and influence ones’ matters or affairs, to move in the direction of his or her purposes and to achieve their goals. I think the greatest obstacle to achieving an inspired harmonious life is ones’ self. It is therefore crucial for us to conquer or master the self if we are to live an inspired harmonious life. Self conquest is comprised of a myriad of components. One such component i...2021-04-1812 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastPrevention is better than curePrevention is better than cure. This is a saying that is used mostly in medical circles. However, I think it applies in most situations including conflict. A similar Swahili saying goes as follows “Usipoziba ufa, utajenga ukuta”. In English, it means if you do not repair a crack, you will end up building the entire wall. For us to live an inspired harmonious life, we should seek, as much as possible, to act or take precaution in advance to prevent bad effects that would come later on as a result of unaddressed conflict....2021-04-1012 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastHarmony out of chaosHarmony Out of Chaos“Amani haiji ila kwa ncha ya upanga!" This is a Swahili saying translated in English it means, there is no peace without war. Not that I advocate for war, but I use this to illustrate that, in essence, one does not arrive at a peaceful state of affairs without some form of struggle. An English proverb that portrays a similar meaning is “smooth seas make no skillful sailors.” This saying is commonly used to portray how we must go through difficulties or struggles in order to achieve a peaceful or harmonious existe...2021-04-0319 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastBeing in Harmony with the image of the Creator“The apple doesn't fall far from the tree” English proverb. This saying has been used to express the view that children take the traits of their parents. Either they look like their parents, behave like their parents or do the things their parents do. We are made in the image of God, the Creator. He calls us to exhibit qualities similar to the ones He has. To have the same character as He does. He says in the Scriptures that we should be holy, perfect, loving, kind, just, generous, forgiving just as He is.2021-03-2716 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastThe Life Principle“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on” Robert Frost - American Poet.For us to live an inspired harmonious life, we have to fan into flame the life-principle inherent in us. The creator put a life-principle in each living thing in this world, whether it be plants, insects, animals or human beings, with the characteristic of increasing or adapting to thrive in a particular environment. I see the law of harmony in operation through the life-principle. Basil King best described the life-principle in his book The Co...2021-03-1809 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastThe Inner Body"The outer body is carried by the inner body" Taita proverbThere is a wise saying in the Taita language that goes “Ghwa ighu ghwadadukwa ni ghwa ndenyi” which in English means, the outer body is carried by the inner body. (Taita language is spoken by a people that live near the coast of Kenya in East Africa). The outer meaning of this saying is that contrary to what we may think, the outer body, the parts of the body we can see such as the legs...2021-03-1115 minHarmony Deconstructed PodcastFoundational ThoughtsWe have foundational thoughts that influence the activities we carry out throughout the day. The foundational thoughts we entertain in the morning are the most powerful and usually influence our actions for the rest of the day. We have two kinds of foundational thoughts. Thoughts that are built on the foundation of sand or thoughts that are built on the foundation of a rock. Those that are built on the foundation of sand are discouraging thoughts, while those that are built on the foundation of a rock are empowering thoughts. The more we dwell on fo...2021-01-2309 min