tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62595507573217772612024-03-21T03:48:17.036-07:00CuriouslyCreating"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when contemplating the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality.... Never lose a holy curiosity." ~ EinsteinCuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-40835105557664951042013-02-20T10:07:00.000-08:002013-02-20T10:07:26.381-08:00Where technology meets mindfulness: Wisdom 2.0 conference
<br />
<div class="p1">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAW5ooGdOLAbSI4TgdzBX4oFbOT5fwI8qA0hEdpz_gNKIx3Nr2Z0pC8HEuIDahwImtM0sM2MkcalmhrYTOBEBqNc6YA5LAEVvL2DH2xa3v18G2VScaZLNN-6LpU66htB7Hud48s_tGghk/s1600/wisdom2.0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAW5ooGdOLAbSI4TgdzBX4oFbOT5fwI8qA0hEdpz_gNKIx3Nr2Z0pC8HEuIDahwImtM0sM2MkcalmhrYTOBEBqNc6YA5LAEVvL2DH2xa3v18G2VScaZLNN-6LpU66htB7Hud48s_tGghk/s320/wisdom2.0.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">My fascination with human beings led me to pursue a career in psychiatry. At medical school I remember holding the brain of a cadaver in my hands and wondering how the multitude of human emotion and thought could be contained within a kilogram of white and grey matter. Recently, I was reminded of this while watching a short film Brain Power by Tiffany Shlain, who states that there are more synaptic connections in a babies brain than connections throughout the entire internet. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Connecting with ourselves, each other and the world, in a meaningful, compassionate way is key to our thriving. So when I discovered the Wisdom 2.0 conference, a tech-meets mindfulness conference that explores conscious connecting, I knew I had to be there. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">At a time where invisible umbilical cords attach us to our smartphones, the question of where the boundaries of self-identity are in a super-connected world becomes fascinating. At a recent Creative Innovation Conference in Melbourne, Ray Kurzweil, controversial American futurist and inventor stated,<i> “the biological you is no more you, than the technological you</i>.” This idea was voiced decades ago in a more Buddhist light by philosopher Alan Watts who suggested “The ‘you’ who you think you are, does not exist”. It’s a paradigm shift, but as technology progresses and becomes embedded in our clothes, our retinas, our blood cells, and our brains, we will inevitably need to make sense of what it means to be human in a world where technology is part of us. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">We are still locked into thinking that we are separate from our technology. My partner tells me I never put my phone down. In the not too distant future, that might become as ludicrous as telling me off for “always carrying those dam hands around with me”. Has the mobile phone become an appendage that is so inextricably linked to us, it actually <b>is</b> us? Ray Kurzweil recounted a conversation with a Parkinson’s patient who had a computer chip implanted in his brain to help alleviate his movement difficulties. He asked the man whether he considered the chip to be a part of himself. The man was stumped. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Technology and information are developing exponentially, and we need to shift our thinking from linear to exponential to imagine our future possibilities. With an infinite amount of information at the click of a button, our capacity to focus, discern and pay attention is becoming a survival necessity. As Ray Kurzweil describes we’re living in a time where “a child in Africa with a smartphone, has more access to information than the president of the United States did fifteen years ago”.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">If we cultivate wisdom in the area of technology, there’ll be better odds that future technology will be infused with wisdom and support our thriving on the planet. As Kevin Kelly, founding editor of wired magazine states “Humans are the reproductive organs of technology”. Therefore, the wiser the human, the wiser the technology. We may be creating technology, but according to Ray Kurzweil, there will be a point in time when technology becomes smarter than its creator - he calls it the singularity. He predicts we will arrive at a point where technology becomes so sophisticated, it enables the creation of smarter-than-human intelligence. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">I hope to expand my thinking this week at wisdom 2.0 and hear from some of the world’s leading thinkers about how as a species, we can ensure that we flourish rather than fade away in this age of technology. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">By @meditatecreate</span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Wisdom 2.0 conference livestreams on Feb 21st-24th </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.wisdom2summit.com/">http://www.wisdom2summit.com/</a></span></div>
CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-42231367828594108372013-02-18T19:22:00.001-08:002013-02-18T19:22:21.871-08:00A lonely planet for entrepreneurialism: The $100 Start Up
<br />
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFXTzBdKwJlRbP5PyiL0HByO_rMdEJNVYNnAQmdT2SZKcyFwQerzbJvAi9uraavkTMSP16onKDVVE_zU9bI28bmFjNPDR1rj7prytMTk-71F01cQ4pDKjvcvH3KGoN-T-9nOLpHBgg-8/s1600/changingtheworld.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFXTzBdKwJlRbP5PyiL0HByO_rMdEJNVYNnAQmdT2SZKcyFwQerzbJvAi9uraavkTMSP16onKDVVE_zU9bI28bmFjNPDR1rj7prytMTk-71F01cQ4pDKjvcvH3KGoN-T-9nOLpHBgg-8/s1600/changingtheworld.jpeg" /></a><span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">If you’ve been dreaming of launching that new business and living the location independent lifestyle, <i>The 100$ Startup</i> by New York Times bestselling author Chris Guillebeau is your perfect companion. Chris is an impressive entrepreneur who has spent the past five years writing about his quest to visit every country in the world before he turns thirty five. His popular blog, The Art of Non Conformity, has become a successful six figure online business and a vortex for freedom-seeking, socially conscious, community lovers from across the globe. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">The $100 startup is like a lonely planet guidebook to entrepreneurialism. With both a collection of inspiring stories and specific roadmaps and warnings, it guides the reader in navigating from idea to business on a shoestring budget. There are discussions and clear pointers along the path of idea development, marketing, pricing, and product launch, including extra resources at the associated website <a href="http://www.100startup.com/"><span class="s2">www.100startup.com</span></a>. Chris discusses the key to “the quest for personal freedom [as being] through the pursuit of value for others” emphasising the need for convergence between your passion and something that someone else would pay for. He flirtatiously warns his readers that “there is no rehab program for being addicted to freedom. Once you’ve seen what it’s like on the other side, good luck trying to follow someone else’s rules ever again.”</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Throughout the book there are diverse stories of micro-entrepreneurs who have found their way to success through different routes. Whether choosing to leave a soul suffocating corporate job or being made redundant and forced to take steps to innovate, each story is inspiring in its trajectory. A particularly inspiring interview describes Brett Kelly, a man who was struggling to financially support his family and noticed an opportunity in the market place. He realised that there was no existing manual for the Apple Mac Evernote program. He took a few months to develop one himself, published it as an ebook and made $120,000 which was followed by a phone call from the CEO of Evernote offering him a lucrative position at the company. The book emphasises paying attention to opportunities that may exist in our rapidly changing environment and bringing ideas into action to allow serendipity to do it’s work. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">The book is in many ways the manifestation of a movement, “the rise of the roaming entrepreneur”, evidenced by the annual World Domination Summit (WDS) hosted in Chris Guillebeau’s hometown, Portland. It is a conference founded by Chris and aimed at those who are interested in living “remarkable lives in a conventional world”. This year the key note speakers ranged from Jonathan Fields, writer-entrepreneur to Scott Harrison founder of Charity Water. In its second year, WDS was a sell out within hours of its online ticket sales with next years event sold out six months in advance. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Committed to contributing to the world and sharing the business lessons he has learned, Chris motivates people from all over the world to take a leap into life. After receiving an anonymous donation of $100,000 from someone who attended the conference, Chris decided to generously “invest” in each of the attendees by giving everyone one hundred dollars on departure and inviting them to spend it how they wished. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Leaving the conference with a free copy of the $100 Startup and a one hundred dollar bill in my hand I reflected on his gesture as both an ingenius marketing strategy and a brilliant way of conveying his underlying message: </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">There are no excuses for not starting. Take action now. </span></span></div>
CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-78455475318769738762013-02-18T19:17:00.000-08:002013-02-18T19:17:14.059-08:00Using mindfulness to calm your day...
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwjcYL_LRpiHxSWHwD-YNkQA09P1mmjIIZ81A9RQUENmUrNJjTSgeK8MQZ-XLds14SJmkRkEWC4fxWwqY5E8iEFdb-esFjHYgpQ4Iqmg3qknN0k5S7jBkhz4Y37u-6I7x6ls6mdbysDo/s1600/takeabreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwjcYL_LRpiHxSWHwD-YNkQA09P1mmjIIZ81A9RQUENmUrNJjTSgeK8MQZ-XLds14SJmkRkEWC4fxWwqY5E8iEFdb-esFjHYgpQ4Iqmg3qknN0k5S7jBkhz4Y37u-6I7x6ls6mdbysDo/s320/takeabreath.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Mindfulness is the new black. It is an effective mental technique, borrowed from the two thousand year old Buddhist contemplative practice and adapted to suit non-religious contexts, including board rooms, corporations, hospitals, schools and sports teams. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">It is a practice which supports the capacity to stay focussed on what you are doing as you are doing it, a powerful antidote to the distractible nature of the mind and the information-rich digital world. When practised regularly, it can bring more calm and effectiveness into everyday life, reducing stress and enhancing capacity. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Google has now trained over one thousand of its employees in mindfulness, recognising it’s capacity to improve wellbeing and innovation in the work place. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p3">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">It is initially practiced through meditation, but can also be applied to daily activities such as eating, walking or working. It is simply the discipline of noticing what you are doing when you are doing it and becoming master rather than slave, to the impulses of the mind. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Five tips for using mindfulness to calm your day:</span></b></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="p1">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. Tune in to the breath</span></b></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><b></b></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">It may sound like an irritating cliche, but there is scientific rationale for this advice. The breath is not only a powerful indicator of one’s state of mind but also a helpful modulator. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">During a busy day, take a few moments to consciously tune in to the breath. Feel three breaths move in and out of the body. Then slow down the exhalation which helps to trigger the relaxation response. Extending the breath in this way sends a message to the parasympathetic nervous system (the system that opposes the stress response) to calm down the body. </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2.</b> <b>Use your surroundings as a circuit breaker</b></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Take moments in the day to disconnect from the flurry of to do lists and direct your attention externally by tuning in to your senses. Listen to the sounds in the room, feel your body in space, see the space you are in, notice the temperature and smells. By tuning in to your senses, just for a few moments, you give your mind a micro break from the stress of thinking.</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><b><span style="font-size: large;">3. Use technology with awareness</span></b></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p4">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s2">Sitting at a computer all day? Bring awareness to your posture and breath. It has been noted that <b><i>email apnea, </i></b></span><span class="s1">the temporary absence or suspension of breathing while doing email, means we are inadvertently creating stress in the body. When we breathe irregularly, the body becomes acidic through retention of excess carbon dioxide. This acidity may contribute to stress related diseases. </span></span></div>
<div class="p4">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="p4">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="p4">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">4. Simplify your to do list</span></b></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Bring attention to the <i>top three priorities</i> of your day. Break your work time into smaller blocks for higher levels of efficiency, and take short breaks between blocks. (see the<i> pomodoro technique</i> for further details). </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="p1">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">5. Use your lunch as a mindful practice</span></b></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"><b></b></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Rather than eating whilst working on the computer, or missing out on lunch altogether, use your lunch as a way of practicing mindfulness. This means, notice you are eating as you are eating, intentionally tasting your food, bringing awareness to the act of chewing. This will give your mind an opportunity to rest from the whirlwind of the day, allowing space for mind and body rejuvenation. </span></span></div>
CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-21334126765808565312012-09-21T05:33:00.000-07:002012-09-21T06:14:13.450-07:00Trust and creativity are soul mates...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trust and creativity are soul mates.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am always seeking ways to expand my creativity and trust myself more. So I decided to start working with a coach to learn how to tune in more finely to my intuition and take steps that allow me to open more to new possibilities, rather than be restricted by the straightjacket of certainty and security.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been "prescribed" a daily activity of dancing by myself to a random song. This is an experiment which will supposedly enhance my capacity to feel and listen to where movement is compelling me to go.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The instructions are simple. Pick a random song off your iPod. Start by lying on the floor and become aware of any urge to move. If you feel no urge there is no need to force it. However, allow your body to follow any movement that arises.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1RWWsc7s9qHBCQQdhpPe6hrMwLaO0xIVm568FuZRbZ6-CbmmWhRgJvBlN3NrC0xhzU5VcZpxE7XrqU-fMdE_HJlUOZU1ASnEQGDud0kvROUSlhyNttPDRzJOdWERTxtKr4XrhRnqwiY/s1600/blogphotoletgo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1RWWsc7s9qHBCQQdhpPe6hrMwLaO0xIVm568FuZRbZ6-CbmmWhRgJvBlN3NrC0xhzU5VcZpxE7XrqU-fMdE_HJlUOZU1ASnEQGDud0kvROUSlhyNttPDRzJOdWERTxtKr4XrhRnqwiY/s320/blogphotoletgo.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At first I felt a little self conscious (which was a strange feeling as there was no one there but me). However, within a few moments my body just wanted to move. First, there were the predictable, familiar moves. The curvy, salsa-esque moves that I have been trained to do. But it became increasingly more interesting as the self consciousness subsided.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was a natural flow from one move to the next as "I" (the thinking "I") allowed my body to lead. There was no analysing or planning required. A complete liberation from my habitual way of being. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the mind and body move in different directions which one do you trust? What happens when you allow yourself to play more and trust the way your body wants you to go?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm looking forward to bringing some of these new moves into my everyday life. Less choreography, more improvisation.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-51669159393229190172012-08-04T01:39:00.000-07:002012-08-04T01:39:05.168-07:00Part I: The Power of Possibility in Portland...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3M6IgGZKL39Zsgz8VPJjb_TES8yGcFWMPbi7v5hJ7jP8J_iPFPMODSVbFBy0T-pIXvOU5zPZP53-9fqWFieQS_N-sKjoKF27wFAMrVIZSv1CwtmXZwDOYya9mSEuIh5zpiujTw9Z830/s1600/IMG_1405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3M6IgGZKL39Zsgz8VPJjb_TES8yGcFWMPbi7v5hJ7jP8J_iPFPMODSVbFBy0T-pIXvOU5zPZP53-9fqWFieQS_N-sKjoKF27wFAMrVIZSv1CwtmXZwDOYya9mSEuIh5zpiujTw9Z830/s320/IMG_1405.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Going to medical school taught me a lot of worthwhile things. However, it was also a path that seemed to gradually extinguish my early entrepreneurial tendencies. As I travelled deeper down the path of specialisation into Psychiatry, I felt myself becoming more and more constricted by the rules, both spoken and unspoken and less able to take risks and create my own path. There was as sense of feeling at times trapped by some invisible prison.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Over the past few years I have been on a mission of unlearning and relearning. I have realised how absolutely fundamental it is for one's growth to be surrounded by people with similar values. I've understood that "nothing extraordinary is achieved through ordinary means" and that this means you often have to take the road less travelled, which can be downright scary. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkv9ZLqrPf9zfMdvbdQ0BQ77Y9hUE0_sZn8Y9NzNKT1b8LqRrrVwsIxeH6R1El-p1Gb_BnC8J2f2SxZeq4hDwObshBblfrWzlsKNSjZV6co1d6BsRZ4ZL3a0pCbw-OcsEfKvZKOMhbigs/s1600/IMG_1468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkv9ZLqrPf9zfMdvbdQ0BQ77Y9hUE0_sZn8Y9NzNKT1b8LqRrrVwsIxeH6R1El-p1Gb_BnC8J2f2SxZeq4hDwObshBblfrWzlsKNSjZV6co1d6BsRZ4ZL3a0pCbw-OcsEfKvZKOMhbigs/s320/IMG_1468.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This path of learning, led me to Portland to attend the World Domination Summit. A conference led by <a href="http://chrisguillebeau.com/">Chris Guillebeau</a>, entrepreneur and inspiring blogger who curated a host of key speakers and workshops to explore the question: </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>How to live a remarkable life in a conventional world? </b></span></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Although the attendees were a diverse bunch from all parts of the world, the common thread was a shared commitment to living a life anchored to adventure, freedom, community and service. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Brene Brown opened the conference speaking about the importance of allowing ourselves to connect with our own vulnerability. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/iCvmsMzlF7o?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">A theme of the weekend was the need for courage and boldness in the world of entrepreneurialism. Daring greatly and being able to take a risk that may end in rejection, criticism or failure. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"<i>It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming...who at best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly...</i></span></span></b></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>~</i></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Theodore Roosevelt. </span></span></b></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">She invited us to exercise our vulnerability muscles. This begun with a request to start singing to the person sitting next to us and ended in dancing with as much silliness as we could muster. There was an immediate relaxed, openness that permeated the room and allowed everyone to drop their guards and relate from a place of refreshing authenticity and "uncoolness". </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">She spoke of the importance of creativity in living a wholehearted life.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>"Unused creativity is not BENIGN, it turns to grief and judgement"</b></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The grief that comes from "unused creativity" was something I had been familiar with in past years. I</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">t took a while to see that my "I love art, but I'm not creative" story, was stifling me like a scuba diver running out of oxygen. Creativity is in fact</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> a fundamental life force for me. </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">In order to step into our own creativity we need to check what stories we are telling ourselves that may be damming up our natural creative resources. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">My work as a holistic psychiatrist is to listen to the stories people tell themselves and support them in authoring new story lines that allow for more possibility. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>The World Domination Summit was a testament to possibility.</b> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWm-C0wsQ_epfQWKUjFTM_HtDn2d-TVRjL2Lt076I7VCMY-NEaDRQz-2UPx0XmggcihRF0ZPculdteOqr30r-yjW78yoxrhQyr6pQPluDNMu_gM_k541nlBgL6GIGbtZKL3XLnywnN7Os/s1600/IMG_1435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWm-C0wsQ_epfQWKUjFTM_HtDn2d-TVRjL2Lt076I7VCMY-NEaDRQz-2UPx0XmggcihRF0ZPculdteOqr30r-yjW78yoxrhQyr6pQPluDNMu_gM_k541nlBgL6GIGbtZKL3XLnywnN7Os/s320/IMG_1435.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.charitywater.org/about/scotts_story.php">Scott Harrison</a>, founder of Charity Water told his story of transformation, from living the drug addicted superficial world of NYC nightclub promoting, to helping to change the lives of millions of people living in poverty, spoke of the power of possibility. </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">As he shared stories of creating an innovative not for profit that builds wells through the developing world, tears flowed through the auditorium and resulted in many people volunteering their next birthdays to the cause. It was so inspiring to know that the </span><a href="http://www.mindfulinmay.com/" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">mindful in may</a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> community had collectively raised nearly $30,000 to the cause. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>His story supports the notion that when one's gifts are channeled in the right way, remarkable things become possible.</b></span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Although not a keynote speaker, <a href="http://www.daniellelaporte.com/">Danielle Laporte</a>, super successful digital entrepreneur, was a large reason I was pulled to Portland. It's always refreshing to meet someone you have been following online for a while and find that they have as much integrity and authenticity in three dimensions as they do on the screen. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Having worked in strategy at a Washington D.C think tank and then jumped ship to start her own thing, she gave succinct, practical tips on how to move from confusion to clarity with an idea. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Some gems that resonated for me included:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There is always clarity after confusion often you just need to be patient in that "<b>pea soup place</b>"</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There's never a perfect time to create and launch- just do it</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Enrol into your vision by getting public about your dream (it's debatable as <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_keep_your_goals_to_yourself.html">Derek Sivers</a> has a different opinion) </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Choose projects that will make you money the most quickly, then work on what's going to make you the most money later</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">If you're doing something you can't scale you'll end up in burnout land- make it scaleable</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Investing in market research around your product is like investing in a child by sending them to a good school</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Take softness and creativity and then get ruthless- you need timelines and deliverables to execute your ideas and projects</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">If things aren't working, it's not about trying harder, it's about changing your strategy</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Your metric is your body, how do you feel?</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When you feel like you're inspired, ask why am I inspired? It will teach you a lot: u</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">se what inspires you and build on it</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">SQUEEZE the life out of every project</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Apart from the inspiring formal key note talks and workshops, meeting the remarkable fellow attendees made flying across the ocean completely worthwhile. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Introducing:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.onegirl.org.au/" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Chantelle Baxter</a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> dedicating herself to bringing education to girls in Sierre Leone. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Emily Cavilier of M</span><a href="http://midnightbrunch.com/" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">idnight Brunch</a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> flipping brunch on it's head and bringing friends together at midnight in NYC.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Milo McLaughlin of </span><a href="http://www.clearmindedcreative.com/" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">clear minded creative</a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> who inspires people to transition from unfulfilling day jobs to creative, passion driven jobs. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.daveursillo.com/">Dave Ursillo</a>, a man wise beyond his years who is inspiring a quiet revolution with his leadership and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/God-Whispers-Wind-Spiritual-ebook/dp/B008PFX6M6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1343357182&sr=8-2&keywords=god+whispers+on+the+wind">poetry </a></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.hungontheworld.com/" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Hung Pham</a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">, who realised he was counselling others in career guidance but needed to take his own advice, and so decided to become a world travelling photographer.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://deeperground.com/">Syndee Stein</a>, a body worker and soul stirrer who artfully guides clients along new paths. </span></li>
<li><a href="http://thebrightarmy.com/" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Joshua Harbert</a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">, who grew up in Kenya the son of missionaries and now designs websites and tells stories of service around the world. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.fluentin3months.com/">Benny Lewis</a>, the hilarious Irishman who travels the world and sustains himself by helping his 250,000 readers learn languages (or simply entertains them so they can't help but come back to visit).</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Imagine multiplying this short list by a hundred and you can get a sense of the diversity, creativity and passion of some of the people who flocked to Portland. It was at times, overwhelming.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Conversations danced around the different stages of entrepreneurship. There were those who had come hoping for inspiration to move from the discontent of their current jobs, others who had recently taken the courageous leap into the unknown, and those who were successfully living "location independent" lifestyles doing what they were most passionate about and making money at the same time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQ37QU8Muvegl2gRGtMDWpWu_wUHd03G2KcB-Iq80jg1ZBLh9m8XlcZMvlbKyKeZ5igUZAcbJ94rz11WLrg1bsVdxWGWcAj4_EYCsHUaQ_i5RmmxOhdTIP3UOK1G5WNPVX82NAUQRzjI/s1600/WDSpic100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQ37QU8Muvegl2gRGtMDWpWu_wUHd03G2KcB-Iq80jg1ZBLh9m8XlcZMvlbKyKeZ5igUZAcbJ94rz11WLrg1bsVdxWGWcAj4_EYCsHUaQ_i5RmmxOhdTIP3UOK1G5WNPVX82NAUQRzjI/s320/WDSpic100.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">True to its theme the conference ended with a unconventional twist. On arrival we had all received a copy of Chris Guillebeau <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-100-Startup-Reinvent-Living/dp/0307951529">$100 start up book</a>. The book is a road map to reinventing the way you make a living. To bookend that, Chris announced that an anonymous donor had given $100,000 as he had been so inspired the year before. As everyone left the auditorium we were all gifted with a sealed envelope. It was a $100 bill. "There's no excuse now", Chris cheekily grinned from the stage, "I look forward to hearing what you do with this." I felt more responsibility to this $100 then any other before. As the crowd left the majestic theatre there was a buzz of ideas, collaborations, jokes and tears. What was I going to do with this unconventional gift? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-37137959146747314502012-07-06T08:29:00.001-07:002012-07-06T08:33:12.692-07:00Deep listening at the World Domination Summit<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">"To listen fully means to pay close attention to what is being said beneath the words. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="mc-toc-title">You listen not only to the 'music,' but to the essence of the person speaking.</span></span></i></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="mc-toc-title"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="mc-toc-title"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>You listen not only for what someone knows, but for what he or she is.</i></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="mc-toc-title"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="mc-toc-title"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Generative listening is the art of developing deeper silences in yourself, so you can slow your mind’s hearing to your ears’ natural speed, and hear beneath the words to their meaning.</i>"</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><b>~ Peter Senge</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="mc-toc-title"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIat-cktcahXItmUA-5E9OgQWlhuwSztSL1fR23EIZr1ckV-j09CNhnDY4ED80ikgk8mQLv3jfmg18QXZTJQA8Le9Tyr1AtjcpCXJLcGoPX_sc9kg00q57JJ1EFbLR4sIT0YIm1aXjjI/s1600/elandjensunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTIat-cktcahXItmUA-5E9OgQWlhuwSztSL1fR23EIZr1ckV-j09CNhnDY4ED80ikgk8mQLv3jfmg18QXZTJQA8Le9Tyr1AtjcpCXJLcGoPX_sc9kg00q57JJ1EFbLR4sIT0YIm1aXjjI/s320/elandjensunset.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; color: #000033; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; color: #000033; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">Over the past few days, in the lead up to the World Domination Summit I have had many stimulating, body tingling conversations. The kind of conversation that throws the background out of focus and brings you sharply into connection with another through shared values, aspirations, challenges and interest. </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;">It's been happening over and over again. It's extraordinary. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;">I've been thinking about that feeling. That feeling of deep connection. The feeling you have when you are truly, deeply engaged in conversation. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;">As a psychiatrist in training who practices mindfulness meditation I'm often aware of the meta position through conversation. It's my job, to pay attention, deeply listen, not simply to what the other person is saying but what my own body is saying whilst in conversation. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;">I'm intrigued by different personalities and am aware of the dynamics of conversation. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;">Noticing the speed, depth, authenticity of conversation. Noticing those conversations that seem incredibly one sided and leave me wondering about the other persons lack of empathy. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">I aspire to the I-thou conversation as described by Martin Buber. The conversation that is sacred. The conversation where I bring an intention to be wholly present to the other persons being. This is in contrast to the I-it conversation where one relates to someone </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">else as merely an object for their own benefit.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;">As an extrovert, someone who genuinely derives energy and pleasure out of connecting with others, this conference runs the risk of getting me over excited and scattered. I can feel that urge inside me, that desire to reach out and meet, meet, meet.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;">I realise I need to let go of that desire and be present to the conversations that serendipity's dance creates. I know there are so many inspiring kindred spirits out there that will pass me by this year. It feels like being at disneyland and missing out on some of the rides. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;">My intention this weekend is to be present to those I encounter, wholeheartedly. I want to hear the music that is beneath your words. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;">Paying attention is one of the most important skills we can cultivate, especially in this age of distraction. Conversation is an opportunity to practice paying attention. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;">To those I don't get the privilege of meeting this weekend, there is always cyberspace (@meditatecreate Facebook Elise Lew) and next year! </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;">How are you relating in conversation? Do you speak more than listen? Do you take in the whole person? Do you notice your attention straying? Any judgements? </span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
</div>CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-54934980297886960932012-07-04T11:42:00.000-07:002012-07-04T11:42:50.227-07:00<br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span>The World Domination Summit. Portland.</span></b></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepXpvBrlErVkKWQi2SXJhm7Vz_TO-9b-5r55J_EaaO5tBZclDLRREvXXAObXe9LHvZOgDkoeJzt3O75CpzxQ6qOCz9JWB34eMVR12g2cGQAPR138iHhGi_wjaYXekXEqYzX9KTwcHELA/s1600/portlandbridges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepXpvBrlErVkKWQi2SXJhm7Vz_TO-9b-5r55J_EaaO5tBZclDLRREvXXAObXe9LHvZOgDkoeJzt3O75CpzxQ6qOCz9JWB34eMVR12g2cGQAPR138iHhGi_wjaYXekXEqYzX9KTwcHELA/s320/portlandbridges.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I’ve been telling friends in Melbourne that I’m going to the World Domination Summit. </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The what?</span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yes, you heard right, the World Domination Summit. </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One thousand digital and aspiring entrepreneurs are descending on Portland as I write, for a 3 day inspiration and education fest about all things “lifestyle design” (a.k.a creating a life of success on your own terms).</span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The conference is the brainchild of Chris Guillebeau, an inspiring writer and entrepreneur who made it his mission to travel to every country on earth. He shares his wisdom of travelling on the cheap at his successful blog, The Art of Non-Conformity and earns a living through sharing his experience. His book, the $100 startup, is a collection of stories and insightful, specific pointers to guide you along the way to creating an online business that thrives. </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">His words and message are compelling. It’s what has spurred me to fly from Australia to meet other people who are dedicated to living with passion and working out how to keep paying the bills.</span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Finding a community of people who share similar values is essential to moving towards your ultimate purpose and aspirations. </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I’ve already crossed paths digitally with many of the members of this unconventional convention. I’ve been closely following Danielle Laporte, Susannah Conway, Jonthan Fields, Derek Halpern, Scott Belsky, to name a few. </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Other people I have stumbled across who I’m excited to meet in real life are Farnoosh Brock, Jodi Ettenberg, Dusti Arab, Benny Lewis, Kyeli Smith to name a few. One creative WDSter is trying to keep track of all the friendships formed that started on twitter. He has requested that when you meet someone for the first time who you’ve been communicating with through twitter you take a picture and then label it #hashtagtohandshake. Brilliant. </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Over the past two years of diving deep into social media (twitter predominantly), my Idea Landscape has opened up beyond my imaginings. </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I’m looking forward to an infusion of inspiration from some of the worlds leading digital edge-dwellers. This city is teeming with overenthusiastic World Domination Summit attendees and I can’t wait to meet my first one! </span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I look forward to sharing my WDS insights here. </span></span></div>CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-10432685010806051682012-03-18T22:45:00.006-07:002012-07-05T00:48:37.251-07:00Mindful in May<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQa3om_pe9Bj3inXacTu-ZCZWlMGsnXhzWhADyIPB96ZiPFAKHz3bVn4v-_ZVpYdv_xsf92OwrK-p7jGYYesig6VPeDyBPhQyUndzZwv6qeSXtfjROqwTy0nd_lXKgNoq0BLpofKFyBb4/s1600/mindfulinmayblacklogo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"></span></b></span><br />
<blockquote>
</blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">“</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">The idea that the brain can change its own structure and function through thought and activity is, I believe, the most important alteration in our view of the brain since we first sketched out its basic anatomy and the workings of its basic component, the neuron. Like all revolutions this one will have profound effects…” </span></i></b></span></div>
<div>
<blockquote>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Papyrus; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 13.5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: -13.5px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><b></b></span></i></span></div>
<div style="color: white; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Papyrus; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 13.5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 18px; text-indent: -13.5px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande'; font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.normandoidge.com/normandoidge/MAIN.html">The brain that changes itself </a>~ Norman Doidge, MD. </i></span></div>
<div style="color: white; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Papyrus; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 13.5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 18px; text-indent: -13.5px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande'; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQa3om_pe9Bj3inXacTu-ZCZWlMGsnXhzWhADyIPB96ZiPFAKHz3bVn4v-_ZVpYdv_xsf92OwrK-p7jGYYesig6VPeDyBPhQyUndzZwv6qeSXtfjROqwTy0nd_lXKgNoq0BLpofKFyBb4/s1600/mindfulinmayblacklogo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721480319480397506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQa3om_pe9Bj3inXacTu-ZCZWlMGsnXhzWhADyIPB96ZiPFAKHz3bVn4v-_ZVpYdv_xsf92OwrK-p7jGYYesig6VPeDyBPhQyUndzZwv6qeSXtfjROqwTy0nd_lXKgNoq0BLpofKFyBb4/s320/mindfulinmayblacklogo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
Over the past number of months I have been working on a project called <a href="http://www.mindfulinmay.com/">Mindful in May</a>. It's an exciting campaign combining the benefits of mindfulness meditation with an opportunity to meaningfully contribute to a significant cause. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's for both beginners and more experienced meditators and aims to create a community of people committed to cultivating well-being both in our own lives and in the lives of others living in poverty.</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mindful in May serves as a resource guide and inspiration to those who seek to explore the benefits of mindfulness. It includes daily newsletters including education, meditation downloads and cutting edge research supporting the benefits of meditation. It is tailored for those who feel time poor but still wish to take advantage of the opportunity to learn this valuable practice. Participants will follow the online program that will run through the month of May and include a ten minute daily practice.</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just like physical fitness, developing the mind’s capacity to stay present and mindful is a skill that requires regular training. The benefits of physical exercise are well established. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">There is now compelling research supporting the fact that meditation when practiced regularly, can lead to structural changes in the brain</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=6259550757321777261&postID=1043268501080605168#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: ArialMT;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 78%;">[1]</span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US"> associated with reduced genetic ageing</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=6259550757321777261&postID=1043268501080605168#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: ArialMT;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 78%;">[2]</span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US">, improved physical well being</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=6259550757321777261&postID=1043268501080605168#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: ArialMT;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 78%;">[3]</span></span></span></a><span lang="EN-US">, enhanced mental performance</span><span lang="EN-US">, and increased happiness.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Our world is in a state of exponential growth and change. As the world becomes more interconnected we are being overwhelmed with information. This impacts significantly on our powers of concentration and attention both of which are crucial for our work, health, and relationships</span>.<b> </b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-weight: normal;">The increasing demands in our society are leading to heightened stress and growing levels of depression. </span><span lang="EN-US">According to WHO, by 2030, depression will pose the biggest health burden on society, both economically and sociologically. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It is becoming clear that to ensure happiness and prevent stress, we need to build on our internal resources.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">During Mindful in May you will be raising funds towards bringing clean water to the one billion people who struggle daily living without it. Donations will be given to <a href="http://www.charitywater.org/">Charity Water</a>, an innovative NGO that delivers 100% of its donations directly to building clean water wells. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Just as <i>polluted water </i></span><span lang="EN-US">is the root cause of much suffering in the developing world, so too a <i>polluted mind, </i></span><span lang="EN-US">clouded by misperception and distraction,<i> </i></span><span lang="EN-US">is the root cause of much suffering in the developed world. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"></span></div>
<blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000099;">Mindful in May: Pause for a cause.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000099;">CLEAR MIND for you,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #000099;">CLEAN WATER for others.</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="color: #222222;"></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 22px/normal Tahoma; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 27px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 22px/normal Tahoma; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 27px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 85%;">Stay tuned as the website will be ready for sign up very soon...</span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 22px/normal Tahoma; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 27px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 85%;">If you like the sound of Mindful in May share this post with your friends and family through <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mindfulinmay">Facebook</a> or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mindfulinmay">Twitter</a>. </span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 22px/normal Tahoma; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 27px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 22px/normal Tahoma; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 27px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: white; font: normal normal normal 22px/normal Tahoma; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 27px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande'; font-size: 85%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Papyrus; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 13.5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: -13.5px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande';"> </span></span></div>
<div style="color: white; font: normal normal normal 22px/normal Tahoma; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 27px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Papyrus; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 13.5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -13.5px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 10px/normal Papyrus; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 13.5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -13.5px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: white; font: normal normal normal 7px/normal Tahoma; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 81px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; min-height: 8px; text-indent: -9px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<div id="ftn1">
<div class="Default">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=6259550757321777261&postID=1043268501080605168#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 8pt;">[1]</span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 8pt;"> Lazar SW, Kerr CE, Wasserman RH, et al. Neuroreport. 2005;16(17):1893-1897.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=6259550757321777261&postID=1043268501080605168#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">[2]</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> Pagnoni G. Cekic M. Neurobiology of Aging. 2007;28(10):1623-7.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3">
<div class="Default">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=6259550757321777261&postID=1043268501080605168#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 8pt;">[3]</span></span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 8pt;"> Epel E, Daubenmier J, Moskowitz JT, Folkman S, Blackburn E. Can meditation slow rate of cellular aging? Cognitive stress, mindfulness, and telomeres. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2009 Aug;1172:34-53.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: 8pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn4">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<o:p></o:p></div>CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-53671943213365144252011-12-30T12:18:00.000-08:002011-12-30T14:27:29.439-08:00What's your theme for 2012?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEchjuhLGfq3acFw8ETaxUVeVgAkf3nqi2TtLjQsRbKyY-7h5xPqBKLyLtllMTyTdXOouCfDfg-7DzGFXLZBgoO3xOgG6yoHCa8slf6YlzvOyFIdtw3bmEjfwfG0XcQ34k8vE2R_zxQXA/s1600/IMG_1018.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSMRqvs0WPe7DD5jwWNIh_SoCfayrdSHFOJCeJSUxu6oUeiaeRtObWp1YWzJCxV-Hgj1enNkxNqP8IvIy6FexYFYg7ifeczB3rAYLtEZTRcTVbMegvU_OW7cL4FbmFUIJynfRCJUB1m4/s1600/IMG_1021.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSMRqvs0WPe7DD5jwWNIh_SoCfayrdSHFOJCeJSUxu6oUeiaeRtObWp1YWzJCxV-Hgj1enNkxNqP8IvIy6FexYFYg7ifeczB3rAYLtEZTRcTVbMegvU_OW7cL4FbmFUIJynfRCJUB1m4/s320/IMG_1021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692024560666443746" /></a>I'm into marking time. Living life consciously with clear intention. Some would argue I live a little too consciously. Stop thinking so much and just see what happens, they nudge. Putting aside time for reflection on what has passed and what's to come feels like an important ritual. I find myself in Red Hill for the final week of 2011 with my man, Ford. An unexpected peaceful ending to a turbulent year. I sit down to start writing and reflecting on 2011, surrounded by windows looking out into nature, a splash of colour catches my eye. Through the window I see bright orange flowers illuminated by the fleeting glow of sunset. I follow my urge and find a collection of divine flowers that I hadn't properly noticed, despite being here for days.<br /><div><br /></div><div>As I return to my page to reflect, project, dream and write, I am reminded to keep my eyes open in 2012 for unexpected, hidden treasures that may appear transiently and peripherally and are worth going off piste to explore. And so, as I continue with this new year's reflection I am reminded to hold onto plans lightly and allow for life to surprise and take me on tangents that could lead me to new and wondrous places.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEchjuhLGfq3acFw8ETaxUVeVgAkf3nqi2TtLjQsRbKyY-7h5xPqBKLyLtllMTyTdXOouCfDfg-7DzGFXLZBgoO3xOgG6yoHCa8slf6YlzvOyFIdtw3bmEjfwfG0XcQ34k8vE2R_zxQXA/s320/IMG_1018.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692045380649295010" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div>I was inspired by <a href="http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/2011-annual-review-the-beginning/?awt_l=P0x3g&awt_m=JnQDiTH2rsnt7W">Chris Guillebeau's</a> annual review where he shared his way of reflecting and projecting around the new year. If you don't know his blog, you should. The guy set a goal to travel to every country in the world and he is well on his way with fantastic insights to share. I digress. He poses two helpful questions to reflect on:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>What went well in 2011?</b></div><div><b>What did not go well in 2011?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>He also comes up with a theme for the new year, which I thought was fun. So here are my reflections and theme. I hope they inspire you to take the questions and reflect on your own year.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>What went well in 2011?</b></div><div><ul><li>I fulfilled my 2010 goal of embracing yoga by starting my teacher training</li><li>I decided to sit my final psychiatry exams despite my resistance and passed them</li><li>I decided to embrace technology despite my resistance and have become social media literate (and overenthusiastic)</li><li>I took up a social experiment by signing up to twitter and am now completely converted, having seen the new landscapes it has opened up for me in meeting new people and finding new ideas that are floating around the global internet stratosphere</li><li>I had the courage to leave a relationship that didn't feel right</li><li>I learned more about myself than I have in the past many years through the gut wrenching tsunami of a relationship breakup</li><li>I had the courage to give that relationship a second chance and apply my learning in reuniting with my man</li><li>I faced deep loneliness and realized it doesn't kill you</li><li>I facilitated meditation classes at <a href="http://www.simplysilence.org/elwood.htm">Simply Silence</a> </li><li>I continued writing this blog (albeit a little sporadically)</li><li>Hosted a random lunch gathering with new people through <a href="http://curiouslycreating.blogspot.com/2011/05/eat-with-me.html">eatwithme</a></li><li>I went to some amazing conferences, <a href="http://trampolineday.com/">Trampoline Day</a>,<a href="http://gathering11.net/the-gathering11-experience/">Gathering '11</a>, <a href="http://www.creativeinnovationglobal.com.au/ci2011/">Creative innovation conference</a> , TedxWomen, blogging conference, learned alot and met great people (<a href="http://twitter.com/davidahood">@davidahood</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/rosshill">@rosshill</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/lukegrange">@lukegrange</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/LinaMbirkou">@linaMbirkou</a> </li><li>My short film Just Be Frank got a mention in the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/19/movies/palm-springs-international-shortfest.html?pagewanted=all">NYTimes </a> and was screened at five film festivals in the USA. </li><li>I started drinking Green Juices, learned about nutrition and managed to sustain 6kg of weight loss</li><li>I stayed committed to therapy </li><li>I found a great personal coach (<a href="http://totalbalance.com.au/aboutus.htm">Kate James</a>) to support me on the path</li></ul><div><b>What did not go well in 2011?</b></div></div><div><ul><li>I found it hard to manage time and stay connected with the wonderful people in my life.</li><li>I disappointed a few friends (but repaired and have a stronger friendship for it)</li><li>I failed an exam and had to continue studying all year despite my internal tantruming and deep desire to move on to more creative endeavors</li><li>I still can't say that I <i>LOVE</i> my job (although I love lots of things outside of my job and seriously how could you love a job that requires 24hr shifts and deals with people that are being treated against their will by the mental health act legislation! It's a long means to a hopeful ends...where I get to practice psychiatry in a wholistic way with meditation, minimal drugs, tibetan chimes, incense, Rumi and Yoga)</li><li>Didn't pick up my guitar again despite my desires</li><li>My meditation-creativity workshop got postponed in the face of too much study</li><li>Didn't read as many fiction books as I'd hoped to read (although did read some inspiring non-fiction! <a href="http://www.theuncertaintybook.com/">Uncertainty</a>, <a href="http://the99percent.com/book">Making ideas happen</a> etc)</li><li>Didn't have as many random dinner parties as I would have liked.</li><li>Didn't set up a regular women's meditation circle.</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div>Someone once told me that it's best not to talk about your goals until they are in action. So I'll keep my 2012 goals to myself for now but leave you with my theme:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> " <b>2012: The year of creativity and execution "</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>#Hint</b>: It's going to involve music, travel, photography, meditation, fundraising, writing, taking risks and attempting to fail more than usual... </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>" Success is going from failure to failure with enthusiasm"</i></b> </div><div style="text-align: center;">~ Winston Churchhill</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What went well and not so well for you in 2011? I'd love to hear...</div><div><br /></div><div>What's your theme for 2012?</div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CdhV7_zyPfVxRj3DaS3FU-8sVcF_3MZO4TlcFEDMZJnQSx7DdDA6EJ7l65XwRyOmgjQsSTrYn-hVrrz0GPgXqkt-EF8rr2RK4l8oCnWtZIR7TSopMkJ_2tRf_UTSg70rUzxoC5PMlkQ/s320/IMG_1023.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692023898480492738" /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_QQ06gHQuqQfhDZudXcB3wiUyvNRuO1blp_3ZWABuynD-kzp2Ip7V8J3ylWvkeBu9x2yZfiHY2TQbRp7NIKPP8BlsAGvGV8GjAT10EkAi3MmYJ6e5UTfdDmTbqZSUbsp7Yf5cyJlt5s/s320/IMG_1022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692023904457934274" /></div></div>CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-20032740170929730132011-12-05T02:21:00.000-08:002011-12-09T04:27:19.314-08:00TEDx women arrives in Melbourne and a tribe is formed...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcUBB1xAisBSLDEhItc3r62aZl2YWFYSfiF5tqgv5AgCOTZbWWjjgAZz4hWMjy6rEVXhWgFABgDgMWhrz2C1oU0XsIYxmEDNwsJ-M0744fm3ZAq7pWnB-SCEut2KAAtABIu8c1lVKboA/s1600/tedxlogo.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcUBB1xAisBSLDEhItc3r62aZl2YWFYSfiF5tqgv5AgCOTZbWWjjgAZz4hWMjy6rEVXhWgFABgDgMWhrz2C1oU0XsIYxmEDNwsJ-M0744fm3ZAq7pWnB-SCEut2KAAtABIu8c1lVKboA/s320/tedxlogo.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682634036725918290" /></a><br />I am a complete TED-o-phile, possibly verging on evangelistic.<br /><div><br /></div><div>I have started prescribing TED talks alongside anti-depressants to my patients in the psychiatric clinic where I work. I believe inspiration is as powerful as medication. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am spamming my colleagues in the hospital system with TED inspiration, because I know how the power of stories can change lives and hopefully institutions.</div><div><br /></div><div>I delight in meeting people who have not come across the ocean of ideas at <a href="http://www.ted.com/">TED</a>, knowing how excited they will be after their first click. </div><div><br /></div><div>Melbourne birthed it's very own TEDx women event at the Wheeler Centre, midwifed by <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/emily_hehir">Emily Hehir</a>, a young, feisty lawyer who managed to miraculously organize the event within a month of having the idea. </div><div><br /></div><div>The theme of the night was self-determination and there were many moving personal stories which were shared. Emily set the tone of the night quoting "If you don't risk anything, you risk everything", and shared authentically and transparently about her own journey of chipping away at the perfectionistic drive and allowing her true self to emerge. Her authentic self bubbled out of her on stage as she enthusiastically and articulately introduced the speakers. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.ccfamlaw.com.au/">Caroline Counsel</a>, family lawyer, started the night by pointing to the loss of power that many women experience within traditionally structured marriages. She took us on a guided tour of the aftermath of separation, what she called "the dead cow", describing the often complete loss of identity and self that women face and setting the scene for the importance of women's self-determination. She explained her collaborative practice of creating contracts between lawyers on each side to avoid the piranha like process that is settlement. <a href="http://www.danicalani.com/">Danica Lani </a>, moved the audience with her short film "a gift to the world" which tells of her journey to shift her own self narrative from being a 'mistake in the world' to realising her potential and subsequently sparking a successful business. <a href="http://foodhands.com/asuka">Asuka Hara</a>, founder of Kinfolk cafe, gently voiced the power of free dance in supporting her movement from self consciousness and rigidity to a more fluid, authentic path. She challenged the audience with a question: What are your shoulds?The fixed "I" stories that hold you back from living true to your authentic self?"</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/alexie-o-brien/12/95/748">Alexie O'brien</a>, general manager from Lululemon, inspired the audience with her theories around relationship success and happiness. She talked of the "Hokie-Pokie" phenomenon ie. the one foot in one foot out (aka commitment avoidance) which she experienced in her own relationship and suggested the importance of jumping both feet in to allow the cultivation of one's vision. She emphasised the importance of knowing what you want and having a vision to work towards whether in relationship or career. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was deeply moved by <a href="http://www.camillamaling.com/">Camilla Maling</a>, a yoga teacher amongst many other things, who shared profound insights from experiences of motherhood. She observed the force of self determination that manifested from her one year old daughter and related this to the force within all of us that can become obscured by conditioning and self doubt. I felt this woman's words emanate from her entire body, evidence of her commitment to Yoga. The body wisdom coming through her reached the audience and concluded with a deep meditation. </div><div><br /></div><div>Meditation was a clear theme of the night, with <a href="http://www.bkwsu.org/au/communities/More">Kalvinder Shields</a>, an economics academic and meditation practitioner, floating onto stage in her kaftan, with an angelic voice spoke speaking of the importance of creating space to listen deeply, tune in and follow your truth. She called to redefine success as the degree to which one is comfortable within oneself, rather than blindly pursuing external status. She invited us to remember to ask ourselves how we really feel and then use spiritual practice as a compass to guide and support an alignment between one's inner and outer world. </div><div><br /></div><div>Throughout the year I have experienced a clear sense of an emerging global movement. Having attended conferences and festivals such as <a href="http://gathering11.net/">Gathering 11</a>, <a href="http://www.creativeinnovationglobal.com.au/ci2011/">Creative Innovation conference</a>, <a href="http://www.australianmeditationconference.com.au/">Australian Meditation conference</a>, Burning Seed, and <a href="http://curiouslycreating.blogspot.com/2010/11/peyo-where-creativity-meets-community.html">Peyo</a> I am noticing the recurrence of ideas which were reinforced at TEDx women. The exponential technological changes in our world are impacting us in profound ways. There is a greater need for spirituality over status, community over individualism, self-narration over cultural conditioning, equality over discrimination, and awareness over ignorance. With the democratization of information that is occurring across the internet and through social media, we are finding our tribes faster and learning more than we ever could. Daniel Dennet, American philosopher states: What you can imagine, depends on what you know. The TED movement is fostering an expansion of consciousness and knowledge, allowing people to imagine beyond what they could before. With this imagination, new stories are being authored and new possibilities are being birthed. I look foward to TEDxwomen 2012... </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Watch some TED clips from the latest <a href="http://tedxwomen.org/">TEDxWomen</a> in New York</div><div><br /></div><div>Which speaker resonated with you the most and why? Feel free to comment below...</div><div><br /></div><div>If you like what you read, subscribe to my blog, top right...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div>CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-80298280732363469522011-10-05T13:24:00.000-07:002011-10-06T23:44:11.198-07:00Harnessing the power of your mind...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3DaOJriFwynWFJbPHoUfM5ojGnQJZEBUh_S1t8iUxTknEAU0SXgHfDMGcL3yNdLBNlp7rQnAPNfToPBghfUuotKotystP6aysf5xHQHMQROYAAqlItgLuEqJSv7qnisREHc6YvTgDTE/s1600/just+breathe.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3DaOJriFwynWFJbPHoUfM5ojGnQJZEBUh_S1t8iUxTknEAU0SXgHfDMGcL3yNdLBNlp7rQnAPNfToPBghfUuotKotystP6aysf5xHQHMQROYAAqlItgLuEqJSv7qnisREHc6YvTgDTE/s320/just+breathe.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660135580809575714" /></a>Why is it that when we need <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">exercise</span> and relaxation the most, this is the time when we generally let it go. Or is that just me? The last few months I have been busy studying for my final psychiatry exams. Spending my time with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DSM</span>-IV (the bible of insanity) not far from my side, trying to memorise all the possible ways the mind can go awry. In very basic terms there are two types of ways the mind can fail us. It can become too rigid or too loose and chaotic. For example: <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Obsessive</span> Compulsive Disorder, a situation whereby the mind fills with thoughts or images which are intrusive, like doubt, disturbing sexual thoughts, or concerns you've left the oven on. As a solution the mind concocts specific rigid rules to follow which create a sense of security, like repeating to yourself three times that you are not a paedophile or touching your ear ten times before you leave the house to feel secure nothing disastrous will happen when you enter the world. On the other extreme, when the mind becomes chaotic and loose problems like Bulimia occur. Here the mind fills with unrestrained desire and food is consumed in large amounts with a sense of loss of control. Mind really can be a beast at its worst. However, things really become problematic when we start to believe the thoughts that are generated by mind. Although the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">DSM</span> tells the story of mind states in their extreme, we can all identify with times when the mind has lost it's balance and we are taking it too seriously.<div><br /></div><div>Mindfulness of breathing is an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">exercise</span> which can quiet the mind in a remarkably short time, if we find the time. Personally, finding that time <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">amidst</span> stressful, busy periods can be challenging. Sometimes it's only through the support of friends and family that I remember to find that time. Mindfulness of breathing is fundamentally a very basic task, yet at the same time exceedingly difficult. </div><div><br /></div><div>Last night I found that lying on my bed was the most supportive way to find my balance again. Next time you are stressed, take some time out, get comfortable, lie down. Firstly, become aware of any areas of tension in your body and actively try and let go of the tension with each exhalation. Let the day that has been and all your concerns and future lists dissolve with each exhalation. Imagining each exhale as a gentle breeze blowing thoughts away like leaves on a windy autumn day. Then tuning into your breath, bringing a curiosity to your breathing. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">After all</span>, it is actually the most intriguing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">phenomenon</span> there is, without it we die. Bring attention to the space that arises at the end of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">out breath</span>. Notice how big that space is. Last night I noticed I hadn't been aware of that space in many weeks. It was nice to find it again, I noticed a brief feeling of anxiety hidden within the space. A thought emerged "How long can that space be, how long can we retain breath for?" I caught myself falling into a spiral of thinking and then with the next exhale let go of that and decided to follow it up after meditation. I noticed my breathing slow down to the pace it would be if I was sleeping deeply. A sense of relief came over me, good to find that balance again amidst what has been a high stress time. </div><div><br /></div><div>After the meditation was finished I found this interesting you tube clip about the power of breath, which <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">truely</span> amazed me. It describes the profound power that the mind has over body processes. It tells of the under-researched power of breath. A yogi who can slow his heart rate down from 80 beats per <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">minute</span> to 35 beats per minute just by controlling his breath. Why is this so important? Because this counters the effects of stress and anxiety and proves that by harnessing our minds properly we cannot only change our state of mind but also the effect our mind has over our body, a powerful tool with less side effects than a tablet. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://blog.yogasynergy.com/tag/breath-retention/">http://blog.yogasynergy.com/tag/breath-retention/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>How do you find balance? Do you ever meditate and what have you noticed when taking that time to breathe? Would you be interested in joining a 30-day mindfulness challenge?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I'd love to hear your thoughts so leave a comment.. and if you like this post pass it on through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">facebook</span> or twitter.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div>CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-21319777073502374352011-08-05T04:30:00.000-07:002011-08-05T04:30:02.338-07:00WHERE GOOD IDEAS COME FROM by Steven Johnson<iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NugRZGDbPFU?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-30758679585301113322011-07-15T18:00:00.002-07:002012-03-26T18:07:43.310-07:00Why Meditate?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcq3BfNeyMFF0hnxGYf_VuoCIlBn41keBb782V0xitUDn4eNzhszM6I_13iiU1K-c4urzWQJhyphenhyphenVi8guCZ44_GZCcnJupA_612ZSOaYN-gzF1r6n0Xn8lhDwuSu3msmziR_45LUhv-Ur0/s1600/brainstem_II.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>I have been interested in meditation for many years however bringing it into my life in a committed way still remains a challenge. It has made me think about why there are things we want to do and know are good for us, yet struggle to maintain in our lives. In a world where choice is overwhelming and access to possibilities through the internet are creating a culture of obsession with connectedness, it becomes harder to stay focussed. Through this hyper-connectedness to the external world, we are losing connection to ourselves. <div><br /></div><div>Meditation offers a space to unplug from the incessant stream of information and noise, be that external or internal, and be reminded there is a place to reside that is beyond time and beyond needing to get somewhere else. A friend of mine recently described a profound moment of witnessing his grandmother pass away. He spoke of the strangeness of watching another human being take their last breath. I worked in palliative care many years ago and was also profoundly intrigued by this final moment. When watching someone exhale for the last time this whole life thing can seem like a bit of a cruel joke. So much time spent working, creating, building, worrying, planning and in the end you breath out and it doesn't matter what came before you. As I write this there may be those who pull away, it all sounds so morbid, but in fact the Buddhist practice of meditating on your own death is a profound way of bringing you into the immediacy of your life. We are reminded of this immediacy when someone dear to us passes or we hear some news of someone's diagnosis of cancer. Meditation brings us close to the simple miracle of consciousness without needing a tragic shake up to get there. How often do you stop in your day and bring gratitude to the mere fact you can see? Did you actually taste the last meal you ate? Were you really listening to the last friend that was speaking to you or were you already thinking about what you wanted to say next? </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcq3BfNeyMFF0hnxGYf_VuoCIlBn41keBb782V0xitUDn4eNzhszM6I_13iiU1K-c4urzWQJhyphenhyphenVi8guCZ44_GZCcnJupA_612ZSOaYN-gzF1r6n0Xn8lhDwuSu3msmziR_45LUhv-Ur0/s320/brainstem_II.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629759273925828738" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div>But why does all this matter? It matters because losing connection with yourself and your life's purpose puts you at risk of depression which is predicted to become the second largest health problem in the world by 2020. Meditation is an antidote for the gravity like force that is technology. As technology is expanding us, meditation can help to keep us earthed. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are many myths around meditation. There are also many different forms of meditation. One thing that is common no matter what meditation you do, is that there is no such concept as a good or bad meditator. It is the world of duality, the good and the bad, that meditation helps us transcend, even for a few moments. Next time you sit to meditate and think you are doing it 'badly', pose a question: who is thinking the thought "I am doing it badly"?. This 'I' that we so strongly believe to be ourselves, that we so strongly identify with, is like the frothy pollution that floats atop the vast, expansive sea of our consciousness. As meditation deepens we take a deep dive beyond the superficial mind chatter and reach a place that is peaceful, content and grounded. Exhaling as if it was our last breath we are brought into the miracle of being alive. Nowhere to go, nothing to do, no one to be. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Would you like to bring meditation into your daily life and contribute to a global cause? </i></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><i>Mindful in May is an opportunity to sign up to join others around the world commit to a daily meditation for one month in May 2012. www.mindfulinmay.com and www.facebook.com/mindfulinmay</i></span></b></div><div><br /></div>CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-4138584723766670732011-07-10T07:12:00.001-07:002011-07-10T07:28:00.928-07:00Like a home cooked meal..<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBjQPvtF8BnGOs-uVjSN9zp0TwBOCAY3eAjJUocArVOSE6dpcq9PMPoEFi9NBj4oPgEuJsjaV7DBIEV-O-jaz_rCfh1IdV1kcbUYRWTZKxMqKOdW7uC5n26yS6ZDOx1cyAdUqlIDVPNw/s1600/IMG_0555.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBjQPvtF8BnGOs-uVjSN9zp0TwBOCAY3eAjJUocArVOSE6dpcq9PMPoEFi9NBj4oPgEuJsjaV7DBIEV-O-jaz_rCfh1IdV1kcbUYRWTZKxMqKOdW7uC5n26yS6ZDOx1cyAdUqlIDVPNw/s320/IMG_0555.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627727045106837938" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Since 1981, the Tofu shop has been making it's own tofu and transforming it into creative dishes, both savory and sweet. A simple cafe with counter seating, a few outside tables and soft background reggae music, the focus here is on fresh, healthy food that nurtures the soul as well as the body. It is the only cafe I </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">would forgive for using the dreaded bain-marie because of the absolute quality of the food. There are at least five different dishes available hourly usually including a tofu dish, lentils, pumpkin or eggplant. Spices such as cardamom, cumin and ginger abound. Also on offer are felafels, samosas and delicious wraps. They occasionally run cooking classes whereby they share some of their spice secrets. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDcAf_f_oaIxCEPU229KGoHDENcMyaY3M_MW-akjegtFv2MUawkj_baPhhONro0_arJyYuMGnEYLFtWTUc5wttebkSJdu8wCdOUW1YvbrG-3Ucn3_j3WpxxU7Zjc8RpKpDPAxLnkg-f2M/s320/IMG_0557.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627726572536073602" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For dessert try the array of curious tofu sweet slices including date and apple or mango and coconut. The rosewater or green tea tofu icecream is my personal sweet favourite. The prices aren't super cheap but for sixteen dollars you get a very generous bowl of goodness which leaves you feeling grateful and nourished. The bustling turn around means that every few hours the meals are different, particularly fortunate for those of us who visit twice in a day! If you live in Melbourne and haven't discovered this little gem, you will be delighted.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div>CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-6323430018122712762011-07-03T06:59:00.000-07:002011-07-03T07:21:32.722-07:00Gathering 11: Exploring ways in which technology can support creating a better future<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_TB95OIqyGybpcWcCZexdNnOxCvtYFXSA3aHFDRl1Cy7zffSzgp7WuY9f9dfb4fBtmjVqcosj1nOugi8CEZU7DALx6QnXwnZY2YH02J5lGvquc7vbs-2c1j7_fxjt8b9fsaAReOVUlU/s1600/IMG_0519.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_TB95OIqyGybpcWcCZexdNnOxCvtYFXSA3aHFDRl1Cy7zffSzgp7WuY9f9dfb4fBtmjVqcosj1nOugi8CEZU7DALx6QnXwnZY2YH02J5lGvquc7vbs-2c1j7_fxjt8b9fsaAReOVUlU/s320/IMG_0519.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624982382221700514" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px; " /></a><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Even if you don't have a Facebook or twitter account, you can't hide from the Tsunami that is social media. In recent times, I have decided to move toward this phenomenon rather than resist it. I have embarked on this journey from the question: How can I make the most of social media and our hyperconnected reality, without losing my capacity to maintain balance and sustained attention. Coming from the world of Psychiatry I am especially aware of how our external environment plays such an important part in determining our internal state of mind. Alongside the information revolution, is a spiritual revolution which is merging with science to reveal that the way we choose to use our attention directly effects the sculpting of our brains and subsequently our levels of happiness. In his book The Attention Revolution, </span><a href="http://www.alanwallace.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Alan Wallace</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, preeminent Buddhist scholar and scientist highlights the value of cultivating a capacity for sustained attention, "a focussed mind can help bring the creative spark to the surface of consciousness".</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It was with this question and curiosity that I signed up to </span><b><a href="http://gathering11.net/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Gathering 11</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">,</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> a two day conference held at the Abbotsford convent, the brain child of David Hood, aimed at bringing together leading thinkers, change-makers and collaborators to explore the possibility within emerging technologies to develop ideas around how we can best solve today's most pressing social and environmental challenges.</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Amongst the sea of participants and speakers with laptops and ipads at hand, tweeting prolifically, included a number of stand out inspiring people. </span><a href="http://www.johnhagel.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">John Hagel</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, a deeply authentic and brilliantly articulate business veteran and global innovator was the opening speaker. He discussed new ways of thinking about creating change both on a personal and global level. His book </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Power of Pull: How small moves, smartly made, can set big things in motion</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> was being discussed excitedly by participants. He was generous in his personal sharing and I was struck by his capacity to reveal his own vulnerability. I approached him with my question and he replied that passion is the key to ensuring that one does not get sidetracked by the many internet distractions. I realised that this would only apply to mono-passionate people and that perhaps for poly-passionate people the internet may be more hazardous than beneficial. </span><a href="http://www.timlonghurst.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Tim Longhurst</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, futurist from Sydney inspired the audience with a compelling, simple model of moving from your passion to executing your ideas, emphasising the importance of having a tribe to support and encourage your ideas. He touched on the common obstacle of perfectionism as hindering the innovative process:"Don't be all rigor and no trigger". He highlighted the key to innovation in being a capacity to take risks, share your ideas and avoid the limitations of needing to be an expert. The day was a combination of presentations, group brainstorming, and self reflective guided exercises all conducted through a solution focused lens.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Another award winning social entrepreneur was <a href="http://softenthefckup.com.au/">Ehon Chan</a>, whose curiosity led him to establish a "Free Chat" gathering in the city exploring the potential to create dialogue between people who would otherwise pass each other by in the street. His recent project <a href="http://softenthefckup.com.au/"><i>"Soften the fck up"</i></a> is a campaign aimed at reducing the suicide rate of males by encouraging a societal shift allowing men to feel more comfortable sharing their vulnerabilities. From my own experience of working with people suffering depression there is certainly a strong sense that shame is still a large factor which obstructs men in particular from getting the help they need at times of emotional difficulty.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpPOMJ-nDCTt1eeMbVZmFlhlh4E92SpucfwkMtxT1fYtEaIV-lluyfB0BP-SfHcYeD8x_IQk1k99l08eGb2vGYUj5m69o69i2iJj7QSZvX7HBJDD3VNfbkXKBG_a757nc7rU6BaDFR9Y/s200/IMG_0515.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624996133172581650" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 149px; height: 200px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">One exercise led by </span><a href="http:/www.postgrowth.org"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Donnie Maclurcan</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, co-founder of the post growth institute, was called asset mapping. His premise was that we can move forward much more efficiently by addressing what we have to offer rather than what problems we need to solve. He proposed that amongst the participants there would be enough shared assets to create significant impact and change for the better. Nine post it notes were distributed to the participants who were directed to label them with three personal assets of the heart, mind and hands.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXslDr57pNiXUP903hmXm7cSmFDptZZwlc6X-BBJHcj2PIJqf0OZchqk6RoFFyY2KKjDAey0VKX2efAG8o6xDoByRnpR1_es4pkhH2oPsXYff-z4ISJkAejErJvpK02PA7RwHgmgvNYnY/s200/IMG_0523.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624996633530818018" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Individually, participants contemplated: What am I passionate about? In what areas do I have knowledge or experience? What practical skills do I have to offer? The hundreds of post it notes were pinned up on a colorful board which provided a rainbow of the collective assets at gathering 11 which participants could share with one another.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Gathering 11 inspired me to take another step towards the internet and explore the world of twitter. I was surprised to discover the Dalai Lama tweets too, and have deciphered that #deepdive is 'twitter' code for 'meditating'. The other night as I went to set my iphone alarm, I watched as my finger of its own accord, clicked on the twitter app. I knew it was a bad idea but internally reassured myself it would just be or a few minutes. Forty five minutes passed as I went on a labyrinthine escapade through other peoples' twitter links. I woke up in the morning having dreamt I was at a conference with fifteen monkeys scrambling around in my hair. A message from my subconscious depicting quite literally the Zen Buddhist concept of "monkey-mind", almost as if a warning to rebalance. I realised it was time to start #deepdiving again and perhaps reconsider the benefits of twitter for someone who is endlessly curious with polypassionate tendencies. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div>CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-81651123506181904042011-06-19T00:08:00.000-07:002011-06-19T00:11:20.529-07:00Just Be Frank in the New York Times<div>Just Be Frank gets a mention in the New York Times....that's a bit exciting!</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/19/movies/palm-springs-international-shortfest.html">http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/19/movies/palm-springs-international-shortfest.html</a>CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-53454784831609242722011-06-15T06:54:00.000-07:002011-06-15T07:27:28.409-07:00Just Be Frank...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3OjNq-mX15aI2oceedNQQunj1deCUdPY898q-VgovBtWVLEYIOD5wlGTsolAECN183XftAcgwADyN6zYv5F392OiVqmUdSoSuIb283JhajLEW8eeWHnJr2D_AlDJMRO-BS2BMKwFSmc/s1600/frankseniorpic.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3OjNq-mX15aI2oceedNQQunj1deCUdPY898q-VgovBtWVLEYIOD5wlGTsolAECN183XftAcgwADyN6zYv5F392OiVqmUdSoSuIb283JhajLEW8eeWHnJr2D_AlDJMRO-BS2BMKwFSmc/s320/frankseniorpic.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618448857563660210" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div>This blog started nearly three years ago when I embarked on a journey to follow a passion to make documentaries. As I whizzed around New York City with an oversized video camera, navigating peak hour traffic whilst trying to keep the lens on my protagonist, blind-jazz singer Frank Senior, there were moments of despair. Moments when the inner critic tried to take over and convince me it was doomed to fail. Happily, although I'm back in Australia it feels deeply rewarding to know that "Just Be Frank" continues to travel. Next week it will be showing at Palm Springs Shortsfest.</div></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:'times new roman';font-size:medium;">People have asked me how psychiatry and documentary fit together. The thing that draws me to both is a deep interest in human story especially stories of struggle and resilience. Both psychiatry and documentary filmmaking have helped support one another in many ways. I have used the skills I have learnt through psychiatry to both interview and intuit some of my film subjects.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">They have both been paths which have challenged me to the core of my being and forced me to face both the light and shadow parts of myself and those I have encountered along the way.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';font-size:medium;">Working in the area of mental health I am always intrigued by what is the ingredient that allows some people to move forward and flourish despite their traumas and disadavntages and others to disintegrate and fall into psychosis, depression and suicide. In documentary I have found stories of survival and resilience. Whether in the streets of havana or the post-tsunami shores of Sri lanka I have been inspired by the way people can keep moving forward despite tragic life losses or oppressive political regimes.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Coming from a medical perspective when you are faced with someone who has a problem your role is to intervene and assist them to improve their situation. However, in making a documentary there can often be a conflict of interest between the protagonist and the filmmaker. I was faced with this many times during the making of Just Be Frank. As I tried to make an observational documentary about a blind man I was often confronted with situations whereby it seemed appropriate to assist Frank rather than film him, which resulted in missing 'dramatic moments'. I was shooting on fifth avenue at Frank's news stand one day trying to capture him crossing the footpath to his stand. I waited for a flurry of people to pass and then told him to go. At that moment he took my lead put out his stick and a woman in suit and heels crossed the path tripping on his cane and ending flat on the footpath. I saw it happen through the camera and immediately stopped the camera to help out. Frank was apologising to the woman and when she walked off he requested through his giggling that I include that scene in the film to depict what happened to him frequently on Fifth avenue. He may have been saying that to make me feel better but either way I had missed the moment. This issue of ethics is a big one in documentary filmmaking. Where do you draw the ethical line of putting down the camera and helping out in a situation. Some may argue that by telling the story rather than fixing it you can have more impact to create change.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">The link between film and medicine for me is my fascination with human story. As a medical student in anatomy </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman';font-size:medium;">I remember gradually dissecting an old woman's body, each week a deeper exploration into all of the hidden organs. It culminated in reaching the brain. I held her brain in my hands in complete awe that such a mass could house the mystery of the soul, all of this old woman's memories, loves, losses, thoughts. It made my own life feel somehow very fleeting and insignificant. So many different emotions we experience during our lives when in the end, there is just the physicality of brain left over.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Documentary filmmaking for me is in many ways an anatomical journey. I meet my character and using the tools of curiousity and empathy gradually peel away the layers, going deeper and deeper into understanding what makes this unique human being live the way they do. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></div></span></div></div>CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-37038070831609255182011-05-31T05:14:00.000-07:002011-05-31T05:14:27.884-07:00Imagination has no limits in New YorkI love the determination and imagination of new york artists. <div><br /><div><iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2BDZFPpLMRU?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div>CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-44239558437051856742011-05-25T17:40:00.000-07:002011-05-25T18:30:26.895-07:00Courage in Captivity<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePCaM0OebJzvihA-lQUD-JtTeHfpRorMxDULSHoLVrKYT0cJoqT4hh9pMhqZQ6sdNp3QBdM7ZKnAdcGUbWHu5QIcWhW3Ngcvoqcge1QlhUkZaNMR5JevYL90CdX19HnjHdNwnM4GWsl0/s1600/Ingrid-Betancourt-007.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBN1v6MShZ-uNuhyphenhyphenGCle51sMwdVug6rB-okwa1MFIcKE3fxsr1lbcbxNxp-yWFUnsEiMnfMCrSWZGtmTtIm7zyky4Y_dKBqTs0unnN80kue-7N5nkSTk-Gd9IwByhQfFPsHwVK_ZH28rY/s1600/Ingrid-Betancourt-hostage-006.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBN1v6MShZ-uNuhyphenhyphenGCle51sMwdVug6rB-okwa1MFIcKE3fxsr1lbcbxNxp-yWFUnsEiMnfMCrSWZGtmTtIm7zyky4Y_dKBqTs0unnN80kue-7N5nkSTk-Gd9IwByhQfFPsHwVK_ZH28rY/s320/Ingrid-Betancourt-hostage-006.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610819900452047922" /></a>Last night at the Wheeler Centre Ingrid Betancourt, the French-Colombian politician who was held hostage in the jungle for six and a half years by the Colombian rebel group FARC, shared harrowing and inspiring stories about her experience in captivity. <div><br /></div><div>The details of her story are documented in her autobiography <i>Even Silence Has An End. </i>However, listening to her share her stories in person had a powerful impact which brought many of the audience members to tears. It was at times difficult to conceive that the woman who sat on stage, dressed smartly and speaking so articulately was the same person who had actually lived through the stories she shared. She recounted the seeming endless days of being marched through the jungle and held captive, chained by her neck and guarded by child soldiers who were the same age as her own two children. During the six years she attempted to escape multiple times however was caught by FRAC each time. She discussed the fears she needed to overcome in order to escape: floating down a river at night for days on end that was inhabited by piranhas, crocodiles and snakes, risking starvation and perhaps never finding her way out alive from the dense jungle. </div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePCaM0OebJzvihA-lQUD-JtTeHfpRorMxDULSHoLVrKYT0cJoqT4hh9pMhqZQ6sdNp3QBdM7ZKnAdcGUbWHu5QIcWhW3Ngcvoqcge1QlhUkZaNMR5JevYL90CdX19HnjHdNwnM4GWsl0/s320/Ingrid-Betancourt-007.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610830997030977106" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>When asked what sustained her throughout the experience she responded immediately with the answer: Love. She recounted how important and life saving it was to hear her mother's messages through the radio every day for six years, despite her mother being uncertain about whether the messages would ever be received. She spoke about the importance of cultivating self love and drawing upon memories of love from her family as an antidote to protect her from the constant hate and torture she experienced from guards and at times fellow hostages. She believed that if it was not for the outside world who constantly fought for her freedom and kept her story alive she doubts whether she would have been set free. She expressed sadness around those that are still today being kept hostage after twelve years in the jungle.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Hearing Ingrid speak last night made me reflect on the notion of courage. Is courage a virtue that only grows under circumstances that exceed what we think we can handle or are some people inherently more courageous than others. What supports our courage and what inhibits it? I felt deep admiration and respect for Ingrid Betancourt. Her words highlighted to me the importance and service that those of us who live less challenging lives can play in supporting those heros who so courageously sacrifice their personal freedom in pursuit of truth and justice. </div></div>CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-73102502667057497102011-05-08T06:28:00.001-07:002011-05-08T08:08:59.667-07:00Eat with me ....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCuLydxAnINnybopZxyBiWd6i76iK9aGULJpRCX9mwm78RKpxyc7xE2XWslaDsbRm7yTzr6r4R2ucdck6vdf0npP4dhgc4y1sDY1YqMoWkl7dIagusHXzhWwdtMkp4McKbHrtv1UxIe4/s1600/IMG_6738_2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCuLydxAnINnybopZxyBiWd6i76iK9aGULJpRCX9mwm78RKpxyc7xE2XWslaDsbRm7yTzr6r4R2ucdck6vdf0npP4dhgc4y1sDY1YqMoWkl7dIagusHXzhWwdtMkp4McKbHrtv1UxIe4/s320/IMG_6738_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604351484994287474" /></a><div>There seems to be a constant flow of inspiring, underground subcultures that are sprouting their seeds throughout Melbourne via the epidemic of social media. I recently came upon a new and oh-so-melbourne concept called eat-with-me. It aims to bring strangers together who share an interest in food and community. Anyone can join and anyone can initiate an event or be a participant. Being a foodie and general peeps-o-phile, I decided to join and attended my first event on Mother's day. The only request posted was to bring something your mum likes to cook. I signed up and waited to be accepted by the host. It appeared that fourteen other people were as curious as me to attend a completely random lunch at a random place on a random Sunday. I discovered I had been accepted and the location and personal details of the host was then cleverly revealed.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>I made an organic salad, drove down Punt rd in the rain and arrived at a private apartment in Fitzroy filled with curiousity and anticipation. Someone answered the door and I found myself greeted by a room full of friendly, colourfully dressed women who were standing around the kitchen smiling quietly which confirmed to me they were all indeed strangers. Bethany was a wonderful hostess with wine glasses filled and a spread of food ready to go. The demographic seemed very familiar and comfortable. Predominantly women in their late twenties to mid thirties, dressed in bright cardigans, opp shop dresses and jeans whose jobs ranged from ex-lawyers come teachers, to journalists and environmental scientists. </div><div><br /></div><div>There was a wonderful fluidity to the afternoon which began with a perfect, yet totally unplanned array of food. From trout roulade and chicken pie to lemon meringue tart, apple pie and and home made cassata ice cream, it was clear that everyone had put thought and time into their dishes. The pumpkin scones were particularly tasty and the beer bread was certainly a novel experience. This was all complemented by a reliable bottle of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.</div><div><br /></div><div>I realised early on that I was the only south side of the river representative and interestingly discovered that this bunch had all come from a five kilometre radius of each other. In fact, Bethany had explained that a neighbour in her building had met her through eat with me. I was also surprised to hear that the lunch was in such high demand, six people were declined due to lack of space in Bethany's apartment and sadly four were no shows which seemed a little inconsiderate. It made me think that the website perhaps needed an updated function whereby you could review your host and your guests for reliability. </div><div><br /></div><div>We sat around Bethany's seventies teak table enquiring into each others lives, discussing random topics like whether our dishes lived up to our mothers' version of them and how we all feel about parking tickets, there was a debate about whether Juila Guillard had public speaking lessons and only one moment of awkward silence. On further enquiry into eat-with-me, I learnt that although still in its early stages, it has become a global curiousity with people in Lebanon, Telaviv and many others countries who have joined up and are hosting foodie events. It made me reflect how the world is becoming such a strange place whereby you meet your next door neighbours through social media websites and discover that whilst you are celebrating mothers day with a bunch of strangers and a few good pies, somewhere across the globe there are possibly a bunch of Israeli's meeting over hummus and tabouli because of a few innovative people in Melbourne.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlgMGx-k35C_rXzqO3Lz1JyuaarDYMeW7ya3IphwKQwh0XiO6bgZ4t_X03K9UhFPWfosDs6cumaGWKp1jXQs0kupObiJOrEBxMs1D41TSSpAQARHsfKxMpl6jApkli-4F_2CCXJ7003A/s320/IMG_6764.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604337503959101042" /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFcEpm-mYYaO0aZOxT3hmR7hwcdaFrohtvMrpMF7cmRyPHSZXFZb9PO_hmIuDj7VGmBNgy2XPI65EFcAfBSjrANJsINqvkxkfP1MOGDHrx72DasmtZf5L2oa2Ueh7t46IwVw3IQL8w2I/s1600/IMG_6760_2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFcEpm-mYYaO0aZOxT3hmR7hwcdaFrohtvMrpMF7cmRyPHSZXFZb9PO_hmIuDj7VGmBNgy2XPI65EFcAfBSjrANJsINqvkxkfP1MOGDHrx72DasmtZf5L2oa2Ueh7t46IwVw3IQL8w2I/s320/IMG_6760_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604337508042662530" /></a><div>I was disappointed to have to leave early as there were people who I would have liked to know more about. There was an exciting feeling of not knowing when or where we might all cross paths again. After a delightful afternoon lunch I am inspired to host my own event and will check my inbox to see if the Northsiders will cross the Yarra for the sake of food and community or whether my event will be inhabited by a whole bunch of new faces. Life is full of surprises and eat-with-me is one that I'm happy I stumbled upon. </div><div><br /></div><div>Curious? www.eatwithme.net</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-9739249110395205532011-04-14T02:33:00.000-07:002011-04-14T02:51:57.515-07:00A green way to start your day...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9aQlm3Qh9mqgfesVaffBphFfGwYTfEa__Hm_ky4AVeh7fdrVn-hSl193A-BSkAEk0OB_YSW3Y25qrHr1K4Q12CGiXnhZj04IosbMqIj1r_3xmFlcbISh3SP_yGUjD3Oax3NI-ei4gBc/s1600/IMG_0460.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9aQlm3Qh9mqgfesVaffBphFfGwYTfEa__Hm_ky4AVeh7fdrVn-hSl193A-BSkAEk0OB_YSW3Y25qrHr1K4Q12CGiXnhZj04IosbMqIj1r_3xmFlcbISh3SP_yGUjD3Oax3NI-ei4gBc/s320/IMG_0460.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595373365318630818" /></a>I have recently discovered the joys of Kale. <div>I've always known that leafy greens are good for you but after doing my first juice fast whilst in Byron Bay I experienced the energy boost that comes with a seven day infusion of green juice. After three days of sugar and carbohydrate cravings, headaches, dizziness and low energy, I experienced surprising levels of energy which allowed me to do yoga and then follow that up by a walk up to the light house just on fluid!</div><div><br /></div><div>Kale has nearly every nutrient you could want. Vitamin C, A, K, E , calcium, iron, omega fatty acids, protein, folate, Vitamin B1,3, to name just a few. I'm putting it in my juices in the morning.</div><div><br /></div><div>A nice juice combination to try is:</div><div><br /></div><div>1 bunch of kale</div><div>2 celery sticks</div><div>1 cucumber</div><div>1 carrot </div><div>2 apples</div><div><br /></div><div>It's so easy to fall into bad eating habits. I hope you can be inspired to reconnect with conscious eating again and bring gratitude to the miracle that is the human body being sure to give it what it needs to function at its best. What are you eating for breakfast? </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-78190278156293618182010-11-03T01:00:00.000-07:002010-11-03T18:04:00.829-07:00Peyo: Where creativity meets community<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"><br /></span>I am always <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">inspired</span> by people who manage to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">transform</span> a creative idea from a mere thought into a reality. Peyo, a camping festival which was birthed by Nitty Rapke and Marty Page three years ago, is an inspiring festival that brings creativity and community together. After travelling the world for three years and drawing inspiration from the Amazon rainforest, Burning Man Festival and a myriad of other places and people, Peyo was born.<br /><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_w2vgI0_I3X-kYgAXLEEcyqcVg3kk8EsRi8ejQ-4kKVKb9eZ27XulmYm_zqpvPPG0-LdU-RRwCQeAuLH64O1euZ5O_3eA36ZHYue8MLZN23v_FfE1ltKJAfBq2U5Ceoc3Tuksi83RYQ/s1600/IMG_0530.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_w2vgI0_I3X-kYgAXLEEcyqcVg3kk8EsRi8ejQ-4kKVKb9eZ27XulmYm_zqpvPPG0-LdU-RRwCQeAuLH64O1euZ5O_3eA36ZHYue8MLZN23v_FfE1ltKJAfBq2U5Ceoc3Tuksi83RYQ/s320/IMG_0530.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535469901678257778" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /> </a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_w2vgI0_I3X-kYgAXLEEcyqcVg3kk8EsRi8ejQ-4kKVKb9eZ27XulmYm_zqpvPPG0-LdU-RRwCQeAuLH64O1euZ5O_3eA36ZHYue8MLZN23v_FfE1ltKJAfBq2U5Ceoc3Tuksi83RYQ/s1600/IMG_0530.JPG"></a>Since 2008, each year over the first weekend of November, a group of friends and friends of friends gather at a campsite near Shepparton to celebrate community and creative expression. The philosophy of the festival is simple: everyone is a participant. Each person is encouraged to use their imagination and contribute something to the Peyo community.</div><div><br /></div><div>There was tension in the air in the lead up to Peyo 2010, with flood warnings for the entire weekend. The weather report scared a few people away but the rest came well prepared with gumboots, raincoats and a readiness to brace the storm. I was in the local bakery buying bread for a communal french toast I had planned as I wrestled with doubts about whether to go or wait for the storm to pass. As if by telepathy, Nitty walked past the entrance, with Ruby, her 11mth old baby on her waist looking excited and optimistic. </div><div>"Hi el! when are you leaving?"</div><div>"Nitty, have you seen the weather report, there are flood warnings?" </div><div>"Ah, it'll be fine. Just bring your Peyo spirit?" She was unstoppable.</div><div><br /></div><div>Her wildly optimistic attitude seemed on the verge of deluded but her spirit tugged me along for the ride. The rain came with force but it didn't stop people from dancing in the mud with their pink gumboots purchased for ten dollars at the local K-mart. As the rain beated the ground into an orange clay the DJ's kept playing and desperately dug trenches around the equipment to protect it from flooding. The coffee machine which had been donated to the festival was a source of comfort in the rain, as was the 'crazy bar' that promised frequent happy hours. </div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0a4u8IVHg7gdlqmjGm3I_tkmbV8E2LmvcK-KeuHakZpZpPrZarkAXVI-U8SjUu2XoKK0M1G2oeCxcZz0kqB_HWERYBUv3ngu5rti54tzc82ckLcG_jG8AylHbrd6MT1ySedjrOtod1M/s1600/IMG_0513.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0a4u8IVHg7gdlqmjGm3I_tkmbV8E2LmvcK-KeuHakZpZpPrZarkAXVI-U8SjUu2XoKK0M1G2oeCxcZz0kqB_HWERYBUv3ngu5rti54tzc82ckLcG_jG8AylHbrd6MT1ySedjrOtod1M/s320/IMG_0513.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535469894378224658" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div>In past years, Peyo days were spent swimming in the river but this year people were huddled in little gatherings under gazebos and tents. I spent three hours making french toast for passersby, whilst in the main square a group was rolling out fresh pizza dough for the celebrated mud brick pizza oven which was made on site. There was a special 'frutopia' hour where Saul and his lovely pregnant wife Kez dressed up as a life sized banana and Carmen Mirandesque characters and served fresh punch to the delighted, damp crowd. Hoola Hoop making workshops, jelly bean guessing competitions (which I was so excited to draw first in!), a well stocked dress up corner, live performances by anyone who had something to share, and communal dinners where the fuel of Peyo. When the rain finally stopped there was a life drawing class led by artist Dave H and facilitated by life model and good sport Benj D. A novel idea was the workshop hosted by Debbie W 'love in a bag', which involved writing one's names on a brown paper bag and having others deliver little notes with compliments and positive affirmations about you. There was even a bag for the mosquitoes who had compliments such as "thank you for staying away from me". </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ3CGN_OiZTZLHiaW7yDKazpusYS7ctTOfwmEPb5fhs1yeHSkF6geYuaMO451cGn8w0UM3cGkyDs5Pgun7QeCn5emLF-fsp2jsHYAQI3tQ7mmyS201DT_bFxY7y4Sdq9aHPjX3-ibkgs/s1600/IMG_0549.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ3CGN_OiZTZLHiaW7yDKazpusYS7ctTOfwmEPb5fhs1yeHSkF6geYuaMO451cGn8w0UM3cGkyDs5Pgun7QeCn5emLF-fsp2jsHYAQI3tQ7mmyS201DT_bFxY7y4Sdq9aHPjX3-ibkgs/s320/IMG_0549.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535476490313122002" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a><div>Peyo is the essence of true community with people of all ages and stages. There were babies in the womb and out of the womb. New love, old love. I was inspired to see the determination of new parents Ricci and Ori in their yellow campervan with a three month old baby in tow and Mikki and Hadas with their four children under the age of six who they managed to take fishing, teach fire twirling and have in bed ready to make their mojitos for happy hour at midnight! Please tell us your secrets! </div><div><br /></div><div>Over the weekend I realised that a fundamental quality of any leader is a wildly optimistic attitude and a strength and commitment which keeps the masses on course despite potential unplanned obstacles. Peyo 2010 was an inspiring example of what can happen when vision, determination and community come together in the rain. Thanks to all who made it happen.</div><div><br /></div><div>What is the creative idea that you've been thinking about for too long? What do you need to make it happen? What is stopping you from taking the next step?</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.peyofestival.com.au/">www.peyofestival.com.au</a></div>CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-659687117192323692010-10-27T00:12:00.000-07:002010-10-27T00:40:46.923-07:00A bride married to amazement<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> A friend recently introduced me to the poems of Mary Oliver I hope this inspires you like it did for me:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">“When it is over, I want to say: all my life I was a bride married to</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 12px;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">amazement. I was the bridegroom taking the world into my arms. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 12px;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">When it is over, I don’t want to wonder if I have made of my life </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 12px;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">something particular and real. I don’t want to find myself sighing and </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 12px;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">frightened, or full of argument. I don’t want to end up simply having </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 12px;font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">visited this world.”</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3FRp4N66LMDF-zNTOb5A9VA8-sC4SFeteoZDuMJkDiyBHL9GSYwkS5OiBp7yxymnNaW-wFUCSb04mGYnTAFicnw2AgdL1cuhSCUfDM9KvjHoLuCmgowFb60b93aU2SElFKD77eUMtBc/s1600/IMG_0205.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN3FRp4N66LMDF-zNTOb5A9VA8-sC4SFeteoZDuMJkDiyBHL9GSYwkS5OiBp7yxymnNaW-wFUCSb04mGYnTAFicnw2AgdL1cuhSCUfDM9KvjHoLuCmgowFb60b93aU2SElFKD77eUMtBc/s320/IMG_0205.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532627257947923890" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-88237255945554407652010-10-12T10:52:00.001-07:002010-10-12T13:18:42.262-07:00Burning Man<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnALbHq0VQxVjaNgnTgjoFjvvktaO04pIwyw7iZ1PKwBSrK7hwiaxEGPehaBrUE4ebtOd9y49JvvncgRSMYyoGLCsdPMrY0HIg3MW9yuPW-1tnpvwH6DhrFJXV6-wAWtRpOA6LFkcaXPc/s1600/IMG_1138.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnALbHq0VQxVjaNgnTgjoFjvvktaO04pIwyw7iZ1PKwBSrK7hwiaxEGPehaBrUE4ebtOd9y49JvvncgRSMYyoGLCsdPMrY0HIg3MW9yuPW-1tnpvwH6DhrFJXV6-wAWtRpOA6LFkcaXPc/s320/IMG_1138.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527229207920209650" /></a><div>Bring goggles and a mask for the dust storms, drinking water and don't forget white vinegar for your feet to prevent alkaline burns from the dust bowl that is the Playa. The playa is the name of the salt lake where 50,000 people come for a week, to immerse themselves in art, music, free expression and community. This was an intimidating welcome warning to Burning Man, where we would spend the first week of September.</div><div><br /></div><div>After spending three days in San Francisco running between shopping departments buying water tanks, tarpaulins, sleeping bags, masking tape to cover the windows of the van, head torches and food, we were on our way. The excitement was building all over the country. Everyone seemed to be going to burning man. The supermarket checkout chics wished us well, as did the workers at the campervan rental, and the guys who sold us our costumes at the salvation army. We drove through the arid landscape of Nevada stopped at a cooperative to buy some bikes and we were on our way. </div><div><br /></div><div>We could see the salt lake on the horizon as we approached behind a snail trail of cars and vans that were moving slowly through a powdered cloud of dust. We arrived at the gate where a petite Asian woman in black vinyl knee high boots, a red lace g-string with matching bodice and some oversized sunglasses, danced to herself in the golden setting sun. A man approached our van checking for tickets. He opened the door and asked us to get out. "WELCOME HOME!" he greeted and hugged us with genuine warmth and familiarity. "Have you been to burning man before?"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div>"No, first time and we are VERY excited to be here."<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEhKUsdUex6a7u-e_jOlwhypdfT_DoQo6bmliFJ4bHKH2tngw6LqA1zuruLKUC96CHR7UFi_3toZEK-_AjyrnsbSM1owBuXcpl-QVZJ-DLG39MpJ5fTW_gtEuBYd0XhfCQI1jvCzOY0g/s1600/IMG_0644.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEhKUsdUex6a7u-e_jOlwhypdfT_DoQo6bmliFJ4bHKH2tngw6LqA1zuruLKUC96CHR7UFi_3toZEK-_AjyrnsbSM1owBuXcpl-QVZJ-DLG39MpJ5fTW_gtEuBYd0XhfCQI1jvCzOY0g/s320/IMG_0644.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527223176350008034" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a><br /></div><div>"Oh, virgin burners! Ok, so you need to embrace the dust so hit the ground , roll around and then hit the giant bell and yell I'm a virgin"...</div><div><br /></div><div>We laughed at the proposition. We may be first timers but we weren't gullible. We politely excused ourselves from the dust roll and continued on to the colourful, overwhelming city of vans in the desert. </div><div><br /></div><div>Although it is a do-as-you-please festival, it is exquisitely organized. Black Rock City (which is the temporary city that is burning man) has streets and addresses. There is a city newspaper and radio station, police and rangers. There are medical clinics, ambulances that speed across the playa at night, and a hardware-come-bike repair tent. There are bars and cafes and art exhibitions. This is all erected and constructed on a Mars like landscape that is left as desolate as it was found by the end of the week. Nothing but dust and mountains for miles. Once you've paid for your ticket there is no money exchange on the Playa. It is a gifting economy. Food, alcohol, costumes, massage, advice are all given out freely. Along with other commodities that you can imagine.</div><div><br /></div><div>We joined the sacred space village which as we suspected was inhabited by various energy healers and a few extra-terrestrial/bob marley/jesus christ channelers. The hare krishas were cooking our dinners which was a great relief at the end of a dusty day. </div><div><br /></div><div>The days were spent riding our bikes on the Playa exploring various art exhibitions, meeting creative characters and being caught in dust storms. The playa was like a dream canvas. A mirror man walking at sunset, a naked umbrella dancer, stilt walkers, a percussionist riding his bike and playing drums that were attached miraculously from his handle bars. Imagination is the limit to the visual feast that is burning man. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GPsqxVmG3Z6cz_zOMj24a2kBDamnIn54gSo7EcMwRIOeHjIDvvASEumQ_h0C9gc6MXOfk-l8RIVqKQCQqwgzVUeL02TfQQBCGRCGzLAXuYCodiHzNO8DFF6wmX-LzAOcikyhtTdcxeQ/s1600/IMG_9876.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-shof9nGPvDv6HG73CC5hKkMaookWNErmNPc6DHYjW2lkIBdiZIFQJnCpckqnw91x_YnNUaMZVpZEVa3QjbRx844qpgHTYMMyy5wyNwke71Sq76LS1TpKwMZET1O6lwEGjr9AcRCt4g/s320/IMG_0580.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527244031012111378" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrl_YD3hvyeIOeHJARd2EhiFsUcVCiAUj6GUQo4xoCOU387BCzrnG9Wy8Z266AIqbbNAbQFEMHNlyPpoM3v6nTNkYvcYoJUan9yxClb87A_YC5BAva8GzBpGZrUGqH7Cyb1Wt-WHmyFk/s1600/IMG_9876.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrl_YD3hvyeIOeHJARd2EhiFsUcVCiAUj6GUQo4xoCOU387BCzrnG9Wy8Z266AIqbbNAbQFEMHNlyPpoM3v6nTNkYvcYoJUan9yxClb87A_YC5BAva8GzBpGZrUGqH7Cyb1Wt-WHmyFk/s320/IMG_9876.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527244986315651362" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Riding around the streets of burning man is always an adventure. We come across a sunset cabaret. Someone has transported an antique upright piano into the desert and there are nightly sing along cabarets with this black man whose voice is rich and stevie wonder like. In the morning one camp is making french toast for everybody. He tells us he made 1500 slices of french toast which he gifted to anyone riding by. In the middle of the playa is a man sitting at his desk offering ADVICE. </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24nEEVwun9WLAopsalGvR-MhqqGreUvYkHlHr7f0UHZbKC0cdJ8LBii9hsc0TiNscD-itRcV_wlXPsF3XF2wSTsGwolhzfNMfuTWhrbLUlM45lXEkhIPtkz4MIJO0If_pJHQ3hqOJkQ4/s1600/IMG_0894.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24nEEVwun9WLAopsalGvR-MhqqGreUvYkHlHr7f0UHZbKC0cdJ8LBii9hsc0TiNscD-itRcV_wlXPsF3XF2wSTsGwolhzfNMfuTWhrbLUlM45lXEkhIPtkz4MIJO0If_pJHQ3hqOJkQ4/s320/IMG_0894.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527256279144516626" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Night time at burning man is a buzzing, exploding light show that fills the desert sky with colour and fire. Everyone lights themselves and their bikes up so there are hundreds of whizzing bikes and people moving through the darkness. The famous mutant vehicles which are mobile artworks-come-bars move slowly through the night playing different kinds music with bar stools on the outside that you can run and hop onto as they move. The mutant vehicles range from small two seater mini bars to life sized giant pirate ships that have triple decks and carry hundreds of people on a mobile party through the desert. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfeCBOOCEzSa6KQHw1RoRjZ4dYg2KSX97g384hBMQjrWOVVem5hmHKDuWNT-I2ew3R93FQmJHDAH-JKRGPVzF7x4ne8rCAnFJeLVQQ4TuTiIiYVfmgiU1sa586A71KAaM5ThctS1Asb8/s1600/IMG_9993.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfeCBOOCEzSa6KQHw1RoRjZ4dYg2KSX97g384hBMQjrWOVVem5hmHKDuWNT-I2ew3R93FQmJHDAH-JKRGPVzF7x4ne8rCAnFJeLVQQ4TuTiIiYVfmgiU1sa586A71KAaM5ThctS1Asb8/s320/IMG_9993.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527247478713238658" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The festival culminates with the burning of a towering structure of a wooden man that can be seen from anywhere in the desert. Thousands of people gather around this structure surrounded by the many art vehicles that are parked with people on their balconies hankering for a good view. Different music plays from the art vehicles in different directions, a dinosaur vehicle blows fire out of its giant head which heats up the crowd. It is sensory overload. The Man gets lit up...The crowd roars. The music gets louder. It is a spectacle. Coming from Australia there are immediate associations to the Black Saturday bushfires. The immensity of this fire terrifies me. I imagine the fear of such a fire surrounded by trees and people and houses. As I find myself moved from the ecstasy and creative hedonsim of burning man to the grief of another time and place, a dust storm comes blowing over the desert. It is hard to breath, we put the masks on and I hold my googles tightly on my face but they seem to be collecting dust rather than keeping it out. We try to make a quick ride back to the van along with a thousand other people. Burning Man is a place of extremes. Extreme heat, extreme dust, extreme creativity, extreme imagination, extreme freedom. It won't be my last time. </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxu64uiGZzf0d9tSB6Z94qgO59RgV6ss5xLXAQm45L_OTj8QuUP_1hF9Fp8jOcEct2gmXdEheMDiazWf2P2k-9HpeiiUSAKwRE5Q0AHbZajFdKtJiiBMULzKeLoHkJFUxM1kiyWDYXX-U/s1600/IMG_0419.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxu64uiGZzf0d9tSB6Z94qgO59RgV6ss5xLXAQm45L_OTj8QuUP_1hF9Fp8jOcEct2gmXdEheMDiazWf2P2k-9HpeiiUSAKwRE5Q0AHbZajFdKtJiiBMULzKeLoHkJFUxM1kiyWDYXX-U/s320/IMG_0419.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527250382218449314" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div>CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6259550757321777261.post-36461514098835266292010-07-04T23:55:00.000-07:002010-07-05T00:05:16.450-07:00Vicarious MotherhoodIt was the summer of 2009 I had just arrived home to Melbourne after five months of pursuing a dream to make a documentary in New York. I was 30. Surprisingly, Melbourne had changed. There was a wave of pregnant bellies amongst my group of friends. Some who sighed with relief at knowing fertility was on their side, others who had oops-ed it, and the remaining who had somehow defied nature and gotten pregnant despite it seeming physically impossible. Regardless, there was a different language in the air. From the language of documentary with its 'D.O.P's 'and 'white balancing' to the language of motherhood with its 'bugaboos', 'birth plans' and 'doulas'. I was not in Kansas anymore. Part of me wanted to click my heels together and be back in the fast pace, churningly creative bustle of New York. Watching my friends' belly's grow, somehow became a confronting trigger to thinking about my own position on motherhood. <div><br /></div><div>This was a time of significant fragmentation of my intellectual, physical, emotional, spiritual, psychological being. All parts of me pulled in different directions. The intellectual voice austerely reminding me that fertility was not something to be taken for granted, the emotional voice clearly indicating I was not interested in things baby and mother-like, the psychological voice manifesting in my subconscious in the form of recurrent dreams of giving birth and forgetting to feed the baby. I clearly wasn't ready for this major life event. </div><div><br /></div><div>The babies were born in real time and I watched in fascination as my friends became mothers. Although there was a universality to the whole experience, I was struck by the unique path that each friend carved for themselves. I witnessed the seeming injustice of some who had babies that would sleep through the night and others whose babies just wouldn't. I felt touched by the honesty of hearing a woman talk about the acute fear of losing her husband amidst the vulnerability of being pregnant. I laughed with a friend who secretly admitted that although she would never say it in public she really, truely believed that her baby was the cutest of all. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I embarked on a relatively new love relationship, free of baby demands and responsibilities, I listened as my friends ashamedly shared the truths about how a babies arrival had brought with it unexpected tension and conflict to their marriages. </div><div>A friend's husband quietly shared a lesson on parenting with me whilst his wife was in the babies bedroom trying everything she could to settle her baby. He confessed:"When you don't have kids, you look at all your friends struggling and you think- I'll be right. It won't be that hard for me - I secretly thought that too, but I was so wrong. It's humbling being a parent."</div><div><br /></div><div>Watching my friends evolve into parents has been both inspiring and overwhelming. I no longer dream of neglected new born babies and have finally found more peace within the conflict of my desires. Whilst my baby free days continue I am clicking my heels and taking myself to what I would imagine is the most baby unfriendly place in the world- Burning Man. A thirty year old hippy arts festival of epic proportion located on the flat, hot, dusty plains of the Nevada desert. I'll be keeping my eyes out for Burning Man Bugaboos. </div><div> </div>CuriouslyCreatinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12344711112565232549noreply@blogger.com0