Transformational truths from sages throughout the ages
http://shift.is/2013/10/20-transformational-truths-from-sages-throughout-the-ages/
Posts
It is Christmas Eve 2013. I have heard over and over that this is the "Season of Giving" and I am so grateful that I have friends who do that very thing. They give their time, support and laughter. Unfortunately, commercialism has lost the true meaning of giving and has managed to convince some of us in the affluent communities that the value of our love is shown by the amount of money we spend. We seem to have forgotten the value of relationship and communication. At this time of year many friends, neighbors or family members may struggle, possibly feeling the need to pretend that life is great to keep up the facade of Christmas Cheer. They may be experiencing extream lonliness, ill health, grief, financial difficulties or any number of hardships and may actually be dying inside. Give your empathy, love and time. If a person is in pain, honor that pain by giving it the space it needs. With time and when the person is ready they might share the experience of their pain with you. Don't try to fix it, once again honor it. This gesture might be the most valuable gift that they will ever receive. I hope you all have a safe and soul enriching holiday season. I have enjoyed the 7000+ connections that I have made this year and I wish you all things wonderful but most of all Peace. Live your Bliss. Mairead
Witnessing a loved one experience a panic attack or flashback can be terrifying and often a feeling of hopelessness and or fear can develop not only for the sufferer but also for the observer. Often the harder you fight these feelings the stronger they can become. As a sufferer I have learned that it is better to acknowledge what is happening and be gentle with myself until it has passed. Although it might feel, at the time, that your heart might stop beating, the attack will pass.
http://sometimesmagical.wordpress.com/2013/10/26/supporting-a-loved-one-through-ptsd-or-panic-attacks/
Mindfulness has enriched my life to the point that I feel that I not only experience beauty every where but I feel connected to and with and in the universe, in a way that brings me peace and joy at the most unexpected moments. Our lives seem to be so busy that we may miss the simple joys in life, a laugh on the breeze, rain on a window, the death of one season and the birth of a new one. I have been given the gift of a truer life through mindfulness. I am a participant in life rather than the automaton, going through the motions in a dissociated state. Please feel free to take a moment to watch the simple beauty of a plastic bag, dancing with leaves in the wind. 'American Beauty' - Thomas Newman (from the 'plastic bag scene')
Is your New Years Resolution a chore or a choice? The perspective in which you see your resolution makes all the difference in the success of adapting it into life.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-love-and-war/201312/how-trick-yourself-making-your-resolution-stick
BBC Pagans - series 1 of 5 - "Sexy Beasts". As a Celt I have found this series fascinating. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XBayi4x1Jw
RSA Shorts - The Power of Quiet. Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? Either way, the universe needs us equally. I am a public speaker and often people assume that I am an extrovert but I am actually an introvert with something to say that others are interested in hearing. If I were given the choice, I prefer to be at home quietly contemplating life than being at a party surrounded by others.
What is art? Can something be called art if it is made by someone do does not consider herself an artist? Judith Scott was born deaf and with Downs Syndrome and institutionalized at the age of 7. "Rescued" after 35 years by her sister, she spent the rest of her life consumed in the making of the objects you see in this video. Her "art" became her means of expression; her language.
http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=3563
Have artists intuitively been aware of neuroscience and the workings of the mind with regards to visual interpretation?
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/artists-the-original-neuroscientists/article5448321.ece
Brene Brown Animation about the difference between Sympathy and Empathy.
http://brenebrown.com/2013/12/10/rsabear/
How Blind People Dream? That is something I have wondered about. What about colours? Do blind people have a sense of colour? I know some blind people but I don't know anyone who has been blind since birth and therefore have no memory of shape or colour. Tommy Edison has been blind since birth and is happy to answer these and other questions.
The words of Nelson Mandela have gently guided me through my search for justice not only for myself but for all survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse. I gain strength in my battle from the love I feel for others. If I were to face this, so far, 15 year challenge with hatred in my heart I would have been eaten up, from the inside out, by now. Rest in Peace Nelson Mandela. Your legacy will continue eternally.
Song Lines or Country Lines are stories that have been passed down over thousands of generations throughout the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to tell the story of the creation of their vast landscape. Technology is now helping to spread the spoken word as communities have been scattered and traditional methods of sharing these stories with the next generations become more difficult. With hope, today's children, indigenous and immigrant will still learn and value the unique mythology.
http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/research/projects/independent/countrylines-archive/animations/
With the reliance on so much soft ware in this world are We becoming more like automatons and less like humans?
http://www.filmsforaction.org/watch/idiots_are_we_being_turned_into_automatons/
Responding to Boundary Violation and the do's and don't of effectively letting someone know that you feel that your individual space is being invaded.
http://blogs.psychcentral.com/sex-addiction/2013/12/how-to-respond-to-boundary-violations-dos-and-donts/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium
I believe in Australia's democratic process and I believe Innocent until proven guilty. I took my dog for her daily walk this morning and noticed how she enjoys every walk for it's self. She doesn't seem to care about the last walk and isn't interested in the next one. She enjoys the joy of the day for what it is. I intend to follow her behaviour and enjoy each day in the moment because I can't change the past I cannot predict the future.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/vic/a/20055414/cleric-takes-holiday-from-abuse-case/
How many face book friends do you have? 10, 50, 100, 500? Are they true friends or social connection? How do you feel when you are alone? Can you enjoy your own company? Loneliness seems to have escalated in western society but it is never too late to engage in a meaningful relationship even with yourself.
http://www.upworthy.com/loneliness-illustrated-so-beautifully-you-will-need-to-tell-someone?c=upw1
Talking to strangers has become an enlightening experience for me on a daily basis. I have met many interesting people on the train. We all have a story to tell but sadly people seem to feel isolated in their own experience.
http://www.faithit.com/ball-pit-turns-strangers-into-friends/
On Wednesday 13th November I spoke on the steps of Victorian parliament about the findings of the Victorian Inquiry into Child Abuse by Religious and other Organizations. The following day the Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbot, could say nothing but great things about Australian Cardinal George Pell and when asked for his opinion of the Inquiry he said he hadn't read it.
http://www.maribyrnongweekly.com.au/story/1792896/abuse-survivor-slams-prime-minister-s-stance/
Ted Meyer turns scars into inspiring art. Having survived cancer I would very much like to try this one, celebrate the scars that saved my life.
http://www.fearnet.com/news/news-article/ted-meyer-turns-scars-inspiring-art
Indigenous tribes are sadly disappearing into extinction. I hope that tribal knowledge will be preserved. Photographer Jimmy Nelson shares his photographic journal of vanishing treble people.
http://www.boredpanda.org/vanishing-tribes-before-they-pass-away-jimmy-nelson/
Victorian Inquiry into Child abuse in Religious and Other Institutions. I had the honor of being one of the speakers at this historical event on Wednesday 13th November 2013. I don't believe that child abuse will ever be eradicated from society but I live in the hope that higher penalties, better support and transparency might lessen the impact for those who suffer at the hands of the evil that is child abuse within organizations. My heart goes out to all victims and I hope that another inquiry will take place soon for the children who are abused in their own homes by family members and so called friends.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-13/report-damns-coverup-of-child-sexual-abuse/5090384?section=vic Self Portrait
Wednesday 13th November I will be speaking on the steps of Victorian Parliament. All are welcome to show your support for Victims/Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
http://www.maribyrnongweekly.com.au/story/1792377/mairead-to-speak-at-rally-for-sexual-abuse-survivors/
"How we see the world determines how we act. Western thought sees us at war with each other over resources. In Indigenous philosophy, we are all related as individuals in balance with nature…..this short film is a powerful testament to living in harmony rather than in competition with each other and the earth."
Art can be emotional, expressive, technical,tactile and a number of other things. Science and experience has proven that art in any form is good for the brain as shown in Alzheimer sufferers.
http://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/2013-10-31-art-therapy-good-for-brain/
The Rally for Hope is a Peaceful show of support, empathy and hope for all Survivors and Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse in Religious and other organizations on the day of relieving the findings of the Victorian Inquiry.I have had the honor of being asked to speak on the steps of Parliament when the findings of the Victorian inquiry into Sex abuse is released. I have also been asked to be a media spokes person on the day. There will be a few hundred people there and we will all be wearing red.
https://www.facebook.com/events/535997999822819/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming
Check out this guy's awesome dance moves, and he doesn't seem to be breaking a sweat.
http://www.edisproduction.de/2013/10/20/man-with-awesome-dance-moves-will-amaze-you/
This little clip is an invitation for people who are interested on becoming Transpersonal Art Therapist at Phoenix Institute Australia. I gained my Dip in Transpersonal Art Therapy and Associate Degree in Holistic Counselling at Phoenix. Next year I will complete a Bachelor in Holistic Counselling. Students from all over Australia and the World attend Phoenix to get involved with the unique, transformative and worthwhile courses.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVOi51IMWLk&feature=youtu.be
Victims of Crime awareness week begins on 10th November 2013 with the final event being held on 17th November. There will be a Universal service held on Friday 15th, I will be a speaker In the Forum at the Global Learning Centre on Saturday 16th and on Sunday 17 a Memorial Service will be held for all victims of crime, especially those who have sadly had lost their lives. Please join me and many others at any or all of the events. If you are unable to attend might you give a quiet thought to all victims of crime. Thank you
Art as therapy. Alain De Botton, John Armstrong
http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2013/10/25/art-as-therapy-alain-de-botton-john-armstrong/
11 beautiful un-translatable words from different countries to make you smile
http://matadornetwork.com/abroad/11-beautifully-untranslatable-words-from-other-cultures/
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.Today's advise by health practitioners is that no amount of alcohol in pregnancy is safe. Many women don't know that they are pregnant until the damage is already done. I lost my first child 16 weeks into the pregnancy and have often wondered if it was due to my alcohol intake before I knew I was pregnant. Better Health Fact Sheet on FASD often pronounces Fas-D
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Fetal_alcohol_spectrum_disorder
Music is like a magical key that can unlock the prison that is Alzheimer Disease
https://www.upworthy.com/youll-be-amazed-how-just-a-song-could-break-through-to-this-woman-with-alzheimers?c=upw1
Art Therapy with Children exposed to Interpersonal Violence
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/arts-and-health/201310/art-therapy-children-and-interpersonal-violence
What messages are children's movies giving our children? Do they match what you want to teach them? Last September my husband gifted me with the Movie "Brave" after I spoke in the Victorian Parliament about my experiences of battling the Catholic Church over my childhood abuse. I am my own Hero.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx8RRIiP53Q
What happens to children after they're rescued from sex trafficking? Child sex trafficking is a world wide evil. Don't believe that it doesn't happen in non-third-world countries
http://www.upworthy.com/if-youve-ever-wondered-what-happens-to-kids-after-theyre-rescued-from-sex-trafficking-watch-this-2?c=ufb1
Br. Bernard Hartman was arrested today at Melbourne airport for 14 charges of indecent assault against 4 children aged 6 to 16. One of those children was me. My hope is that the court processes run smoothly and justice is done.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/video/watch/18784271/catholic-brother-charged-over-sex-abuse/
Soul Art Exhibition. Last night greatly needed funds were raised for the 'Arts To Healing Project'. This non for profit organization rescues and re-houses and re-trains victims of sex slavery so they might have a chance to live independent and fulfilling lives.
I was one of three guest speakers and 30 artists at the Soul Art Exhibition. I was honored to be in the company of the Founder and director of the 'Arts to Healing Project, Atria Tan www.theart2healingproject. org . and Carrie who shared her moving, gut wrenching experience of surviving her horrific life as a sex slave in Canada. Thank you Natalie Rozen for the opportunity to share my story http://www.artoflifewithmairead.com/#!history/cp0n I also had the privilege of sharing the experience of my 'Impact Walk" April 2012 to raise awareness to the plight of millions of children and adult survivors who have had to deal with childhood sexual abuse. https://www.facebook.com/events/234485323301064
Showing support for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse - Making that first contact with someone you know who has disclosed their traumatic experience of Childhood Sexual Abuse can be a very difficult experience for those who want to show their support. As a Mental Health professional and a Survivor I offer this article to help with potential difficulties. I was asked to write this article for 'For The Innocents'. This group are academics, Psychiatrist, Authors, Professors and others in Australia who wish to change the way that the Catholic Church are disregarding the needs of survivors. It will be distributed throughout parishes within Victoria with the hope of it being shared nationally.
http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/73926609/1551356991/name/Childhood+Sexual+Abuse+-+An+Empathetic+Approach+for+Supporters+of+Survivors+v3.pdf
Creative art and Art therapy ideas
http://pinterest.com/arttxalliance/artsy-techniques-creative-ideas/
Art Saved My Life....Oh Yes, don't I know it
http://www.newmexicoarttherapy.com/1/post/2013/07/art-saved-my-life-a-documentary-by-damon-lee-patterson.html?goback=%2Egde_3118613_member_257242514
10 Spiritually transmitted diseases.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mariana-caplan-phd/spiritual-living-10-spiri_b_609248.html
My battle to have Br Bernard Hartman extradited to Australia from the United States is now firmly in my grasp. I have entered my 15th year of trying to have this man arrested for crimes committed against myself and others by this man.I believe that the key to maintaining focus for such a long, long time under such difficult circumstances, is to make every decision with compassion for self and others. Hatred manifests hatred, compassion multiplies compassion. My compassion is for other survivors and potential victims, my family, society as a whole and myself.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/video/vic/watch/17918442/accused-priest-to-be-extradited/
No Hopeless Cases: We Can All Rewire Our Neural Circuits Toward Peace, Balance, Joy
http://wakeup-world.com/2012/04/19/no-hopeless-cases-we-can-all-rewire-our-neural-circuits-toward-peace-balance-joy/
What is Art Therapy? Well, we could start off with “What is Therapy?”, but that will be a whole separate blog piece. Let’s assume here that we “know” what “Therapy” is
http://swc.edu/blogs/new-thoughts-from-president-nolan/what-is-art-therapy-on-asking-van-gogh-to-play-the-trombone/
Jung- The anima and animus- in Carl Jung's school of analytical psychology, are the two primary anthropomorphic archetypes of the unconscious mind, as opposed to both the theriomorphic and inferior-function of the shadow archetypes, as well as the abstract symbol sets that formulate the archetype of the Self.
Aninmus - http://www.carl-jung.net/animus.html Anima - http://www.carl-jung.net/anima.html Shadow - http://www.carl-jung.net/shadow.html
What do happy people do differently from those who feel less happy?
http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201306/what-happy-people-do-differently
Meditation’s Effects on Emotion Shown to Persist
http://psychcentral.com/news/2013/06/23/meditations-effects-on-emotion-shown-to-persist/56372.html